Private hike to active Izalco and Cerro Verde volcanoes. 2 volcanoes in one day!

5.0 (7 reviews) 7 hours Free cancellation Private tour

out of 5

7 reviews

5.0

Yey! We made it! — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Izalco and Cerro from the distance — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

Izalco is one of the youngest volcanoes in the world (and still active). Reaching its crater is a rewarding but challenging experience! Be prepared to walk on steep slopes, lush cloud forests, uneven ground and (when Mother Nature's in the mood) stunning views.

Called "The Lighthouse of the Pacific" by ancient sailors, this young fella was in a constant eruption since late 1700s, spewing lava flows and debris until it reached an elevation of near 2000 m (6400+ ft).

Near the crater you can still see fumaroles and, from the top, the solidified lava fields spewed during recent eruptions. As well the steep slopes of Cerro Verde waiting for us again.

After getting back to Cerro Verde’s Visitors Center you have been made two volcanoes in one day and can proudly say VENI, VIDI, VICI.

NOTE: this is a challenging hike, proper gear required for safety. Hiking boots/shoes, hydration, sun/rain protection and a good physical shape is a must. Trekking poles highly recommended.

Hiking Tours Walking Tours Short term availability Weather Dependent - Moderate

At a glance

Duration: 7 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Your group only
People per booking: 1–12
Guide: English, Spanish
Operated by: Alfredo Avalos - Licensed Tour Guide in El Salvador

Ages: Adults (12–65 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Private transportation
Included: All Fees and Taxes
Included: Licensed Tourist Guide, specialized in trekking, outdoors and adventure travel.
Included: Admissions to Cerro Verde National Park
Included: Private hike. Early departure.

Not included

Not included: Bottled water

Itinerary

Departing early from our meeting point, we drive to Los Volcanes National Park. Along the road we cross through villages and the fertile Zapotitan valley (we can always make a stop for a coffee to go). The hike starts at Cerro Verde visitors center and takes you into the evergreen cloud forest, down the slopes of this extinct volcano to reach the break with the solidified lava flows. After getting back to Cerro Verde’s Visitors Center you have been made two volcanoes in one day and can proudly say VENI, VIDI, VICI. On a glance: Distance walked: 7.2 Km / 4.5 Mi Duration (actual walking time): ~ 3h 30m – 4h Ascent / Descent: 691 – 676 m / 2267 – 2218 ft Elevation at start (Cerro Verde): 2019 m / 6624 ft Top elevation: 2019 m / 6624 ft Environment: Cloud forest, tall trees and a shady trail on Cerro Verde’s side. Bare loose rock and lack of vegetation on Izalco’s side. Steep slopes on both sides. Some scrambling in last sections of Izalco. On Cerro Verde you must walk down and up near 1,500 steps carved on the dirt. Highlights: A challenging hike rewarded by stunning views to different volcanic belts and mountain ranges in three countries (on a clear day).

Stop 1
Izalco Volcano

Meeting point and pickup

You can be picked up from your accommodation or go straight to the meeting point.

Meeting point

Meeting point outside San Salvador: "Bosques del Tibet", a small mountain lodge conveniently located on the road to Cerro Verde.

End point

Meeting point outside San Salvador: "Bosques del Tibet", a small mountain lodge conveniently located on the road to Cerro Verde.

Pickup points

Hotel Gardenia Inn
Novo Hotel & Suite
Hotel Shagul
Villa Serena San Benito
Hotel Bellerive
Morrison Hotel San Salvador
Hotel Alameda
Hotel Armonia Hostal
Plaza Hotel & Suites
Hotel Puerto Bus
Hotel Mediterraneo Plaza
Arbol de Fuego Eco-Hotel

and 40 more pickup points

Note:

Departures from different locations (e.g. Airport, international borders, international/domestic bus stations, outskirts or outside San Salvador city, etc. a supplement may apply.

Cancellation

Free cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

If you cancel	You get back
At least one day before	100%
Less than a day before	0%

Good to know

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness
IMPORTANT NOTE: Minimum age for this hike is 12 years old
This departure is not operated by a company and/or agency but by an independent Tourist Guide.