Things to see and do Eastern Region

The El Jocotal lagoon was the first wetland to obtain international recognition in El Salvador by the Ramsar Convention on 22 January 1999. Located at the foot of the Chaparrastique volcano, it houses pastures, sugar cane crops and piment trees. The lagoon protects, on 4 479 hectares, the largest concentration of aquatic flora in the country (végétation-type vegetation, mangrove or wetland) as well as fish and 20 000 birds including 100 migratory species. The El Jocotal lagoon is of great natural beauty and fishermen stay there. It is not advisable to bathe due to snakes and caïmans who barbotent in its waters… It is possible to negotiate with fishermen to take a tour from the lagoon to the boat.

The Aramuca lagoon is equipped with a tourist centre offering swimming, boat trips and a restaurant service. A legend tells us that a huge horned snake lives in the depths of the Aramuca lagoon; According to another of these legends, it would be impossible to cross the lagoon apart because pieces of ice congéleraient the feet of the bold in the middle (you can always try the experiment!).

Later, 15 kilometres east of San Miguel, the Olomega lagoon is even more savage.

The Tecapa volcano, 2 kilometres south of Alegría, has a large crater with a beautiful lagoon. You can access it (and turn it around) into a vehicle. Thermal and fumaroles waters complete the tourism infrastructure. Despite the heat, these hot thermal waters are very frequented by Salvadorans who come to bathe. Naturally rich water is known for its healing powers. Walkers can follow Ruta Quemada (4 km), which passes through the lagoon and offers beautiful views over Jiquilisco bay. On the way, you can discover ausoles (geysers), these volcanic outbreaks that generate promising energy, geothermal. To discover with local guides. Gentlemen, attention if you swim in the lagoon: it is said that an siren lives there and falls in love with the beautiful young men, whose soul she steals, and which she basically provokes…

Cerro El Pericón is located 3 km north of Arambala, at 1 379 metres above sea level. From above, the view is breathtaking in the area of the Oriente.

You can visit a beautiful natural site, El Llano del Muerto, a large meadow where pines «set up their altières peaks». You can stay in the tourist centre of the same name after a good day of walking.

Located near the city of San Miguel, the Chaparrastique volcano (2 132 metres), also known as San Miguel volcano, ejected on Sunday 29 December 2013, following an explosive eruption, a thick cloud of ash and gas that forced the authorities to evacuate the population established around the volcano. Some international flights have also had to be cancelled. The volcano remains active and continues to eject gases. But there was no new eruption. Before visiting the San Miguel area, it is recommended to consult the civil protection site of El Salvador: www.proteccioncivil.gob.sv. Surf mountain biking fans, contact the Garrobikes association on Facebook.

Very beautiful natural site with an interesting ecosystem, including as its name indicates (Río Río, Toads River) a river, a dry forest and rocky foothills. One would think in the gorges of Hérault. The river at crystalline waters is the cleanest in the country and receives very little pollution, which favours a wide variety of fauna and flora. There are many activities: Discovery of nature and birds, cycling, hiking, climbing, walking from the river to kayaking, etc. It is possible to stay in the Eco-aspoprodecaz, in the heart of 6 000 hectares of forests. Ecological, peaceful and healthy atmosphere.