Izalco, Active stratovolcano in western El Salvador

Izalco is a stratovolcano in Sonsonate Department in western El Salvador, rising to 1,950 meters above sea level. The cone shows a symmetrical shape with dark slopes of solidified lava and ash that stand out clearly against the green surroundings.

Fumarolic activity was recorded in 1658, and the cone was born in 1770 on the flank of the Santa Ana volcano. About 51 eruptions were registered between 1770 and 1956, and activity continued until 1958, with a small flank eruption in 1966. Its glow earned it the name "Lighthouse of the Pacific"; an 1926 eruption buried the village of Matazano and killed 56 people.

The name Izalco comes from Nahuatl Itshalco, "place in the obsidian sands", from itz-tl (obsidian), sha-lli (sand) and co (place). The cone appears on the 10 colón bank note, withdrawn when the US dollar replaced the colón in 2001, and its silhouette inspired the country's coat of arms.

Access is through Cerro Verde National Park, where marked hiking trails lead to the summit. The climb takes several hours and requires sturdy footwear, as the slopes consist of loose volcanic rock.

An eruption in 1926 buried the entire village of Matazano under ash and rock, killing 56 people. The remains of the settlement still lie hidden beneath the solidified volcanic material.