When I planned my trip through Central America, I never expected to spend two nights in Santa Ana. But after having to cancel my plans for Nicaragua due to visa issues (which were eventually resolved), I needed to come up with an alternative.
I was already heading to El Salvador to spend a few nights in El Tunco, so I figured – why not add another stop in El Salvador?
That’s when I discovered Santa Ana Volcano. It looked like the perfect addition to my itinerary, so I booked two nights in Santa Ana, giving myself one full day to tackle the hike.
And I’m so glad I did.
Where I Stayed
I stayed at Hostel Casa Verde, which ended up being the perfect place to settle in for a couple of nights.
I had no plans other than hiking Santa Ana Volcano, so I used the day before my hike to relax, enjoy the pool and make sure I was fully recharged for the next day.
The hostel was quiet and included breakfast, which was particularly useful before an early day of hiking.
Book your budget stay in Santa Ana with Hostelworld
How Much Does the Santa Ana Volcano Hike Cost?
The tour cost approximately US$20 per person, which included transportation to and from Santa Ana Volcano and Lake Coatepeque.
There were also a few additional fees:
US$3 park entrance fee
US$4 guide fee
US$0.50 parking fee
So in total, I paid around US$27.50 for the experience, excluding lunch at Lake Coatepeque.
The Tour and Guide
There was a little confusion around the guide situation at first.
I initially thought our driver was also going to be our hiking guide, but the driver simply provides transportation for the hostel. The official guides are waiting at the trailhead, where you pay the US$4 guide fee.
The guides wait for groups of up to 15 people to arrive before starting the hike.
As I don’t speak the local language, I was initially a little confused about what we were waiting for and why we weren’t starting straight away. Thankfully, our driver was able to explain what was happening.
Once everyone was ready, we were good to go.
Starting the Hike
We arrived at around 9:15am, which involved a short walk to the official park entrance.
Here you’ll find free bathrooms – the bathrooms in the parking area require payment – as well as a small snack stall and the official park entrance, where you’ll pay the remaining fees.
After everyone was ready, we started hiking at around 9:35am.
What Is the Santa Ana Volcano Hike Like?
The trail is relatively well graded and isn’t particularly technical.
Personally, I found the hike quite easy, although there were a few people in our group who were slower and needed a little more time.
The first part of the hike was fairly comfortable, but the trail becomes more exposed as you get higher.
From around 10:20am, we were hiking directly in the sun, with little shade available until reaching the crater lake. On a hot day, the sun can be pretty intense, so I’d definitely recommend bringing sunscreen, plenty of water and a hat.
The hike itself isn’t overly difficult, but the heat can make it feel considerably harder.
Reaching the Crater Lake
After hiking for around an hour, we reached the highlight of the entire experience: the crater lake.
We were given around 30 minutes at the summit, which gave us plenty of time to take photos, admire the views and take in the experience.
The crater lake is incredibly unique. The water is a vibrant green colour and appears to bubble from below, surrounded by the dramatic volcanic crater.
On a clear day, you can also see Lake Coatepeque and the surrounding landscape below.
There is also a local vendor selling ice blocks and ice cream at the summit, which felt like an absolute luxury after hiking up in the heat!
The volcano last erupted in 2005, and while it is currently inactive, it is still an active volcanic environment. You’ll also notice the smell of volcanic gases around the crater, so it’s important to follow your guide’s instructions and not linger around the crater for longer than recommended.
The experience was completely different from hiking Acatenango in Guatemala, but just as memorable in its own way.
Planning to tackle more volcanoes in Central America? Check out my complete guide to hiking Acatenango in Guatemala here.
Hiking Back Down
Once we’d spent enough time at the summit, our guide let us know it was time to head back down.
The return hike was more relaxed than the journey up. Everyone was free to walk at their own pace, so we didn’t need to stay together as a group.
I actually really enjoyed having this freedom on the way down, as I could take my time, stop for photos and enjoy the scenery.
Lake Coatepeque
Once we reached the trailhead, our driver was waiting to take us to Lake Coatepeque.
Lunch was paid for separately, but after hiking in the heat, the real highlight was getting into the water for a swim!
It was the perfect way to cool down after a sweaty morning on the volcano.
One tip: bring a pair of jandals or sandals that you can change into after the hike. I definitely didn’t want to put my sweaty hiking socks and boots straight back on for the afternoon!
Final Thoughts
Even though Santa Ana Volcano wasn’t originally part of my itinerary, I’m really glad I added it to my time in El Salvador.
The hike itself was manageable, the crater lake was incredible to see, and finishing the day with a swim in Lake Coatepeque was the perfect combination.
If you’re already planning a trip to El Salvador, I’d definitely recommend making the detour to Santa Ana. It’s a relatively inexpensive experience, doesn’t require a huge amount of hiking experience, and gives you the chance to see one of the country’s most impressive natural attractions.
Would I recommend it? Absolutely.
I didn’t plan on hiking Santa Ana Volcano when I started my Central America trip, but I’m very glad I ended up there.