The Turquoise Lagoon of Ilamatepeq and a Late Lunch at Coatepeque

The crater at the top of Ilamatepeq holds a turquoise sulphur lagoon, and the operator's claim is that no other volcano in El Salvador has one like it. It is also among the most active volcanoes in the country, which is part of the appeal and worth stating plainly rather than burying. The walk starts from the protected area near Cerro Verde park and climbs through forest, with the views opening out as the trees thin. The day ends at Lake Coatepeque, with a late lunch, time to sit still, and the option of getting into the water, which most people take. Pick-up is at 17 Calle Oriente 283, in Colonia Santa Eugenia, and the drop-off is anywhere in San Salvador you need to be.