About the Cerro Verde and Mayan Route combo
This combo tour is ideal if you have little time in El Salvador. In one day you see the volcanoes from Cerro Verde National Park, have lunch at Lake Coatepeque and visit two of the most important Maya sites in the country: San Andrés and Joya de Cerén.
Cerro Verde National Park
Cerro Verde is an extinct volcano covered in cloud forest, home to hundreds of species of birds, mammals and plants. A local guide takes us along the park trails, about 45 minutes, with views of Izalco and Santa Ana volcanoes. We do not climb the volcanoes on this tour.
Lake Coatepeque
Next, we stop for lunch with a view of Lake Coatepeque, the most beautiful lake in the country (lunch not included). Bring a swimsuit if you want a quick swim.
San Andrés
San Andrés was a political and ceremonial center in the late Classic period. We visit its museum, which also tells the story of a colonial indigo factory found on the site, and the acropolis that dominated the Zapotitán valley.
Joya de Cerén
Finally, Joya de Cerén, the only UNESCO site in El Salvador. Known as the “Pompeii of the Americas”, it is a Maya farming village buried by volcanic ash 1,400 years ago, with its houses, storerooms, fields and temazcal sauna.
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Highlights
- Volcano views from Cerro Verde National Park
- A walk in the cloud forest
- Lunch with a view of Lake Coatepeque
- The acropolis and museum of San Andrés
- Joya de Cerén, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Easy walking, good for all ages
Combo tour itinerary
Hotel or Airbnb pickup
Your guide picks you up at your hotel or Airbnb in San Salvador.
Cerro Verde National Park
A 45-minute walk on the park trails with views of the volcanoes.
Lake Coatepeque
Lunch with a view of the lake (not included) and time for a quick swim.
San Andrés
Visit the museum and the acropolis of San Andrés.
Joya de Cerén
Visit the museum and the houses of the Maya village buried by ash.
Return
We drive back to San Salvador, about an hour.
Route map
What’s included
Included
- Pickup and drop-off at your hotel or Airbnb in San Salvador
- Transport in a comfortable vehicle
- Bilingual guide
- Entrance to Cerro Verde, San Andrés and Joya de Cerén
- Small group
Not included
- Lunch, snacks and drinks
- Souvenirs
- Tips (optional)
Prices
| Group size | Per person |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $180 |
| 2 people | $111 |
| 3 people | $98 |
| 4 to 5 people | $91 |
| 6 to 10 people | $86 |
Traveling solo? The price drops to $111 if other travelers join your date.
Combo tour: common questions
Do we climb the volcanoes?+
No. At Cerro Verde we walk the park trails and see Izalco and Santa Ana volcanoes from the viewpoints.
Is lunch included?+
No. We stop at a restaurant by Lake Coatepeque where you can buy Salvadoran dishes.
Is the tour good for all ages?+
Yes. It involves light walking and no intense physical activity, so it suits families, kids and older travelers.
Are the sites wheelchair accessible?+
Some areas have uneven ground or stairs, so access may be limited for travelers with reduced mobility.
How long is the tour?+
About 8 to 9 hours, depending on the pace of the group and traffic.
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
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Sunscreen and a hat
- A light jacket, it is cooler at Cerro Verde
- Insect repellent
- Swimsuit if you want a dip in the lake
- Cash for lunch and souvenirs
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”