San Vicente (volcano)San Vicente (volcano) at a Glance
About San Vicente (volcano)
San Vicente (Chinchontepec) is a twin-peaked stratovolcano in El Salvador’s San Vicente Department, commonly known by its Nahuatl name Chinchontepec which refers to its double summit. It is one of the prominent volcanic landmarks in central El Salvador.
The volcano presents two summits with vegetated slopes and is visited for viewpoints and local walks rather than for high-volume mountaineering. The area around the volcano supports farmland and settlements that use the lower slopes.
San Vicente is part of the Central American Volcanic Arc and has a volcanic form typical of stratovolcanoes, although it does not have a recent history of large explosive eruptions recorded in modern times.
The volcano rises immediately near the city and department seat of San Vicente in central El Salvador, making it a visible backdrop to the town and its surrounding valleys.
- Local name and shape: Locally known as Chinchontepec, the volcano has twin summits and is an important landmark for the surrounding department.
- Elevation: The summit reaches roughly 2,182 meters in elevation and provides broad views over the San Vicente Department.
Best Time to Visit San Vicente (volcano)
San Vicente (Chichontepec) is a stratovolcano in El Salvador notable for its twin summits and ecological zones; it is approached from San Vicente Department.
Weather & Climate near San Vicente (volcano)
San Vicente (volcano)'s climate is classified as Subtropical Highland (Dry Winter) - Subtropical Highland (Dry Winter) climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 10°C to 23°C. Abundant rainfall (1995 mm/year), wettest in September with a pronounced dry season.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | 10° - 21° | 15° | 7 mm | - | - | 4.3 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | 10° - 21° | 16° | 7 mm | - | - | 4.1 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | 11° - 23° | 17° | 12 mm | - | - | 3.7 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | 12° - 23° | 17° | 49 mm | - | - | 3.3 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | 13° - 22° | 17° | 218 mm | - | - | 2.5 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 13° - 20° | 17° | 357 mm | - | - | 2.4 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 12° - 21° | 16° | 304 mm | - | - | 3.0 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 12° - 20° | 16° | 330 mm | - | - | 2.8 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 12° - 20° | 16° | 407 mm | - | - | 2.3 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | 12° - 20° | 16° | 241 mm | - | - | 2.6 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | 11° - 20° | 15° | 53 mm | - | - | 3.3 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | 10° - 20° | 15° | 10 mm | - | - | 3.9 m/s | - | - |
How to Get to San Vicente (volcano)
Access is usually from the town of San Vicente. Road access via CA-8 and local roads leads toward trailheads; hire local guides or contact municipal tourist offices for up-to-date information and permits.
Tips for Visiting San Vicente (volcano)
- If attempting to hike the summit, hire a local guide - trails can be poorly marked and conditions change with recent eruptions and rainfall.
- Visit from the town of San Vicente (department capital) as a starting point for logistics and local information.
- Expect steep terrain and consider acclimatization; it's a serious hike rather than a casual walk.