Of the 170 volcanoes in El Salvador, only one made it onto the country’s (now defunct) banknotes and stamps, and that was Izalco. After spending almost 200 years erupting, Izalco finally quietened down in 1966. Now part of the Cerro Verde National Park, Izalco sits alongside Santa Ana Volcano (Ilamatepec) and Cerro Verde Volcano.
Best known for its cone-shaped peak, Izalco is especially impressive when viewed from the top of Santa Ana, the park’s most popular volcano to climb. A much tougher trek, hiking Izalco also requires an official guide. Unfortunately, this means both peaks cannot be submitted in one day, although accommodation is available at the park if you feel like a two-day volcano hiking spree. You can also hop on the local bus out or join a tour from Santa Ana and swing by Lake Coatepeque for a post-hike swim in an ancient volcanic caldera.