El Salvador Attractions - greenbluered

Cultivation of Coffee
El Salvador Attractions
El Salvador offers a rich and wide variety of attractions with
easy access, since we are a small country with a very good
road system. In this section, you will learn about the main
places of interest in El Salvador. It shows the location within
El Salvador map and a one page description per attraction
providing information such as: highlights, recommendations,
hotels and places it has easy access from, and pictures.
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El Salvador Attractions
1. El Imposible National Park
2. Flower Route
3. Volcanoes National Park
4. Montecristo National Park
5. La Palma
6. La Libertad
7. Joya de Cerén
8. El Boqueron
9. San Salvador
10. Suchitoto Colonial Town
11. Alegría
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12. Jiquilisco Bay
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13. El Icacal
14. Gulf of Fonseca
In the following pages you can find a detailed description of all of these places.
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HIGHLIGHTS
• Trek the different paths
towards pristine rivers for a
rewarding swim.
• Learn about nature, given that
El Imposible has the largest
number of wild flora and fauna
species in the country.
1 El Imposible
National Park
ACTIVITIES
• Hiking and Trekking.
• Camping.
DISTANCE
From San Salvador City:
West; 120 Kilometers /
2 hours 15 minutes
El Imposible forest with Pacific Ocean on the back
EL IMPOSIBLE
2 hours
15 minutes
San Salvador
DESCRIPTION
RECOMMENDATIONS
• Depending on the selected
trekking path, the difficulty
level goes from medium to
medium high.
• Light and fresh clothing,
sunscreen, repellant,
sunglasses, extra clothes for
river swimming.
At the beginning of the 20th century, farmers
carried the coffee grain on mules from the farms
north of El Imposible (Impossible Forest) to the
Acajutla Port in the Pacific Ocean. However, a
large gulley between two mountains interrupted
the trail. Fragile bridges were constructed in
order to pass through, but many times these
bridges gave up to the weight, causing humans,
beasts and the coffee to fall to the deep. In
1968, the government built a concrete bridge
and placed a sign that read: “In 1968 it stopped
being impossible”.
Easy access from
• Places: Flower Route, San
Salvador
• Hotels: Cocotera Ecolodge,
Decameron Hotel,
Santa Leticia Lodge,
San Salvador Hotels,
El Carmen Lodge.
For more info and packages
contact us:
[email protected]
26
The name El Imposible comes from the sharpedged topography and its variable altitude
ranging from 300 to 1,450 meters above sea
level throughout its 9,400 acres. It is a tropical
dry forest (or tropical mountain forest) and
considered endangered. It contains the largest
number of wild flora and fauna species in the
country: 500 species of trees, 500 butterflies, 30
big sized mammals, 270 different migratory birds
and 13 species of fish since 7 rivers born within
the reserve.
El Imposible was established as a National Park
in 1989.
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HIGHLIGHTS
• Charming towns with cob-
2 Flower
Route
blestone streets and colorful
paintings on houses.
• Coffee plantations and mills.
• Adventure options.
• Colorful crafts and traditions.
ACTIVITIES
• Trekking and Hiking.
• Camping.
• Adventure such as horseback
riding, zip-line tours, buggy
tours.
• Coffee Tours.
DISTANCE
From San Salvador City:
West; 85 Kilometers /
1 hour 30 minutes
Ataco town
DESCRIPTION
1 hour
30 minutes San Salvador
RECOMMENDATIONS
• Fresh clothing for activities
and light jacket for afternoon/
evening, sunscreen, sunglasses.
Easy access from
• Places: San Salvador,
Western El Salvador.
• Hotels: Cocotera Ecolodge,
Decameron Hotel,
San Salvador Hotels.
Big cat eyes will be watching you as you walk the
cobblestone streets of Ataco town. In this town,
the walls of houses are painted with a peculiar
art style that usually involves cats. Similarly, the
electric posts are beautifully decorated not only
within the town but along the road that connects
the four main charming towns of The Flower
Route: Nauhizalco, Juayua, Apaneca and Ataco.
Apaneca is the highest city in the country at
1,477 meters above sea level and it was founded
in 1577. Near Apaneca we can find Santa Leticia
archaeological site dating back to 600BC. The
most significant landmarks of this area are three
monuments called “Las Gordinflonas” or “The
Potbellies” which resembles the face of a woman.
The smallest one weighs 14,000 pounds and the
biggest one weighs 21,000 pounds.
The altitude of the area contributes to a
worldwide top quality coffee. The Flower Route
offers many coffee plantations that feature
educational tours about all the plantation
For more info and packages
contact us:
[email protected]
Coffee beans at El Patio
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process. During season (November to March),
you can join locals collecting coffee. This is an
activity that is usually enjoyed as a family and
it is a very important element of the history
and traditions of El Salvador. After the coffee is
collected, it goes to the mill, where you will learn
how the coffee beans are processed until they
are ready for consumption.
If you are looking for adventure, The Flower
Route is also a great option. The area offers
zip line tours, horseback riding through coffee
plantations, and you can even ride your own
buggy through the charming towns, plantations
up to a beautiful lagoon.
For the late afternoon and evening, Ataco
offers great ambiance with coffee houses, bars,
restaurants or simply walk its streets towards the
central park.
3 Volcanoes
National Park
HIGHLIGHTS
• Three volcanoes along with a
volcanic lake.
• Hike to the crater of Izalco or
Santa Ana Volcano.
ACTIVITIES
• Trekking and Hiking.
• Camping.
• Sightseeing.
DISTANCE
From San Salvador City:
West 80 Kilometers /
1 hour 15 minutes.
Volcanoes National Park
Cerro Verde National Park
Volcano
DESCRIPTION
Volcanoes National Park features the “Lighthouse
of the Pacific”. In the 1800´s and early 1900´s,
ships sailing on the coasts of El Salvador guided
themselves with the glowing lava being expelled
by the crater of Izalco Volcano. El Salvador is
the country with more volcanoes per square
kilometers in the world. This is because there are
many volcanoes in a very small area, a country
of only 20,000 square kilometers. In Volcanoes
National Park, three amazing volcanoes embrace
beautiful Coatepeque Lake, which fills the crater
of an extinct volcano, these are Izalco, Santa Ana,
and Cerro Verde. Izalco is one of the youngest
volcanoes in America, given that it was born in
the 1700’s, whereas Santa Ana is thousands of
years old. No lava is currently flowing, but both
volcanoes are still active since constant fumaroles
are present.
In Cerro Verde, located in the middle of the
other two volcanoes, you can enjoy an easy walk
around its extinct crater, providing breathtaking
views of Izalco and Santa Ana Volcanoes and
Coatepeque Lake, which has been considered as
one of the most beautiful lakes in the world.
As an option, you may choose to hike one of the
volcanoes along with experienced local guides.
Izalco is a cone-shaped volcano made up of
sand and lava rock, creating a challenging but
rewarding hike. Once at the summit, you will be
able to walk around the crater experiencing the
warm fumaroles and the amazing views. With a
personal and experienced guide, the total hike
takes about 5 hours. The other option is Santa
Ana. This volcano provides a different hike since
it is a more solid and massive body. At the top, it
offers the view of Coatepeque Lake as well as the
sulfur green lagoon inside the crater. Total hike
takes about 4 hours. On a clear day, even the
ships on the Pacific Ocean can be seen.
The park extends 11,120 acres and the topography
varies from 500 to 2, 381 meters above sea level.
It is framed by a mixture of landscapes enclosing
cloud forests, highland páramos, vegetation
over lava, denude lava fields, sulfurous lagoons,
forestry, coffee plantations, and grasslands. For
its diverse habitats, this reserve was declared a
Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO.
San Salvador
1 hour
15 minutes
RECOMMENDATIONS
• Walking shoes, (Hiking gear
if hiking) light jacket for
afternoon/evening (sometimes
windy), sunscreen, and
sunglasses.
Easy access from
• Places: San Salvador, Suchitoto,
Flower Route.
Hotels: San Salvador Hotel, Los
• Almendros de San Lorenzo,
Decameron Hotel, Santa Leticia
Lodge, Cocotera Ecolodge.
For more info and packages
contact us:
[email protected]
29
VISIT A PLACE OF
EXOTIC WILDLIFE.
VISIT EL SALVADOR.
Macaws, Apaneca
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4 Montecristo
National Park
HIGHLIGHTS
• Trek towards the peak
“El Trifinio” where three
countries meet at 2,418 meters
above sea level.
• Learn about history and
nature at El Salvador´s most
outstanding wildlife sanctuary.
ACTIVITIES
• Trekking and Hiking.
• Camping.
DISTANCE
From San Salvador City:
NorthWest; 125 Kilometers /
2 hours 30 minutes.
2 hours
30 minutes
DESCRIPTION
A wonderful hike through a cloud forest will take
you to the exact point where three countries
meet: El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras. The
cloud forest is Montecristo, the first National Park
of El Salvador. With its 4,950 acres and its highest
point at 2,418 meters above sea level, Montecristo
is considered one of the most precious jewels of
the system of Protected Areas in the country. It
is one of the most recommended reserves for
scientific studies, due to the exuberance of its
flora and fauna.
There are several hiking trails within the Park as
well as local guides. A visit to “El Jardin de los
100 años” (the 100 year old garden) is a must in
order to appreciate the diversity of bromeliads
and orchids that are native to these highlands.
San Salvador
Also, the main building in the former hacienda is
considered a National Cultural Heritage. It was
constructed in 1783; now it is an interpretation
center designed to help the visitor learn more
details of the wild flora and fauna in the area, as
well as appreciate the different antique objects
used in the hacienda.
If Lucky, you will be able to see the most
emblematic bird: the flaming Quetzal. You can
observe this beautiful bird near or at Los Planes,
when they´re feeding fruits from the native
mora tree.
RECOMMENDATIONS
• Depending on the trekking
path selected, the difficulty
level goes from medium to
medium high. Light and
fresh clothing but also a light
sweater or jacket, sunscreen,
repellant, sunglasses. 4WD
vehicle required to reach
the park. Some areas of the
park are closed from May to
October in order to protect the
mating season.
Easy access from
• Places: San Salvador,
Western El Salvador.
• Hotels: Cocotera Ecolodge,
Decameron Hotel,
San Salvador Hotels,
Santa Leticia Lodge,
El Carmen Lodge.
For more info and packages
contact us:
[email protected]
31
HIGHLIGHTS
• Walk through La Palma
5 La
Palma
charming town and create
your own wood craft.
• Trek to the highest peak of
El Salvador at 2,730 meters
above sea level and enjoy
amazing views of El Salvador
and Honduras.
• Pick your own fruits and
vegetables that grow in the
highlands.
ACTIVITIES
• Trekking and Hiking.
• Camping.
DISTANCE
From San Salvador City:
North; 50 Kilometers /
1 hour 30 minutes
El Pital: Highest peak in El Salvador
DESCRIPTION
1 hour
30 minutes
San Salvador
RECOMMENDATIONS
• Warm clothing, sunscreen,
sunglasses, extra clothes for
river swimming.
Easy access from
• Places: San Salvador,
Suchitoto.
Hotels: Los Almendros de San
• Lorenzo, San Salvador Hotels.
La Palma is also known as the “cradle of peace”.
The first peace negotiations between the guerrilla
and the government started in this town on
October 15, 1984. The region was also a stage of
constant battles between these opposing forces,
causing many people to flee their homes. After
the 1992 Peace Accords, people started to slowly
come back to their normal lives. Now, at 1,000
meters above sea level, it is a very charming
town where the houses and electric posts are
beautifully painted with a very special art style
that is original from this town.
La Palma is the most important town for crafts
elaboration in the country, this being the most
important economic activity for the area. It
started in the 1970´s when Fernando Llort
established himself in La Palma and developed a
unique crafts style based on the “copinol” seed
where artisans use vivid colors to paint abstract
drawings about everyday life. There are about
100 federations of artisans of which about half
For more info and packages
contact us:
[email protected]
32
export all of their product. Tourists are able to
participate in workshops to create wood crafts
painted with vivid colors.
Around La Palma there are several mountains
that reach the highest elevations in El Salvador.
Actually, the area is one of the oldest rock
formations in Central America. One of the most
famous is El Pital, which is the highest point of
the country at 2,730 meters above sea level.
Tourists can reach this peak from where they can
admire the beautiful and broken landscape of
El Salvador as well as the mountainous areas of
neighboring country, Honduras. The area is also
very important since it holds several pine species
(Abies, Pinus, Globosa) that are found nowhere
else in the world.
The cool weather favors vegetable farming such
as cabbage and other crops that prosper in the
highlands. Tourists can pick their own tomatoes,
radishes, carrots, lettuce, cabbage, strawberries
and flowers from small scale farmers.
VISIT AND EXPLORE OUR
MOUNTAINS AND VOLCANOES.
VISIT
EL
SALVADOR.
Volcanoes National Park
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El Salvador
Sea Turtles
There are 8 known species of sea
turtles in the world, 4 of them nest
in the coasts of El Salvador. This is a
marvelous responsibility since only
1 turtle in 1,000 makes it to adult life
under natural conditions. Sea turtles
face challenges right from the start
since other animals eat the eggs; and
once they hatch, they face all sorts of
predators like birds and bigger fish.
Unfortunately, in several countries people (collectors) have been taking
eggs out of turtle nests in order to sell them. This practice has been
for many years their main source of income, but at the same time it
has contributed to the fact that many of the sea turtle species are on
the endangered list. This provides a big challenge which is: How can
we protect sea turtles but at the same time don´t take away the only
source of income of hundreds of families in environments with limited
alternative options?
Carlos, the nursery keeper
In El Salvador, nonprofit organizations have
been working a method that has been
providing positive results. First, collectors
are organized and trained in regards to sea
turtles and the importance of conservation.
From the total amount of eggs collected,
the nonprofits buy a percentage from the
collector. Another percentage is donated
by the collector to the nursery, and then
a small percentage is allowed to be sold
for consumption. Then, a turtle nursery is
established right at the beach.
Is in here where the eggs provided by the
collectors are buried and taken care for about
45–55 days which is the average time that
takes for the eggs to hatch. Once the eggs
hatch, the sea turtles are left on the sand so
that they can start their trip on their own
towards the ocean. This is very important
since sea turtles need to identify the beach
since when they are ready to nest, they will
only return to that same beach.
Releasing about 100 sea turtles at Icacal Beach
New born sea turtles
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Which sea turtles nest in El Salvador?
Carey: Eretmochelys imbricata hawksbill sea
turtle HIGH ENDANGERED 110 cm in length
and deposits between 110 and 225 eggs at once.
Releasing about 100 sea turtles at Icacal Beach
Baule: Dermochelys coriacea leatherback turtle
HIGH ENDANGERED 210 cm in length (the
largest in the world) and deposits between 70
and 110 eggs.
Sea turtle nursery
Golfina: Lepidochelys olivácea olive ridley sea
turtle or Pacific Ridley 90 cm in length and
deposits between 90 and 110 eggs.
Seasons:
Sea turtles come to the shores almost the entire year.
However, the most active season is from June to
December. The best time to be able to spot sea turtles
laying their eggs (mostly at night) and releasing
sea turtles that have just hatched is from August to
December.
Organizing eggs
Prieta: Chelonia mydas green sea turtle 120 cm
in length and deposits between 90 and 140 eggs.
Check out El Salvador packages around sea turtles or
contact us for more information.
What threatens the sea turtles?
•Hunting of the sea turtles for their meat and
extracting the eggs that are sold for consumption.
•Accidental capture (in nets) by fishing boats.
•Destruction of the habitat where they nest.
•Reduction of their food and contamination
For more information:
[email protected]
35
AUTHENTIC EXPERIENCES!
VISIT EL SALVADOR.
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6 La
Libertad
HIGHLIGHTS
• Top ten worldwide surfing
spots.
• Experience the fisherman
community at La Libertad Pier.
• Amazing gastronomy.
ACTIVITIES
• Water activities: Surf,
swimming, fishing
• Entertainment: Nightlife,
restaurants, etc.
• Sightseeing.
DISTANCE
From San Salvador City:
South 32 Kilometers/
30 minutes
DESCRIPTION
In the past, pirates used to disembark in La Libertad
where they built their barracks for refugee and
to store their weapons and treasures. In 1870, La
Libertad Pier was constructed in order to facilitate
the trade of indigo and coffee with Europe and
the United States. Today, you can walk the pier
and see the everyday life of fishermen loading
and unloading their boats, and of course, the
wonderful experience of buying a wide variety
of fresh seafood.
Due to this amazing source of fresh marine
products, it is no surprise the great variety of
restaurants that offer exquisite dishes alongside
views of the Pacific Ocean.
30 minutes
In here you can also find crafts that have been
handmade by locals.According to international
surfers’ experiences, El Salvador is also known as
the “Paradise of the right waves”, and La Libertad
has several beaches that are ideal for surfing,
including El Sunzal which is considered one of
the 10 best surfing spots in the world.
The area also offers beautiful boutique hotels, as
well as the option of renting a beachfront house
with all the comforts including your own private
cooking service.
San Salvador
RECOMMENDATIONS
• Fresh clothing, sunscreen,
sunglasses, swimsuit, mosquito
repellant.
Easy access from
La Libertad is only 30 minutes from the capital
city of San Salvador and only 45 minutes from El
Salvador International Airport. In here you can
also find crafts that have been handmade by
locals. Nightlife has also flourished in this area
with a variety of coffee houses, bars, and clubs.
• Places: San Salvador, Suchitoto,
Western El Salvador.
Hotels: San Salvador Hotels,
• Decameron Hotel,
Los Almendros de San Lorenzo.
For more info and packages
contact us:
[email protected]
37
HIGHLIGHTS
• A World Heritage Site and the
7 Joya
de Ceren
best preserved Pre Hispanic
Village of Mesoamerica.
• Comprehensive museum on
site explaining the site’s history
and a display of the artifacts
found.
ACTIVITIES
• Educational session learning
from local guides.
DISTANCE
From San Salvador City:
West; 15 Kilometers / 35 minutes
DESCRIPTION
San Salvador
35 minutes
RECOMMENDATIONS
• Light and comfortable clothing.
Easy access from
• Places: San Salvador,
Suchitoto, Flower Route
Hotels: Los Almendros de San
• Lorenzo, San Salvador Hotels,
Santa Leticia Lodge.
A unique window to the past. The archaeological
site of Joya de Cerén is unique in all Mesoamerica
since it shows how indigenous people lived
before the arrival of the Spanish conquerors.
The eruption of Volcano Caldera in 600AD
interrupted the daily life of this community which
was preserved by more than 10 layers of ash until
its discovery in 1976. It is a very important site
since it now represents the remains of the best
preserved Pre Hispanic Village of Mesoamerica.
In 1976, a tractor discovered the debris of a
house while doing construction work in the
area. Fortunately, the finding was reported and
research was triggered. Dr. Payson Sheets from
the University of Colorado led the investigations
and determined that the house encountered
by the tractor was 1,400 years old. After this
finding, the site has been protected and several
excavations have been made for its further study.
The ashes of the eruption completely covered
this Mayan town, but to this date no bodies have
For more info and packages
contact us:
[email protected]
38
been found, an indication that the community
had enough warning time to escape. Fortunately
for the archaeologists and for us all, they did
leave behind most of their belongings which
vividly illustrates the daily lives of the common
people who lived 1,400 years ago in what is now
El Salvador.
The site has approximately 18 structures of
which ten have been excavated, revealing
passages and homes built of white soil, clay and
mud. There is also a house of a shaman (spiritual
advisor), a Temascal (steam bath), a communal
kitchen, home gardens and family storage in
which they found corn and beans. In a borehole,
the imprint of a foot was also found.
The site also offers a comprehensive museum
that illustrates the site´s history and displays a
variety of pottery, household goods and cereal
seeds that have been found at Joya de Ceren.
VISIT A PLACE OF AMAZING
BEAUTY, PEACE, AND SERENITY.
VISIT EL SALVADOR.
Sunset, Jiquilisco Bay
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40
8 El
Boquerón
HIGHLIGHTS
• Walk to the edge of San
Salvador’s Volcano Crater.
• Enjoy the beautiful coffee
houses and charming
restaurants.
• Enjoy the amazing views of San
Salvador City.
ACTIVITIES
• Sightseeing.
• Hiking and Trekking.
DISTANCE
From San Salvador City:
12 Kilometers / 25 minutes
DESCRIPTION
It has been asleep for almost 100 years. The last
time he woke up destroyed part of the city. It
is San Salvador’s Volcano, an icon of the city of
San Salvador, and its crater is called El Boquerón.
Locals gave him this name since the crater
resembles a big mouth (Boquerón). During the
last eruption in 1917, huge quantities of lava
were expelled. The petrified lava can still be seen
outside of the city of San Salvador.
This natural reserve provides a beautiful escape
from the city since it only takes about 25
minutes to reach. The drive is a journey in itself.
In the slopes of the volcano one can admire
beautiful coffee plantations. These plantations
produce high quality coffee since they grow
in a combination of volcanic fertile soil, high
altitude and cool climate. Also, one can stop at
the various viewing points in order to admire
spectacular views of San Salvador City as well as
Ilopango Lake and other volcanoes. On a clear
day, one can even see the Pacific Ocean.
San Salvador
25 minutes
Once we reach El Boquerón Natural Reserve, we
would be at an altitude of about 1,700 meters
above sea level. This allows for a very pleasant
temperature in between 15 and 23 degrees
Celsius. The visitor can walk through the trails
and admire the different varieties of native
flowers such as terrestrial flowers, orquids and
exotic ornamentals. These trails will lead us to the
edge of the crater which is almost 600 meters
deep and 1.6 kilometers in diameter. There is
the option to hike down to the crater, but it is a
challenging hike and should only be attempted
by experienced hikers and always with local
guides.
This experience is complemented by enjoying
breakfast, lunch or dinner at one of the several
restaurants of the area which are decorated with
beautiful flowers and offer amazing views. If
only a cup of coffee is desired, there are several
charming coffee houses along the way.
RECOMMENDATIONS
• Walking shoes, light jacket for
afternoon/evening, sunscreen,
sunglasses.
Easy access from
• Places: San Salvador, Suchitoto.
• Hotels: San Salvador Hotels,
Los Almendros de San Lorenzo.
For more info and packages
contact us:
[email protected]
41
HIGHLIGHTS
• Historic downtown.
• Cultural and entertaining
9 San
Salvador
activities.
• Amazing viewing points to
the city from mountains and
volcanoes.
ACTIVITIES
• Shopping.
• Nightlife.
• Sightseeing.
San Salvador
DESCRIPTION
Welcome to the Valley of the hammocks!
RECOMMENDATIONS
• Casual clothing, sunscreen,
and sunglasses.
Easy access from
• Places: San Salvador,
Suchitoto, La Libertad.
Hotels: Decameron Hotel, San
• Salvador Hotels, Los Almendros
de San Lorenzo.
For more info and packages
contact us:
[email protected]
This is how early inhabitants called where
San Salvador is now located. Surrounded by
mountains and volcanoes, tremors are common
and hence the name. The actual name of San
Salvador comes from the institution of the
Catholic festivity in Honor of the Holy Savior
each 5th of August. This festivity was established
by Pope Calixto III as a way to give thanks for the
victory of the Christian armies in 1456 against the
forces of the Ottoman Sultan Mehmed II. This is
why several places around the world were given
the name of San Salvador, including our own
capital city by instructions of Pedro de Alvarado
back in 1525.
San Salvador is a city of 1.8 million people and
you can experience everything that a modern city
has to offer. It is located at 650 meters above sea
level so it enjoys a tropical weather. The historical
downtown includes several landmarks such as
the National Palace. A neoclassic building built in
1905, it has a beautiful central patio as well as
more than 100 rooms. Its files include important
documents from the colonial period.
42
The current Metropolitan Cathedral substitutes
the previous edifications destroyed by
earthquakes and fires. The Cathedral is
surprisingly wide and large (Neo-Romanesque
and Byzantine) and celestial drawings are painted
on its cupola. Inside stand a wooden figure of
the Divine Savior of the World and the tomb of
Archbishop Romero, a martyr and an important
political figure for El Salvador. Rosario church is
also an interesting stop. With its bizarre building,
it holds the grave of Father José Matías Delgado,
a very important figure of the Central American
independence. The National Theater is the oldest
in Central America with its grand hall considered
as one of the most beautiful in the region.
All around San Salvador you will find many
shopping centers, craft markets, and special
areas of entertainment such as La Gran Via, Zona
Rosa and Paseo el Carmen. The world famous
typical dish pupusas, which are tortillas stuffed
with cheese or cheese and beans or pork, can
be enjoyed in several areas including Planes de
Renderos where you will also enjoy a beautiful
view of the city.
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44
10 Suchitoto
Colonial Town
HIGHLIGHTS
• Walk the cobblestone streets
through a colonial town.
• Dye your own scarf in an
indigo workshop.
• Take a boat ride through the
artificial lake of Suchitlan.
• Warm and welcoming people
and traditions.
ACTIVITIES
• Sightseeing.
• Cultural activities.
• Crafts and souvenir shopping.
DISTANCE
From San Salvador City:
Northeast 47 kilometers/
50 minutes.
50 minutes
DESCRIPTION
The founding of San Salvador's ''Ciudad Vieja''Old City-back in 1525-1528 happened in the
surroundings of Suchitoto, which is perhaps the
Salvadorian town with the oldest edifications.
Fortunately, even though most of its inhabitants
left the town during the 1980´s conflict, it
didn´t suffer significant damage. Suchitoto is
“The cultural capital of El Salvador”, an amazing
colonial town with cobblestones streets, large
balconies, tile roofs, doorways, porches and
windows that will take you to colonial past.
In Nahuatl language, its name means the place
of the Flower Bird, and it is considered a national
historic jewel for its wealth of tourist attractions
and its constants artistic activities.
San Salvador
Within and around Suchitoto you can encounter
marvelous experiences around archaeological
sites, indigo plantations and political history
around
the
1980´s
conflict.
Cihuatan
archaeological site is located in a beautiful valley
and it still preserves three of the best ball game
fields of Pre Hispanic El Salvador.
Many Haciendas surround Suchitoto, several of
which offer the unique experience of learning
how from the xiquilite plant you can obtain
a natural blue colorant: Indigo. Also, learning
about the issues around the civil war are also
evident. Visit Suchitoto where the smile of its
people will catch your heart.
RECOMMENDATIONS
• Light clothing, sunscreen,
sunglasses, comfortable shoes,
insect repellent, a hat or a cap.
Easy access from
• Places: San Salvador, Western
El Salvador.
• Hotels: Decameron Hotel,
San Salvador Hotels, Los
Almendros de San Lorenzo.
For more info and packages
contact us:
[email protected]
45
HIGHLIGHTS
• Walk around the Lagoon of
11 Alegria
Alegria, a small crater formed
lake of green-yellowish waters,
resting on mantels of sulfur.
• Relax and walk the Amazing
viewing points to peaceful
streets of the Town of Alegria.
ACTIVITIES
• Sightseeing, walking.
• Trekking and Hiking
DISTANCE
From San Salvador City:
East; 142 Kilometers / 2 hours
San Salvador
2 hours
/
DESCRIPTION
RECOMMENDATIONS
• Light and comfortable
clothing. For hiking options:
hiking shoes, sunscreen, long
pants.
Easy access from
• Places: San Salvador,
Suchitoto, Eastern El Salvador,
Jiquilisco Bay.
• Hotels: Los Almendros de San
Lorenzo, San Salvador Hotels,
Las Flores Resort, Puerto
Barillas Lodge.
If you consider yourself a handsome man, you
may want to think twice before swimming at the
Lagoon of Alegria. Myths recite that a mermaid
lives within the waters that fill the crater of
Tecapa Volcano, and that she is very interested
in handsome men; while swimming, she brings
them underwater and drowns them.
Fortunately, you don´t need to swim in order
to enjoy this beautiful place. The lagoon
projects a bright green color due to sulfur and
other minerals found at volcano craters. It is
surrounded by deep vegetation and wildlife.
In Nahuatl language, Tecapa means lagoon of
stones, since you can see many rocks of all sizes
and shapes around the lagoon.
For more info and packages
contact us:
[email protected]
46
Gabriela Mistral, a Chilean poet, named the
lagoon “The Emerald of America”. The Lagoon
of Alegria is very close to the Town of Alegría,
a small, charming and peaceful town. At about
1,000 meters above sea level, it provides amazing
views, very pleasant weather and favors the
growth of beautiful flowers. In fact, this is one of
the main economical activities of the town with
over 150 nurseries. Also, the area is important
due to its coffee production.
VISIT A BEAUTIFUL
COLONIAL TOWN.
VISIT EL SALVADOR.
Santa Lucia Church, Suchitoto
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12 Jiquilisco
Bay
HIGHLIGHTS
• Enjoy a boat ride through
mangroves and beautiful
sunsets.
• Feed bananas to a community
of monkeys.
• Taste the original flavor of the
cacao fruit.
ACTIVITIES
• Sea Turtle and monkey
experience.
• Water activities: boat tours,
kayaks, beach.
• Agro tourism: Cacao, Sugar
Cane, coconuts.
• Sightseeing.
DISTANCE
From San Salvador City:
South East110 Kilometers /
2 hours.
DESCRIPTION
Pancho!!!! Suddenly, Pancho the Monkey starts
coming down the trees followed by several
female monkeys. Pancho is part of a spider
monkey community that lives in Jiquilisco Bay. In
the 60´s and 70´s, Hacienda La Carrera included
a protected, environmentally conscious zoo.
Unfortunately, after the agrarian reform of the
late 70's, many animals were killed or sold. Despite
this, the spider monkey community was able to
survive. Today, much of Hacienda La Carrera has
been repurchased specially for agricultural use
but a big emphasis is being placed on protecting
natural areas. As a result, native wildlife in the
area has made an impressive comeback.
Jiquilisco Bay has a total area of 637 square
kilometers and 50 km of coastline. It has been
declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and
includes mangrove forests, estuaries, sand
bars, beaches, 27 islands of varying size, fresh
water lagoons and seasonally flooded forests. It
represents a transit point to at least 87 species
of migratory birds. The coastal mangroves and
estuaries help reduce the vulnerability of coastal
communities and agricultural lands to experience
natural disasters such as floods, helps stabilize
the local climate, and serves as a nursery and
refuge for a high diversity of ecological species of
economical and aesthetic importance.
It is home to a wide variety of fauna including
the highly endangered Hawksbill sea turtle. It is
estimated that only 500 females are left on the
entire Eastern Pacific region and Jiquilisco Bay is
their largest nesting area.
San Salvador
2 hours
RECOMMENDATIONS
• Fresh clothing for activities,
swimsuits, sunscreen,
sunglasses, insect repellent,
bottled water.
Easy access from
• Places: Eastern El Salvador,
San Salvador.
• Hotels: Las Flores Resort, San
Salvador Hotels, Puerto Barillas
Lodge.
For more info and packages
contact us:
[email protected]
49
HIGHLIGHTS
• Rural school visits and
13 El
Icacal
interaction with kids.
• Sea Turtle, and conservation
program.
• Pristine beach.
ACTIVITIES
• Boat or kayak tours through
mangroves.
• Volunteer, social, and
conservation activities.
DISTANCE
From San Salvador City:
East; 145 Kilometers / 3 hours.
San Salvador
3 hours
RECOMMENDATIONS
• Fresh clothing for activities,
swimsuit, sunscreen,
sunglasses, insect repellent,
bottled water.
DESCRIPTION
Children of a rural school in El Icacal participated
in an educational activity on how to protect the
sea turtles that nest on their beach. Part of the
activity consisted in releasing baby turtles that
had just hatched. Several of the kids were so
excited that they actually placed some turtles
on their pockets since they wanted to take them
home as a pet. Of course, it was a supervised
activity and they understood that sea turtles
had to be released into the Pacific Ocean.
Jiquilisco Bay.
El Salvador has coasts on the Pacific Ocean
only, and most of them are of volcanic origin. El
Icacal is one of the best beaches in the country
and yet you will find a pristine and authentic
environment.
Comfort Inn La Unión, Puerto
Barillas Lodge.
A small community of about 40 families lives in
El Icacal. It is an ideal place if you are looking for
Easy access from
• Places: Eastern El Salvador,
• Hotels: Las Flores Resort,
For more info and packages
contact us:
[email protected]
50
a rural, eco and meaningful experience. You can
visit the rural schools sponsored by our nonprofit
organization, Share Smiles, participate in sea turtle
conservation, take a boat or kayak tour though
the beautiful mangroves for bird watching or
simply walk the soft sand of the amazing beach.
Of the 7 sea turtle species, 4 nest in El Icacal
including the green and leatherback turtle.
There are no hotels or restaurants in El Icacal
but we own a rustic beach front house where
travelers can rest, eat and use the facilities such
as running water. For the adventurous, spending
the night is also an exciting experience. If in
season, this allows to witness the turtles when
laying their eggs since they usually come out at
night. There are several hotels nearby, so it is also
a great day trip as well.
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14 Gulf
of Fonseca
HIGHLIGHTS
• Enjoy a boat ride through the
islands of Gulf of Fonseca.
• Swim and have lunch in a
pristine beach and island.
• Reach the top of Conchagua
Volcano for the amazing view
of three countries: El Salvador,
Honduras and Nicaragua.
ACTIVITIES
• Hiking and Trekking.
• Boat tours.
• Sightseeing.
DISTANCE
From San Salvador City:
East145 Kilometers / 3 hours.
San Salvador
DESCRIPTION
It is an unusual but interesting and unique way to
enter the country of El Salvador. Boarding a boat
at the port of Potosi in Nicaragua will take you to
the port of La Union in El Salvador.
The boat crosses the Gulf of Fonseca, which
converges in between 3 countries. It is a very
scenic route since you are able to see volcanoes
such as Cosiguina Volcano in Nicaragua,
Conchagua Volcano which is on the easternmost
point of El Salvador and farther away the cone
shaped Chaparrastique Volcano also in El
Salvador.
The boat passes through several islands which
are of volcanic origin. As an option, you can stop
at one of the islands for lunch or a quick swim.
The area also offers opportunities to witness the
authentic way of life of the local people.
3 hours
The area near Gulf of Fonseca on the El Salvador
side, also offers a wide variety of activities. One of
these activities is to visit Conchagua Volcano. It
has a sub-tropical forest with deciduous and semideciduous vegetation. Also, there is an extensive
section of beach vegetation throughout its rocky
shores.
Its tallest point is 1,157 meters above sea level.
One of the hiking trails will take you to one of the
highest peaks where you will enjoy a spectacular
view of the islands of the Gulf of Fonseca, La Unión
Bay, and the shores of Honduras and Nicaragua.
The region also offers several of the best beaches
of El Salvador, offering activities from surfing, sea
turtle conservation, mangrove tours, kayaking
and volunteer travel at rural schools.
RECOMMENDATIONS
• There are 3 main hiking trails
at the Conchagua Volcano:
1. Easy-Medium.
2. Medium.
3. Difficult.
• Fresh clothing for activities,
swimsuit, sunscreen,
sunglasses, insect repellent,
bottled water.
Easy access from
• Places: Eastern El Salvador,
crossing from Nicaragua.
From San Salvador: 3 hours
each way.
• Hotels: Las Flores Resort,
Comfort Inn La Unión, Puerto
Barillas Lodge.
For more info and packages
contact us:
[email protected]
53
REAL HEROES
On a canoe to school
during three years!
At 5AM the day starts by
getting ready to school
and then walking to the
edge of the estuary in
order to hop on a canoe,
cross the estuary and
walk thirty minutes to
school.
Héctor, Josue,
Jacob, Manuelito, and
several other children
have done this routine
for three years in order
to complete high school.
All of them have finished
9th grade at one our
sponsored schools, and
have one goal in mind:
finish school!
MAIN OBJETIVE
Keep Children in School!
Giving Something Back
We strongly believe in giving back to communities
in need, and tourism is one effective way to do so.
For 15 years we have been supporting rural schools
in El Salvador through our non - profit organization Share
Smiles and its volunteer program Share and Travel.
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Mission
To support rural communities with tourism potential.
Our main objective is to give the students in these
communities the necessary tools to complete high school,
while at the same time prepare them in tourism, so that
after high school graduation, they can take advantage of
the economic opportunities of a growing industry in the
country.
To provide every volunteer a meaningful, authentic and
life changing experience, as well as an opportunity to
make a positive impact on local communities through
our various cultural, social, educational and entertaining
projects.
Projects
Some of our projects are:
• Provide necessary school supplies to students.
• Internal transportation system for children who walk
hours to school.
• Provide English and Computer labs as well as classes.
• Educational Field trips.
• Basic health and hygiene products.
• Leadership and development programs.
Students learning about Indigo
Main Programs
1. Project Icacal: PI is the annual working plan focused
on keeping children in School at each of our
sponsored schools.
2. I Speak English: English is an important element of
our plan. It is an essential tool for the children’s future
and for tourism development.
3. I learn computers: Program that teaches computer
skills to teachers and students.
4. Tourism School: The sustainable component of our
work. Tourism is an effective source for economic
development, but locals need to be prepared in order
to take advantage of the economic opportunities.
5. JP Helpers: This project represent the values and
principles of our work. It consists of special teams of
students within each school. Each team has specific
responsibilities and duties.
Visit Our Programs
As part of our leisure packages, you can visit our schools
and participate in our programs.
Volunteer Programs
Through Share and Travel, you can immerse in meaninful,
wonderful and longer volunteer programs: Teach
English and computers, participate as a sport coach, help
in conservation projects, help in an orphanage, etc.
Contact us for more information:
[email protected]
55
VISIT
EL
SALVADOR.
Barra de Santiago
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Your own private saltwater swimming pool surrounded by the waves of the Pacific Ocean!
RENT A
BEACH
HOUSE!
El Salvador has 320 kilometers of Pacific
Ocean Coastline. Along this coast, one
can find beautiful beach front houses
waiting to be rented by you. This is a
unique way to spend a vacation along
with family and friends. The houses
include 3 or more rooms, swimming
pools, kitchens, living room and ocean
view terraces. Houses can be rented
for the day, 1 night, or up to a complete
month.
Services include:
• Daily cleaning services of the
rooms and entire property.
• Access to all areas of the house.
Optional services:
• Cooking services.
• Private transfers from and to
Airport.
• Private tours.
• Nanny services for children.
For more information:
[email protected]
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