Private Tour

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

Overview

Available languages

English

Spanish

7 hours

Mobile ticket

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.

Additional Info

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.

Cancellation Policy

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

What‘s Included

Private transportation

All Fees and Taxes

Licensed Tourist Guide, specialized in trekking, outdoors and adventure travel.

Admissions to Cerro Verde National Park

Private hike. Early departure.

Bottled water

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup points

Select a pickup point

What To Expect

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).

Options

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

Pickup included

Reviews

5.00

6 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Excellent!
Tour18117702261,
Nov 1, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Leo was an excellent tour guide! I would recommend to anyone. Beautiful volcano and well maintained trail. Excellent view from the top!
Amazing Hike and Exactly what I was looking for
meggievh,
Apr 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
After having a disappointing experience trying to arrange this hike through another company (the only other one), I was so grateful to find this team. From the very beginning, they were communicative, punctual, and professional—everything I needed after a stressful start to my trip. My guide Francisco was knowledgeable, patient, and truly passionate about the region and the volcano itself. I felt safe, supported, and taken care of the entire time. The Izalco hike is no joke—it's steep and exposed—but the views are absolutely worth it, and having a guide who clearly cared made all the difference. This is experience is also much better than Santa Ana--because who loves crowds (not me) We then had lunch at the Lake afterwards They handled transportation, logistics, and timing flawlessly. I only wish I had booked my entire itinerary through them from the start. Highly recommend this team to anyone—especially solo travelers—looking for a reliable, respectful, and empowering experience.
Two glorious days
IMVE N,
May 23, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Spent outstanding 2 days with Alfredo. First day, we did Izalco, second, Santa Ana. He’s responsible, knowledgeable, service oriented, with great English. Highly recommended.
Great Guide and Awesome Adventure
Ryan G,
Jan 26, 2020
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
I hired Alfredo Avalos ([email protected]) who was an excellent and knowledgeable guide who took me on a 2-day hiking tour of El Impossible National Park, Santa Ana volcano (at Sunrise) and Izalco volcano. He provided camping gear and was fun to hang out with. I highly recommend his services!
Alfredo is an amazing guy
josebueno12,
May 4, 2019
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Alfredo helped us with everything in Izalco. First of all, we took a breakfast at Subway cause we didn’t have enough time to take it at our hotel. The journey was amazing, we were delighted with every minute from the 4 hours trekking trip. We hope to come back to Izalco.