Santa Ana Volcano

Santa Ana Volcano is an active stratovolcano in Santa Ana Department, El Salvador. Its summit holds several nested craters, with the innermost containing a turquoise acid lake colored by volcanic gases.

A large collapse reshaped the volcano during the late Pleistocene period, sending debris flows toward the coast. The most recent major eruption occurred in October 2005, prompting evacuations in nearby communities.

Local guides lead most hiking groups up the slopes, sharing stories passed down through generations about the mountain. The volcano remains part of regional identity, appearing in folk songs and artwork throughout the department.

The hike begins at Cerro Verde National Park and takes about two hours over a steep trail with rocky sections. Visitors should start early in the morning, as fog often rolls in during the afternoon and obscures views of the crater lake.

Sulfur fumes from the crater lake stain rocks along the rim in bright yellow and orange, creating patterns that resemble molten metal in some spots. The water temperature fluctuates with volcanic activity and can rise noticeably during periods of increased gas release.