Izalco Volcano

Izalco began erupting in 1770 from a vent in a field and built a cone of around 650 metres above the surrounding ground over the following two centuries, erupting more or less continuously and glowing at night, which is why ships used it as a navigation mark and it acquired the name Lighthouse of the Pacific. The activity stopped in 1966. What remains is a young, almost unvegetated cone of black scoria and lava. It is climbed from Cerro Verde: the route drops several hundred metres from the park to the saddle and then climbs the cone on loose scree, which is hard work up and fast down, with the crater and a view over the group from the top.

What you actually see

• The black cone - the bare scoria slopes of the young volcano.
• The crater - the summit vent, now inactive.
• The scree climb - the loose ascent from the saddle.
• The volcano group - Santa Ana and Cerro Verde from the summit.

When to go

November to April for firm footing and clear views. Ascents leave Cerro Verde at a fixed morning time with a guide. Cloud can cover the cone from mid-morning. Start early.

Honest expectations

The climb involves losing height first and regaining it on the way back, so the return is harder than the outward leg. The scree is loose and tiring, and footwear matters. Guided departure is at one fixed time. There is no shade or water on the cone.

Nearby

Cerro Verde is the trailhead; Santa Ana volcano is the other ascent.