Los Volcanes National Park

Los Volcanes National Park in Sonsonate Department, El Salvador, is a protected volcanic complex that includes the major cones Santa Ana (Ilamatepec), Izalco and Cerro Verde. The area is notable for its volcanic landforms and crater scenery.

Hikers follow established trails to rim viewpoints on Santa Ana to view its crater and turquoise crater lake and to gain broad panoramas across the volcanic massif. The striking cone of Izalco, which formed in the late 18th century, and vegetated slopes of Cerro Verde provide contrasting terrain and lookout opportunities.

The volcanic cones are geologically young features in the Central American volcanic chain; Izalco is well known for having formed around 1770. Human use has combined agriculture in surrounding valleys with tourism and conservation focused on the volcanic landscapes.

The park lies in western El Salvador’s Sonsonate Department, west of the San Salvador metropolitan area and near the city of Santa Ana. It occupies high ground above the Pacific coastal plain, within the central volcanic corridor of the country.

• Crater lake view: The Santa Ana crater lake is a principal viewpoint and is best seen from the crater rim and nearby lookout points.
• Best viewing time: Early morning visits often provide the clearest air and views across the volcanic complex toward the Pacific lowlands.

What to See #

• Santa Ana (Ilamatepec): The Santa Ana (Ilamatepec) stratovolcano rises to about 2,381 meters and features a crater that contains a small acidic crater lake; trails lead to viewpoints on the rim.
• Izalco: Izalco is a prominent volcanic cone that formed in 1770 and stands near 1,950 meters in elevation; it is a defining feature of the park's landscape.
• Cerro Verde: Cerro Verde is a heavily vegetated massif between the larger cones and offers trails and viewpoints over the volcanic complex and surrounding valleys.