Volcán Santa María can be seen to the south from most everywhere in Xela, or at least it can be when the skies are clear. It’s a very popular hike, and on cloudless days provides great views of many of the other volcanos, the ocean, and it’s active neighbor, Volcán Santiaguito. The bus ride from Xela is around 15 minutes (2Q each way), the ascent takes between three and four hours, and the descent a little bit less. To top things off, there are cows on the peak. Weird!!!

1. You want to catch a bus to Llanos del Pinal, the town at the base of the volcano. It should cost 2 Quetzales. Some of the buses pass through Parque El Calvario.
2. Many more buses go along Avenida Las Americas. To get there, walk along the edge of the cemetary from El Calvario and up the hill to the crossroads.
3. About 15 minutes later you will arrive in Llanos del Pinal. Ride the bus until it is about to turn left. You can also ask the ayudante to tell you where to get off for the volcano.
4. Walk up the hill! Eventually you’ll get to a place with the official “Welcome to the Volcano” sign, and have to turn right. It’s obvious which way to go: up!
5. So you made it, check out Santiaguito from up here and look around a lot.