Imagine conquering the summit of one of the youngest volcanoes in the world. Now, imagine a crater with a majestically turquoise background. And if that wasn't enough! Imagine the most spectacular sunset you have ever seen in your life, in front of these imposing volcanoes. It may seem exaggerated to you, but El Salvador has the privilege of having a circuit of volcanoes that envy absolutely nothing of other destinations.
We present the Los Volcanes Complex: a fascinating tourist route in the Apaneca mountain range, which is home to three essential volcanoes in El Salvador . The Izalco volcano, the Ilamatepec volcano (or better known as Complejo Los Volcanes elsalvador.travel the Santa Ana Volcano) and the Cerro Verde Recreational Park. A terrain rich in flora and fauna, which also contributes to the absorption of rain that feeds the aquifers that surround these imposing giants.
This area is a priority for environmental conservation in El Salvador . There are around 6,500 hectares of natural area, characterized by its temperate climate, cloud and tropical forests. Cuntetepeque (hill of clouds or mists in Nahuat) is located in Santa Ana, 77 kilometers from San Salvador. From here you can ascend any of the volcanoes and meet the authorized guides, who will take you to the top of the colossi.
Cerro Verde has an area of 54 blocks where the interpretive trails “The Mysterious Flowers” and “A Window to Nature” are located, tourist attractions for hiking lovers and for those who enjoy appreciating biodiversity. You also find the “Hotel de Montaña”, managed by the Casa
1800 restaurant.
Access to this place costs $3.00 for foreigners and $1.50 for nationals. The Salvadoran Institute of Tourism has worked together with local tour guides to provide foreign and national visitors with an unparalleled experience in an educational and different way.
Now, if you decide to go up to any of the volcanoes, you should know that there are specific times to start the walk.
To get there you can take a bus (route 248), from Santa Ana or El Congo. If you are traveling from San Salvador you must board route 201 towards Santa Ana from the Western Terminal. If traveling by vehicle, you must take the East-West Pan-American Highway CA1/Street to Cerro Verde.
If you are a beginner or amateur, we recommend starting with the Santa Ana Volcano (which has a height of 2,381 meters above sea level). The guides depart from Cerro Verde at 8:30 AM and the difficulty of ascent is level 5 out of 10. The weather will vary during the tour and you will find a tropical forest, then wonderful panoramic views and a fresh breeze, which It will give you the drive to continue, until you finally reach the top. The view from here is indescribable. A visual spectacle for nature lovers.
If adrenaline is your thing and you are a mountaineering professional, the Izalco Volcano is a challenge that you must do. Its name in Nahuat means: place of black sands, which characterize it to this day. The Izalco Volcano is also known as the Lighthouse of the Pacific, because ships used to orient themselves with this natural colossus, thanks to its constant eruptions and lava flows.
This volcano (with a height of 1,980 meters above sea level) is still active and has an inclination angle of around 45º, appearing imposing amidst the thick vegetation of the area. The difficulty of climbing is around level 6 out of 10. Here you will find a climate that will vary from the lowest temperatures to the highest. The terrain is rugged and it is crucial to wear a good pair of trekking shoes.
The guides depart from Cerro Verde at 10:30 AM and will be in charge of taking you along the authorized trails, so you can have a sensational experience. This volcano will test your physical abilities, so we recommend wearing comfortable clothing, 1.5 liters of water, sunscreen, sunglasses and a cap.
The directions to get there are: by bus you take route 248 from Santa Ana or El Congo. If you are traveling from San Salvador you must board route 201 towards Santa Ana from the Western Terminal. By vehicle you can go on the East-West Pan-American Highway CA1/Street to Cerro Verde.
The advantage of visiting El Salvador is that you will not have to travel long distances. You can plan your route and visit Cerro Verde, instead look for Lake Coatepeque and contemplate golden sunsets. Also, you can look for the flower route and immerse yourself in the picturesque towns that surround it and that offer a diverse gastronomy.
Now, if you are even more risky, after descending the volcano, you can visit Los Cóbanos beach, just 1 hour away and enjoy its honey-colored sands, its coral composition, calm waters, and the rock formations that stand out. throughout the coast.
On the other hand, Izalco is the town surrounding the volcano, with a very important historical legacy for El Salvador . This is a stop that you should not overlook, since here you will find mythical stone streets, churches with colonial details, old houses and of course, its star dish: fried or sautéed cassava, served on a garden leaf and accompanied by curtido sauce and other local products.
El Salvador is a destination that has it all: beaches, volcanoes, mountains, historic towns, a unique cuisine in the region. And, without a doubt, your hosts: the people of this country will take care of your experience, so that you can enjoy it like a local. El Salvador is the headquarters of the most important events. Come and see why we are the heart of Central America.
Secure your visit by booking from elsalvador.travel and dare to discover the most sublime places in magnificent El Salvador. Rest assured, you won't want to leave. El Salvador: land of hosts.
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