Private Tour
Best Santa Ana Volcano Hike & Coatepeque Lake – Private tour
Overview
Available languages
6 hours
Mobile ticket
Experience an unforgettable San Salvador day trip on this Santa Ana Volcano hike and Lake Coatepeque private tour. Ascend El Salvador’s tallest volcano, Ilamatepec (7,822 ft / 2,384 m), guided by a local expert and enjoy panoramic views of the emerald crater lake, Izalco Volcano, and the Pacific Ocean.
After your hike, unwind at the stunning Lake Coatepeque — one of Central America's most beautiful volcanic lakes. Enjoy free time and optional lunch at a lakefront Salvadoran restaurant.
✔ Santa Ana Volcano hike with professional guide
✔ Scenic views of Cerro Verde, Izalco & the Pacific
✔ Lunch stop at Lake Coatepeque
✔ Ideal private tour from San Salvador
What to bring:
✔ Comfortable hiking shoes
✔ Sunscreen, hat & light jacket (cooler temps at summit)
Additional Info
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Explore the most iconic volcano in El Salvador and its stunning turquoise crater located at 2,381 meters above sea level! The Santa Ana Volcano, also known as Ilamatepec, offers an unforgettable nature hike through forested trails, volcanic rock landscapes, panoramic views of surrounding volcanoes, and an impressive crater. Approximately 3 hours of hiking, moderate difficulty.
Lago de Coatepeque
We will stop at a restaurant overlooking Lake Coatepeque to take in the beauty of this majestic volcanic lake. You’ll have the opportunity to enjoy lunch and relax in its garden.
What‘s Included
Local guide
Private tour
Round-trip transportation from San Salvador
National park entrance fees
Stop at Coatepeque Lake in a restaurant with a view
Bottled water
Lunch
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
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Best Santa Ana Volcano Hike & Coatepeque Lake – Private tour
Pickup included
Reviews
16 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great Choice for our day in El Salvador.
TravelingAZEileen,,Jan 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The hike to the volcano is moderate plus in our minds and our guide Olio was very patient and knowledgeable. We learned so much about the history of the volcano and environment. He was also gracious and shared much about El Salvadorian culture and history. Our driver Orlando was gracious and kind. Great day!
Would definitely book with this company again
suzygrand,,Oct 29, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We loved having a private tour and starting our day early to avoid the crowds on the Santa Ana volcano. Expedition Maya was good about contacting me prior to the excursion and informing me over email and WhatsApp about what we should bring with us for the hike. My husband and I appreciate the on-time pick up with our driver Orlando. Our hiking guide, Elisa, was very fun to talk to during our drive to the volcano and on the hike itself. It was amazing being up at the top of the volcano with only our group of four and no one else except a man selling ice cream. The views are amazing from both the top of our hike and at the restaurant where we stopped for lunch. This company is very well organized and I plan to use them again when we go to Nicaragua.
Definitely recommend
Sandra S,,Oct 9, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00It was an amazing experience! Hiking up the Santa Ana Volcano is a memory I will always remember. Our tour guides were amazing, kind hearted individuals with great life stories!
Greatest day ever!
saturis2020,,Sep 14, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our guide Leo and the driver made this day most special. They were patient, knowledgeable, and super friendly. We could not have asked for more.
To the top of El Salvador- climbing Santa Ana volcane
Teresa C,,Jul 31, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00If you are visiting El Salvador, the Santa Ana volcan hike is an unforgettable experience. The climb can be a bit challenging, but is absolutely worthy it, when you reach the summit you are greeted by emerald crater and an amazing surroundings views of the lake. Elysa is very knowledgeable and kind, the tour was very well organized, after the hike we end our tour by having lunch with a splendid view of lake, and this provided an opportunity to know J. Mauricio (our driver) and talk about El Salvador history. It was a delightful day!
Faith carried the way
Raven M,,Jul 18, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The hike was strenuous, but we had the most patient guide and had the best weather. We took our time and took in the views. On the way back, we even stopped for fruit at a nearby stand. Best way to end that hike was with a coconut. Couldn’t have asked for anything more!
The challenge was worth it!!!!
MelloYello215,,Jul 10, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Elise & Loren were amazing cheerleaders! Patient with the climb and filled with so much info! Getting to the top was so well worth it.. as a cloud fanatic… I was able to touch the clouds 🥰. Thank you for the experience . I highly recommend challenging yourself with this excursion!
Great view, good pace
evanp940,,Jul 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was a great hike, up to a wonderful view you won't get anywhere else. The sulfur lake is cool, the ice cream vendors are quite popular, but our guides were the best. I'm old and fat, they were very patient with me being slower than them. The hike down is easier but definitely don't rush. After the volcano, you don't expect to find equally amazing views afterwards but Elisa will shock you with a lunch overlooking a beautiful lake. I highly recommend this tour, and suggest starting as early as possible.
Discover Santa Ana Volcano and Lake Coatepeque
Wanderer17612912789,,May 2, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Beautiful hike in the company of the Mayan Expedition Guides who passed on their passion. The landscapes are truly breathtaking.
Hiking to the Santa Ana Volcano
mauriciopV443QA,,May 1, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I enjoyed the walk very much! The guides were very friendly and informative. The views were amazing. I totally recommend the hike.
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Operated by Expédition Maya