El Salvador
Most of El Salvador (’the savior’ in Spanish) is volcanic. The country has been racked by civil war and a succession of natural disasters which have left it physically devastated and psychologically traumatized. The country’s major attractions include volcanoes, mountains (especially those in Cerro Verde National Park), beaches, tropical nature preserves and archaeological sites from the Maya civilization.
Climate in El Salvador
Hot, subtropical climate affected by altitude. Dry season or summer runs between November and April. Coastal areas are particularly hot, with a rainy season between May and October. Upland areas have a cooler, more temperate climate.
Required Clothing
Lightweight clothing and rainwear during the wet season in coastal areas are required. Waterproof clothing is advisable all year round. Warm clothing should be taken for higher altitudes.
Visas
Visa is required by all nationals of countries. Visa is not required by some countries for stays of up to 30 days.Nationals of Canada, Greece and the USA must buy a Tourist Card for US$10, valid for 30 days, upon entry. Other nationals are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements.
Warning
The threat from terrorism is low, but you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, which could be against civilian targets, including places frequented by foreigners.
The rainy season in El Salvador normally runs from May to October, coinciding with the hurricane season in the Caribbean. On 12 October 2006, the local authorities issued a yellow alert warning for persons within a 4km (2.5-mile) radius of the Chaparrastique volcano, located approximately 12km (7 miles) southwest of the city of San Miguel. Visitors are advised to avoid the volcano and monitor local media reporting for further updates on the latest volcanic activity.
There are very high crime rates in El Salvador. Travelers should take great care if traveling alone or at night.
Escape to the beach: El Salvador's 320km (200-mile) Pacific coastline boasts resort hotels, unspoiled beaches, fishing villages and pine forests. Beaches include La Barra de Santiago, El Cuco, El Sunzal and El Tamarindo. The best resorts tend to be found along the Costa del Sol.
• Seek the ultimate wave: El Salvador's coast is a surfer's heaven, with uncrowded waters and world-class breaks. The biggest waves roll in at Punta Roca and El Sunzal, while powerful Punta Mango is only accessible by boat.
• Grab some fresh air and gaze up at forest giants in the Montecristo Cloud Forest, home to diverse species including spider monkeys, pumas and toucans. This is a great place to hike, camp or go birdwatching.
• Set sail on the Gulf of Fonseca, a large stretch of water shared by El Salvador, Honduras and Nicaragua, stopping off at one of the many volcanic islands dotting the gulf.
• Fish, sail, kayak or waterski on Lake Coatepeque at the foot of the Santa Ana volcano, which is still active and last erupted in 2005.
• Hit the rapids and go white-water rafting. The best rivers to raft are the Lempa, Sumpul, Guayjoyo, Bandera and Paz during the rainy season (May to October), and the Paz in the dry season (November to April).
• Kayak among the islands and channels of the Bahía de Jiquilisco.
• Go on a trekking expedition to the volcanoes. There are more than 25 in El Salvador, three of which (the Izalco, San Miguel and Santa Ana) are still considered active. The extinct San Salvador volcano is close to the capital and the Cerro Verde in the west is easily accessible.
• Dive in the volcanic crater of Ilopango: explore a fascinating underwater landscape of hidden hills and look out for fish, crabs and sponges. The water temperature is usually at least 26°C (79°F).
• Join an ecological tour in El Imposible National Park, the country's most important ecological reserve, where varied vegetation and fauna offer a refuge for numerous bird and wildlife species, including the rare black hawk eagle.
San Salvador
Situated 680m (2240ft) above sea level, the capital, San Salvador, is the second-largest city in Central America, with a population of over 600,000. Founded by the Spaniard Pedro De Alvarado in 1525, the city is a blend of modern buildings and colonial architecture, broad plazas and monuments, amusement parks and shopping centers. The most important public buildings are downtown. Standing within a short distance of each other are the Catedral Metropolitana (metropolitan cathedral), the Palacio Nacional (national palace), the National Treasury and the Teatro Nacional (national theater). Among the many beautiful colonial churches to be seen are St Ignatius Loyola (once the shrine of the ‘Virgin of Guadalupe’) with a traditional Spanish colonial facade, the Juayua and the Suchitoto. The amusement park on San Jacinto Mountain can be reached by cable car and gives a panoramic view of the city.
Balboa Park, 11km (7 miles) from the capital, and the 1200m (3900ft) rock formation, the Puerta del Diablo (devil’s doorway), just south of Balboa Park, also give a bird’s-eye view of San Salvador.
Excursions
From San Salvador, excursions can be made by road to Panchimalco, 15km (9 miles) south of the capital, around which live the Pancho Indians (pure-blooded descendants of the original Pipil tribes), who retain many of their old traditions and dress. The village of San Sebastián, approximately one hour by car from San Salvador, is known for its beautiful woven materials. The village is situated near Lake Ilopango, the largest of El Salvador’s lakes, surrounded by volcanoes and mountains, and is a popular destination for outdoor and watersports’ enthusiasts. The mountain village of Ilobasco, northeast of the capital, is renowned for its beauty and its craftwork.
Archaeological sites
El Salvador has a number of ancient archaeological sites from the Maya civilization, some dating back to the third century BC. The Mayan village of Joya de Cerén was buried under volcanic ash 1400 years ago and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Also close to the capital is the San Andrés region, where fertile soil once housed Mayan settlements and where the architectural jewel, the acropolis, is a highlight. El Salvador’s earliest people lived between 300 BC and AD 1200 at Chalchuapa in the Tazumal region, 78km (46 miles) from San Salvador. During this period, five important ceremonial centers were built: Pampe, El Trapiche, Las Victorias, Casablanca and the beautiful ruins at Tazumal, which boasts structures over 30m (90ft) high and a ball court where the Maya practiced an unusual sporting rite. Other interesting sites include the pre-Columbian Tehuacán site near San Vicente; the monumental Santa Letìcía sculptures near the town of San Miguel; and the pre-Columbian village of Quelepa, also in San Miguel.
Volcanoes & parks
There are more than 25 volcanoes in El Salvador, only three of which – the Izalco, San Miguel and Santa Ana (the largest) – are still considered active. The extinct San Salvador volcano is within close proximity of the capital. Another extinct volcano, the easily accessible Cerro Verde in the west, is located within the Cerro Verde National Park, also home to the popular and beautiful Lake Coatepeque, which sits on top of a volcanic crater. The nearby Santa Ana volcano, which is still active and last erupted in 1966, is located near the town of Santa Ana, whose cathedral is the most famous in El Salvador. Also within the area is El Imposible National Park, the country’s most important ecological reserve, where varied vegetation and fauna offer a refuge for numerous bird and wildlife species, including the rare Black Hawk Eagle.
The Coast
El Salvador has a 320km- (200 mile-) Pacific Coast with resort hotels, unspoiled beaches, fishing villages and pine views. Beaches include la Barra de Santiago, los Cóbanos, el Cuco, el Sunzal and el Tamarindo. The best resorts tend to be found along the Costa del Sol, easily accessible via a modern highway. For details on sports and activities that can be pursued on the coast and elsewhere in El Salvador |
