The Sunday Highland Escape Steam Clay and Aura

9 hours (approximately)
Offered in: English and 1 more

Experience the hidden soul of the Apaneca-Ilamatepec highlands through Salcoatitán, Apaneca, and Ataco. Led by Michael, a former Maryland restaurateur with Salvadoran roots, this boutique journey trades the 7:00 AM rush for a relaxed 10:00 AM start.

Travelers gain insider culinary access with vetted seasonal fruit tastings and a 3-hour restorative reset at Santa Teresa Hot Springs, featuring therapeutic volcanic mud baths. This is the perfect escape for foodies and slow-travelers looking for professional American hospitality standards blended with authentic local traditions.

What's Included

Bottled water
Snacks
Santa Teresa Entrance
Air-conditioned vehicle
Parking Fees
WiFi on board
Meals

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

Meeting Point: Epic Plaza (The Convenience Hub) We meet at Nuevo Cuscatlán’s premier hub. Arrive a few minutes early to grab any last-minute essentials. With pharmacies, supermarkets, and shops on-site. Arrivals after the 15-minute grace period will be considered a "no-show"

End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Itinerary

Duration: 9 hours (approximately)
  • 1

    Meeting Point: Epic Plaza (Nuevo Cuscatlán) at 10am Where we meet: We gather at the main entrance of Epic Plaza, Nuevo Cuscatlán’s premier modern hub. This strategic location is just minutes from the American Embassy and Santa Elena, offering plenty of secure parking and a safe, upscale environment to begin our journey. Why we start here: I’ve chosen Epic Plaza to ensure your Sunday begins with zero stress. Since we have a relaxed 10:00 AM start, this gives you the perfect opportunity to arrive early and handle any last-minute needs. Whether you need to grab an extra bottle of sunscreen, use a secure ATM, or pick up specific snacks at the modern supermarket on-site, everything is at your fingertips before we head into the mountains.

    15 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 2
    Apaneca

    The Experience: We reach the highest point of the route (1,500m) for a literal breath of fresh air. The Horizon: We pause at a private roadside viewpoint to witness the mountain mist ("The Aura") drifting across the volcanic chain.

    15 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 3
    Termales de Santa Teresa

    The Experience: Submerge in mineral-rich thermal pools of varying temperatures Submerge in mineral-rich thermal pools of varying temperatures. The Wellness: Your entry includes access to therapeutic volcanic mud baths and natural mineral face masks. Optional: Professional on-site massages are available amidst the forest sounds for the ultimate Sunday reset. Please Note: The mud bath and facial mask experience are included as a complimentary part of your entry, subject to the spa’s normal daily operations. In the rare event of maintenance or operational closures at the spa facilities, the thermal pools will remain our primary focus.

    3 hours Admission ticket included
  • 4
    Concepcion de Ataco

    The Experience: Explore the "Clay" of the region through vibrant street murals and artisanal workshops featuring handmade pottery and textiles. Conclude with a relaxed Sunday dinner at a premier local restaurant as the town’s lanterns flicker on and the mountain air cools.

    2 hours Admission ticket free
  • 5

    The Experience: A culinary deep-dive into the "Yucca Capital." The Tasting: Sample authentic yucca con chicharrón and a curated flight of seasonal highland fruits (like Jocote Corona or Zapote). Highlight: Sip on a freshly roasted artisanal coffee while learning about the region’s deep-rooted coffee culture from your restaurateur host.

    1 hour Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Supplied by Beyond The Botanas

Tags

Day Trips
Full-day Tours
Bus Tours
Private and Luxury
Street Food Tours
Small Group
Food & Drink
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Show more
from per person
Was {{formatPrice(summaryFromPriceBeforeDiscount, currency, 2)}}