* A Different Perspective *: Volcanoes and Crater Lakes

My favorite place in El Salvador so far is Lago de Coatepeque, a 3 1/2 mile wide volcanic crater lake where swimming, tubing, and relaxing is the norm. The lake is incredibly deep - around 400 feet. We've been there 3 times so far, and I'm sure we'll visit many more times over the next 3 1/2 years. It's only 45 minutes away, so you can go for the day or stay the night in one of the many houses along the lake.

This last time we decided to join a group of friends and hike up Santa Ana Volcano, the highest volcano in the country at around 7,800 feet, before heading to a friend's house in Lago de Coatepeque.

View of Lago de Coatepeque from Santa Ana Volcano

The three volcanoes: Izalco (farthest away), Cerro Verde (center), and the top of Santa Ana

Santa Ana's volcanic crater contains a bright green crater lake (I swear I did not edit these photos; the crater lake is really that color).

We did it! It was a moderately easy hike that took about 2 hours each way - and it was totally worth it!

View of Lago de Coatepeque from the top of the volcano - we were looking forward to jumping in that lake after the hike!

Lago de Coatepeque at sunset

More Lago de Coatepeque photos from different angles

Our good friend has a beautiful house on the lake where we can spend the night. He has a little floating dock where we attach the relaxation station (floating device) and just relax on the water. It's pretty amazing.