El Salvador: Land of Volcanoes and Hosts
Central America is often an overlooked destination for travel in Latin American countries, including Salvadora. However, with unique beans paving the way for popularity, its wonders and charming history are taking centre stage.
El Salvador is a country in the middle of Central America with about six million people, 307 km of coastlines, twenty volcanoes, and twenty islands. Because of its volcanoes, the country is nicknamed the land of volcanoes, with some ‘earth hiccups’ being part of the local’s daily life.
San Salvador, the capital and the first city any tourist will visit when they come through the El Salvador International Airport, is in the centre of El Salvador. The capital and surrounding areas are a sweet spot for a quick experience of El Salvador’s culture and history. However, the country still has so many wonders to explore. In this blog, we would like to show you the beauties of El Salvador worth exploring.
- El Parque Nacional Los Volcanes
- Montecristo National Park
- El Imposible National Park
- Walter Thilo Deininger National Park
- Los Cóbanos
- Chaguantique
- Conchagua Volcano
- Golfo de Fonseca
- Punta Mango
- San Miguel
Finding your path to El Salvador
Ecotourism destination full of natural beauty and hospitality
El Salvador’s beaches, forests, and volcanoes blessed the country with a rich biodiversity. This blessing inspires Salvadorians to participate in ecotourism activities to protect and nurture this gift from Mother Nature. Salvadorians are famous for their generous hospitality, with warm opening arms welcoming anyone eager to admire the country’s natural treasures. Both of these factors strengthen El Salvador's commitment to sustainable development and the conservation of its environment.
Discovering El Salvador: A Natural Gem
El Parque Nacional Los Volcanes
In El Parque Nacional Los Volcanes, located in Santa Ana, you can enjoy beautiful scenic landscapes with an abundant diversity of flora and fauna to admire. The park holds several volcanoes, including the famous Izano Volcano and Santa Ana Volcano. It is necessary to have a four-wheel drive vehicle (4x4) and request written permission from the Association of Agronomists of the National School of Agriculture "Roberto Quiñónez" to access this area.
Montecristo National Park
El Salvador is a true paradise for nature lovers. From the lush Montecristo National Park, home to the endemic quetzal bird, to the stunning Jiquilisco Bay, with its extensive mangrove forest and importance for hawksbill turtles, the country offers various landscapes and experiences.
El Imposible National Park
El Imposible National Park, located in Ahuachapán, offers unique beauty due to its rugged topography. Its name comes from the difficulty of access, but the reward is a tropical mountain forest with incredible biodiversity. This park is a testament to one of the most threatened tropical ecosystems in the world, as it is a haven for over 500 plant species and other animals who called this park, home.
Walter Thilo Deininger National Park
Walter Thilo Deininger National Park, located in La Libertad, faces the Pacific Ocean. It is home to deciduous and gallery forests, trees such as jiote, sálamo, and tambor, and endangered animals such as deer and tepezcuintles. Aside from enjoying the ast sights of nature, travellers can also embark on a drive of adrenaline. Take daring activities such as mountain biking, rappelling, and zip line tests, that challenge your strength and courage.
Los Cobanos
On the southwest coast of San Salvador lies a beautiful spot for unique and rare whale sightings. Los Cóbanos becomes a popular stop for these whales between November and April as they migrate. Witnessing this exotic view comes with the great responsibility of planning and preparing for the approach. Visit this page for what you need to keep in mind if you want to be part of this moment.
Chaguantique
Chaguantique, meaning "Place of Beautiful Water Springs," is a refuge for spider monkeys, an endangered species in El Salvador. This area also has rivers and majestic natural beauty. Find more information about the forest on this page.
Ecotourism: More than a Trip, a Sustainable Experience
Ecotourism is a unique opportunity to explore El Salvador's nature and engage in conservation and sustainable development. As big cities and work stress take people away from nature, ecotourism emerges as an avenue for relaxation, disconnection, and contact with biodiversity.
Ecotourism seeks not only the enjoyment but also the understanding of the local flora and fauna. It promotes environmental education and interaction with local communities. This is essential for conservation and long-term sustainability.
Another side of El Salvador: Oriente Salvaje
Beyond its ecotourism escapades, El Salvador also has another hidden treasure to admire. Oriente Salvaje will offer visitors an unforgettable time filled with daring adventures. The Wild East has everything from daring volcano climbing to tackling mighty waves. Be prepared to travel on the beaten roads for a long time, take a shortcut, and travel by boat from one beach to another. No matter what, the unique wonders of El Salvador’s beauties will wow you along the way, especially, with the tour guides and the warm locals welcoming you aboard.
Conchagua Volcano
La Unión has exceptional beauty, from majestic volcanoes to unique gulfs and beaches. Conchagua Volcano towers over La Union, giving visitors a beautiful view of the city, surrounding gulfs, and some country borders. El Espíritu de la Montaña, an observatory point atop the volcano makes a lovely spot for a starry night watch.
Golfo de Fonseca
Part of La Unión’s east, the Golfo de Fonseca offers visitors a unique spot bordering El Salvador, Honduras, and Nicaragua. The gulf makes an exciting spot for sightseeing and fishing. If you are not excited about spending a long time on the boat, visit the smaller neighbouring islands and soak up more sun!
Punta Mango
If you are a thrill seeker, take the golden ticket for adrenaline in Punto Mango. This mythical spot used to be a local’s secret, with exclusive access by boat from Las Flores or El Cuco Beaches. However, it is now more accessible for the public, with access by car on the backwoods track. Despite the challenging roads, the waves do not disappoint. Ambitious surfers or excited beginners will enjoy the strong ripple and soak up some sun.
San Miguel
San Miguel boasts tons of beaches along its coast. Enjoy a relaxing day at El Cuco Beach, surfing or walking along its coast. If luck is on your side, you might catch some sea turtles nesting in! Alongside the beach, Chaparrastique Volcano is ready to amaze you with its perfect conical shape. As the sun sets, the warm golden rays set upon the landscape making a bewitching sight of the city.
Find your path to El Salvador's embrace
Transport in El Salvador
Travellers can choose between several transportation options to start their journey in El Salvador. El Salvador Ministry of Tourism has a list of recognised tour operators, complete with their contact details, headquarters, and accepted payment options. If you want to travel your way but still have the luxury of not lifting a finger from places A to B, consider booking one of the transportation services registered with the National Tourism Board. However, if you are one for independence, travelling with a trustworthy independent guide is all you need. Worry not, the ministry also has a list of experienced guides worthy of your trust and time.
Stays in El Salvador
With the daring and exciting adventure of El Salvador, finding a comfortable place to relax and rest after a full day of travel should be a priority. Luckily, El Salvador has many options for all types of budgets. From big four-star hotels to casual cosy hostels, there will always be a place for you to stay! However, always book early, as peak seasons will bring in crowds like no other!
There are of things a lot to unpack in El Salvador with the endless coasts, crashing waves, sunny skies, lush forests, and magical volcanoes. If a sense of adventure is your calling and sustainability is your middle name, care for an enjoyable and nurturing trip to the enchanting El Salvador. Plan your trip by fining and comparing our flight deals to El Salvador on BudgetAir.co.uk while they’re still available, and make your journey today!