The trek to Cerro Eramon in Chalatenango, El Salvador is a truly breathtaking mountain hiking trail. The views from the top are some of the best of any mountain range in El Salvador. Better still, Cerro Eramon camping is a great way to stay a while longer and enjoy a glorious sunrise. But fear not, if camping isn’t quite your thing, Cerro Eramon glamping now provides more luxurious overnight packages.
In this guide, we’ll cover all the Cerro Eramon hiking details, including a trail description and map. We’ll also discuss how to get there and talk about your Cerro Eramon camping and glamping options.
Read 20 Epic El Salvador Hiking Trails Not To Miss
Table of Contents
Cerro Eramon Hike Preview
- Type: Loop
- Distance: 6.4km
- Time: 4 hours
- Accumulated elevation gain: 484m
- Difficulty: Easy
- Trailhead: Nombre de Jesus
- Map: Wikiloc
Cerro Eramon in Chalatenango Hike
Dan and I chose to tackle Cerro Eramon as a day hike. We left San Salvador city early in order to make the 2.5–3 hour drive to Nombre de Jesus. This meant most of the uphill section of hiking was tackled before the sun really kicked in. After hiking so many volcanoes in recent days, we were keen to experience some El Salvador mountains. And d’you know what? Cerro Eramon was the ideal place to start.
After arriving in Nombre de Jesus, your first port of call is to transfer into the back of a pick-up truck. Then, expect a drive of roughly 30-45 minutes into the mountains. The road is dusty and bumpy, but as it winds higher, the views begin to take shape.
The trailhead is a small path leading through a farm. The climb ahead is gradual and the path easy to follow, if just a little dusty. Eventually, you’ll reach the first Mirador at Eramón Paradise 360. This is a brand new Cerro Eramon Glamping site and honestly looks incredible. We’ll discuss more on this below.
The views across the mountain ranges are far-reaching. From here you can practically see the whole of El Salvador. Santa Ana Volcano can just be made out in the distance, with the distinct shape of San Vicente Volcano more prominent to the left of the Mirador.
Guerilla Hideouts
Dan and I had to pay $5USD each for the privilege of being on this private property. It was a little confusing. But, we assume it covered the next part of the hike.
We retraced our steps a short way and into the thick of the bush. Here, we were shown small openings in the mountainside which served as homes and hideouts for Guerilla fighters during the last civil war. It was incredible to see and also experience a little bit of El Salvador’s history on this Cerro Eramon hike.
Paradise Views
Next, you’ll head back and regain the trail through Eramón Paradise 360 and then head up to the peak of their plot. Here you can enjoy 360 views of the El Salvador mountains around you. The slightly precarious wooden viewing platform gives the best lookout. Also, the underneath of the platform serves as a good shelter from the sun.
From this Mirador you can see the mounds of Cerro Eramon stretched out ahead of you and the pristine waters of the Rio Lempa down below.
Continuing along the humps, you’ll soon arrive at a little tienda and basic campsite. Had Dan and I decided on some Cerro Eramon camping, this is where it would have been. Cutting across the campsite, it’s now the final sprint to the finish.
The unmistakable rolling hill formations of Cerro Eramon are now front and centre. They look unusual in a landscape more familiar with volcanoes. I think this is part of their appeal though, and why Cerro Eramon in Chalatenango is gaining in popularity.
Hump Day
The views from the final hump are quite incredible. Dan and I both agreed they were some of the best we’d seen in all of El Salvador. Helped, I’m sure, by the clear weather we had on the day, which was quite exceptional.
So, after a quick rest, some photos and a snack, it’s time to return to the trailhead where the pick-up driver is waiting. The return journey cuts across the mountain and it’s not necessary to walk back through the Cerro Eramon glamping site again.
Cerro Eramon Hike Recap
Hiking Cerro Eramon in Chalatenango was a real highlight of our travels through El Salvador. The switch up from volcano hiking was, surprisingly, a welcome break. We do love to be in the mountains, after all. The views were sublime and the trail is short and straightforward to follow. If it wasn’t for the midday heat, I’m sure we’d have spent much longer there.
How to Get There
To get to Nombre de Jesus from San Salvador, you have a few options. Dan and I travelled with an El Salvador tour package and so were driven directly there from our accommodation. The drive time is around 2.5–3 hours.
Alternatively, it is possible to get to Nombre de Jesus independently. You can take bus #125 from San Salvador to Chalatenango. The first bus leaves at 4am. The last bus leaving Chalatenago back to San Salvador returns at 5:45pm. The bus leaves every 15 minutes and takes around 2 hours by direct bus. Expect much longer for indirect. The prices are as follows; Normal: $1, Special: $1.75, Direct: $2.50.
From Chalatenango, take bus #639 to Nombre de Jesus. On Sunday afternoons, intra-departmental routes do not provide a service, so perhaps if you’re travelling independently, it would be best to avoid a Sunday.
Hiking Cerro Eramon Independently
Once you’ve arrived at Nombre de Jesus, you’ll be needing to find a way to the trailhead. Otherwise, you’ve a long walk along the access road. Though not impossible, this would add an extra 9km and 2 hours of hiking to the day. And that’s just one-way! Not ideal for a day hike; but, perhaps okay if camping.
The best idea is to get hooked up to a local 4×4 driver. We met ours at the Casa de la Cultura Nombre de Jesus. Once at the trailhead, there is no need to use a guide. The trail is very easy to follow.
Cerro Eramon Hike, El Salvador Tour Packages
Based in San Salvador and La Libertad, Club de Mochileros organise cheap tours around El Salvador. This includes hiking and camping on Cerro Eramon in Chalatenango, El Salvador. We used them for many of our El Salvador hiking tours such as Conchagua Volcano, Cerro El Pital and Montecristo National Park. Their group tours are cheaper because they charge per group, instead of per person.
The Cerro Eramon hike with Club de Mochileros is $120USD per group, which mostly just covers the transport. So, with a group of six, it’s only $20USD each! Club de Mochileros can organise a day hike or overnight camp with a hike, whichever is your preference. They are always super accommodating.
To book a tour with Club de Mochileros, simply hit them with a message on Whatsapp (+503 7602 0000 or +503 7600 3454). Or, you can contact them on Facebook or Instagram.
Cerro Eramon Camping
As previously mentioned, Dan and I were going to camp on Cerro Eramon. But, we had a last-minute change to our itinerary, meaning we hiked as a day trip instead. The campsite we would have stayed at has absolute prime positioning for viewing Cerro Eramon. Sunrise from the comfort of your tent would not be out of the question. But, also the walk down to the final hump of Cerro Eramon would be an easy trek for sunrise.
Eramon Turismo offers camping and hiking packages to Cerro Eramon, Chalatenago, either as part of a group or you can book exclusively.
Cerro Eramon Glamping
A recent addition to these wonderful El Salvador mountains is Eramón Paradise 360. This glampsite has a prime position on the mountainside, with picture-perfect views across Cerro Eramon, Chalatenango and El Salvador as a whole. I imagine sunrise here to be something special. The site has numerous bell tents, a mountainside swing, lookout decks and an amenities block.
Alternatively, it is possible to visit Eramón Paradise 360 on a day pass. This way you get to enjoy all the benefits of Cerro Eramon Glamping, even if you can’t commit to staying overnight.
Five Hiking Essentials
Osprey Skarab 30
The Osprey Skarab 30 is our go-to hiking backpack for day hikes. This well-designed unisex backpack is comfortable and spacious, so you’ll have plenty of space to pack everything without feeling the strain on your upper back.
Osprey Ultralight Raincover
A waterproof backpack cover is an absolute must when you’re adventuring outdoors. The Osprey Ultralight Raincover Medium is a high-quality waterproof cover that’ll keep your backpack bone dry.
GRAYL Reusable Water Bottle
The GRAYL GeoPress is the best water filter bottle that allows you to purify 710mL (12 ounces) of water. This bottle will make water safe to drink wherever you’re hiking.
BUFF Original Ecostretch
The BUFF Original Ecostretch is a great option when it comes to multifunctional headwear. We use the Ecostretch as a neck gaiter to keep the sun off our necks and it helps us keep warm in cooler climates.
Sony Cybershot RX100 VII
Capture epic photos and videos with the Sony Cybershot RX100 VII. This is hands-down the best compact camera. We love using this simple point-and-shoot camera when we’re hiking as it’s lightweight and durable.
To find out more about all of the gear that we use and recommend, read our guides about our favourite hiking gear, travel gear and camera gear. Otherwise, read our comprehensive travel packing checklist.
The climate is dry and hot around Cerro Eramon. Be sure to pack enough water. We recommend 2–3L. You should also pack snacks, sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses.
Five Camping Essentials
Camping Gear
Bonus Tips
- Don’t skip El Salvador: many tourists miss El Salvador during their Central America trip. Check out our El Salvador guides to find other incredible places to visit. #dontskipelsalvador
- Stay for sunrise: waking up on this epic mountain in El Salvador is too dreamy to miss out on.
- Wet vs dry: we visited during the dry season, so experienced Cerro Eramon in a sun-bleached, dusty stage. However, the wet season transforms Cerro Eramon into a lush hillside awash with green.
Have you hiked and camped at Cerro Eramon? Let us know how you got on in the comments below.
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