Standard to Mountain Crater
AUTHOR:
MAKAYLA BRADEN
PARTNER(S):
Ricardo
Santa Ana Volcan - Highest Volcano in El Salvador - 2,381 meters
This was a unique first time experience hiking volcanos in El Salvador.
The approach road is somewhat rough, but most vehicles can make it in. You pay a fee at the entrance, more for Americans FYI.
Once you enter the gate there is a pretty little camp and cabin area with bathrooms and a couple locals selling t-shirts and such. The guides and security guards then coral you all when it's time to start the hike.
There were tons of people, I couldn't quite believe it nor had I experienced an outdoor hike in this way before. We were able to pass most people pretty early on as most are tourists not in any shape to hike uphill the way we normally do.
A brief stretch through treeline and then you are welcomed by views above the camp base and of the neighboring volcan.
Once you reach the crater rim you'll be greeted with turquoise views and vapor rising.
I have never had ice cream on a summit. There's a first time for everything and it was marvelous minus all the folks who didn't take their trash back down with them.
On the descent we again passed most people until we were able to get a good segment of trail running in back down to the base.