Santa Ana Volcano Hike: Sulfur Lake & Coatepeque Lake

Hike a volcano with a hidden turquoise lake, then swim in another

This full-day tour from Santa Ana takes you hiking to the crater of one of El Salvador's most active volcanoes, where a sulfur lake sits inside in shades of turquoise. After the 4-hour round-trip hike, you stop at Coatepeque Lake for a late lunch and time to swim. Private transportation, an English or Spanish-speaking guide, and all park fees are included.

The experience

The day starts with a drive to the Cerro Verde park area near Santa Ana, where you begin the hike up to the volcano's crater. The trail takes about 4 hours round trip, and the payoff is the sulfur lake nested inside: a turquoise pool that sits nowhere else in the country. The hike itself is the main event: you're climbing an active volcano and standing at its rim looking down into the crater where that lake sits. The views on the way up take in Santa Ana, Izalco Volcano, and Coatepeque Lake spread across the landscape.

After the hike, the tour doesn't end with you exhausted at the trailhead. Instead, you're driven to Coatepeque Lake, where a late lunch waits and the afternoon is yours to swim, float or just sit by the water. The air-conditioned vehicle and your private guide mean the pace stays yours: no rushing between stops, no waiting for a group to catch up. You're dropped back at your hotel at the end of the day.

What’s included

• Private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle.
• a live guide in English or Spanish.
• pickup from your hotel.
• all park fees and taxes.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 07:30

AgesAdult (18 to 70 years) · Youth (7 to 17 years) · Child (2 to 6 years) · Infant (under 2)

GroupUp to 30

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by EC TOURS EL SALVADOR

Is this one for you?This is a private tour, so the pace and stops are yours alone: ideal if you want to take time at the crater without waiting for others, or linger longer at Coatepeque Lake. The hike itself is moderate to challenging and takes 4 hours round trip, so you'll want a reasonable level of fitness and comfort with steep terrain.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (7 to 17 years); Child (2 to 6 years); Infant (under 2).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How long is the hike up Santa Ana volcano?

The hike to the crater and back takes about 4 hours round trip. The trail climbs to the rim where you can see the sulfur lake inside the crater.

What is the sulfur lake like inside Santa Ana's crater?

The lake is turquoise in color and sits inside the volcano's crater. It's the only lake of its kind inside a volcano in El Salvador, visible from the rim once you reach the top.

Is lunch included in this tour?

A late lunch is served at Coatepeque Lake at the end of the day, where you can also swim. You choose whether to eat, relax by the water, or both.

How much of the day is spent hiking versus relaxing?

The hike takes 4 hours round trip in the morning and early afternoon. The rest of the 8 to 9 hour day is spent traveling to and from the volcano, and then at Coatepeque Lake where you have time to swim and eat without pressure.