Things to see and do El Salvador

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.

On the north-eastern border of El Salvador, this beautiful freshwater lake is both El Salvador and Guatemala. In the Salvadoran part of about 32 square kilometres, several islets exist: Teotipa, Cerro de Tule and Iguatepec. Excavations in 1924 discovered pre-Columbian ceramics and unknown archaeological remains such as Azacualpa, on Teotipa Island, or Igualtepec. Today, many birds can still be found including quetzal. The lake is surrounded by the extinct volcanoes Mita, San Diego and Cerro Quemado, which make up a picturesque landscape.

As the country's most visited national park, Montecristo was, on 18 November 1987, the first area in El Salvador to protect fauna and flora. On 1 973 hectares, affecting the borders of Honduras and Guatemala, the Montecristo National Park has an extension with the Trifinio biosphere reserve. In its midst, three mountains peak over 2 000 metres above sea level: Montecristo (2 418), Miramundo (2 394) and Brujo. The summit, El Trifinio, forms a natural border with neighbouring Guatemala and Honduras. Five guides (in Spanish) are downloadable on the Internet site: observation of birds, orchids, reptiles and amphibians, mammals, flora and fruit. The park hides a sublime orchid garden (approximately 80 species) named Jardín de los Cien Años, home in its nébuleuse forest tree over 30 metres, 275 species of endèmiques birds, mammals such as puma and snakes that are more or less dangerous. Caimans are found there, as are deer, squirrels, and tigrillos (ocelots). Many trails allow you to familiarize yourself with this superb environment. We will work along rivers and waterfalls, along with otters… Many viewpoints offer a beautiful view on the bottom. The bolder will climb at the peak of Cerro Montecristo at 2 400 metres altitude (it is essential to apply for a permit to the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources). The most adventurous hikers and tourists will be the angels by discovering this park. Camping will bring a touch of pure adventure to this stay in the heart of a truly preserved nature. Think of taking hot clothes, especially for the night. Due to altitude, temperatures are fresh, oscillating from 6 to 18 degrees!

The Interpretation Centre, at the entrance, is located in an old colonial house where indigo, iron and lime were worked. The Bucolic are at the disposal of visitors to accompany them and discover the park. Their remuneration depends on tips. We recommend a minimum of US $ 2. Although the procèdure is complicated to be able to visit it (like other national parks), it is worth it.

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.

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.

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.

The Sapoapa park is a little gem just over a kilometer from Santa Ana's historic center (it's an easy walk). Streams of water feed natural pools that are popular with locals who come here for a swim or a workout. The banks are shady and wooded, the water is cool and pure, and you can admire the flora and fauna (especially the birds)...in short, it's a pleasant break, especially on the hottest days. Drinks and snacks available for purchase.