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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 traveller. Over 500 species of bird flit between the diverse fauna, and lucky observers may even catch a glimpse of the rare black hawk eagle whilst 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 centre 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. See Contact Addresses for further tourist information. |
