The Sunday Highland Escape Steam Clay and Aura

Overview

Available languages

English

Spanish

9 hours

Mobile ticket

Experience the hidden soul of the Apaneca-Ilamatepec highlands through Salcoatitán, Apaneca, and Ataco. Led by Michael, a former Maryland restaurateur with Salvadoran roots, this boutique journey trades the 7:00 AM rush for a relaxed 10:00 AM start.

Travelers gain insider culinary access with vetted seasonal fruit tastings and a 3-hour restorative reset at Santa Teresa Hot Springs, featuring therapeutic volcanic mud baths. This is the perfect escape for foodies and slow-travelers looking for professional American hospitality standards blended with authentic local traditions.

Additional Info

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

What To Expect

Meeting Point: Epic Plaza (Nuevo Cuscatlán) at 10am Where we meet: We gather at the main entrance of Epic Plaza, Nuevo Cuscatlán’s premier modern hub. This strategic location is just minutes from the American Embassy and Santa Elena, offering plenty of secure parking and a safe, upscale environment to begin our journey. Why we start here: I’ve chosen Epic Plaza to ensure your Sunday begins with zero stress. Since we have a relaxed 10:00 AM start, this gives you the perfect opportunity to arrive early and handle any last-minute needs. Whether you need to grab an extra bottle of sunscreen, use a secure ATM, or pick up specific snacks at the modern supermarket on-site, everything is at your fingertips before we head into the mountains.

15 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

Apaneca

The Experience: We reach the highest point of the route (1,500m) for a literal breath of fresh air. The Horizon: We pause at a private roadside viewpoint to witness the mountain mist ("The Aura") drifting across the volcanic chain.

15 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

What‘s Included

Bottled water

Snacks

Santa Teresa Entrance

Air-conditioned vehicle

Parking Fees

WiFi on board

Meals

Cancellation Policy

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

Options

Sunday Highland Escape

Reviews

5.00

4 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

We had the best time exploring Santa Teresa with Beyond the Botanas
Kevin F,May 24, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
We had the best time exploring Santa Teresa with Beyond the Botanas. Because the group size is so small, the whole day felt incredibly private and relaxing. Michael is an amazing host; having both an American and Salvadoran background, he brings the perfect mix of professional, seamless organization and deep, authentic local insight. The culinary stops were the clear highlight—we tasted our way through hidden local flavors that we never would have discovered on our own. If you want an stress-free, high-quality experience that feels like exploring with a knowledgeable friend, this is it!
Relaxing Sunday Treat
Erin K,May 18, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
If you’re in El Salvador, the volcanic hot springs are a must-see! The pools are wonderful and surrounded by lush greenery. Michael was insanely knowledgeable, had such an ease of communicating and kept me laughing on the drive. Bottom line, the hot springs are beautiful, but a guide can make or break the experience. This tour knocked it out of the park. You’ll leave with relaxed muscles and a huge smile on your face!
An Unforgettable Hot Springs & Volcanic Mud Spa Experience!
Yansi H,May 17, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
The Sunday Highland Escape Steam, Clay & Aura tour with Beyond the Botanas was such an amazing experience! Michael was a fantastic guide — very friendly, knowledgeable, and made the whole day feel fun and relaxing from start to finish. One of the highlights was visiting the Santa Teresa Hot Springs. The natural hot springs were beautiful and incredibly relaxing, surrounded by amazing scenery and fresh mountain air. We also did the volcanic mud spa, which was such a unique and refreshing experience. The steam, clay treatments, and peaceful atmosphere made it feel like the perfect escape from everyday stress. Everything was well organized, comfortable, and enjoyable. You can really tell they care about giving guests a memorable experience. Highly recommend this tour if you want to relax, enjoy nature, and experience something truly special in El Salvador!