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BEFORE YOU GO: HOW TO GET READY FOR THE SANTA ANA VOLCANO HIKE
Hydration: Ensure you bring enough water. A good rule of thumb is at least 1.5 liters per person. Hydration is crucial, especially in warm weather.
Trail Conditions: The trail can be rocky and uneven. Trekking poles can provide extra stability and reduce knee strain during the descent.
Health Precautions: If you have any medical conditions, ensure you have the necessary medication. The hike can be strenuous, so listen to your body and take breaks as needed.
Hiking the highest volcano in El Salvador is adventurous and fun if you do it correctly. Read carefully the following list of things you need to do in order to make the most of it.
After hiking the Santa Ana Volcano more than 1,000 times and have experienced all kind of crazy things with different groups of clients.
From finding beautiful snakes, to people who almost died because they forgot to bring the bronchodilators for their asthma to people who made it to the top running (yeah, crazy Crossfit people).
We have decided to make a list of 10 essential but crucial things you need to know before hiking the highest volcano in El Salvador.
Pro Tip: Book your hike directly with us to avoid third-party fees and save money: Santa Ana Volcano Hike Tour.
1- Have a proper rest (Don’t party too hard the night before)
Even though hiking the Santa Ana Volcano is not an advanced hike, we highly recommend having some rest, your body will need the muscles and brain relaxed.
While the Santa Ana Volcano hike isn’t extreme, your body and mind will thank you for being well-rested. A proper night’s sleep helps you stay alert, energized, and better prepared for the trail’s steady ascent. Trust us—those last steps to the summit are much easier when your legs aren’t running on fumes.
So, take it easy the night before and save the celebration for after you’ve conquered the volcano!
2- Fuel Up with a Delicious Breakfast Before the Hike
Starting your day with a nutritious breakfast is key to having the energy you’ll need for the trail. Opt for foods rich in protein and healthy carbs—like eggs, fruit, oatmeal, or a hearty smoothie—to keep you fueled throughout the ascent. Avoid heavy or greasy meals that might slow you down. And don’t forget to hydrate with water or coffee before you hit the trail!
In case you can’t find anything, we always make a quick stop at a gas station where you can buy some snacks, water, sandwiches, etc.
Pro Tip: Book your hike directly with us to avoid third-party fees and save money Santa Ana Volcano Hike Tour).
3-Bring the right equipment
4- Some snacks and fruit are perfect!
During the hike is recommended to bring some snacks or fruit to eat during the trip. As we mentioned before, we always stop at a gas station so you can get all you need.
A great breakfast is essential, but packing the right snacks can make or break your hike! Quick, easy-to-carry foods will keep your energy up and help you stay refreshed throughout the ascent. Here are some perfect snacks and foods to bring along:
A. Fresh Fruit
Fruits like bananas, apples, and oranges are ideal for hiking. Bananas provide potassium, which helps prevent cramps, while apples and oranges keep you hydrated with natural sugars and water content.
B. Trail Mix & Nuts
A mix of almonds, cashews, dried fruit, and dark chocolate is a classic hiking snack. Trail mix offers a balance of fats, carbs, and protein for sustainable energy throughout the hike. Plus, it’s lightweight and easy to store.
C. Energy Bars or Granola Bars
These are perfect for quick snacks on the go. Look for bars with complex carbs and natural ingredients—they’ll provide energy without the sugar crash. Brands with oats, nuts, and dried fruits are a great option.
Pro Tip: Book your hike directly with us to avoid third-party fees and save money Santa Ana Volcano Hike Tour
Listen carefully to all the instructions before leaving the van
Listen carefully to all the instructions before leaving the vanAt the moment of the arrival at Cerro Verde National Park, the tour guide will give you instructions in English before you get off the van, these instructions are the same as the ones the local guides and police officers will give to the public.
In case there are new or specific instruction the tour guide will translate for you.
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Don’t take shortcuts
Basically, the reason why we ask you to don’t take shortcuts is that taking shortcuts will help erode the ground which is something we don’t want to happen and second and most importantly is that if you take shortcuts you probably will end on a snakes area and you could get bitten. Unfortunately, we don’t have the tools and resources to evacuate you down in minutes or ask for a helicopter rescue
Take your time and enjoy the adventure
We have 2 hours to get to the top of the Santa Ana Volcano, don’t try to follow the first group that goes ahead with the police officer and local guides, they do it every day.
We divide the hike into 3 sections, you’ll see people going fast and talking all the time in the first stage, don’t follow them. 20 minutes later these people are already tired and left behind.
There are different sightseeing point where you can stop, relax or simple take amazing photos of the area.
Tip: Once you get to the top of the Santa Ana Volcano, make a right and walk 10 more meters, that’s where you are going to have the best view of the crater and there are fewer people, your welcome 🙂
In case of an accident
The Tunco Life tour guide is always behind the last person of the group, in case of an accident, he will organize with the help of the local guides and the police your extraction of the area. You will be taken immediately to the nearest hospital.
Becarefull with the selfie
Congratulations! You have made it to the top of the highest volcano in El Salvador. Now, it’s time for a selfie, right?
Be careful, don’t get too close to the edge of the crater, that’s a 300 meters free fall.
Keep the trash with you all the time
Please help us keep clean the area, the trash doesn’t come along, take it back with you.
Pro Tip: Book your hike directly with us to avoid third-party fees and save money Santa Ana Volcano Hike Tour
