El Salvador, now known as the Republic of El Salvador is the smallest country in Central America but the most populated. Its Capital is San Salvador, is the largest city in El Salvador. El Salvador is located along the Pacific coastline and was previously a Spanish colony with people still speaking Spanish. It has some of the beautiful beaches, wonderful beaches, great restaurants, art galleries, museums and even volcanos. The country is not as popular as its neighboring places like Costa Rica and Panama but that does not mean it?s any less of an amazing place.
Who Doesn?t Like Beaches?
El Salvador has a good stretch of black sand beaches famous for surfing. It is a great place to put your feet up and relax. Close to the beach is an amphitheater, some great restaurants and cute little shops. The town El Tunco offers a safe haven for travelers and it has several hotels and bars. You don?t have to carry any surfing equipment, the town as surf equipment shops too.
Arts And Crafts for You
All over the small country you will find artisans and craftsman selling locally made art and craft items like plates, bowls and decorative items. The items are unique for the black dye that the artisans make from locally available seeds.
Are You A Hiker?
El Salvador has 22 mountain peaks and volcanos with some still active even now. While the beaches border the edges, the volcanos and mountains are located centrally. Most of them are low enough for even first timers to go hiking. Few of the mountains have well maintained trails and the national parks like Montecristo, Cerro Verde and El Imposible offer hiking services.
Lakes For Fishing And Water Sports
Coatepeque and Ilopango are volcano lakes that are perfect to go fishing and sailing. Other water sports like kayaking and water skiing are also famous there. Having a tropical climate, the lake is great for you to take a dive and even snorkel.
The Maya Ruins
Even before the Spanish came, El Salvador was home to the Maya civilization. While the earthquake destroyed most of the structures, few small ones still stand along with the ruins. Some of the Maya civilization sites are Tazumal, Joya de Ceren and San Andres. Houses from the civilization have been preserved by the volcano eruption more than 1, 500 years ago. It is one of the UNESO World Heritage site.
Fresh Sea Food for the Foodies
All types of sea food like fishes, crabs, clams, oysters, lobsters, squid and octopus are available on the menu in the local restaurants. If you love cooking, the fishermen sell fresh fishes from their boats and there is also a seafood market, La Libertad.
