Conchagua Volcano

Conchagua rises to around 1,240 metres above the port of La Union on the Gulf of Fonseca, and the summit is a viewpoint of unusual reach: the gulf spreads out below with its islands, and on a clear day the coasts of Honduras and Nicaragua are both visible across the water along with the Nicaraguan volcanoes beyond. A rough road climbs most of the way and a camping and cabin area operates near the top, with sunrise the reason most people stay overnight, since the air is clearest at dawn and the gulf fills with light. The upper slopes hold pine and oak. The village of Conchagua below has a colonial church.

What you'll find

• The Gulf of Fonseca - the bay and its islands from the summit.
• Three coastlines - El Salvador, Honduras and Nicaragua across the water.
• Sunrise - the reason most visitors camp overnight.
• Pine and oak - the forest on the upper slopes.

When to go

November to April for the clearest air; haze in the dry months and cloud in the rains both limit the view. Sunrise is the best time and means camping or an early start. Nights at the top are cool.

Practical notes

The summit road is rough and needs four-wheel drive for the last section. Facilities are basic camping and simple cabins with charges. Haze often limits the long view. It is cold and windy at the top at night.

Nearby

La Union lies below; Meanguera island is out in the gulf.