One of the most beautiful viewpoints in El Salvador is Mirador Espíritu de la Montaña, situated on the Conchagua volcano. This inactive volcano is located in the southeast of El Salvador, near the border with Nicaragua. From an altitude of 1200 meters you have a 360-degree view of the Gulf of Fonseca, overlooking the islands of El Salvador, Honduras and Nicaragua and the volcano itself. An unforgettable view where you can take the most beautiful photos. Moreover, this viewpoint is also easy to reach. In this article you can read more about the Conchagua volcano in La Union, El Salvador and I will tell you everything you want to know about a visit, including tips for camping and transportation
Conchagua volcano in El Salvador
Conchagua is an inactive stratovolcano located in La Union, southeastern El Salvador near the border with Nicaragua. The 1225-meter-high volcano consists of two peaks, Cerro del Ocote and Cerro de la Bandera, and a crater hidden under vegetation. The Conchagua volcano is located on the Gulf of Fonseca and is surrounded by forests.
Conchagua means flying jaguar in the Lenca language, a pre-Columbian culture that lived in eastern El Salvador and large parts of Honduras (before Spanish colonization). It would therefore have been the home of the Lenca people and the sacred place of goddess Comizahual, an indigenous Jaguar princess.
The viewpoint
From the viewpoint, Mirador Espíritu de la Montaña, located on the Conchagua volcano, you have an amazing view of the Gulf of Fonseca with volcanic islands such as Meanguera, Conchaguita, Martín Pérez in El Salvador, El Tigre in Honduras and Cosigüina in Nicaragua.
There is a platform where you can walk around and admire the view from different sides. On a clear day you can even see large parts of Honduras and Nicaragua. Therefore, allow enough time for your visit. The Conchagua volcano is one of the things to do in El Salvador that you should not miss in my opinion.
Espíritu de la Montaña means the spirit of the mountain because, according to legend, a spirit lives there. When the construction of the viewpoint started, strange things happened: Workers got sick and materials broke. It was decided to organize a ceremony where official permission was requested to create the viewpoint as you find it today.
Conchagua volcano camping
It is also possible to go camping on the platform of the Conchagua volcano (2023). Something I haven’t done myself, but it truly looks fantastic to me. The starry sky and the sunrise the next day must be magical to observe. Be sure to make a reservation on time, because space is limited. Don’t want to go camping on he Conchagua volcano but want to spend the night nearby? Then you can book a hotel in La Union. This is an overview with prices and availability for hotels in La Union.
Do you want to visit the Conchagua volcano? Check out prices and availability here.
How to reach the Conchagua volcano in El Salvador
From San Salvador you drive in about 3.5 hours on the highway litoral to the city of La Union, your startingpoint for a visit to the Conchagua volcano. Special transportaion drives up the volcano several times a day. This ride takes about 45 minutes. (2023). However, you must make a reservation in advance. In addition, you have to pay an entrance fee.
You can also go up the volcano by your own car. Make sure you do this with a four-wheel drive, a normal car will not make it because of the bumpy and steep road. Are you a hiker? Then you can also walk up the mountain. Something I don’t recommended because you walk along the normal road for the most part.
Do you want to make it easy and comfortable? Then you can also book a guided tour, where transportation is included. That way you don’t have to sort anything out in advance and you can enjoy the experience to the fullest.
What to bring
Keep in mind that it is more cool on top of the volcano than below. Something that is not bad at all, given the warm temperatures. But if it is cloudy, it can really cool down. So bring something warm with you. And don’t forget sunscreen and mosquito repellent. Even though there is a small shop, it is recommended to take enough water and snacks with you. If you go camping, you have of course to be prepared for an overnight stay. With a Conchagua volcano tour, your camping gear is included.
Bitcoin city
Did you know that the area surrounding the Conchagua Volcano, La Union, was selected as the location for the future Bitcoin City in El Salvador? A project that aims to use the volcano’s energy to power its infrastructure, as well as the mining of cryptocurrencies. It should become a tax haven for entrepreneurs. Perhaps you can already see more of this new urban project during your visit to Conchagua.
More about the Conchagua vulkaan
Do you want to know more about a visit to the Conchagua volcano in El Salvador? Check out the facebook page. Do you want to travel comfortable? Check the prices and availability and book your tour here.
El Salvador is a hidden gem with beautiful beaches, shimmering lakes, volcanoes you can climb, national parks and pretty colonial villages. In the next article you will find the best things to do in El Salvador.
More hotels in El Salvador
In every country I look out for the most beautiful and unique place to stay. Interior design, a nice atmosphere, a lovely setting and good service are important topics for me, when choosing a hotel. In addition, I like to support the locals and love a sustainable approach around a hotel. Are you curious about my favorite hotels in El Salvador? In the next article you will find an overview of the best boutique hotels in El Salvador.
More about El Salvador
Did you enjoy reading this article about the Conchagua volcano? El Salvador is a small country in Central America with so much to offer. Let me take you on a journey along the most beautiful destinations and things to do in El Salvador. In the next article you will find my El Salvador travel guides with lots of inspiration and tips.
- Best things to do in El Salvador
- El Salvador itinerary
- San Salvador travel guide
- Things to do in Suchitoto – a comprehensive travel guide
- Santa Ana city guide
- Ruta de las Flores – everything you want to know
- Boutique hotels in El Salvador
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