Santa Ana Volcano (Ilamatepec)
The highest volcano in the country and its turquoise lagoon.
About Santa Ana Volcano (Ilamatepec)
At 2,381 meters high, Santa Ana Volcano is the tallest in El Salvador. Its summit is formed by four overlapping craters; the largest reaches approximately 1.5 kilometers in diameter, and the active crater contains a turquoise acid lagoon. From the top, you can see Lake Coatepeque, Izalco Volcano, and, on clear days, the Pacific coast. The ascent is of medium difficulty and is done with an authorized guide.
Details
Hours
Mon-Sun 9:00 AM-5:00 PM
Brief History
Also known as Ilamatepec, a name of Nahuatl origin traditionally interpreted as “hill of the old woman,” the Santa Ana volcano has recorded eruptive activity since the 16th century. In 1722, an eruption on one of its flanks produced a lava flow that traveled 13 kilometers. It later experienced an explosive eruption in 1904, and its most recent activity occurred on October 1, 2005, when it expelled ash, gases, and volcanic rocks.
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Location & Map
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