El Salvador may be small, just 20,000 square kilometers—but it boasts more volcanoes per square kilometer than any other country in the world. Our journey begins at San Salvador Volcano, dormant for just over a century. Its iconic crater, El Boquerón, earned its name because it resembles a giant mouth. During its last eruption in 1917, enormous flows of lava reshaped the surrounding landscape, some of which can still be seen today.

Just 25 minutes from the city, this natural reserve feels like a peaceful escape. Stroll along shaded trails lined with terrestrial flowers, orchids, and exotic ornamentals, and reach the crater’s edge, almost 600 meters deep. The view stretches over San Salvador City, Ilopango Lake, and surrounding volcanoes. An awe inspiring panorama that makes you wonder what secrets these peaks might still hold.

Next, we travel to Eastern El Salvador, to the charming town of Alegría, nestled in the Tecapa Mountain Range. After some free time for lunch, we continue to Alegría Lagoon, a crater lake known as the Emerald of America for its vivid turquoise waters caused by high sulfur content. Walk along the rim of the lagoon, breathe in the crisp volcanic air, and feel the magical glow of the sunlight on its serene surface.

Our day concludes as we make our way to Jiquilisco Bay for overnight lodging, surrounded by nature and the promise of more wonders to come.

Accommodation: You’ll stay at Puerto Barillas apartments or a comparable hotel, depending on availability. We’ll confirm your hotel before booking.

Jiquilisco Bay, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, is a haven of mangroves, estuaries, and pristine beaches. Today, we dive into the vital work of sea turtle conservation. Four endangered species nest along El Salvador’s shores:

• The Baule (leatherback)

• Carey (hawksbill)

• Golfina (olive ridley,

• Prieta (green turtle)

The hawksbill, one of the rarest turtles on Earth, finds its main Eastern Pacific nesting grounds right here at Jiquilisco Bay. 

You’ll join local biologists as they safely capture a sea turtle to study and protect it. Witness up close the care and dedication involved in conservation, and even participate in tasks that help safeguard these incredible creatures. Finally, experience the unforgettable moment as the turtle is gently released back into the ocean, gliding into the waves beneath your eyes. 

The day also offers a peaceful walk through lush forests, where the vibrant flora and curious wildlife reveal the hidden wonders of this remarkable reserve.

Accommodation: You’ll stay at Puerto Barillas apartments or a comparable hotel, depending on availability. We’ll confirm your hotel before booking.

Early in the morning, we begin our journey toward Western El Salvador, where nature and adventure await. Our first stop is Deninger Forest, a lush natural reserve teeming with vibrant flora and curious wildlife. As we trek along winding trails, the scent of damp earth and wildflowers fills the air, while birdsong punctuates the quiet of the forest. For the more adventurous, optional activities such as mountain biking, ziplining, or navigating high ropes offer a thrilling way to experience the canopy, imagine the wind rushing past as you soar above the treetops.

Next, we continue to Coatepeque Lake, a stunning volcanic caldera. Arrive at a serene lakefront property and enjoy a leisurely picnic lunch, soaking in the turquoise waters mirrored against the surrounding volcanic slopes. Every glance reveals a new shade of blue, each breeze carries the crisp mountain air, and the tranquility invites you to pause and savor the moment.

In the afternoon, we head to Volcanoes National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve where three magnificent volcanoes; Izalco, Santa Ana, and Cerro Verde. Embrace the sparkling Coatepeque Lake that fills the crater of another volcano. Feel the cool highland air on your skin as you gaze at Izalco, one of the youngest volcanoes in the Americas, and the ancient, towering Santa Ana. Though no lava flows today, fumaroles whisper of the volcanoes’ ongoing life, a reminder of the raw power that shaped this land.

Lastly, we arrive at Tres Volcanes, a glamping retreat perched at 1,800 meters above sea level, nestled between these three volcanoes. Step inside your cozy tent with warm, inviting beds, and experience the subtle comfort of solar-heated showers. As night falls, savor a delicious dinner surrounded by the forest, the scent of pine and earth mingling with the cool mountain breeze. Above you, the sky stretches wide and starlit, hinting at the wonders tomorrow will bring. 

Accommodation: You’ll stay at Tres Volcanes or a comparable hotel, depending on availability. We’ll confirm your hotel before booking.

After breakfast, lace up your boots and prepare for a breathtaking ascent to the edge of Santa Ana Volcano, the tallest and most iconic peak in El Salvador. The trail winds through lush cloud forests alive with birdsong, before opening to sweeping vistas that seem to stretch into forever.

At 2,300 meters above sea level, you’ll stand at the rim of a shimmering emerald crater lagoon, where steam curls gently from the earth and the scent of minerals lingers in the air. On clear mornings, you can see Coatepeque Lake glinting below, the neighboring volcanoes rising in quiet majesty, and if you’re lucky even ships tracing faint lines across the Pacific horizon.

After descending from this natural wonder, a hearty lunch awaits with panoramic views of Izalco Volcano, nicknamed “the Lighthouse of the Pacific” for its once fiery glow. The rest of the afternoon invites you to unwind, perhaps with a cool drink and a slow gaze at the rolling volcanic ridges bathed in golden light.

As evening falls, your adventure turns from crater to kitchen. A warm and welcoming local cook arrives, bringing with her the soul of Salvadoran cuisine; the art of making pupusas. You’ll mix, stuff, and press the soft corn masa by hand, filling it with cheese, beans, or savory pork, then sizzling it to perfection on a hot griddle. The air fills with the comforting aroma of toasted maize as laughter drifts through the night.

By the time you sit down to enjoy your handmade meal, you’ll realize this day has blended the spirit of El Salvador’s landscapes and its people. A journey from fire to flavor, from the heights of the volcano to the warmth of home.

Accommodation: You’ll stay at Tres Volcanes or a comparable hotel, depending on availability. We’ll confirm your hotel before booking.

On your final day in El Salvador, the time is yours, whether to savor a last quiet stroll or simply prepare for your journey home. As you depart, we hope you carry with you unforgettable memories, moments of wonder, and the warmth of this country’s spirit. Thank you for allowing us to be your chero, your friend, on this journey. We are grateful to have shared these days with you. Nos vemos!