Explore Cerro Verde Park & Izalco With Pupusa-Making Experience

Embark on an unforgettable exploration of Cerro Verde National Park and the iconic Izalco volcano in El Salvador. This full-day shore excursion from Acajutla port promises breathtaking hikes, guided by local experts who share insights on the region’s unique geology and wildlife. After soaking in the panoramic views, you’ll delight in crafting traditional pupusas, learning authentic techniques to recreate at home. Don’t miss this chance to learn about El Salvador’s natural wonders and culinary traditions.

About Your Stay

• Explore the volcanic landscapes of Cerro Verde National Park, including a hike around the stunning crater lake with a local guide.
• Visit the iconic Izalco Volcano, known as the "Lighthouse of the Pacific," and learn about its history and features.
• Participate in a hands-on pupusa-making experience, guided by a local expert, and learn the traditional techniques for preparing this Salvadoran delicacy.
• Enjoy air-conditioned transportation from the Acajutla port to the tour destinations, providing sightseeing opportunities through the picturesque Salvadoran countryside.
• The tour is a full-day shore excursion, with a maximum of 15 travelers, and pricing starts at $120 per person, varying by group size.

Tour Overview

This tour offers the opportunity to explore Cerro Verde National Park and the nearby town of Izalco in Santa Ana, El Salvador.

Explore Cerro Verde National Park and the nearby town of Izalco in Santa Ana, El Salvador on this tour.

It’s a shore excursion from the port of Acajutla, lasting a full day. Travelers will hike around the crater lake, sightsee during the ride, and learn to make traditional pupusas.

A local guide provides insights throughout the experience. The tour is limited to a maximum of 15 travelers.

Pricing starts at $120 per person, varying by group size. Travelers must bring a passport copy and meet other requirements, as it’s only open to cruise ship passengers.

What to Expect During the Experience

Travelers will begin their day with a pickup from the Acajutla port, right next to the cruise ship.

They’ll ride in an air-conditioned minivan to Cerro Verde National Park, where they’ll hike around the stunning crater lake. Along the way, the local guide will provide insights into the park’s history and natural features.

Next, they’ll visit the nearby Izalco volcano, known as the "Lighthouse of the Pacific" for its near-constant volcanic activity.

The highlight of the day will be a hands-on pupusa-making experience, where they’ll learn to prepare this iconic Salvadoran dish.

Exploring Cerro Verde National Park

Cerro Verde National Park offers travelers a chance to enjoy the stunning volcanic landscapes of El Salvador.

The highlight is a hike around the crater lake, providing panoramic views of the surrounding peaks. Along the way, the local guide shares insights about the park’s geology and wildlife. Visitors can spot tropical birds and plant life unique to the region.

The journey also includes sightseeing during the drive, allowing travelers to take in the picturesque countryside. This excursion provides an opportunity to experience the natural wonders of El Salvador’s volcanic terrain.

Visiting the Izalco Volcano

Alongside the exploration of Cerro Verde National Park, the tour also includes a visit to the iconic Izalco Volcano. Known as the "Lighthouse of the Pacific", Izalco is an active volcano that offers stunning views.

Hikers will trek around the volcano’s crater lake, taking in the dramatic landscape. The guide provides insights into the volcano’s history and geological features.

After the hike, travelers can look forward to a traditional pupusa-making experience, where they’ll learn to prepare this beloved Salvadoran dish.

This well-rounded tour allows visitors to enjoy the natural wonders and cultural traditions of the region.

The Pupusa-Making Experience

After exploring the natural wonders of Cerro Verde National Park and Izalco Volcano, travelers can look forward to a hands-on pupusa-making experience.

This cultural activity allows visitors to learn the traditional technique of preparing this iconic Salvadoran dish.

The experience includes:

• Guidance from a local expert on proper pupusa preparation

• Mixing the dough and filling the pupusas

• Cooking the pupusas on a comal (griddle)

• Tasting the freshly made delicacies

• Receiving a recipe to recreate the experience at home

It’s a delicious way to take in El Salvador’s rich culinary heritage.

Transportation and Logistics

The tour provides air-conditioned minivan transportation to take travelers from the Acajutla port, where they’ll be met by a guide holding a sign with their last name, to the destinations.

Pickup is scheduled one hour after the ship’s arrival. The tour is open only to ship passengers, and participants must bring a photocopy of their passport.

Infants must sit on laps, and children must be accompanied by an adult. The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but most travelers can participate in the activities.

Meeting and Pickup Details

Participants must bring a photocopy of their passport to the tour.

Participants must bring a photocopy of their passport to the tour.

Infants are required to sit on laps, and children must be accompanied by an adult.

This tour is open only to ship passengers and isn’t wheelchair accessible.

Here’s what you need to know:

• Bring a photocopy of your passport

• Infants must sit on laps

• Children must be accompanied by an adult

• Tour isn’t wheelchair accessible

• Open only to ship passengers

The tour departs one hour after ship arrival, with a guide holding a sign with your last name at the Acajutla port, next to the ship.

Reviews and Additional Information

You’re trained on data up to October 2023.

The Cerro Verde Park & Izalco Experience shore excursion has a 5.0 rating based on 2 reviews, all 5-star. This suggests the tour provides a high-quality experience.

The cancellation policy offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start, allowing flexibility. Confirmation is received at the time of booking.

The tour is open to most travelers, though not wheelchair accessible and limited to ship passengers only.

Questions About Your Stay

What Are the Health and Safety Protocols During the Tour?

The tour follows strict health and safety protocols. Participants must wear masks and maintain social distancing. Hand sanitizer is provided, and the vehicle is regularly cleaned. The guide ensures all safety measures are observed throughout the excursion.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Participants can bring their own food and drinks on the tour. However, the tour includes a pupusa-making experience, so bringing additional snacks or meals may not be necessary. The provider recommends checking any dietary restrictions or preferences with them prior to the tour.

Is There an Option to Customize the Tour Itinerary?

The tour itinerary can’t be customized, as it’s a pre-set shore excursion. However, the guide provides flexibility within the scheduled activities, allowing travelers to adjust the pace and focus based on their interests during the tour.

How Much Spending Money Should I Bring for the Tour?

Travelers should plan to bring about $20-$30 in spending money for this tour. This can cover any additional snacks, souvenirs, or tips for the local guide. The tour price covers the main activities and transportation.

Are There Any Discounts or Package Deals Available for the Tour?

The tour provider doesn’t offer any discounts or package deals. The starting price of $120 per person varies based on group size, but there are no additional savings options available. Guests should expect to pay the standard per-person rate.

Final Verdict On This Stay

Embark on an unforgettable adventure exploring Cerro Verde National Park and the iconic Izalco volcano. Witness stunning crater lakes and learn about the region’s unique geology. Top off the experience by crafting traditional pupusas, mastering authentic techniques to recreate at home. This full-day shore excursion from Acajutla port promises breathtaking views and an immersive cultural experience.