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El Pital Peak
El Pital is the highest point in El Salvador. Interestingly, despite its height of 2,730 meters above sea level, the climb to the summit is quite easy for tourists. It only takes about an hour and a half to conquer El Pital, and along the way, you'll be able to admire stunning views such as lush green hills, wild forests, and ancient villages. Additionally, you can ask locals for directions to Pira Rajada, a split rock formation with a very mystical view.
Joya de Cerén ancient village
Joya de Cerén is an ancient Mayan village preserved within the volcanic ash of Laguna Caldera. Since its excavation, it has been recognized by UNESCO as a World Natural Heritage site.
Wandering through this ancient village, visitors can discover houses, workshops, and bathhouses that are replicas of Pompeii from the Mesoamerica civilization dating back to 595 AD. The museum in Joya de Cerén is also well worth a visit if you're curious to learn more about the Mayan civilization.
Ataco town
Northwestern El Salvador includes Santa Ana, the third largest city after the capital San Salvador and San Miguel. And about an hour's drive south of Santa Ana is the town of Ataco, famous for its murals.
The walls of the colonial buildings lining Ataco's cobblestone streets are lavishly decorated with stories from the town's painful history. Some murals depict the 1932 massacre of coffee farmers, in which hundreds were killed. Portraits of leader Che Guevara and Mother Theresa also adorn the walls.
During the day, visitors can admire Ataco Street as an art exhibition, while at night, they can immerse themselves in parties, watching street artists perform with vibrant music.
Cerro Verde National Park
Cerro Verde is a national park rich in wildlife and located very close to the Santa Ana volcano. Therefore, climbing to the summit of Santa Ana offers visitors panoramic views of Cerro Verde National Park, including the shimmering blue Coatepeque Lake. Cerro Verde National Park is home to many rare animals such as the armadillo (a type of armored mammal), rodents characteristic of El Salvador, and the Motmot bird with its striking blue plumage.
Guazapa Historic Site
About a 40-minute drive north of the capital San Salvador, visitors will reach the Guazapa historical site. To learn more about Guazapa, you can hire a guide who is a former soldier; they will provide a very thorough and detailed introduction to Guazapa, as it was once a place where they lived and fought during the civil war.
In Guazapa, visitors can witness the remains of a field hospital and war relics scattered across the volcano's slopes. These sites offer a deeper understanding of the devastation caused by war. Additionally, visitors can climb to the top of a wooden watchtower to admire Lake Thatitlán and the town of Suchitoto.
Suchitoto town
The town of Suchitoto is located about 50 km northeast of the capital, San Salvador. Here, visitors can admire old buildings dating back to the period when El Salvador was a Spanish colony. The town also houses museums and art galleries with many rare artifacts.
Besides the town, visitors can also explore several beautiful waterfalls and natural caves, or visit Lake Suchitlán to admire the flowers and observe some rare bird species.
Conchagua Volcano
Conchagua is a volcano in southeastern El Salvador, overlooking the Gulf of Fonseca. The mountain is surrounded by a forest called the Bosque Conchagua. Visitors can see many colorful bird species that are iconic to El Salvador.
Standing atop Conchagua, visitors can also admire an incredibly romantic view of the vast blue sea, long stretches of white sand beaches, and rugged, mysterious islands.
Las las Flores Beach
For beach lovers, Las Flores is truly an ideal destination. It is considered one of the most beautiful beaches and surfing spots in Central America.
Surrounded by cliffs and golden sands overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Las Flores offers an incredibly romantic setting. If you want to go surfing, you should visit between December and February, as the waves are relatively calm during this period. During June and July, the sea can become rougher and unsafe for surfing.
Las las Flores, shaded by coconut trees, also boasts a very comfortable eco-resort. In addition, visitors can visit a sea turtle sanctuary and learn more about the wildlife of many rare animals in El Salvador.
Fonseca Bay
The islands that make up Fonseca Bay can only be described as paradise. Just as Vietnam boasts Ha Long Bay, El Salvador attracts many tourists thanks to Fonseca Bay.
Visiting Fonseca Bay, tourists can admire pristine forests, enjoy freshly caught fish while pelicans fly overhead. It truly is a romantic scene in Fonseca Bay in the Pacific Ocean.
