About the Montecristo National Park tour
Montecristo National Park protects the only cloud forest in El Salvador, in Metapán, 117 km from San Salvador. It sits at El Trifinio, where the borders of Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador meet, near the second-highest point of the country at about 2,400 meters. Its 1,973 hectares are part of the Trifinio Fraternity Biosphere Reserve.
Life in the cloud forest
The park has cypress, oak and pine trees up to 30 meters tall, animals such as squirrels, porcupines and white-tailed deer, and some 275 species of birds. The Garden of a Hundred Years shows more than 100 species of orchids.
Hike to El Trifinio (dry season)
From November to April you can hike to the Trifinio point, about 5 hours round trip, through the most impressive cloud forest in the country, with more chances to see wildlife. It needs a decent fitness level. The trail closes from May to October so the species can rest and breed.
A quieter option
If you prefer something calmer, we visit the colonial area with its museum, a short forest walk and a river with a waterfall, then drive 13 km up through different types of forest to Los Planes and the Garden of a Hundred Years.
See all 7 photos
Highlights
- El Salvador’s only cloud forest
- Hike to El Trifinio, where three countries meet (Nov–Apr)
- More than 100 species of orchids
- Waterfalls and forest trails
- Some 275 species of birds
- Pickup in San Salvador or El Tunco
Montecristo tour itinerary
Hotel or Airbnb pickup
Your guide picks you up in San Salvador or El Tunco.
Montecristo National Park
In the dry season, hike to El Trifinio (about 5 h round trip). Or choose the calmer option: museum, forest walk, waterfall and the Garden of a Hundred Years.
Descent
We start the 13 km drive down; the park closes at 3:00 p.m.
Arrival in San Salvador
Back at your hotel or Airbnb around 5:30 p.m.
Route map
What’s included
Included
- Pickup and drop-off at your hotel or Airbnb in San Salvador or El Tunco
- Transport in a comfortable vehicle
- Professional guide
- All entrance fees
- Small group
Not included
- Lunch, snacks and drinks
- Bottled water
- Tips (optional)
Prices
| Group size | Per person |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $199 |
| 2 people | $130 |
| 3 people | $118 |
| 4 people | $110 |
| 5 people | $106 |
| 6 to 10 people | from $80 |
Traveling solo? The price drops to $130 if other travelers join your date.
Montecristo tour: common questions
Can I hike to El Trifinio all year?+
No. The Trifinio trail is open only in the dry season, from November to April. From May to October we do the calmer option.
How hard is the Trifinio hike?+
About 5 hours round trip in the mountains. You need a decent fitness level and good shoes.
Is lunch included?+
No. Bring a packed lunch and snacks; we can stop on the way to buy food.
Why does the tour start so early?+
The park is about 2 hours away and closes at 3:00 p.m., so we arrive early to have time on the trails.
How do I book and pay?+
You can book through our website and pay by credit or debit card.
Can I join if I’m traveling solo?+
Absolutely. We’ll add you to an existing group. Send us a WhatsApp with your date.
Before you go
- Hiking shoes or comfortable shoes for rough ground
- A warm layer, the cloud forest is cool
- Water and a packed lunch
- Sunscreen and a hat
- A poncho in the rainy season
- A camera for the orchids and birds
What travelers say
“Rafa took us to so many places I never would’ve been able to do on my own. He was a perfect guide, able to answer any questions but also giving space to enjoy and have fun.”
- “Best last day :)”
- “Professional Driving Skills”
- “A beautiful experience”