El Salvador — Where to Go
Top Things to See
Barra de Santiago
Arguably El Salvador's most unspoiled beach, this vast sandy expanse doubles as a nature reserve for butterfly and bird species. You can explore the mangroves of the Zapote estuary by boat, try kayaking, canoeing, or fishing. The La Cocotera resort and ecolodge (www.lacocoteraresort.com) is working to re-establish endangered species like the marine turtle and red macaw.
Sights ofSan Salvador
Explore what remains of San Salvador's colonial heritage by visiting the Palacio Nacional (National Palace), the recently restored Teatro Nacional (National Theater) and the Biblioteca Nacional (National Library). The Metropolitan Cathedral dates only from the 1940s; more appealing are the older parish churches, notably La Ceiba de Guadalupe which boasts a fine wooden ceiling.
National Anthropology Museum
This modern, purpose-built museum (www.munaelsalvador.com) takes you on a voyage of discovery through El Salvador's anthropological and historical past with fascinating displays on daily life and the cultures of the country's inhabitants. Most visitors make a beeline for the Maya exhibits, notably the stone jaguar's head.
Coffee plantations
Coffee became El Salvador's most important export in the mid 19th century, and plantations are still dotted around the countryside. Buy the local product when visiting Ecoparque El Espino (www.ecoparqueelespino.com) on the slopes of the Boquerón volcano. Alternatively, book a stay at the Hotel Santa Leticia (www.coffee.com.sv) in Apaneca, a working plantation which offers tours.
Suchitoto
Far and away El Salvador's prettiest colonial town, Suchitoto is famous for its parish church which dominates the main square; there is a craft market here most days. The other main attraction is the lake, where boat tours are on offer. The best views are seen while sampling national dishes from the terrace of La Posada Suchitlán (www.laposada.com.sv).
Panchimalco
Sadly, few of El Salvador's remaining indigenous people retain their old traditions, culture and dress. The Pancho Indians, who give the village of Panchimalco its name, are an exception. The best times to visit are 13-14 September (Patronal festival) or 3 May (harvest procession), colorful occasions when pagan and Christian customs merge.
Route of Flowers
Leaving San Salvador by the Sonsonate road, follow the blue tourist signs along the designated Ruta de las Flores. Here lie some of the most attractive villages of the western provinces (Nahuizalco, Juayua, Apaneca, Ataco and Ahuachapán), displaying the country's handicrafts and traditions amid lovely countryside.
Mayan heritage
Before the Spanish conquest, El Salvador was a part of the great Mayan civilization. Learn more by visiting the sites at San Andres, Tazumal and Joya de Cerén (a town buried under volcanic ash 1,400 years ago and now on UNESCO's World Heritage list.)
Fernando Llort Museum
Born in 1949, Fernando Llort is El Salvador's greatest living artist. He is known for his use of bright colors and for developing a highly individual style that incorporates symbols to represent life in the country of his birth. To view Llort's work, visit his shop and museum, El Arbol de Dios, in San Salvador.
Top Things to Do
Surfing
El Salvador's Pacific coastline is surfing heaven, with uncrowded waters and world-class breaks. Las Flores, which suits beginners and experts alike, is overlooked by surfers' hotel Miraflores (www.elhotelmiraflores.com), from where boats head to Punta Mango and the biggest waves in the country. Closest to the capital is El Sunzal (La Libertad).
Canopy tour
For a powerful adrenalin rush, it's hard to beat the spectacular Apaneca Canopy Tour (www.apanecanopy.com), 150m (492ft) above the tropical forest of western El Savador. Enjoy a bird's-eye view of Apaneca's coffee plantations as you glide over breathtaking mountain scenery. (Not recommended for those with a fear of heights!)
Kayaking on volcanic lakes
Try your hand at fishing, sailing, waterskiing and kayaking on the volcanic lakes of Coatepeque (www.lakecoatepeque.com) and Ilopango. Diving enthusiasts will relish the challenge of exploring Ilopango's rocky depths in year-round temperatures of 26°/79° (www.elsalvadordivers.com).
White-water rafting
Whether you are new to the thrills and spills of this exciting sport or a seasoned expert, the rivers of El Salvador are classic white-water experiences (www.riosaventuras.com.sv). The best rafting rivers are Lempa and Paz during the rainy season (May to October) and the Paz in the dry season (November to April).
Exploring Cerro Verde
Spectacular cloud forest, sweeping views, clean mountain air, exhilarating walks and three volcanoes are right at your finger tips in this 505 hectare (1,250 acre) national park. Expert local guides are on hand to offer advice and visitors are asked to book ahead and bring passports.
Hiking
El Imposible, the country's most important ecological reserve, is a must for the nature-hungry traveler. Over 500 species of bird flit between the diverse fauna, and lucky observers may even catch a glimpse of the rare black hawk eagle while trekking through the forest.
Horse riding
Ecotourism is one of El Salvador's fastest growing activities, and the guides of La Mora (www.ecoturismolamora.es.tl) are experts in the field. Trek on horseback through beautiful scenery and three climate zones to the summit of the Guazapa volcano, before returning to base to learn how to make maize tortillas.
Peace Route (Ruta de Paz)
Peace has now been restored to the beautiful countryside around Perquín, once a center of armed conflict. Former guerrillas explain the history in the Museo de la Revolución Salvadoreña, while guides take groups swimming in the waterfalls of the Rio Sapo or birdwatching in the ecological reserve. Other activities include canoeing, horse riding and rock climbing.
