Izalco Volcano: The Lighthouse of the Pacific
Hike El Salvador's youngest volcano, the 'Lighthouse of the Pacific,' for unparalleled views and a challenging volcanic adventure.
Ascend the imposing Izalco Volcano, El Salvador's youngest volcano, known historically as the 'Lighthouse of the Pacific' for its frequent eruptions that guided ships at sea. This challenging hike rewards adventurers with stunning panoramic views and a unique volcanic landscape.
A brief summary to Izalco
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Local tips
- Wear comfortable hiking shoes suitable for rocky and steep terrain. The trail consists of volcanic rocks, making the ascent challenging.
- Bring plenty of water (at least 2 liters) and snacks. The hike is strenuous, and there's no shade on the upper slopes.
- Hire a local guide at Cerro Verde National Park. It's required for the Izalco Volcano hike and enhances the experience with valuable insights.
- Start the hike early in the morning to avoid the midday heat, especially during the warmer months.
- Check weather conditions before you go. The summit can be chilly, especially from November to February, so bring a jacket.
Getting There
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Walking
From the Cerro Verde National Park entrance, follow the well-marked trail that descends approximately 1200 steps through the forest. This path leads to the base of Izalco Volcano, where the ascent begins. The hike to the summit takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. Remember that a local guide is required and can be hired at the park entrance. Park entrance fee is $6 USD. The guide costs $25 USD for 2 people, or $30 USD for groups of 3-10.
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Public Transport
To reach Cerro Verde National Park by public transport from Santa Ana, take bus #248 from Sala de Espera y Abordaje, on 11 Calle Pte. The bus departs at 7:30 AM and arrives around 9:30 AM. The bus fare is approximately $1.50 USD. From the park entrance, follow the walking guidance to reach Izalco Volcano. Remember to factor in the park entrance fee ($6 USD) and the cost of a mandatory local guide ($25-$30 USD per group).
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Taxi/Ride-share
A taxi or ride-share from Santa Ana to Cerro Verde National Park takes about an hour. The estimated fare is $25-30 USD. From the park entrance, follow the walking guidance to reach Izalco Volcano. Remember to factor in the park entrance fee ($6 USD) and the cost of a mandatory local guide ($25-$30 USD per group).
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Unmissable attractions to see
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