Tallest Mountains in El Salvador
El Salvador is known as the “Land of Volcanoes,” and while it is the smallest country in Central America, its landscape is dominated by two parallel mountain ranges and over 20 volcanoes. The highest peaks are located along the northern border with Honduras in the Sierra Madre range.
The following table lists the 10 tallest peaks in El Salvador.
| Rank | Peak Name | Elevation (m) | Elevation (ft) | Type / Department |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cerro El Pital | 2,730 | 8,957 | Mountain (Chalatenango) |
| 2 | Pico Sumpul | 2,711 | 8,894 | Mountain (Chalatenango) |
| 3 | Cerro Montecristo | 2,418 | 7,933 | Mountain (Santa Ana) |
| 4 | Cerro Miramundo | 2,408 | 7,900 | Mountain (Chalatenango) |
| 5 | Santa Ana (Ilamatepec) | 2,381 | 7,812 | Volcano (Santa Ana) |
| 6 | San Vicente (Chinchontepec) | 2,182 | 7,159 | Volcano (San Vicente) |
| 7 | San Miguel (Chaparrastique) | 2,130 | 6,988 | Volcano (San Miguel) |
| 8 | Volcán de Izalco | 1,950 | 6,398 | Volcano (Sonsonate) |
| 9 | San Salvador (Quezaltepeque) | 1,893 | 6,211 | Volcano (San Salvador) |
| 10 | Volcán Chingo | 1,775 | 5,823 | Volcano (Santa Ana / Guatemala) |
Cerro El Pital: The highest point in the country. It is famous for its “cloud forest” ecosystem and its unusually cool climate. It is one of the few places in El Salvador where temperatures can occasionally drop to near freezing, making it a popular escape from the tropical heat of the lowlands.
Santa Ana Volcano (Ilamatepec): The highest and largest volcano in El Salvador. It features a stunning turquoise sulfuric crater lake at its summit. Its 2005 eruption was significant, but today it is a very popular hiking destination.
Volcán de Izalco: Once known as the “Lighthouse of the Pacific,” this volcano erupted almost continuously for nearly 200 years (until 1966), providing a natural beacon for ships at sea. It is one of the youngest volcanoes in the world.
The Sierra Madre vs. The Volcanic Chain: El Salvador’s highest mountains (like El Pital and Montecristo) are older, non-volcanic peaks along the northern border. The iconic volcanoes (like San Vicente and San Miguel) form a separate, younger chain closer to the coast.