Santa Ana Volcano, El Salvador's highest active volcano, offers a rewarding hike to its stunning turquoise crater lake. Accessibility to the trailhead often requires transport from nearby towns like Santa Ana or Juayúa, with the trail itself being of moderate difficulty, involving some steep and rocky sections. Importantly, all visitors are required to be accompanied by a local guide for safety reasons, making solo visits to the crater rim effectively impossible without joining a guided group. The best time to visit is during the dry season (November to April) for clearer views and safer trails, as the wet season can bring rain and fog. The approximate cost includes a park entrance fee (a few USD) and a mandatory guide fee (typically a couple of USD per person for group tours), plus transportation. A typical visit duration for the round-trip hike to the crater rim is about 3-4 hours, though a full day should be allocated when accounting for travel and enjoying the panoramic views of Lake Coatepeque and Izalco Volcano from the summit. Remember to bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and appropriate footwear.