Lake Coatepeque
Lake Coatepeque
4.5
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
388 reviews
Excellent
237
Very good
118
Average
26
Poor
5
Terrible
2
Czech Me Out Travels
144 contributions
Jul 2024 • Couples
The lake is beautiful & the water turquoise clear. The view is spectacular from the road going up to Parque Nacional Cerro Verde. On the way there is a look out point ( Mirador) where you can park your car & admire the view from above. At this look out they sell fresh fruit, homemade wines & local coffee produced in the volcano region. You can even sample the wines & liquor before purchasing.
Also when you do the Santa Ana Volcano hike you have an amazing view of the lake as well.
So if you don’t have time to add the Lake to your itinerary if you go to the Volcano Region Cerro Verde you’ll be sure to see if from above & enjoy the view of it.
Also when you do the Santa Ana Volcano hike you have an amazing view of the lake as well.
So if you don’t have time to add the Lake to your itinerary if you go to the Volcano Region Cerro Verde you’ll be sure to see if from above & enjoy the view of it.
Written 8 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TravelingSoccerLoon
Saint Paul, MN5,931 contributions
Sept 2021 • Solo
After hiking Volcan Santa Ana in the Cerro Verde National Park, we stopped at one of the many open air restaurant/grills that line this beautiful lake. Even on a cloudy day with the distant mountains and volcanoes obscured, it was still a spectacular sight. Would love to return in the dry season and get out on the lake.
Written 13 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Natalie B
Lake Mary, FL227 contributions
Once you get to the top and look down on the lake, you can't believe it is inside a volcano. The volcano sealed back up and over time a lake formed. It is surreal to think you can swim and boat in a volcano. My suggestion is to grab a bite to eat in one of the many restaurants along the edge and watch the sunset.
Written 10 April 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lidhy
San Jose. CA51 contributions
Coatepeque is a volcanic lake situated about an hour from San Salvador. It is much older than Ilopango, though created by a similar catastrophic eruption some five to six thousand years ago. Named Lago de Coatepeque, it is on the eastern slope of the Santa Ana volcano. It is a beautiful, clean, and sparkling blue crater-shaped lake, 6 kms wide and 120 meters deep and surrounded by steep green slopes rising up 250 to 500 meters. The scenic road between the Interamerican Highway and CA8, known as the "panoramic highway" for its marvelous views, curls along the steep ridge of the crater giving you glimpses of the broad fertile valleys on one side and the lake on the other.
If you would like to practice scuba diving during the winter season this lake is your best option! into this crater with lots of water life you can see Catfish, Guapote, Zebra fish, etc.
There are several restaurants and hostels as well. Also, you cannot miss the wonderful view of the king's castle....
If you would like to practice scuba diving during the winter season this lake is your best option! into this crater with lots of water life you can see Catfish, Guapote, Zebra fish, etc.
There are several restaurants and hostels as well. Also, you cannot miss the wonderful view of the king's castle....
Written 7 March 2008
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RAAP
22 contributions
Inside a volcanic crater, this is a wonder of the natural world.
Written 19 September 2006
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Yo I
Phoenix, AZ182 contributions
Sept 2013
None of prior reviewers tell you it is a S.O.B to get to. The lake is huge & surrounded by fortress of private lakeshore homes. There appears to be no public dock. I stayed in city of Santa Ana & took public bus that says "El Congo" make sure you tell bus driver to stop at Lake Coatepeque. The bus will stop off highway, you have to walk up the road & to the right. There you can catch another bus 45 cents. At a small roundabout (Quick Stop gas station across street) you will see large blue sign that says Lake Coatepeque. There is a dirt road that goes left & right. DO NOT GO RIGHT! Take a
left (I had to walk 45 minutes) to get to Rancho Alegre Restaurant. There they have pier, jet ski rentals, etc. I paid $70.00 for private 2 hour powerboat to snorkeling areas. There is nothing to see in the water...few types of fish. I just wanted to test out my new snorkeling equipment for Belize. I would not pay more than $25.00 hour for any rental. Other reviewers are correct, this is just a lake...I was THE only foreign tourist there that Monday. Too bad they let all these homes surround the lake.
left (I had to walk 45 minutes) to get to Rancho Alegre Restaurant. There they have pier, jet ski rentals, etc. I paid $70.00 for private 2 hour powerboat to snorkeling areas. There is nothing to see in the water...few types of fish. I just wanted to test out my new snorkeling equipment for Belize. I would not pay more than $25.00 hour for any rental. Other reviewers are correct, this is just a lake...I was THE only foreign tourist there that Monday. Too bad they let all these homes surround the lake.
Written 5 September 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SalPV
Downpatrick, UK12 contributions
Aug 2012 • Family
The lake views are breathtaking. Outstanding natural beauty. I agree with some of the reviewers that the hotels on the lakefront can be disappointing. New option is the Los Pinos Cooperativa's restaurant on the top of the crater. Fantastic views and really good food for the same price as the average fare at some of the more well established restaurants on the way down. For $3 a head (under 7s free) you can take a guided tour down through this certified fairtrade coffee plantation, stopping at a number of viewpoints on the way down this gently sloping path, to the pier at the lakeside. There are NO facilities down here - though we had access to the community hall and toilets after our swim, but the water was lovely. We thoroughly enjoyed our swim, but the next time I would definitely bring some snacks to keep us going to lunch. The walk up was not too arduous even though we had a 5 year old and an 80 year old with us - though he is very fit - and we caught a heavy rainshower. We felt we really earned our lunch and were delighted that the food was excellent - loved my punta jalapena - the garlic prawns were gorgeous too.t for details. They have 2 person cabanas for $25 per night including breakfast. Really recommend it.
Written 1 September 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Doemens
Miami84 contributions
May 2013 • Family
This lake is probably the most beautiful in El Salvador, great sights in a cool, relaxing climate. The lake shores however are mostly privately owned, and lakefront resorts are somewhat decaying with premium prices for inconsistent, poor service. The best option would be to rent a private property (many available for small periods). Besides this, the lake is truly breathtaking and totally worth a visit, specially since it's only 45 minutes away from San Salvador.
Written 20 April 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
100countries.info
Coquitlam, Canada295 contributions
Jan 2013 • Couples
Coming into Lago de Coatepeque there are some fantastic views of the lake and surrounding area. Lots of little restaurants and viewpoints. But once you get to the bottom of the road down to the lake it's dirt road in either direction. The worst part is that there are private homes all the way around the lakeshore and every one of them has an 8 to 10 foot wall beside the road so there's absolutely no view. Apparently there's some hotels, etc. about 4 km around to the left (clockwise) but we didn't get that far. Went back to a restaurant up top and enjoyed a drink and the view!
Written 29 January 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nicole W
Toronto, Canada12 contributions
Feb 2012 • Couples
Gorgeous spot - El Salvador's answer to cottage country. Great litte open air bars / resturants overlooking a volcanoe lake.
Looks like it gets pretty busy on weekends (as with any great spot). Likely best to try during the week and outside of holidays if you are looking for a tranquil experience.
Looks like it gets pretty busy on weekends (as with any great spot). Likely best to try during the week and outside of holidays if you are looking for a tranquil experience.
Written 22 February 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello. How did you book your tour to the lake? How far is it from downtown San Salvador? How much did it cost? Thank you!
Written 8 March 2015
Hello, Melanie:
I wasn't as adventurous as KS&HC. I hired Nahuat Tours to take me on an all-day tour of the Volcano Complex at Cerro Verde National Park + an excursion to Lake Coatapeque. Just Google them or look them up on TripAdvisor.
The whole thing lasted about eight hours and I highly recommend this company. I had Mario Jr. for a guide and he is great. It's not cheap, I don't recall the exact price but it was well over $100, but that included the entrance fee to the National Park and the boat ride on the lake. Also, when I went there was only I and one other fellow on the tour, so it was basically a personal tour, not a big group of tourists.
Anyways, whichever way you choose I'm sure you will love it. Let me know if you have any other questions.
Written 8 March 2015
How do I find a place to stay at Lake Coatepeque?
Written 21 February 2015
I'd recommend renting a house online. Most of the properties are private houses. There are 2 Turicentros "tourist centers" but the only hotel is Torremolinos, and its not very well maintained, check out the reviews here on Tripadvisor. There is one hostel but I don't know anything about it. Hope that helps.
Written 23 February 2015
What is the cheapest way to get here and back for a day visit, from san salvador
Written 26 December 2014
What is the cheapest way to get here and back for a day visit, from san salvador
Written 26 December 2014
I don't know the cheapest way but can thoroughly recommend Nahuatours, in particular their excellent guide, Moisés for a full day tour. It includes Joya de Ceren, a Mayan village declared by UNESCO as world heritage in 1993 and considered the "Pompeii of America", the ceremonial center of San Andres ruins and the museum. Finishing with a visit to the archaeological park “Tazumal” which has the most impressive Mayan pyramid in El Salvador. Includes panoramic views of the beautiful Coatepeque Lake of volcanic origin and a visit to the historical center of Santa Ana.
Written 26 December 2014
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