We climbed El Salvador's highest volcano!!

Early wake-up this morning. Diane let herself be convinced to do the climb with me.

We both felt quite a bit of apprehension, not sure about our fitness to attempt this 6-hour, 6-mile treacherous round trip hike up the Santa Ana, also known as Ilamatepec.

I’m glad to report that we made it, although we are as exhausted as we are exhilarated.

It is mandatory to hire a guide for the climb, but since none were available we were offered the opportunity to join another family of four.

The climb took us through different biospheres. We started in the thick canopy of rain forest, which eventually gave way to semi-desert scrubland, and ultimately to the rocky, lifeless terrain you’d expect to find atop an active volcano (its last eruption was 10 years ago).

Think you have it rough? A 59-year old man does the climb daily, 6 days a week, along with his two dogs, with a cooler filled with popsicles, weighing by his claim, 175 lbs., to sell to the few souls that venture up there. Approximately 50 to 75 people make the climb on each given day. Once back, we gave this man a ride to his place, and he was most appreciative for it.

Once on top, we were rewarded for our efforts with a most magnificent sight. Inside of the crater a sulfurous turquoise lake provided a true spectacle for the senses. People say that they’ve climbed many a volcano, but none as spectacular on the inside as the Santa Ana. Albeit quite hazy, from the top you can also enjoy a view (clouds permitting) of Lake Coatepeque, in the distance. While on the rim, the crater’s water began to bubble, reminding us that we can never take anything for granted, including safety.

The descent, as expected did not take as long as the climb. Lucky for us, we reached bottom before the sky, once again, opened up.

We had a 2-hour drive to look forward to, which would bring us to our new hotel, on the coast, at Playa Shalpa for a couple of days of R&R. On the way we enjoyed another spectacular, hazy view of Lake Coatepeque.

When we finally made it to the Lagarza hotel, a better sight we never saw. It sits on a cliff overlooking the Pacific.We are looking forward to waking up early and enjoying this latest paradise.