Best Day-Tour : Santa Ana Volcano Hiking + Lake Coatepeque
5
Best Day-Tour : Santa Ana Volcano Hiking + Lake Coatepeque
By El Salvador Positive Tours
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About
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation
Ages 8-80, max of 13 per group
Duration: 7–10 hours
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English, French, Spanish
More
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Certified Tourist Guide
- Admission Tickets
- Small Groups
- Hotel Pick Up/ Drop off
- Entry/Admission - Santa Ana Volcano
- Entry/Admission - Lago de Coatepeque
What's not included- Lunch
- From Lagarza, Mizata, Airport, etc ) has an extra cost $25 per person!
- Tips
- Alcoholic Beverages
- Start:Multiple pickup locations offered.Pickup details
- Alla Hotels Located in San Salvador, El Tunco and El Zonte are included.
Hotel pickup offeredDuring checkout you will be able to select from the list of included hotels.Port pickup offeredDuring checkout you will be able to select from the list of included ports.- Puerto de Acajutla, Zona Industrial, Edificio Administrativo de CEPA Puerto de, Acajutla, El Salvador
End:This activity ends back at the meeting point. - Not wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- Infants must sit on laps
- Infant seats available
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 140810P2- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not recommended for travelers with back problems
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- Hotels located in the area of San Salvador are included too! From Surf City ( El Tunco Beach, El Zonte, etc ) has an extra cost per person, But if you are a group you wont have an extra cost from Surf City!
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 13 travelers
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
- If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 140810P2
From
$79.95
per adult
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About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
- Y9018GBcynthiaa0 contributionsBeautiful HikeFrancis was the best tour guide! He was very informative about the history of El Salvador and the volcanoes as well. Was also very patient! The hike was so worth it! Definitely book with him!!!!!Written September 27, 2024
- William P0 contributionsCafe Albania and Thermal tour!!Our guide Gaby was fantastic. The communication prior to the tour was good because she made sure I was prepared Pick up from the hotel was on time/early. Cafe Albania was so much fun. I highly recommend the rainbow slide. The lunch at the thermal spa was delicious. The steak lunch took about 40 minutes to prepare, but was high quality and the conversation with the group/guide was entertaining. I would recommend this tour to anyone visiting. Gaby is very special.Written September 22, 2024
- Connector096082512550 contributionsGreat experience!Gaby was an excellent tour guide! She was very informative and pleasant. My partner and I had a great time and Gaby made sure we were ok. 100% recommended!Written September 10, 2024
- rosiew8590 contributionsWhat an experience!What an adventure this day trip to Antigua Guatemala was. Our tour guide was Gaby. What an amazing, smart, knowledgeable, skillful and trustworthy person she is. These day trip was full of obstacles. On our way there the road to Antigua was closed/blocked due to protesters. But Gaby found a way around it. Once in Antigua she took us to an amazing restaurant Cafe Condesa, the food was delicious. Then we did a very informative and interesting tour of the city, which we loved! On our way back to El Salvador the roads were still closed/blocked due to the same protesters, but Gaby used her people skills to interact with the locals and found a way around the blocked roads. We also encountered a few car accidents along the way but we were able to go around it all… Gaby kept us informed of everything that’s was going on, she explained the alternate routes she was taking. Driving to the alternate roads gave us an insight at a day to day life of the Guatemalan people. NOT once did we feel unsafe or uneasy; Even though it was a long ride, Gaby made the ride interesting and fun by teaching us about local customs and traditions of the Salvadoran people. This has been one of the best adventures we have had. Thank you Gaby!!! Highly recommend this company for any tours.Written September 7, 2024
- rosiew8590 contributionsUnique experienceIt was a long day trip, but so worth it. Our tour guide was Josue. He is super nice and speaks great English. He educated us on the history of El Salvador and answered all of our questions. He made the process of crossing the borders super easy and smooth. Copan is a very unique Mayan site, that has super detail hieroglyphics depicting the history of Copan and its rulers. It is different from other Mayans sites that we have visited in other countries. I highly recommend it.Written September 3, 2024
- 18orlandol0 contributionsAwesome!This was an amazing tour! Gaby was an awesome tour guide and very knowledgeable. She made the experience even better. Highly recommend!Written September 2, 2024
- Exploration_wonders0 contributionsExceptional !This tour is absolutely splendid ! From pickup to drop off Gabby was the best ! She was able to answer all questions about the country me and my group had and gave us an authentic experience I was hoping for while being in El Salvador. I highly recommend this tour. As a travel agent, I definitely will tell my customers they have to book this tour if ever visiting El Salvador. Exploration Wonders Approved ! -Shaquille PelzerWritten September 2, 2024
- Bellawatts160 contributionsSolo traveler in the salvadorThis trip was amazing our driver and Guide David was the best, if you doing this tour please ask for hime will make this experience more enjoyable. We had so much fun. 1st time in el salvador and this tour was amazing we did a lot in 1 day.Written August 31, 2024
- stM5095ZD0 contributionsLoved, lovedI loved, loved my tour with Josué. Josué is very knowledgeable and has such a great personality. As we embarked on the journey to Rita de las Flores. I enjoyed my time at Concepcion de Ataco and its small town feel. My time in Nahuizalco was special as I learned about the country’s history. This was my first time at a hotspring and Termales de Santa Teresa, there are so many pools to choose from. My favorite part of the tour was the coffee tour at El Carmen Estate and the lunch selection. I was able to try traditional Salvadoran foods. All in all I am happy I went with this tour group and would not only recommend them but I would use them again for other tours.Written August 30, 2024
- 252crystalj0 contributionsJosue was Awesome!This tour was so much fun! Our Tour Guide Josue was awesome and very helpful throughout the entire trip. He provided some fun facts about El Salvador on our ride out and was super friendly. He took photos for us all day, which was so helpful as I was on the tour solo. The activities at Cafe Albania were a lot of fun, especially the Big Swing and Bike Zip-line. Ending the day at the Hot Springs was relaxing and the mud spa was such a cool experience. Highly recommend both Josue as well as the tour itself.Written August 17, 2024
- 521cjw0 contributionsSteeped in cultureThis the best tour to go on. Antigua is incredible and the views were stunning. The people of Antigua are amazing and steeped in rich culture. Josué was an incredible guide.Written August 16, 2024
- callummC3427AL0 contributionsDon't miss Ruta de FloresI did the ruta de Flores tour with Gaby. She was really informative, patient and friendly. We saw some towns, a coffee tour and then finished with the thermal springs. I would recommend this tourWritten August 9, 2024
- Wander6491120 contributionsAmazing Tour!This was such an amazing tour! The highlight was definitely the Tamanique Waterfalls. It was so refreshing swimming after an intense hike. Francis was such a great, friendly tour guide and I highly recommend! He was patient, friendly, and knowledgeable about fun facts! Visiting El Tunco was great as well! I recommend everyone to bring water shoes to swim because the rocks were painful to walk on.Written July 31, 2024
- Piotr5700 contributionsOperator canceled last minute - very disappointedI booked a trip long time in advance on specific date. Before the tour date I asked if the tour is confirmed. Just a day before I was informed they are not planning to have a tour on specific date (proposed alternatives). BTW do not understand as I was charged extra premium when I indicated I am a solo traveler. Super disappointing experience. (BTW it is super convenient to fly from San Salvador in the morning and come back on evening flight.). On the airport you have shuttle buses to Antigua for USD20 or you can pay ca 40 for UBER. The city is very small so you can independently see it in 3h. Antigua I highly recommendWritten July 29, 2024
- LisandroVoyager0 contributionsScenic touring on the Golfo de Fonseca via easy sailing from La Union tourist pierWe hired a tour boat at the la Union tourist pier, saw the waterside sites of La Union, ate lunch at Isla Zacatillo and admired the silhouettes of Conchagua and other volcanoes in the Golfo de Fonseca, plus others in nearby Honduras and Nicaragua. I'll trek to the top of Conchagua on my next trip.Written July 26, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Chelsea R
2 contributions
Aug 2024 • Family
Our experience with "El Salvador Positive Tours" on August 12th was an absolute disappointment. 5 of us booked the Santa Ana Tour 2 weeks before our scheduled date where we sent all details needed to proceed with the tour. The night before, the company reached out to reconfirm the pickup location and confirmed. The morning of, Francis (our "tour guide") sent a message asking for the address AGAIN which we resent with even more instructions. 8 minutes before our agreed pickup time at 5:30am he sent another message stating he couldn't find the location due to 'his GPS not working/ was confused'. (Despite there being 5 of us standing outside with a marked house and no cars in sight). We attempted to contact him and he ignored our calls, picked up once, was rude and uncooperative, and then proceeded to hang up on us. He then sent voice notes stating we "lost our tour" after the attempted back and forth, even though he was the one that could not find our location. (Every other driver we hired had zero issues in finding our location). This level of incompetence and disregard for customers is beyond unacceptable for a tour company that operates on Trip Advisor.
Left with no other option, we had to hire a private driver and guide at our own expense (Which I HIGHLY recommend). To make matters worse, we later spotted the guide leading another group at the Santa Ana Volcano. We completed the volcano hike without him and finished before him despite starting the hike 3 hours later.
The tour company has refused to refund us and attempted to remedy the situation by offering the tour the next day + requested $75 USD on top of what we had already paid for the tour that was abandoned because we "wasted their time, money and gas." This company is highly unprofessional and should take responsibility for their actions. Would not recommend booking.
Left with no other option, we had to hire a private driver and guide at our own expense (Which I HIGHLY recommend). To make matters worse, we later spotted the guide leading another group at the Santa Ana Volcano. We completed the volcano hike without him and finished before him despite starting the hike 3 hours later.
The tour company has refused to refund us and attempted to remedy the situation by offering the tour the next day + requested $75 USD on top of what we had already paid for the tour that was abandoned because we "wasted their time, money and gas." This company is highly unprofessional and should take responsibility for their actions. Would not recommend booking.
Written August 20, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
My name is Francis this is not true and you know. We texted you 1 day before for this SHARED EXPERIENCE we were 30 minutes before at your location, you send us your Wrong location, we asked even to locals about your Rancho located in a isoleted area ( Playa San Diego ) not a turistic place, nobody know about your location. We decides to make an exeption to pick you there. We sent you messages, calls in order to tell you we were there, then you send us another location, we move to your new location and we cannot find it. After 1 hour you told us that you already move to the main street and we move too and nobody were there. So, in an shared tour when more than 7 people were waiting for us too and we were late for then , so you wanted we wait more time for you ? 1 hour more ? . We dont want generate more discussions. We were there and you know . You have to be more responsable when you took a tour. ( another lie that you mentioned about other pick you up without problem, we dont believe you because your location was so confused , even us that we are locals and we have experience with hotels, airbnbs ) we wanted to give you a second opportunity next day and refund ( even there is a policy of 24 hours before for a refund . but you were so unrespecfull and thats not fair . We lose time and gas. we are nice people that we want to assit with the best professionalism to everybody but in this opportunity we cant do it.
Written August 22, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Maurice
Chicago, IL13 contributions
Josué was awesome! 1st time in Salvador but it felt like home after attending Josué's tour! As a solo attendee I never felt solo (there was another person from the US who joined) but still he provided solo attention to each of us which is impressive. Overall, I was able to have a very memorable hiking experience (would suggest wearing layers & good hiking boots/shoes), taste great Pupusas (be prepared to LOVE this food!), go water skiing (not included in the tour but became included!) & have a great lunch w/awesome views (live band music at lunch taking song requests)! This summary should be reason enough to join Josue's tour but for anyone still undecided about booking w/Josué & the Co. he works for, here are 4 few unforgettable highlights: 1.) Our tour group reached the top of the Volcano 1st & was 1st to make it down! 2.) Josué has a degree in Tourism & has great pride in teaching about El Salvador but also about the intercontinental connections between El Salvador & all of the Americas including the US 3.) Josué was adaptable enough to add new experiences to the tour itinerary such as stopping to get Pupusas before hiking or grabbing delicious ice cream midway down the Valcano & 4.) We became 1 big hiking group w/other tour groups & tour guides when coming down the Volcano so much so that other Estadounidense/US Citizens who were touring w/other guides joined in taking 1 big photo together at the top. Simply put, you will NEVER forget this tour. So what are you waiting for, make a reservation already my friend(s)!
Written September 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Natalia N
New York City, NY4 contributions
Jul 2021
Francis and his team of guides are superb. We arranged a tour to hike the Santa Ana volcano on a Wednesday this past July. We were honestly some of the slowest people that day and our guide was patient all throughout. He waited for us and didn't discourage us at all. He was also informative and didn't get annoyed with all the questions I had. I always have a lot of questions!
I would recommend this tour to beginners, and advanced hikers alike but I ESPECIALLY encourage first time hikers to book with El Salvador Positive Tours. They will be patient with you unlike other tours I have heard of. They also know a lot about the flora and fauna of the area so you will learn a lot even if you're out of breath.
I would recommend this tour to beginners, and advanced hikers alike but I ESPECIALLY encourage first time hikers to book with El Salvador Positive Tours. They will be patient with you unlike other tours I have heard of. They also know a lot about the flora and fauna of the area so you will learn a lot even if you're out of breath.
Written August 2, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rosana V
2 contributions
Nov 2022
We had one of the best tour guides! Josue was so friendly and informative; he picked us up from our hotel and drove us to our destination. He was knowledgeable about the area, and we learned a lot about El Salvador that day. Our hike was so fun! The best surprise was seeing a guy selling ice cream at the top of the volcano! (I love ice cream 😊)
Josue is a fantastic photographer! Also, He is extremely kind! My birthday was the day of our hike, and I happened to mention it when we got there. At the end of our hike, we went to Lago de coatepeque to grab some food (The food was so tasty and cheap). After our meal, Josue surprised me with a dessert for my birthday. My boyfriend and I were surprised (we weren’t expecting anything like that). Josue is such a fantastic person! 110% recommend him and this hike.; the dessert was sooo delicious!
Josue is a fantastic photographer! Also, He is extremely kind! My birthday was the day of our hike, and I happened to mention it when we got there. At the end of our hike, we went to Lago de coatepeque to grab some food (The food was so tasty and cheap). After our meal, Josue surprised me with a dessert for my birthday. My boyfriend and I were surprised (we weren’t expecting anything like that). Josue is such a fantastic person! 110% recommend him and this hike.; the dessert was sooo delicious!
Written December 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jose Talavera
43 contributions
Aug 2024 • Solo
This excursion was so much fun! The 2 hour hike up and 90 min hike down is so varied between jungle / rocky. I recommend renting the hiking sticks for $0.50 at the start. Josue was welcoming, knowledgeable and friendly. He made sure no one felt left behind.
Some things to note:
- Traffic can get a little crazy so anticipate being in the van for at least 3-4 hours
- There’s no swimming on this tour! You get excellent views and it’s so worth it. Just some people in our group thought there was swimming.
Some things to note:
- Traffic can get a little crazy so anticipate being in the van for at least 3-4 hours
- There’s no swimming on this tour! You get excellent views and it’s so worth it. Just some people in our group thought there was swimming.
Written August 24, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ingrid M
3 contributions
Jul 2022 • Solo
As someone who has traveled to El Salvador 10 times before, I was surprised how much I learned on this tour. Francis is an excellent guide and was very friendly. I really enjoyed the hike which was about four hours in total. The restaurant we were brought to in lake Coatepeque was delicious and overlooking the water. I was so impressed that I took another tour with this company with Josue to Routa de las Flores and the Santa Teresa hot springs which was also absolutely gorgeous. If you want to learn a lot and have a great time in El Salvador, i can not say enough good things about this company. 10/10 would recommend.
Written July 5, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lovelybonita
8 contributions
Awesome tour guide Josue he gives history of the Salvordans, encouraging, takes great photos! The beautiful views of the volcanoes, the beautiful crater at the top, lunch at the lake! It is a must book trip! You will not be disappointed. I had an amazing experience and I went solo, but never felt alone! The hike is difficult at the beginning, but later becomes hard and durable as your body adapts to the terrain. When booking the trip ask for JOSUE and remember to wear hiking boots you will not be disappointed!!
Written October 30, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Trystan H
7 contributions
Mar 2024 • Couples
Our guide Gaby was great, gave us a nice history of the country and it's volcanoes en route. The pick up and drop off service is excellent. We were glad we started early 6.15am pick up as when we descended the volcano hundreds of people were coming up, so good to start early! Crater lake is spectacular as are the benched profile of the crater itself. 30 minutes at the top was sufficient time to take it all in. A great day tour experience when in El Salvador!
Written March 25, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hamish S
Savannah, GA14 contributions
Francis is our tour guide, and he was excellent.
He was very punctual, professional and knowledgeable.
The tour itself was amazing, well organised and enjoyable.
The view from the top is breathtaking and Francis knows all the good spots to take photos :-)
The lunch by the lake Afterwards was exactly what the group needed after a four hour hike and the view was phenomenal.
This is a must do in El Salvador.
100% recommended
He was very punctual, professional and knowledgeable.
The tour itself was amazing, well organised and enjoyable.
The view from the top is breathtaking and Francis knows all the good spots to take photos :-)
The lunch by the lake Afterwards was exactly what the group needed after a four hour hike and the view was phenomenal.
This is a must do in El Salvador.
100% recommended
Written January 1, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
shariane
Fairburn, GA600 contributions
This was such a memorable experience! My guide was Josue and he was amazing! He communicated very well with every step of the way for our hike to Santa Ana Volcano. Before our hike I mentioned I haven't had pupusa yet and he made a quick stop for me and it was so delicious. He is even such a great photographer because the surrounding views during this hike was spectacular and he was able to capture those wonderful moments for me. After viewing the beautiful views and sights there was a man selling ice cream and Josue suggested a flavor I wasn't familiar with called zapote. It was so freaking delicious. After our hike we headed over to a local restaurant with beautiful breathtaking views of lake coatepeque from above. I had Josue suggest a meal for me since the menu was in Spanish and also a local beer. The meal was absolutely the best food I had while in El Salvador. It was so much I couldn't even finish it and I'm a big eater. I highly suggest this tour especially if you can get Josue as your guide.
Written March 22, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi, would I be able to get transportation from my Airbnb in San Salvador? Or do I have to take an Uber to a specific location?
Written August 24, 2024
In our experience we were picked up near our AirBnB; however, I would recommend reaching out to them directly to see if were you are located can be accommodated. They are quick to respond back.
Written August 25, 2024
Even if we carry our toddler with a hiking backpack, can it be possible to hike with him?
Written May 7, 2024
I'm staying in Santa Ana. Do you offer pick ups here?
Written February 10, 2023
Krista,
I would suggest excluding the Panoramic view of Lake Coatepeque, as it will add an additional 2hrs to the trip. We experience heavy traffic back to the hotel, and I ended up getting to the Hotel in San Salvador at around 7:00pm.
Written June 21, 2022
Would you pick up from Juaya?
We would like to do tour Tuesday please
Written December 26, 2021
Our main goal is to go jet skiing at the lake, is this for sure available?
Written March 17, 2021
¿Cual es el tamaño mínimo de grupo? ¿Hacen tour para una persona?
Written October 8, 2020
El mínimo para visitar es 1 persona y sin límite de viajeros.
Saludos
Written December 12, 2020
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