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Top Things To See
Barra de Santiago
Arguably El Salvador's most unspoilt 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 of San Salvador Explore what remains of San Salvador's colonial heritage by visiting the Palacio Nacional (National Palace), the recently restored Teatro Nacional (National Theatre) 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 whilst 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), colourful 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 civilisation. 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 colours 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. See Contact Addresses for further tourist information. |
