Volcán de Izalco is a small volcano on the flanks of the much larger Volcán Santa Ana in western El Salvador. Continuously active between 1770 and 1957 it produced explosive eruptions and lava flows up to 7 km long. Its persistent activity leant it the name 'lighthouse of the Pacific'. A brief revival occurred in 1966 and is still steaming away today. Easy to get to and climb this is a worth while visit if you're in the area. Nearby to these volcanoes is Lago de Coatepeque, 6 km wide and 120 m deep where there are some hotels and restaurants.

Izalco's verdant setting.

Getting There

A good base for reaching Volcán de Izalco is from the city of Santa Ana, El Salvador's second largest. From there take the 8 AM bus to Cerro Verde which is a national park, about 2 hours to the south-west. The bus drops you at the entrance to the park where it is $1 to enter. Walk up the road for a few hundred meters to the car park where the non-optional tour group assembles and leaves for Volcán de Izalco at some time from 10:45 AM to 11:00 AM. The guides/tourist police cost an additional $3 per person. While this might seem like a drag the system was introduced to and has dramatically cut assaults. There is a small eatery at the back of the car park as well as nearby toilets.

Base of Izalco

The route begins just near where you are dropped off by the bus and descends 400m through the forested slopes of Volcán Cerro Verde along a well maintained switch-backing trail. Once out of the forest Volcán de Izalco rears up straight in front of you. There is another well maintained trail amongst the lava and ash to the summit, which is 320 m above you at this juncture.

At the summit you can enter a shallow crater and walk around the rim. The return route is the same as the entry route. The trip takes 3 - 4 hours including sitting around and having lunch. Be warned though, as the last bus leaving back towards Santa Ana / San Salvador is 3 PM so don't cut it too close.

Izalco crater view with Cerro Verde in the background

Red Tape

None, other than you are supposed to have a guide with you, as well as tourist police. This is more for your own safety from thieves than risk of getting lost. When I was there in Jan 2009 we were told by the entrance guard that Santa Ana is still off limits but I don't know if that's still the case.

Camping/Accomodation

Not technically necessary as the hike is short. However there are some nearby cabins at Campo Bello and Casa de Cristal for rent at ~ $35 each (see the far right of the panoramic picture). Call 483-4713 or 483-4679 for details on current prices and availability. Info taken from Lonely Planet's 'Central America on a Shoestring' book.

External Links

Detailed Izalco eruption info on the Global Volcanism Program website

Fireball throwing festival marking the 1922 eruption

Images