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While not part of the Ruta de las Flores per se, this tiny village located 23 km southeast of town at an altitude of 1450m (4754ft) is the closest place if you seek relief from Santa Ana's heat. Several hostels, hotels, and fincas in the area offer accommodation (eg Paso Alaska Resort, from $75, pasodelalaska.com, or Hostal Casa Blanca, $22-$40). As everywhere in the region, ask locals for security advise (and guide, or even police escort) before setting out in the surrounding countryside. You cannot climb Santa Ana vulcano from here!
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Is noteworthy for the turquoise lake in its crater. A guided and police escorted tour (they don't let you do the hike without a guide) leaves Cerro Verde at 11am to the vulcano. The hike up takes 2 hr and 1.5 hr down, and is moderately difficult. Trekking boots recommended. The weather is chilly at the high altitude (2381m, 7812ft) so long pants, a jacket, and a windbreaker are also recommended. Bring at least 1 liter of drinking water with you! Best time for climbing is during dry season (between Nov and April) when perfect sky is the rule, but even in rain season (between May and October) good weather is not uncommon. For volcanic activity check web, last eruption was in 2005.
Los Volcanes National Park
A must for eco-tourists, and the starting point for climbing Santa Ana and Izalco volcano. Inside the park, a small comedor serves breakfast for $1.50 and lunch for $3. Cabins can be rented for $36 per night (up to 3 people per cabin).
A guided and police escorted tour (they don't let you do the hike without a guide) also leaves from Cerro Verde at 11:00 to the vulcano. The hike is way harder than the Santa Ana volcano. Both volcanoes can be done in the same day if you start with Santa Ana volcano around 07:00-08:00 then go to Izalco and start the hike from there at 11am.
Parque Arqueológico fundar.org.sv/e_tazumal.html
One of the most important and most impressive pre-Columbian sites in El Salvador. Excavated ruins cover an area of 10 km² and are the largest Mayan temple in El Salvador.
Archaeological Park fundar.org.sv/e_casablanca.html
A beautiful lake that was once an active volcano caldera. Access to the lake shore is difficult due to many private properties, try at one of the hotels or restaurants.