The Cerro Verde National Park El Salvador is a natural protected area with three volcanoes, a great climate, incredible views, and beautiful trails for exploring the diverse species of flora and fauna.
The National Park, which sits at about 2,000 meters above sea level, is an excellent destination for relaxing while walking the trails, having a picnic, or enjoying the pleasant weather.
National Park Cerro Verde has stunning viewpoints from which visitors can appreciate the magnificent Santa Ana and Izalco stratovolcanoes. Also, the Coatepeque lake, the Pacific ocean, and the towns in the surrounding area.
The Cerro Verde National Park is located in the department of Santa Ana, 77 kilometers from San Salvador. It was founded by Mr. Raul Contreras and opened to the public in 1955. The park is part of the “Los Volcanes Complex.” An area intended for the conservation of the environment in El Salvador.
Because of its volcanoes, trails, viewpoints, flora, and fauna, local and foreign tourists alike visit and explore the Cerro Verde National park all the time.
The Volcanoes at Cerro Verde National Park
Cerro Verde National park is home to three unique volcanoes. Izalco, and Santa Ana or Ilamatepec are stratovolcanoes. The third volcano is Cerro Verde, a flattened volcano covered by dense forest that looks more like a hill than a volcano.
Izalco volcano, also known as the lighthouse of the Pacific, is a stratovolcano popular with hikers who want to reach the summit. This volcano is visible from a distance as it barely has any vegetation. Izalco is one of the youngest volcanoes in the world; its last eruption was in 1966,
The Santa Ana Volcano or Ilamatepec is also a stratovolcano popular with hikers. This volcano is well-liked for the astonishing views from the summit and the sulfur lagoon inside the volcanic crater. Santa Ana is the tallest volcano in the country; it sits at over 2,375 meters above sea level.
Cerro Verde is the third volcano at this park; it looks more like a hill covered by forest than an actual volcano. The last time it erupted was over 25,000 years ago.
Over time, Cerro Verde’s volcanic crater eroded; it is now covered by dense forest. Some visitors at the park don’t realize that they are walking inside a volcano crater.
The Trails at the Cerro Verde National Park
Now for those who like walking or hiking, this Park has ideal trails for all types of visitors to explore. There are three main trails, one that leads to the Santa Ana or Ilamatepec volcano, another to the Izalco volcano, and one that goes through the Cerro Verde volcano.
The Izalco and Santa Ana volcano trails are used mainly by those planning to reach the summit of the volcanoes. Any group or individual using these two trails has to be accompanied by a park guide.
The trail that goes through the Cerro Verde volcano is for visitors looking to enjoy nature. Visitants looking to appreciate the local flora and fauna and the views of the other two volcanoes use this trail.
The Views from the Cerro Verde Park
At this Park, you will have fantastic views of the volcanoes, Lake Coatepeque, the Pacific Ocean, and the nearby towns. If you reach the summit at either Izalco or Santa Ana volcano, the views will get even better.
There are many lookout points around the Park; it’s impossible to list them here. All I can say is that the views from any of these viewpoints are simply stunning.
Cerro Verde’s Flora and Fauna
Because of its climate, National Park Cerro Verde has abundant flora and fauna; the area is green almost the entire year. In this protected area, visitors could find many different types of plants associated with misty forests or cold zone vegetation.
Additionally, Cerro Verde has plenty of fauna; here, visitors would be able to get a closer look at the many species of wildlife that call this park home.
There are many species of animals living in the park; among them are many types of birds, amphibians, reptiles, and a wide variety of insects. These are some of the animals that you might see at the park, coyotes, foxes, hawks, and black eagles, among others.
For anyone who likes nature, the Cerro Verde National park, with its spectacular flora and fauna, is an ideal location to visit and explore.
Accommodations at Cerro Verde
The Cerro Verde Park is located near big cities such as San Salvador, Santa Ana, and Santa Tecla. Moreover, smaller popular towns like Juayua, Ataco, or Nahuizalco are nearby.
Most people visiting Cerro Verde stay in the towns mentioned above and take daily trips to the park. Nevertheless, if you want to stay closer to the park and enjoy nature, here are some options for you to consider.
Bosques del Tibet, Cabañas Campo Bello, El Tibet, and hostel La Casona de Los Vega are some great options. Yet, these hotels or hostels are not the only ones available; I am sure you could find others in the area.
Cerro Verde National Park in El Salvador
It is hard to explain the beauty of this park in simple words; to fully appreciate and experience Cerro Verde, you must do it in person. I am sure that if you visit the park, you will have lots of stories and photos to share with family and friends.
Travel to El Salvador and visit the Cerro Verde or one of the other National Parks in El Salvador.
