The crater of the San Salvador Volcano at 1,800 m above sea level: 1.5 km across and 558 m deep, with the "Boqueroncito" cone inside it (formed by the 1917 eruption). A Natural Heritage site managed by ISTU.
💡 Getting there: 18 km from San Salvador on the Carretera al Boquerón (45 min by car). On-site parking: free on the street or $1/hour for paid. 🕐 Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Closed Mondays. 💴 Entry: $2 USD per person. Official ISTU site (istu.gob.sv · 7509-1664). 🎯 Activities: a ~10-min walk to the crater overlook with a glass floor, a hiking trail along the rim, picnic areas, a café and a local crafts shop. 👨👩👧 Tips: great for families (playground), wheelchair-accessible at the parking area, dogs allowed. Arrive early to beat the clouds that cover the view at midday. ⭐ What stands out: cool high-altitude climate, the view into the crater from the glass floor, how safe the walk is, crafts from Panchimalco and traditional atoles. Rated 4.7/5 (7,000+ reviews).
Do I need my own vehicle?
Not essential. There are buses from San Salvador (Route 103) to Santa Tecla and then a microbus to Boquerón. By vehicle it's more comfortable and faster.