Travelling – Page 4 – Solo female traveller

Easy guide to do Santa Ana Volcano (2025)

March 3, 2017May 7, 2025 by Anna Powaska, posted in Central America, El Salvador

The magnificent volcano of Santa Ana is one of the top must see places in El Salvador. It is also in top five on my list of most amazing nature wonders, I have seen so far. Though, the landscape of the whole country is geologically interesting, with wonderful sandy warm pacific coast beaches and islands, the volcano will probably turn as the highlight of your trip. In this quick guide I will tell you how to reach the area yourself in nice and easy way, and why it is better not to take an organized tour.

The Volcano, also named Ilamatepec (from Spanish), at 2,381 meters above the sea level holds the title of the highest in El Salvador. It’s located west of Coatepeque Caldera. Because it is an active one please, just in case, do check before planned arrival if its open to the public view and possible to hike. Thought, it is very unlikely not to be able to trek it, the volcano got the history of a violent eruptions. The last one, in October 2005, killed at least two people, injuring several others. It’s been reported that during the activity volcano spat rocks for over 1.5 km, and some of them were the the size of a car. Before 2005, its known that the last big one happened in 1904, so obviously not so often, but yet still possible.

To be able to trek you should stay for one or two nights in Santa Ana, the city just 2 hours away from San Salvador. But I understand that you may not have few spare days. The quick option, in that case, is to get a tour from San Salvador, so you will be able to do it in one day. However, if you have a time, you need to get to Santa Ana.

You can catch a bus from San Salvador to Santa Ana at the Terminal de Buses de Occidente, located on Boulevard Venezuela, San Salvador. The bus service is operated by TUDO, and the journey takes about 1 hour 30 minutes, depending on traffic. The fare for a standard bus ticket is $1 USD.

If you’re looking for an alternative departure point, Punto De Buses 140 on Calle Rubén Darío also has buses heading toward Santa Ana.

Terminal de Buses de Occidente: You can find it here.
Punto De Buses 140 (Calle Rubén Darío): Check it out here.

In Santa Ana, the bus will stop in the city center Terminal de Buses de Santa Ana, here.

I forgot to add that US dollar is an official currency in Salvador. Once you are in Santa Ana, you have to stay somewhere overnight, as there is only one bus that goes to the volcano side in the morning, and the return one comes at 4 in the afternoon. Not a problem at all, lucky you, this lovely town is a very touristic place. There are loads of hotels and hostels around, and mostly located by the main square that is full of markets, mercados, street food stands and restaurants. Anyway, coming back to our trip…the morning bus leaves around 07.30 am, but please check the timetable for the current time. The bus number is 248, with directions to Cerro Verde National Park, from La Vencedora terminal (location of the terminal). Tickets are very cheap again:

Bus ticket price: $0.70 USD.
Park entrance fee: $3.50 USD for a group hike.
Parking fee: $3 USD (if arriving by car).
Guide fee: $1-3 USD.
Additional costs: You might pay $0.50 USD for extra services.

The bus will take you right to the entrance of the park, where you will have to pay to enter. So basically, you will arrive early, around 9.30-10.00. The entrance fee of 3.50$ is for the base camp area where you will wait, but you can buy a coffee and a small snack around while waiting. I was there alone, so a bit concerned that I will be trekking with no other tourists, but one big bus arrived just 15 minutes before 11.00 with other travelers. It was an organized trip. Once we paid (just 1$ each to the guide), we were able to start.

There is only one trekking session per day, and it starts at 11.00, so you will have to wait. But please be aware that it`s actually worth it, as you will be able to look around. You cant hike the volcano on your own anyway, you have no choice. Your safety is the reason for that, as you have to be assisted by the guide and one or two policemen that will guard you right up to the caldera and the whole way back from the top. I’ve heard that it is because of the previous robberies that occurred in the park. I can believe that, as Salvador is one of the most dangerous countries in the world. The climb is relatively easy, but remember to take warm clothes that can withstand the wind. Its not so warm at the top. Please take snacks with you, as most of the stands with food are closed in the morning. Also the little restaurant in the base camp will be open around lunch time, so you can have a hot meal, but once you are back. Take plenty of water, as hiking will take 2 hours each way. Have at least 2 liters, as you will sweat a lot, so better not to get dehydrated. Its not so difficult at the beginning. You’re are just walking trough the forest. You will be stopping at some view points to get some photos and to have a little rest, but not so often. The difficult bit starts after some time. I would say last hour is most difficult.

There is no forest anymore, so you just trek on the rocky little road. 30 minutes before finishing your hike, you will be able to smell sulfur. Once you reach the top, you will be amazed by the beauty of the caldera. The volcanic water got an unusual intensive blue/green color, and you can see that it`s bubbling a lot. Take plenty of photos. You will be given around 30 minutes there before the group will be heading back down the same way. Apart from caldera, you will have the opportunity to see a Volcano Izalco, beautiful panorama of Lake Coatepeque, Cerro Verde and, if the weather is good, the Pacific Ocean! The last one I could not see, I am afraid, but I`ve heard it is possible. It is truly breathtaking! The return bus will depart at 16.00 right from the base camp area. It will stop at the parking. The way back was very nice too, I was chatting with my broken Spanish with others, and, again, I was the only tourist there. Kind bus driver even drooped me off right by my hotel. Yes!!

So why do I say its better to do it by yourself?

Well, for few good reasons. First one is the fact that you will be in the bus with just locals. This is something I am always looking forward to. Everyone has been so kind to me so far, and people are always so interest in me and vice versa. Second, you will have more time to look around. Especially when back from the top. You can also have a hot meal there made by two lovely ladies. Third, not so important to me, but of course you will do it twice, if not three times, cheaper. The organized group, I mentioned before, asked me if I want to come back with them in their fancy Mercedes mini bus, as they had a spare place. I kindly said thank you, but I refused. Hehe…they were shocked a bit. I really do think it`s better to plan everything yourself, it gives you the satisfaction that you’re doing it the difficult way, however this trip is easy anyway. Example? I will always regret that I bought a tour for Machu Picchu, as I’ve had only 4 hours at the top, and that is not enough. You need the whole full day to discover Incas ancient world around that mountain. And for last, (common!) its not so complicated at all, use your head to plan sometimes!

Visa, packing, planning.

January 7, 2017October 19, 2018 by Anna Powaska, posted in Asia, Nepal

Citizens from most of the countries don’t need to obtain a tourist visa before traveling to Nepal. Of course you can get one earlier on, but It’s not a problem if you won’t, as it is available on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport and at some land borders, depending on your traveling plans. I got mine at the airport, though the queue was very long (2h to wait), and I was really tired after a long fly, I still wouldn’t get in to trouble of getting one before in embassy. The requirements are: valid passport for at least 6 months when submitting your application, fee to pay and 2 passport-size photos. You can pay in pounds, euros, dollars or Nepali rupees at the airport. 17091402_1284047035007687_1901932474_o I`ve heard that there are way more currencies you can use to purchase one, but on a safe side better to have one of the main 4, I mentioned. Try to make it as smooth as possible. Trust me, you will be dying to lay on hotel`s bed asap, not to be stack at the airport. Prices for tourist visas are: 25.00$ for 15 days single/multiple entry; 40.00$ for 30 days single/multiple entry and 100.00$ for 90 days single/multiple entry. If you wish to stay for more than 60 days, you can extend your stay up to 30 days by applying to the Nepalese Department of Immigration at Kalikasthan in the capital, or in immigration office in Pokhara. It is very important to have a valid visa in your passport to be able to exit Nepal. If your visa will expired, you will have to arrange an extension at the Department of Immigration before your departure. Regarding the photos, you should bring two passport-sized photos with you (some pages say just one, and that came to be a true in my situation). Well, I was prepared and I’ve had them, but I witnessed loads of people who forgot to bring them. They were allowed to enter anyway, but It might be also due to the fact that the photo machine was broken at the time I was there. Probably is still broken till now.

Packing. It really depend on activities you’re planning to do in Nepal. In Kathmandu Valley is usually very hot, as the area is not that elevated, so I would suggest to pack loads of summer stuff. Make sure to have loads of space, as it is highly possible that you will buy loads of clothes there too. But if you are planning to do some hiking, you definitely need a very warm waterproof clothes and a good hiking shoes. Very good backpack is essential for trekking and all long-term trips in general. Get also a rain cover to protect your stuff in. Check information about monsoon season (June – September), as it can help you to prepare better. Also this time of a year can be hazardous in the rural areas, especially in western Nepal. Monsoon rains cause flooding and landslides that can make your journey difficult and can make some areas unable to reach. Take care and check access routes before. Most of the last base camps are at more than 4.000 m high, so the weather there can be unpredictable. I am not a trekker, so I can’t share many tips with you, but there are loads of good blogs about it. Always use sun block (SPF20 or higher) and sun glasses.

Hotel. There are loads of places to stay in Nepal, as it is a backpackers mecca. You don’t have to book before arriving, but that can help you to save the time looking around for a place you like most. They are all very affordable and comfortable, usually with the breakfast included. I paid for mine around 6-7£ per night, and that was with private bathroom. I remember only in Nagarkot I paid 20£ per night, but I wanted a hotel with the very best view to be able to spot Mt Everest from there.

I consider Nepal, and Asia in general, as a very safe place. There’s a a very low rate of serious crime in Nepal. Of course, like everywhere else, you should always be careful, and you should watch out for pick-pocketing and bag thieving in buses, hotels, hostels and in all touristic areas like Thamel, Sanepa and Kupondol in Kathmandu. They are really overcrowded which makes it easy to still from you. As usual take care when walking around at night after midnight. Though, main ares are always busy, I think it’s better not to wonder around alone. Robberies are more likely to occur in the evening in poorly areas. Don’t carry much of cash with you. Keep valuables in a hotel safe or locker if possible.

Tenerife in photos

December 17, 2016October 19, 2018 by Anna Powaska, posted in Europe, Spain

Definitely would not recommend Tenerife as a holiday destination to anyone for a few good reasons, I will spare writing about, thought a very special place to me on another hand. My first solo trip and time when my feel of endless love for traveling and hanger for discovery began. Hers some photos of this very important week capturing this Spanish island, uncapturing myself at the same time.

Where the time goes slow

September 10, 2016October 19, 2018 by Anna Powaska, posted in Belize, Central America

How about this time we will land our minds in Belize. Sounds good? I hope so, so welcome there! We will scratch the surface of the landscape, lifestyle, activities and we will have a little bite of Caribbean cousins. So where exactly are we? In a place in the world where you can have an adventurous time, or where you can just relax, and all that being surrounded by a beautiful scenery. How fortunate was I to be there, explore and feel? Certainly, very. Belize still gives me some goose bumps when I am memorizing my time there. Gorgeous beaches, jungle, people…all that raise my heart beat again. I can taste the salt from the sea, I can feel the heat, I can see a friendly faces. A piece of a heaven and a slice of a paradise.

Belize is a very small country in Central America. The population stands at just 368,310 (are they even too lazy to increase that number?…perhaps). The official slogan there is to “go slow”. Everything seems to be calm, relaxed and people look happy. They are not nervous, always joking a lot, chatting to you, trying to be helpful, trying to give you some tips. Nobody will ever turn his back on you. I adored Belize straight away, not so sure if it was because of the beautiful Caribbean cost, jungle, waterfalls or just the vibe, I was getting there. Highly possible it was the last. My stay there became as a great resting period during my backpacking trip trough Central America. I am not going to lie, I really loved the fact that all locals speak Spanish and English as well. Belize also got the coolest currency ever, a dollar with Queen Elizabeth the II on it. The reason for this unique looking money lays in the fact that Great Britain controls Monetary Authority in Belize. The exchange rate is very easy: 2 Belize dollars are worth 1 US dollar. Please be aware of it, as this country uses both currencies, so always ask if the price is in B$ or US$, as you can be easily mistaken. Some Belizeans know it and sometimes try to trick tourists on prices, but I’ve never been mislead there by anyone. I arrived to Belize from Flores in Guatemala, and as far as I remember, it took me around 4 hours to get to Belize City, where I stopped for one night! Yes, one or 2 nights are enough to look around and to try some tasty Caribbean cousins that satisfies almost every mouth.You can also do some shopping, if there’s anything you are missing on. Once you’re ready to go, catch a boat from docks to get to Caye Caulker island. There are three companies that operate water taxis between lands. I think prices are very similar of two of them, but one (the biggest one by the bus stop) is way more expensive. All boats are really the same, to be fair. It takes only 30 minutes to get to the island. All companies there sell organized trips too. I really would recommend to look at it, as you can do anything from Mayan ruins and temples; hiking, canoeing or kayaking down the river; cave walking; finally to the one of most amazing places in the world, The Great Blue Hole. I have to admit that I didn’t do much there. I went straight for a relaxed week in Caye Caulker. I’ve seen Tical in Guatemala, so I was already satisfy with Mayan history, but I really do regret that I haven’t seen the Great Blue Hole. So please, if you are reading this and planing on going there, don’t miss it.

Once I arrived by the boat to the island, I easily found my way around with only one main street there. I literally got to my hotel in 5 minutes. You can really see the sea on both sides of the road at some points on the island. That`s how small it is. That is why I will never understand these people who were hiring golf cards and were riding all around, but whatever. So yes, the island is very calm, but cute as hell. I knew straight away that I will have a great time. Now please note, as I mentioned, the island is very small, of course packed with places to stay, but they are almost all booked up, so I would strongly suggest to reserve your place in advance. Luckily, that was what I did, and my hotel was fully booked! There`s loads of American tourist around too, I guess it is a very popular destination for them. Of course it is not as crazy as Montanita in Ecuador, but there are loads around to see and do anyway. Nights are busy too with loads of night clubs open till late hours. It really is very good to go out, as you can see the different side of the island. Loads of food stands are only open in the evening, if you are a local street food lover, like myself. I think the longest bar open at night is Reggae Bar in the northern side. I stayed till 4 am there and walk back to hotel alone. It really is not a problem there! The whole area feels very safe. If you are not too hangover in the morning, go to do some fun stuff. There are loads of agencies around that offer organized boat trips to do some diving and snorkeling. You can dive at the Hol Chan Marine Reserve and few more nearby reef locations. Loads of trips include a lunch stop in San Pedro. You can also visit a near by Turneffe Islandsby. Several dive certification courses are available. You can do a very cool cave diving, but note that it can be explored only by experience divers, ideally with a local that is familiar with the cave.

As you see, you wont get bored, and you can turn your trip to be a magnificent experience. If you are lazy, like I was while there, just go to chill on the beach, swim in the crystal clear sea, get some tan. The split is most popular place for it, usually fully packed with tourists all around. The separation of the island started off as a channel, which was widened by Hurricane Hattie in 1961. There was another big hurricane, just months after I left, and loads of places got badly damaged (I will upload a video from my friend showing what happened).

At the Split is a restaurant/bar with some tables half way trough the water, lightened at night. Even cooler fact is that at hours between 18.00 and 20.00 you can buy half price drinks, as of happy hour. That area tends to be as the best spot to watch sunsets, you can really capture on your camera stunning photos. Good to combine both – having a tasty white rum in the water and watching a sunset. It really is a magical experience. So as I mention, this is a very overcrowd place, so if you’re not keen on that just go elsewhere. You can find a nice empty beaches in the island too.

So overall, I really do recommend To visit Belize. It can be a great stop on your busy backpacking trip where you can just chill for a few days, do nothing. That is how it turned for me. I am always walking around for hours to see things, so this was a great time for me to charge my batteries before heading to Mexico. You have to Belize me!!!!

ps Very sadly I`ve lost all my photos from my camera from Belize. The few remaining ones, I have, are from my phone camera, so I do apologize for the quality of them, and the fact that I can not advertise this magnificent country better.