El Salvador Attractions

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1 Cultivation of Coffee El Salvador Attractions El Salvador offers a rich and wide variety of attractions with easy access, since we are a small country with a very good road system. In this section, you will learn about the main places of interest in El Salvador. It shows the location within El Salvador map and a one page description per attraction providing information such as: highlights, recommendations, hotels and places it has easy access from, and pictures. 23

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3 El Salvador Attractions 1. El Imposible National Park 2. Flower Route 3. Volcanoes National Park 4. Montecristo National Park 5. La Palma 6. La Libertad 7. Joya de Cerén 8. El Boqueron 9. San Salvador 10. Suchitoto Colonial Town Alegría 12. Jiquilisco Bay El Icacal 14. Gulf of Fonseca In the following pages you can find a detailed description of all of these places. 25

4 HIGHLIGHTS Trek the different paths towards pristine rivers for a rewarding swim. Learn about nature, given that El Imposible has the largest number of wild flora and fauna species in the country. 1El Imposible National Park ACTIVITIES Camping. Hiking and Trekking. DISTANCE From San Salvador City: West; 120 Kilometers / 2 hours 15 minutes EL IMPOSIBLE 2 hours 15 minutes San Salvador El Imposible forest with Pacific Ocean on the back DESCRIPTION RECOMMENDATIONS Depending on the selected trekking path, the difficulty level goes from medium to medium high. Light and fresh clothing, sunscreen, repellant, sunglasses, extra clothes for river swimming. Easy access from Places: Flower Route, San Salvador Hotels: Cocotera Ecolodge, Decameron Hotel, Santa Leticia Lodge, San Salvador Hotels, El Carmen Lodge. At the beginning of the 20th century, farmers carried the coffee grain on mules from the farms north of El Imposible (Impossible Forest) to the Acajutla Port in the Pacific Ocean. However, a large gulley between two mountains interrupted the trail. Fragile bridges were constructed in order to pass through, but many times these bridges gave up to the weight, causing humans, beasts and the coffee to fall to the deep. In 1968, the government built a concrete bridge and placed a sign that read: In 1968 it stopped being impossible. The name El Imposible comes from the sharpedged topography and its variable altitude ranging from 300 to 1,450 meters above sea level throughout its 9,400 acres. It is a tropical dry forest (or tropical mountain forest) and considered endangered. It contains the largest number of wild flora and fauna species in the country: 500 species of trees, 500 butterflies, 30 big sized mammals, 270 different migratory birds and 13 species of fish since 7 rivers born within the reserve. El Imposible was established as a National Park in For more info and packages contact us: info@greenbluered.com 26

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6 HIGHLIGHTS Charming towns with cobblestone streets and colorful paintings on houses. Coffee plantations and mills. Adventure options. Colorful crafts and traditions. 2Flower Route ACTIVITIES Camping. Trekking and Hiking. Adventure such as horseback riding, zip-line tours, buggy tours. Coffee Tours. DISTANCE From San Salvador City: West; 85 Kilometers / 1 hour 30 minutes Ataco town 1 hour 30 minutes San Salvador RECOMMENDATIONS Fresh clothing for activities and light jacket for afternoon/ evening, sunscreen, sunglasses. Easy access from Places: San Salvador, Western El Salvador. Hotels: Cocotera Ecolodge, Decameron Hotel, San Salvador Hotels. DESCRIPTION Big cat eyes will be watching you as you walk the cobblestone streets of Ataco town. In this town, the walls of houses are painted with a peculiar art style that usually involves cats. Similarly, the electric posts are beautifully decorated not only within the town but along the road that connects the four main charming towns of The Flower Route: Nauhizalco, Juayua, Apaneca and Ataco. Apaneca is the highest city in the country at 1,477 meters above sea level and it was founded in Near Apaneca we can find Santa Leticia archaeological site dating back to 600BC. The most significant landmarks of this area are three monuments called Las Gordinflonas or The Potbellies which resembles the face of a woman. The smallest one weighs 14,000 pounds and the biggest one weighs 21,000 pounds. The altitude of the area contributes to a worldwide top quality coffee. The Flower Route offers many coffee plantations that feature educational tours about all the plantation process. During season (November to March), you can join locals collecting coffee. This is an activity that is usually enjoyed as a family and it is a very important element of the history and traditions of El Salvador. After the coffee is collected, it goes to the mill, where you will learn how the coffee beans are processed until they are ready for consumption. If you are looking for adventure, The Flower Route is also a great option. The area offers zip line tours, horseback riding through coffee plantations, and you can even ride your own buggy through the charming towns, plantations up to a beautiful lagoon. For the late afternoon and evening, Ataco offers great ambiance with coffee houses, bars, restaurants or simply walk its streets towards the central park. For more info and packages contact us: info@greenbluered.com Coffee beans at El Patio 28

7 3Volcanoes National Park HIGHLIGHTS Three volcanoes along with a volcanic lake. Hike to the crater of Izalco or Santa Ana Volcano. ACTIVITIES Camping. Sightseeing. Trekking and Hiking. DISTANCE From San Salvador City: West 80 Kilometers / 1 hour 15 minutes. Volcanoes National Park DESCRIPTION Volcanoes National Park features the Lighthouse of the Pacific. In the 1800 s and early 1900 s, ships sailing on the coasts of El Salvador guided themselves with the glowing lava being expelled by the crater of Izalco Volcano. El Salvador is the country with more volcanoes per square kilometers in the world. This is because there are many volcanoes in a very small area, a country of only 20,000 square kilometers. In Volcanoes National Park, three amazing volcanoes embrace beautiful Coatepeque Lake, which fills the crater of an extinct volcano, these are Izalco, Santa Ana, and Cerro Verde. Izalco is one of the youngest volcanoes in America, given that it was born in the 1700 s, whereas Santa Ana is thousands of years old. No lava is currently flowing, but both volcanoes are still active since constant fumaroles are present. In Cerro Verde, located in the middle of the other two volcanoes, you can enjoy an easy walk around its extinct crater, providing breathtaking views of Izalco and Santa Ana Volcanoes and Coatepeque Lake, which has been considered as one of the most beautiful lakes in the world. As an option, you may choose to hike one of the volcanoes along with experienced local guides. Izalco is a cone-shaped volcano made up of sand and lava rock, creating a challenging but rewarding hike. Once at the summit, you will be able to walk around the crater experiencing the warm fumaroles and the amazing views. With a personal and experienced guide, the total hike takes about 5 hours. The other option is Santa Ana. This volcano provides a different hike since it is a more solid and massive body. At the top, it offers the view of Coatepeque Lake as well as the sulfur green lagoon inside the crater. Total hike takes about 4 hours. On a clear day, even the ships on the Pacific Ocean can be seen. The park extends 11,120 acres and the topography varies from 500 to 2, 381 meters above sea level. It is framed by a mixture of landscapes enclosing cloud forests, highland páramos, vegetation over lava, denude lava fields, sulfurous lagoons, forestry, coffee plantations, and grasslands. For its diverse habitats, this reserve was declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO. Cerro Verde National Park Volcano San Salvador 1 hour 15 minutes RECOMMENDATIONS Walking shoes, (Hiking gear if hiking) light jacket for afternoon/evening (sometimes windy), sunscreen, and sunglasses. Easy access from Places: San Salvador, Suchitoto, Flower Route. Hotels: San Salvador Hotel, Los Almendros de San Lorenzo, Decameron Hotel, Santa Leticia Lodge, Cocotera Ecolodge. For more info and packages contact us: info@greenbluered.com 29

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9 4Montecristo National Park HIGHLIGHTS Trek towards the peak El Trifinio where three countries meet at 2,418 meters above sea level. Learn about history and nature at El Salvador s most outstanding wildlife sanctuary. ACTIVITIES Camping. Trekking and Hiking. DISTANCE From San Salvador City: NorthWest; 125 Kilometers / 2 hours 30 minutes. DESCRIPTION A wonderful hike through a cloud forest will take you to the exact point where three countries meet: El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras. The cloud forest is Montecristo, the first National Park of El Salvador. With its 4,950 acres and its highest point at 2,418 meters above sea level, Montecristo is considered one of the most precious jewels of the system of Protected Areas in the country. It is one of the most recommended reserves for scientific studies, due to the exuberance of its flora and fauna. There are several hiking trails within the Park as well as local guides. A visit to El Jardin de los 100 años (the 100 year old garden) is a must in order to appreciate the diversity of bromeliads and orchids that are native to these highlands. Also, the main building in the former hacienda is considered a National Cultural Heritage. It was constructed in 1783; now it is an interpretation center designed to help the visitor learn more details of the wild flora and fauna in the area, as well as appreciate the different antique objects used in the hacienda. If Lucky, you will be able to see the most emblematic bird: the flaming Quetzal. You can observe this beautiful bird near or at Los Planes, when they re feeding fruits from the native mora tree. 2 hours 30 minutes San Salvador RECOMMENDATIONS Depending on the trekking path selected, the difficulty level goes from medium to medium high. Light and fresh clothing but also a light sweater or jacket, sunscreen, repellant, sunglasses. 4WD vehicle required to reach the park. Some areas of the park are closed from May to October in order to protect the mating season. Easy access from Places: San Salvador, Western El Salvador. Hotels: Cocotera Ecolodge, Decameron Hotel, San Salvador Hotels, Santa Leticia Lodge, El Carmen Lodge. For more info and packages contact us: info@greenbluered.com 31

10 HIGHLIGHTS Walk through La Palma charming town and create your own wood craft. Trek to the highest peak of El Salvador at 2,730 meters above sea level and enjoy amazing views of El Salvador and Honduras. Pick your own fruits and vegetables that grow in the highlands. 5La Palma ACTIVITIES Camping. Trekking and Hiking. DISTANCE From San Salvador City: North; 50 Kilometers / 1 hour 30 minutes El Pital: Highest peak in El Salvador 1 hour 30 minutes San Salvador RECOMMENDATIONS Warm clothing, sunscreen, sunglasses, extra clothes for river swimming. Easy access from Places: San Salvador, Suchitoto. Hotels: Los Almendros de San Lorenzo, San Salvador Hotels. DESCRIPTION La Palma is also known as the cradle of peace. The first peace negotiations between the guerrilla and the government started in this town on October 15, The region was also a stage of constant battles between these opposing forces, causing many people to flee their homes. After the 1992 Peace Accords, people started to slowly come back to their normal lives. Now, at 1,000 meters above sea level, it is a very charming town where the houses and electric posts are beautifully painted with a very special art style that is original from this town. La Palma is the most important town for crafts elaboration in the country, this being the most important economic activity for the area. It started in the 1970 s when Fernando Llort established himself in La Palma and developed a unique crafts style based on the copinol seed where artisans use vivid colors to paint abstract drawings about everyday life. There are about 100 federations of artisans of which about half export all of their product. Tourists are able to participate in workshops to create wood crafts painted with vivid colors. Around La Palma there are several mountains that reach the highest elevations in El Salvador. Actually, the area is one of the oldest rock formations in Central America. One of the most famous is El Pital, which is the highest point of the country at 2,730 meters above sea level. Tourists can reach this peak from where they can admire the beautiful and broken landscape of El Salvador as well as the mountainous areas of neighboring country, Honduras. The area is also very important since it holds several pine species (Abies, Pinus, Globosa) that are found nowhere else in the world. The cool weather favors vegetable farming such as cabbage and other crops that prosper in the highlands. Tourists can pick their own tomatoes, radishes, carrots, lettuce, cabbage, strawberries and flowers from small scale farmers. For more info and packages contact us: info@greenbluered.com 32

11 VISIT AND EXPLORE OUR MOUNTAINS AND VOLCANOES. VISIT EL SALVADOR. Volcanoes National Park 33

12 El Salvador Sea Turtles There are 8 known species of sea turtles in the world, 4 of them nest in the coasts of El Salvador. This is a marvelous responsibility since only 1 turtle in 1,000 makes it to adult life under natural conditions. Sea turtles face challenges right from the start since other animals eat the eggs; and once they hatch, they face all sorts of predators like birds and bigger fish. Unfortunately, in several countries people (collectors) have been taking eggs out of turtle nests in order to sell them. This practice has been for many years their main source of income, but at the same time it has contributed to the fact that many of the sea turtle species are on the endangered list. This provides a big challenge which is: How can we protect sea turtles but at the same time don t take away the only source of income of hundreds of families in environments with limited alternative options? Carlos, the nursery keeper In El Salvador, nonprofit organizations have been working a method that has been providing positive results. First, collectors are organized and trained in regards to sea turtles and the importance of conservation. From the total amount of eggs collected, the nonprofits buy a percentage from the collector. Another percentage is donated by the collector to the nursery, and then a small percentage is allowed to be sold for consumption. Then, a turtle nursery is established right at the beach. Releasing about 100 sea turtles at Icacal Beach Is in here where the eggs provided by the collectors are buried and taken care for about days which is the average time that takes for the eggs to hatch. Once the eggs hatch, the sea turtles are left on the sand so that they can start their trip on their own towards the ocean. This is very important since sea turtles need to identify the beach since when they are ready to nest, they will only return to that same beach. New born sea turtles 34

13 Which sea turtles nest in El Salvador? Carey: Eretmochelys imbricata hawksbill sea turtle HIGH ENDANGERED 110 cm in length and deposits between 110 and 225 eggs at once. Releasing about 100 sea turtles at Icacal Beach Baule: Dermochelys coriacea leatherback turtle HIGH ENDANGERED 210 cm in length (the largest in the world) and deposits between 70 and 110 eggs. Sea turtle nursery Golfina: Lepidochelys olivácea olive ridley sea turtle or Pacific Ridley 90 cm in length and deposits between 90 and 110 eggs. Seasons: Sea turtles come to the shores almost the entire year. However, the most active season is from June to December. The best time to be able to spot sea turtles laying their eggs (mostly at night) and releasing sea turtles that have just hatched is from August to December. Check out El Salvador packages around sea turtles or contact us for more information. What threatens the sea turtles? Hunting of the sea turtles for their meat and extracting the eggs that are sold for consumption. Accidental capture (in nets) by fishing boats. Destruction of the habitat where they nest. Reduction of their food and contamination Organizing eggs Prieta: Chelonia mydas green sea turtle 120 cm in length and deposits between 90 and 140 eggs. For more information: 35

14 AUTHENTIC EXPERIENCES! VISIT EL SALVADOR. 36

15 6La Libertad HIGHLIGHTS Top ten worldwide surfing spots. Experience the fisherman community at La Libertad Pier. Amazing gastronomy. ACTIVITIES Water activities: Surf, swimming, fishing Entertainment: Nightlife, restaurants, etc. Sightseeing. DISTANCE From San Salvador City: South 32 Kilometers/ 30 minutes DESCRIPTION In the past, pirates used to disembark in La Libertad where they built their barracks for refugee and to store their weapons and treasures. In 1870, La Libertad Pier was constructed in order to facilitate the trade of indigo and coffee with Europe and the United States. Today, you can walk the pier and see the everyday life of fishermen loading and unloading their boats, and of course, the wonderful experience of buying a wide variety of fresh seafood. Due to this amazing source of fresh marine products, it is no surprise the great variety of restaurants that offer exquisite dishes alongside views of the Pacific Ocean. La Libertad is only 30 minutes from the capital city of San Salvador and only 45 minutes from El Salvador International Airport. In here you can also find crafts that have been handmade by locals. Nightlife has also flourished in this area with a variety of coffee houses, bars, and clubs. In here you can also find crafts that have been handmade by locals.according to international surfers experiences, El Salvador is also known as the Paradise of the right waves, and La Libertad has several beaches that are ideal for surfing, including El Sunzal which is considered one of the 10 best surfing spots in the world. The area also offers beautiful boutique hotels, as well as the option of renting a beachfront house with all the comforts including your own private cooking service. 30 minutes San Salvador RECOMMENDATIONS Fresh clothing, sunscreen, sunglasses, swimsuit, mosquito repellant. Easy access from Places: San Salvador, Suchitoto, Western El Salvador. Hotels: San Salvador Hotels, Decameron Hotel, Los Almendros de San Lorenzo. For more info and packages contact us: info@greenbluered.com 37

16 HIGHLIGHTS A World Heritage Site and the best preserved Pre Hispanic Village of Mesoamerica. Comprehensive museum on site explaining the site s history and a display of the artifacts found. ACTIVITIES Educational session learning from local guides. 7Joya de Ceren DISTANCE From San Salvador City: West; 15 Kilometers / 35 minutes San Salvador 35 minutes RECOMMENDATIONS Light and comfortable clothing. Easy access from Places: San Salvador, Suchitoto, Flower Route Hotels: Los Almendros de San Lorenzo, San Salvador Hotels, Santa Leticia Lodge. DESCRIPTION A unique window to the past. The archaeological site of Joya de Cerén is unique in all Mesoamerica since it shows how indigenous people lived before the arrival of the Spanish conquerors. The eruption of Volcano Caldera in 600AD interrupted the daily life of this community which was preserved by more than 10 layers of ash until its discovery in It is a very important site since it now represents the remains of the best preserved Pre Hispanic Village of Mesoamerica. In 1976, a tractor discovered the debris of a house while doing construction work in the area. Fortunately, the finding was reported and research was triggered. Dr. Payson Sheets from the University of Colorado led the investigations and determined that the house encountered by the tractor was 1,400 years old. After this finding, the site has been protected and several excavations have been made for its further study. The ashes of the eruption completely covered this Mayan town, but to this date no bodies have been found, an indication that the community had enough warning time to escape. Fortunately for the archaeologists and for us all, they did leave behind most of their belongings which vividly illustrates the daily lives of the common people who lived 1,400 years ago in what is now El Salvador. The site has approximately 18 structures of which ten have been excavated, revealing passages and homes built of white soil, clay and mud. There is also a house of a shaman (spiritual advisor), a Temascal (steam bath), a communal kitchen, home gardens and family storage in which they found corn and beans. In a borehole, the imprint of a foot was also found. The site also offers a comprehensive museum that illustrates the site s history and displays a variety of pottery, household goods and cereal seeds that have been found at Joya de Ceren. For more info and packages contact us: info@greenbluered.com 38

17 VISIT A PLACE OF AMAZING BEAUTY, PEACE, AND SERENITY. VISIT EL SALVADOR. Sunset, Jiquilisco Bay 39

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19 8El Boquerón HIGHLIGHTS Walk to the edge of San Salvador s Volcano Crater. Enjoy the beautiful coffee houses and charming restaurants. Enjoy the amazing views of San Salvador City. ACTIVITIES Sightseeing. Hiking and Trekking. DISTANCE From San Salvador City: 12 Kilometers / 25 minutes DESCRIPTION It has been asleep for almost 100 years. The last time he woke up destroyed part of the city. It is San Salvador s Volcano, an icon of the city of San Salvador, and its crater is called El Boquerón. Locals gave him this name since the crater resembles a big mouth (Boquerón). During the last eruption in 1917, huge quantities of lava were expelled. The petrified lava can still be seen outside of the city of San Salvador. This natural reserve provides a beautiful escape from the city since it only takes about 25 minutes to reach. The drive is a journey in itself. In the slopes of the volcano one can admire beautiful coffee plantations. These plantations produce high quality coffee since they grow in a combination of volcanic fertile soil, high altitude and cool climate. Also, one can stop at the various viewing points in order to admire spectacular views of San Salvador City as well as Ilopango Lake and other volcanoes. On a clear day, one can even see the Pacific Ocean. Once we reach El Boquerón Natural Reserve, we would be at an altitude of about 1,700 meters above sea level. This allows for a very pleasant temperature in between 15 and 23 degrees Celsius. The visitor can walk through the trails and admire the different varieties of native flowers such as terrestrial flowers, orquids and exotic ornamentals. These trails will lead us to the edge of the crater which is almost 600 meters deep and 1.6 kilometers in diameter. There is the option to hike down to the crater, but it is a challenging hike and should only be attempted by experienced hikers and always with local guides. This experience is complemented by enjoying breakfast, lunch or dinner at one of the several restaurants of the area which are decorated with beautiful flowers and offer amazing views. If only a cup of coffee is desired, there are several charming coffee houses along the way. San Salvador 25 minutes RECOMMENDATIONS Walking shoes, light jacket for afternoon/evening, sunscreen, sunglasses. Easy access from Places: San Salvador, Suchitoto. Hotels: San Salvador Hotels, Los Almendros de San Lorenzo. For more info and packages contact us: info@greenbluered.com 41

20 HIGHLIGHTS Historic downtown. Cultural and entertaining activities. Amazing viewing points to the city from mountains and volcanoes. 9San Salvador ACTIVITIES Shopping. Nightlife. Sightseeing. San Salvador RECOMMENDATIONS Casual clothing, sunscreen, and sunglasses. Easy access from Places: San Salvador, Suchitoto, La Libertad. Hotels: Decameron Hotel, San Salvador Hotels, Los Almendros de San Lorenzo. For more info and packages contact us: DESCRIPTION Welcome to the Valley of the hammocks! This is how early inhabitants called where San Salvador is now located. Surrounded by mountains and volcanoes, tremors are common and hence the name. The actual name of San Salvador comes from the institution of the Catholic festivity in Honor of the Holy Savior each 5th of August. This festivity was established by Pope Calixto III as a way to give thanks for the victory of the Christian armies in 1456 against the forces of the Ottoman Sultan Mehmed II. This is why several places around the world were given the name of San Salvador, including our own capital city by instructions of Pedro de Alvarado back in San Salvador is a city of 1.8 million people and you can experience everything that a modern city has to offer. It is located at 650 meters above sea level so it enjoys a tropical weather. The historical downtown includes several landmarks such as the National Palace. A neoclassic building built in 1905, it has a beautiful central patio as well as more than 100 rooms. Its files include important documents from the colonial period. The current Metropolitan Cathedral substitutes the previous edifications destroyed by earthquakes and fires. The Cathedral is surprisingly wide and large (Neo-Romanesque and Byzantine) and celestial drawings are painted on its cupola. Inside stand a wooden figure of the Divine Savior of the World and the tomb of Archbishop Romero, a martyr and an important political figure for El Salvador. Rosario church is also an interesting stop. With its bizarre building, it holds the grave of Father José Matías Delgado, a very important figure of the Central American independence. The National Theater is the oldest in Central America with its grand hall considered as one of the most beautiful in the region. All around San Salvador you will find many shopping centers, craft markets, and special areas of entertainment such as La Gran Via, Zona Rosa and Paseo el Carmen. The world famous typical dish pupusas, which are tortillas stuffed with cheese or cheese and beans or pork, can be enjoyed in several areas including Planes de Renderos where you will also enjoy a beautiful view of the city. 42

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23 10Suchitoto Colonial Town HIGHLIGHTS Walk the cobblestone streets through a colonial town. Dye your own scarf in an indigo workshop. Take a boat ride through the artificial lake of Suchitlan. Warm and welcoming people and traditions. ACTIVITIES Sightseeing. Cultural activities. Crafts and souvenir shopping. DISTANCE From San Salvador City: Northeast 47 kilometers/ 50 minutes. DESCRIPTION The founding of San Salvador's ''Ciudad Vieja''- Old City-back in happened in the surroundings of Suchitoto, which is perhaps the Salvadorian town with the oldest edifications. Fortunately, even though most of its inhabitants left the town during the 1980 s conflict, it didn t suffer significant damage. Suchitoto is The cultural capital of El Salvador, an amazing colonial town with cobblestones streets, large balconies, tile roofs, doorways, porches and windows that will take you to colonial past. In Nahuatl language, its name means the place of the Flower Bird, and it is considered a national historic jewel for its wealth of tourist attractions and its constants artistic activities. Within and around Suchitoto you can encounter marvelous experiences around archaeological sites, indigo plantations and political history around the 1980 s conflict. Cihuatan archaeological site is located in a beautiful valley and it still preserves three of the best ball game fields of Pre Hispanic El Salvador. Many Haciendas surround Suchitoto, several of which offer the unique experience of learning how from the xiquilite plant you can obtain a natural blue colorant: Indigo. Also, learning about the issues around the civil war are also evident. Visit Suchitoto where the smile of its people will catch your heart. 50 minutes San Salvador RECOMMENDATIONS Light clothing, sunscreen, sunglasses, comfortable shoes, insect repellent, a hat or a cap. Easy access from Places: San Salvador, Western El Salvador. Hotels: Decameron Hotel, San Salvador Hotels, Los Almendros de San Lorenzo. For more info and packages contact us: info@greenbluered.com 45

24 HIGHLIGHTS Walk around the Lagoon of Alegria, a small crater formed lake of green-yellowish waters, resting on mantels of sulfur. Relax and walk the Amazing viewing points to peaceful streets of the Town of Alegria. 11Alegria ACTIVITIES Sightseeing, walking. Trekking and Hiking DISTANCE From San Salvador City: East; 142 Kilometers / 2 hours San Salvador 2 hours / DESCRIPTION RECOMMENDATIONS Light and comfortable clothing. For hiking options: hiking shoes, sunscreen, long pants. Easy access from Places: San Salvador, Suchitoto, Eastern El Salvador, Jiquilisco Bay. Hotels: Los Almendros de San Lorenzo, San Salvador Hotels, Las Flores Resort, Puerto Barillas Lodge. If you consider yourself a handsome man, you may want to think twice before swimming at the Lagoon of Alegria. Myths recite that a mermaid lives within the waters that fill the crater of Tecapa Volcano, and that she is very interested in handsome men; while swimming, she brings them underwater and drowns them. Fortunately, you don t need to swim in order to enjoy this beautiful place. The lagoon projects a bright green color due to sulfur and other minerals found at volcano craters. It is surrounded by deep vegetation and wildlife. In Nahuatl language, Tecapa means lagoon of stones, since you can see many rocks of all sizes and shapes around the lagoon. Gabriela Mistral, a Chilean poet, named the lagoon The Emerald of America. The Lagoon of Alegria is very close to the Town of Alegría, a small, charming and peaceful town. At about 1,000 meters above sea level, it provides amazing views, very pleasant weather and favors the growth of beautiful flowers. In fact, this is one of the main economical activities of the town with over 150 nurseries. Also, the area is important due to its coffee production. For more info and packages contact us: info@greenbluered.com 46

25 VISIT A BEAUTIFUL COLONIAL TOWN. VISIT EL SALVADOR. Santa Lucia Church, Suchitoto 47

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27 12Jiquilisco Bay HIGHLIGHTS Enjoy a boat ride through mangroves and beautiful sunsets. Feed bananas to a community of monkeys. Taste the original flavor of the cacao fruit. ACTIVITIES Sea Turtle and monkey experience. Water activities: boat tours, kayaks, beach. Agro tourism: Cacao, Sugar Cane, coconuts. Sightseeing. DISTANCE From San Salvador City: South East110 Kilometers / 2 hours. DESCRIPTION Pancho!!!! Suddenly, Pancho the Monkey starts coming down the trees followed by several female monkeys. Pancho is part of a spider monkey community that lives in Jiquilisco Bay. In the 60 s and 70 s, Hacienda La Carrera included a protected, environmentally conscious zoo. Unfortunately, after the agrarian reform of the late 70's, many animals were killed or sold. Despite this, the spider monkey community was able to survive. Today, much of Hacienda La Carrera has been repurchased specially for agricultural use but a big emphasis is being placed on protecting natural areas. As a result, native wildlife in the area has made an impressive comeback. Jiquilisco Bay has a total area of 637 square kilometers and 50 km of coastline. It has been declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and includes mangrove forests, estuaries, sand bars, beaches, 27 islands of varying size, fresh water lagoons and seasonally flooded forests. It represents a transit point to at least 87 species of migratory birds. The coastal mangroves and estuaries help reduce the vulnerability of coastal communities and agricultural lands to experience natural disasters such as floods, helps stabilize the local climate, and serves as a nursery and refuge for a high diversity of ecological species of economical and aesthetic importance. It is home to a wide variety of fauna including the highly endangered Hawksbill sea turtle. It is estimated that only 500 females are left on the entire Eastern Pacific region and Jiquilisco Bay is their largest nesting area. San Salvador 2 hours RECOMMENDATIONS Fresh clothing for activities, swimsuits, sunscreen, sunglasses, insect repellent, bottled water. Easy access from Places: Eastern El Salvador, San Salvador. Hotels: Las Flores Resort, San Salvador Hotels, Puerto Barillas Lodge. For more info and packages contact us: info@greenbluered.com 49

28 HIGHLIGHTS Rural school visits and interaction with kids. Sea Turtle, and conservation program. Pristine beach. 13El Icacal ACTIVITIES Boat or kayak tours through mangroves. Volunteer, social, and conservation activities. DISTANCE From San Salvador City: East; 145 Kilometers / 3 hours. San Salvador 3 hours RECOMMENDATIONS Fresh clothing for activities, swimsuit, sunscreen, sunglasses, insect repellent, bottled water. Easy access from Places: Eastern El Salvador, Jiquilisco Bay. Hotels: Las Flores Resort, Comfort Inn La Unión, Puerto Barillas Lodge. DESCRIPTION Children of a rural school in El Icacal participated in an educational activity on how to protect the sea turtles that nest on their beach. Part of the activity consisted in releasing baby turtles that had just hatched. Several of the kids were so excited that they actually placed some turtles on their pockets since they wanted to take them home as a pet. Of course, it was a supervised activity and they understood that sea turtles had to be released into the Pacific Ocean. El Salvador has coasts on the Pacific Ocean only, and most of them are of volcanic origin. El Icacal is one of the best beaches in the country and yet you will find a pristine and authentic environment. A small community of about 40 families lives in El Icacal. It is an ideal place if you are looking for a rural, eco and meaningful experience. You can visit the rural schools sponsored by our nonprofit organization, Share Smiles, participate in sea turtle conservation, take a boat or kayak tour though the beautiful mangroves for bird watching or simply walk the soft sand of the amazing beach. Of the 7 sea turtle species, 4 nest in El Icacal including the green and leatherback turtle. There are no hotels or restaurants in El Icacal but we own a rustic beach front house where travelers can rest, eat and use the facilities such as running water. For the adventurous, spending the night is also an exciting experience. If in season, this allows to witness the turtles when laying their eggs since they usually come out at night. There are several hotels nearby, so it is also a great day trip as well. For more info and packages contact us: info@greenbluered.com 50

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31 14Gulf of Fonseca HIGHLIGHTS Enjoy a boat ride through the islands of Gulf of Fonseca. Swim and have lunch in a pristine beach and island. Reach the top of Conchagua Volcano for the amazing view of three countries: El Salvador, Honduras and Nicaragua. ACTIVITIES Boat tours. Sightseeing. Hiking and Trekking. DISTANCE From San Salvador City: East145 Kilometers / 3 hours. DESCRIPTION It is an unusual but interesting and unique way to enter the country of El Salvador. Boarding a boat at the port of Potosi in Nicaragua will take you to the port of La Union in El Salvador. The boat crosses the Gulf of Fonseca, which converges in between 3 countries. It is a very scenic route since you are able to see volcanoes such as Cosiguina Volcano in Nicaragua, Conchagua Volcano which is on the easternmost point of El Salvador and farther away the cone shaped Chaparrastique Volcano also in El Salvador. The boat passes through several islands which are of volcanic origin. As an option, you can stop at one of the islands for lunch or a quick swim. The area also offers opportunities to witness the authentic way of life of the local people. The area near Gulf of Fonseca on the El Salvador side, also offers a wide variety of activities. One of these activities is to visit Conchagua Volcano. It has a sub-tropical forest with deciduous and semideciduous vegetation. Also, there is an extensive section of beach vegetation throughout its rocky shores. Its tallest point is 1,157 meters above sea level. One of the hiking trails will take you to one of the highest peaks where you will enjoy a spectacular view of the islands of the Gulf of Fonseca, La Unión Bay, and the shores of Honduras and Nicaragua. The region also offers several of the best beaches of El Salvador, offering activities from surfing, sea turtle conservation, mangrove tours, kayaking and volunteer travel at rural schools. San Salvador 3 hours RECOMMENDATIONS There are 3 main hiking trails at the Conchagua Volcano: 1. Easy-Medium. 2. Medium. 3. Difficult. Fresh clothing for activities, swimsuit, sunscreen, sunglasses, insect repellent, bottled water. Easy access from Places: Eastern El Salvador, crossing from Nicaragua. From San Salvador: 3 hours each way. Hotels: Las Flores Resort, Comfort Inn La Unión, Puerto Barillas Lodge. For more info and packages contact us: info@greenbluered.com 53

32 REAL HEROES On a canoe to school during three years! At 5AM the day starts by getting ready to school and then walking to the edge of the estuary in order to hop on a canoe, cross the estuary and walk thirty minutes to school. Héctor, Josue, Jacob, Manuelito, and several other children have done this routine for three years in order to complete high school. All of them have finished 9th grade at one our sponsored schools, and have one goal in mind: finish school! MAIN OBJETIVE Keep Children in School! Giving Something Back We strongly believe in giving back to communities in need, and tourism is one effective way to do so. For 15 years we have been supporting rural schools in El Salvador through our non - profit organization Share Smiles and its volunteer program Share and Travel. 54

33 Mission To support rural communities with tourism potential. Our main objective is to give the students in these communities the necessary tools to complete high school, while at the same time prepare them in tourism, so that after high school graduation, they can take advantage of the economic opportunities of a growing industry in the country. To provide every volunteer a meaningful, authentic and life changing experience, as well as an opportunity to make a positive impact on local communities through our various cultural, social, educational and entertaining projects. Projects Some of our projects are: Provide necessary school supplies to students. Internal transportation system for children who walk hours to school. Provide English and Computer labs as well as classes. Educational Field trips. Basic health and hygiene products. Leadership and development programs. Students learning about Indigo Main Programs 1. Project Icacal: PI is the annual working plan focused on keeping children in School at each of our sponsored schools. 2. I Speak English: English is an important element of our plan. It is an essential tool for the children s future and for tourism development. 3. I learn computers: Program that teaches computer skills to teachers and students. 4. Tourism School: The sustainable component of our work. Tourism is an effective source for economic development, but locals need to be prepared in order to take advantage of the economic opportunities. 5. JP Helpers: This project represent the values and principles of our work. It consists of special teams of students within each school. Each team has specific responsibilities and duties. Visit Our Programs As part of our leisure packages, you can visit our schools and participate in our programs. Volunteer Programs Through Share and Travel, you can immerse in meaninful, wonderful and longer volunteer programs: Teach English and computers, participate as a sport coach, help in conservation projects, help in an orphanage, etc. Contact us for more information: info@shareandtravel.org 55

34 56 VISIT EL SALVADOR. Barra de Santiago

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36 Your own private saltwater swimming pool surrounded by the waves of the Pacific Ocean! RENT A BEACH HOUSE! El Salvador has 320 kilometers of Pacific Ocean Coastline. Along this coast, one can find beautiful beach front houses waiting to be rented by you. This is a unique way to spend a vacation along with family and friends. The houses include 3 or more rooms, swimming pools, kitchens, living room and ocean view terraces. Houses can be rented for the day, 1 night, or up to a complete month. Services include: Daily cleaning services of the rooms and entire property. Access to all areas of the house. Optional services: Cooking services. Private transfers from and to Airport. Private tours. Nanny services for children. For more information: info@greenbluered.com 58