Santa Ana Volcano hike
Highest volcano in the country
Ever hiked an active volcano? Hike up 2,381 meters above sea level and experience the trip of your life reaching the top of the Santa Ana volcano.
Ever hiked an active volcano? Hike up 2,381 meters above sea level and experience the trip of your life reaching the top of the Santa Ana volcano.
Best volcano to hike in El Salvador
Day tours departing from El Tunco, Zonte (surf city area) or San Salvador. Free hotel/Airbnb pick up and drop off
- Duration: 1 full day
- Buy: 24 hours before the trip
- Adventure tour
- Hiking, Sightseeing
About this tour
- Duration: 1 full day
- Buy: 24 hours before the trip
- Day tours departing from El Tunco, Zonte (surf city area) or San Salvador. Free hotel or Airbnb pick up.
- Duration: 1 full day
- Buy at least 24 hours before the trip
- Adventure tour
- Hiking, Sightseeing





Introduction
Santa Ana Volcano Hike El Salvador
Located on the west side of El Salvador, the Santa Ana volcano or Ilamatepec volcano is one of the top things to do while you visit El Salvador. It’s the highest volcano and one of so many active volcanos in the country.
How long does it take to reach the top of the volcano?
On average it takes 1.5 hours to get to the top of the crater and 1.5 hours to get back to the base camp. This is one of the main reasons why the Santa Ana volcano has become one of the most popular hikes in El Salvador.
How difficult is it to hike the Santa Ana volcano?
With only 2,384 meters above sea level the Santa Ana volcano hike is an easy/intermediate level.
The hike is divided into 3 sections:
- The hike starts in Cerro Verde national park surrounded by trees and shade.
- The second part is around bushes and a rocky path.
- The last and most difficult part is when you reach the top of the volcano, in this area there are no trees, only rocks.
Can you swim in Santa Ana volcano?
The answer is no, you can’t swim in there. Even though the crater’s lagoon looks so beautiful with its green color you can’t swim in there because there is sulphur and it’s 300 meters deep. Hard to get back even if you survive lol.
Last Santa ana eruption?
The Santa Ana volcano last eruption was in 2,005, lucky it was a small eruption mostly hash, hot water and rocks. No people got killed or injured.
What does Ilamatepec means?
Ilamatepec is written in Nahuat and it means Hill’s father is visited by hundreds of people every week. With a nice weather (Much cooler than El Tunco) and with a perfect view of Coatepeque Lake, Izalco Volcano, Sonsonate and the ocean make it the perfect day trip.
Request now the Santa Ana volcano tour hike
Tour Highlights
- Santa Ana volcano
- Cerro Verde national park
- Coatepeque lake
Itinerary

Pick up time
- From El Tunco, Zonte, Surf City area: 7:00 am
- From San Salvador City: 7:30 am
Drop off
- In El Tunco, Zonte, Surf City area: 4:00 pm
- In San Salvador City: 3:30 pm
Meeting point
Free hotel or Airbnb pick up.
Day tours departing from El Tunco, Zonte (surf city area) or San Salvador includes a free hotel or Airbnb pick up and drop off.
Include
- Private tour
- Bilingual tour guide
- Transportation with air conditioning
- Free pick up and drop off at hotel or Aibnb
- All entrance fees
What do I need to bring?
- At least 1 litre of water
- Comfortable shoes
- Weather appropriate apparel
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Hat
- Full charged phone or camera.
Exclusions
- Meals are not included
- Tips (optional)

Do you have any question?
Chat with Salva live and get all your questions answered right away before booking this activity.
Why you'll love this trip:
- In Depth slower paced journey combining iconic cities and highlight regional destinations.
- Tunco Life is a 100% local owned tour company with +5 years of experience taking care of travellers.
- RESPONSIBLE & SUSTAINABLE tour operator. Our staff are our extended family. We ensure they are supported financially by offering them a fair salary.