Selecting Destinations - Izalco and Santa Ana Volcanoes - El Salvador

From wilderness hikes blog  http://www.wildernesshikes.net/2012/10/izalco-santa-ana-volcano-el-salvador.html

Izalco and Santa Ana Volcanoes - El Salvador

Parque Nacional Los Volcanoes, just 90 minutes from San Salvador houses three of El Salvador's most famous volcanoes: Volcan de Izalco, Cerro Verde, and Volcan de Santa Ana (Ilamatepec). At 2381 metres (7,812 feet) Santa Ana is also the highest volcano in the country.

View of the volcanoes from the roadside. From left to right: Izalco, Cerro Verde, Santa Ana

The whole area used to be considered very dangerous (hiking alone is still not advised), but there is now a lot more infrastructure, with a car park and basic facilities on Cerro Verde. The road up to the car park also offers fantastic views over the nearby crater lake Lago de Coatepeque. Guides and guards leave the car park to climb Izalco at 11am every day and cost a dollar per person. It is still kind of strange climbing a volcano with an armed policeman though!

Very famous view of Izalco from the viewpoint at the Cerro Verde car park

Although it is open to anybody, the Izalco climb is pretty tough - at least 4 hours. The initial quarter - an easy descent down 1300 steps through shaded forest - doesn't prepare you for the long climb up Izalco's steep scree slopes (and comes back to haunt you in the final stages when you must climb back up all those steps to return to the car park). Izalco - previously known as the Lighthouse of the Pacific for its constant lava flows - last erupted in 1966. The lava from that flow can still be seen from the summit, flowing down towards the Pacific Ocean on the south side. On the summit steam vents are still active and seem to attract strange brightly coloured insects.

It used to be possible to slide down Izalco's scree, bringing you to the bottom in just a few minutes, but the practice has now been banned and you must walk back down the same path.

Steep slopes to Izalco's summit

Volcan de Santa Ana is El Salvador's highest volcano and is accessible on foot from Cerro Verde, or via a road just before the car park. There are several campsites in the area making it possible to climb both volcanoes in a weekend. Casa Crystal and Campo Bello - both of which also have basic cabins - are popular.

Campo Bello camp site

Like Izalco, guards leave the Santa Ana park gate at 11am each day. Unlike Izalco, the climb is relatively easy, with no really steep sections. The first half of the half climbs gently through forest, following numbered signs to a mirador (viewpoint) (being refurbished as of October 2012). A short while later the forest ends and you emerge onto the volcano side, surrounded by long grass and the strange looking agave plants (apparently they flower once and then die).

Flowering agave plant

After another 45 minutes the bare upper slopes of the volcano are crossed and - weather permitting - there are magnificent views over Lago Coatepeque and the down into the volcano crater lake. Santa Ana is still active and most of the time vents can be spotted on the inner walls, with bubbles and steam rising from the lake. The scale is incredible - you really need somebody to walk part way round the crater to get a true appreciation of just how deep it is.

After taking lunch on the summit you return down the same path, taking around an hour.

Santa Ana crater lake

Santa Ana crater lake

Santa Ana summit panorama

View more photos from Izalco and Santa Ana.

From TripAdvisor http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g294475-i3217-k3047260-Climbing_the_Izalco_and_Santa_Ana_volcano-El_Salvador.html  

Selecting Destinations - Volcán Acatenango

From wilderness hikes site http://www.wildernesshikes.net/2012/05/climbing-volcan-acatenango.html

Climbing Volcan Acatenango, Guatemala

Volcan Acatenango (13045 ft / 3976m) is one of three volcanoes overlooking Antigua, Guatemala. It is joined to its nearest neighbour - Volcan Fuego (Fire Volcano) by a short saddle. Fuego is known for its frequent volcanic activity (both minor ash clouds and major eruptions) which can be clearly seen from the surrounding area.

To climb Acatenango we started at 6am from just outside Antigua, and quickly drove around the volcano to start the ascent from the far side. In the clear morning air we could see as far as the volcanoes around Lago Attilan, about 30 miles away.

Early morning start

After a long, steep hike through farm land, jungle, and then into pine forest and up switchbacks, the path splits at a run down campsite where we took a short break. From here you can proceed straight up the secondary peak (Yepocapa 3880 m) and back down the other side, direct to Acantenango summit. Alternatively, you can take the easier route around Yepocapa and then head straight for the main summit. We choose the latter.

View towards Volcano Agua

Rounding Yepocapa the grassland quickly changes to dust and then scree, and before you know it you are on the saddle and ready to tackle the summit ridge. All the time you are treated to panoramic views over Antigua and Volcan Agua across the valley, and down to the towns below - Antigua and Antigua Viejo.

Reaching the saddle

Final scree slopes

At that moment, just as we climbed the final scree slope and take Acatenago's summit, Volcan Fuego sent us a small reminder that this isn't the only volcano in the area....at this distance Fuego's ash cloud was already well into the air by the time the sound reached us. Fuego - only a few kilometres away - continued to belch ash at regular intervals the whole time we were on the summit (two weeks later it would erupt significantly, causing havoc in Antigua).

Acantenago's large summit plateau is a peaceful, barren place. It reminded me of Armstrong's words on the lunar surface - "It has a stark beauty all of its own". From the dusty summit there are spectacular views for miles and, of course, a close up view of Volcan Fuego. The altitude (13045 ft / 3976m) really becomes apparent for the first time - above the clouds, with unhindered views and cold air despite a fierce sun.

Acatenango's summit plateau

Volcan Fuego erupting

Volcan Fuego erupting close up

Acatenango summit marker

Acatenango summit (13045 ft / 3976m)

Acatenango summit panorama: left Volcan Agua, right Volcan Fuego

Comments from TripAdvisor http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g295366-d1997239-Reviews-Acatenango_Volcano-Antigua_Sacatepequez_Department.html


Did the hike with six friends from the Spanish school with two really good guides from the Old Town Outfitters (Arnold and Pablo).
The hike was during two days. Camping about 300 meters from the peak. Woke up at 4:30AM to climb to the top and see the sunrise above the clouds with the Vulcan de Agua in the middle!
BEST SUNRISE I SAW!!!
during the night we also witnessed 3 eruptions of the Fuego Vulcan which is active one, it was just amazing see that eruptions!!!!
The way is really beautiful with lots of flowers, plants, trees defiantly the most beautiful and impressive Vulcan I hiked (Hiked also the Telica, Mombacho, Maderas and San-Cristobal in Nicaragua, Baru in Panama)
So if you are not lazy and love challenges and nature it is for you!!

the best of the volcano is the view from the top and the fire from the fire volcano, i suggest to climb it at 12am from antigua and get on top at 05am! for sunrise, some times is cloudy!

Hiking Acatenango is one of my most cherished memories. It was rigorous and rewarding. Being able to see the sunset as Fuego was erupting in the distance was a memory I'll never forget! It's not easy - and going down can be more difficult than going up. If you have a lot of gear, I recommend hiring a local Guatemalan (at the bottom of the volcano) to help you carry it. It's fairly inexpensive and can make the experience a lot better for you and your friends/loved ones.

Climbing Acatenango is a wonderful adventure for an experienced hiker, but don't take it lightly. It is an all day hike, and is strenuous. We started at 6am and concluded about 5pm. Highly recommended for those who are in shape. If you're not in shape, enjoy the volcano from afar.

Don't miss the chance to climb Volcan Acatenango! I highly recommend the overnight trek with OX (Outdoor Excursions). The hike up is terrific, much through lush cloud forest (make sure you are in very good physical condition, though!). Above treeline is spectacular with incredible views of surrounding volcanoes. We summited at 4 am and were able to watch Volcan Fuego erupt and see the gorgeous sunrise. What an amazing experience! Our guide was great (and spoke English) and the food was very good as well (but bring snacks!). It's EXTREMELY cold at the top, however, so bring a down jacket and wool socks!

My husband and I climbed Acatenago in one day with the tourist agency just across from Ox. We paid $55 for transport and an additional $35 for a local guide (Spanish speaking only). Transport was on time picking us up at 5am and the local guide was ready when we arrived at the base. The local guide was very nice and patient with us, but I can imagine this could vary depending on who goes with you. (We did need the guide as the start is through a maze of fields). 

It is a TOUGH hike up, especially in one day, and my husband and I both suffered from altitude sickness unsurprisingly. If you climb volcanoes and know what you are in for in terms of effort this is a must do, but likely better to do the camping option to ensure you adjust (although you have to carry all the stuff....so I guess have to choose the worse of two evils)

We were in the end glad we did it, but did suffer quite a bit afterwards both spiking huge fevers a few hours after our descent. It took us about 7 hours to climb (4-4.5 to get up and 3 to 2.5 hrs to get down). If you do do it, be sure to bring something warm it is COLD and windy on top and you want to make sure you enjoy the view!!!

Booked this with Ox basecamp Hostel, some of us took porters up to carry our bags as its a tough hike up as it is without the 30 pound bags, but we needed to carry them down (about 7 hrs up and 3.5 hrs down). We were lucky enough to get a clear view of Volcan Fuego and plumes of smoke, sunset was amazing. The hike up for sunrise starts at around 3am and as its in the dark need headlamps as these are not provided

If you're in Guatemala and enjoy outdoor adventure, then you must hike Acatenango! While the climb is difficult, it is worth it and the views from the summit are absolutely incredible. I would strongly suggest getting a guide and going up with a group, just as a safety precaution. Old Town Outfitters takes groups up to the peak every Friday and their guides are knowledgeable, friendly, and speak both Spanish and English. This is a journey you should not pass up!

6 Year Anniversary for Backroads across America

This will be the 6th year for Backroads Across America.

• 2009 Road trip across America - Arizona to Georgia -- http://backroadsacrossamerica.blogspot.com/ 
• 2010 Vancouver and Stargate
• 2012 Trekking across Costa Rica -- http://costaricawildernesstravels.blogspot.com/ 
• 2012 Wilderness Backpacking through Yellowstone -- https://www.facebook.com/pages/Back-Roads-Across-America/473510356009744 
• 2013 Wilderness Backpacking through Glacier National Park

And this year we are traveling to Guatemala.  

This blog will initially explore places we may want to visit as we decide on our itinerary