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Lee Siebert, Smithsonian Institution CC BY-SA 4.0 Wikimedia Commons

Usulután (volcano)

Volcano

Volcán Usulután rises in eastern El Salvador and features steep slopes and cratered summits; hikers and volcanologists visit for day hikes and landscape study in the department that bears its name.

Usulután (volcano) San SalvadorLa LibertadSuchitotoSanta AnaUsulután (volcano)
In this guide

Usulután (volcano) essentials

Country: El Salvador
Driest months: Jan-Mar
Pay in: Dollar ($)
Language: Spanish

Usulután (volcano) at a Glance

About Usulután (volcano)

Usulután is a volcanic massif in eastern El Salvador located in Usulután Department and is one of the department’s prominent topographic features. The volcano forms part of the volcanic chain that runs through El Salvador.

The mountain’s slopes are a mix of natural vegetation and agricultural land typical of the region; it is not one of the country’s most-visited tourist volcanoes but is significant for local geography and land use.

Volcanic activity in the region is part of the Central American volcanic arc formed by subduction of the Cocos Plate beneath the Caribbean Plate; detailed eruption history for this specific cone is not presented here.

The volcano lies inland in eastern El Salvador, within Usulután Department, and is relatively close to the departmental capital of Usulután and to other lowland and coastal areas of the country.

Things to Do
When to Go

Best Time to Visit Usulután (volcano)

Best visited during the dry season for clearer visibility and safer trekking conditions.

Dry season
November-April · 20-30°C
Cleaner views and firmer ground for hiking; afternoons can be hot.
Wet season
May-October · 18-26°C
Clouds often shroud the summit; trails become muddier and more treacherous.

Weather & Climate near Usulután (volcano)

Climate

Usulután (volcano)'s climate is classified as Tropical Savanna - Tropical Savanna climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 14°C to 27°C. Heavy rainfall (2013 mm/year), wettest in September with a pronounced dry season.

Air Quality: AQI 61 Moderate
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
27°
Warmest Month
14°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January - 14° - 26° 20° 2 mm - - 3.8 m/s - -
February - 14° - 27° 20° 5 mm - - 3.7 m/s - -
March - 15° - 27° 21° 9 mm - - 3.3 m/s - -
April - 16° - 27° 22° 46 mm - - 3.1 m/s - -
May - 17° - 26° 21° 223 mm - - 2.4 m/s - -
June - 17° - 24° 21° 356 mm - - 2.1 m/s - -
July - 17° - 25° 21° 297 mm - - 2.6 m/s - -
August - 16° - 25° 20° 286 mm - - 2.4 m/s - -
September - 16° - 24° 20° 412 mm - - 2.0 m/s - -
October - 16° - 24° 20° 306 mm - - 2.2 m/s - -
November - 15° - 24° 20° 60 mm - - 2.8 m/s - -
December - 14° - 25° 20° 11 mm - - 3.3 m/s - -
Getting There & Around

How to Get to Usulután (volcano)

Approach is by road from the city of Usulután or nearby towns such as Santiago de María. Local buses and colectivos connect regional towns; for direct access to trailheads a private vehicle or taxi from Usulután is recommended. Roads can be narrow and rough-confirm local advice before attempting to drive.

Tips for Visiting Usulután (volcano)

  • If attempting a summit approach, hire a local guide-routes cross farmland and rough volcanic slopes and conditions change quickly.
  • Go very early to avoid midday heat; volcanic rock can reflect and amplify sun exposure.
  • Check local weather and road access-the name 'Usulután' applies to both the department and the cone, and access roads vary by season.