Things to see and do Central Region

The El Boquerón National Park is located on the volcano crater of the same name, at 1 800 metres above sea level. The main attraction of the park is, of course, the crater 5 km in diameter and close to 560 m deep, in which we see El Boqueroncito, a small volcanic cone. An information centre is located at the entrance to the park and several trails allow to follow the crest of the crater in the middle of a tropical forest. There are many hotels and restaurants, with a pleasant climate, more fresh than in the capital. Salvadorans go to the family weekend to walk, picnic and camp.

Destroyed by fire in the 1950s, San Salvador's Metropolitan Cathedral was rebuilt in 1999. It was the last cathedral built in the ^20th century. It is located on Plaça Cívica, a stone's throw from the National Palace. Although today the cathedral is all in white, this was not always the case.

Fernando Llort's mosaic destroyed. In 1997, the cathedral's facade was adorned with a gigantic mosaic, a beautiful work of art by Fernando Llort, using naive, Indian-inspired paintings in sparkling colors. The mosaic was destroyed on December 30, 2011, at the request of José Luis Escobar Alas, Archbishop of San Salvador, despite the opposition of the Llort family and government cultural and heritage authorities, who did everything in their power to protect the cathedral's priceless cultural heritage. Archbishop Alas cited aesthetic, maintenance and restoration reasons..

The tomb of Monsignor Óscar Romero, a human rights activist assassinated in 1980 during the civil war, is located in the cathedral's basement. The bronze-covered mausoleum measures 2.50 meters and was created by Italian sculptor Paolo Borghi. The tomb is a place of pilgrimage: John Paul II paid his respects there twice, in 1983 and 1996, and US President Obama in 2011. His beatification was celebrated in San Salvador on May 23, 2015 in front of 300,000 people.

It is a Salvadoran organization that depends on the government and works for the preservation of nature. It manages and protects natural areas in El Salvador: El Imposible and Los Volcanes National parks and Parque Bicentenario in San Salvador.

A beautiful natural reserve that allows a pleasant walk with a superb view of the Pacific Ocean while enjoying the fresh air of the volcanic mountains. The National park Walter Working Deininger stretches over 732 hectares and preserves medicinal plants, more than a thousand apple trees, but above all a dry tropical forest in which a varied fauna and flora is housed. Deer, carcajous, tattoos, garrobos, snakes and masacuata are some of the species living inside the park, in addition to 70 species of birds and about types of amphibians. Specialized guides can accompany you on the different paths.

El Mirador. This trail offers visitors a panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean. On this path you will discover a river, the Cueva del Encanto («Grotte de l'Enchantement») and its legend.

On the Chanseñora trail, the landscape will become exuberant with lush vegetation.

The trail of the river Amayo leads through a wood to the Cascade El Salto waterfall and its crystalline waters.

For the most adventurous, the fourth Coyolar Trail offers the opportunity to carry out an intense adventure with the free presence of guides. You can ride it on a 3 km road bike.

Ecotourism facilities have been installed, including a campsite, a centre for the observation of wildlife and flora as well as trails for long walks. There is also an escalation in the part of Peña Rajada. From the natural viewpoint, you can admire the view of San Ignacio, La Palma and see the forests and valleys of Honduras and Guatemala, as well as the eastern area of El Salvador.

2 kilometres from the village falls the waters of the very beautiful waterfall of Los Tercios, whose polyédriques columns, on which water flows, about 30 meters, are interesting curiosity. To be seen mainly between May and October.

La Mora is a small historical community of 74 families located at the foot of Cerro Guazapa (1 438 metres). It is a pleasant place where more than 200 species of wild flowers, 27 species of birds, mammals and reptiles live. The landscapes are wonderful. To reach this place since Suchitoto (or Aguilares), take bus 107 and get off at the Clinique de La Mora.

The Peñón de Cayaguanca, 6 km north of San Ignacio, is 1 622 metres high. You can see toucans or the surprising fourmilier. Magnificent panorama at 180 ° on the surrounding mountains.

The Jaltepeque estuary, which stretches over 28 kilometres, is recognized for the fishing and observation of avifauna. Boats can be rented at La Puntilla to win the islands of El Ranchón, El Chingo and Tasajera, with beautiful mangroves. A very nice expedition to meet a warm rural coastal life. It is possible to stay for not too expensive on Tasajera. If you prefer more noise and more atmosphere, another boat follows a route between the islands for about 3 hours (count US $ 15 per person); We drink it and we eat it.

We will gladly go to the church El Rosario, there are often itinerant musicians. This park is in fact a small place where the Angel of Liberty was erected in 1911 to commemorate the centenary of the first "cry of independence". By looking good, you will find details showing coffee beans… most of the city's major monuments were built thanks to coffee revenues (until the crisis of 1929).

It is the association that brings together some of the country's tour operators.

Association of tourist promoters and tour operators of El Salvador.

Families appreciate the calm of the groves, a pleasant contrast with the bustle of the capital. Many playgrounds will seduce children, but walkers will be disappointed. However, there is a possibility to dine (a plethora of pupuserías) and spend a pleasant time in the country. Otherwise, the excursion is not necessary. It is said that the property belonged in colonial times to the Renderos family, hence its name: Los Planes de Renderos.

Puerta del Diablo. According to legend, the daughter of the family was courted by the devil and the parents decided to chase this interfering. One night, after having seduced the girl, the cunning was pursued by the whole community. To be caught up, he smashed a rock, which stopped the continuation. The site is now known as Puerta del Diablo. It is a viewpoint that overlooks two gigantic rocks hanging above the vacuum, forming a kind of natural door overlooking the horizon. Located on the crest of the mountain of Asuyatepec or Loma Negra, at 1 131 m above sea level. It offers a very nice view of the San Salvador site, the lake of Ilopango, the San Vicente volcano and the Pacific Ocean, and makes it possible to familiarize itself with the geographical configuration of the capital: cerros from San Jacinto, De and Nejapa. To get there, walk 1 km after park Balboa.

Casa del Escritor - Museo Salarrué. Shortly before the entrance of Balboa Park, it is possible to visit La Casa del Escritor-Museo Salarrué (open every day except Monday from 9 h to 17 h, free entrance). It contains manuscripts, photographs and sculptures from the great artist Salvadorien.

Exhibitions of national artists, cultural events.

Large private library composed of about 80 000 volumes.

In the city centre, in a building of 1870. Lambruschini Collection, the name of the Cardinal of Pope Gregory XVI, including books published between 1500 and 1800.