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Arrive in San Salvador
Arrive in San Salvador, El Salvador. Transfer to our hotel.
Overnight San Salvador. Dinner if required.
San Salvador
San Salvador is situated in the Valle de las Hamacas ("Valley of Hammocks"), at an elevation of approximately 600 m (2000 ft). The impressive tall dome of the Catedral Metropolitana can be used as a landmark from anywhere in the center. Most city dwellers pick up their daily staples at the huge Mercado Central, but many consider the Mercado Ex-Cuartel de Artesania to be the most interesting shopping area in the capital. It is here that you can bargain for ceramics, hand-woven textiles, and other crafts. Near the Plaza Libertad, with a winged statue of liberty, is the modern church - El Rosario. Father Delgado, a major figure in Central American Independence, is buried here.
Overnight San Salvador. Breakfast and dinner.
San Salvador - Panchimalco - San Salvador
Today we travel to Panchimalco. This peaceful village is nestled amongst the trees, and in this ancient colonial town live the Pancho Indians, descendants of the original Pipil tribes. Beautifully located at the foot of the Cerro Chulo, this tranquil village with cobblestone streets is ready for exploring. The church here is splendid, and inside the church are lovely wood carvings and a bell incised with the cypher and titles of the Roman emperor Charles V.
Later we visit Lake Ilopango, the largest crater lake in the country.
Overnight San Salvador. Breakfast and dinner.
San Salvador - Playa Costa del Sol
Today we travel to El Salvador's coastal area. The 320 km coast is dotted with beautiful bays, tropical lagoons and marshy areas that are a home to a great variety of birds. The beach at Costa del Sol is spacious, with wide-open water, and the Peninsula of de San Juan del Gozo has a wonderful beach of fine white sand.
Overnight Costa del Sol. Breakfast and dinner.
Costa del Sol
Today is free for you to enjoy this lovely coastal region.
Overnight Costa del Sol. Breakfast and dinner.
Costa del Sol - Tazumal San Andres - Santa Ana
The Mayan ruins of Tazumal San Andres - "Place of the Burned" - are El Salvador's most important pre-Columbian site. Although the present site dates back 3,000 years, the area was first inhabited around 5000 BC. The Pyramid itself dates from AD 300-1200, a Mayan period when the site was occupied by Pipil-speaking Indians. The view from the top is superb. The 14-step pyramid was probably a religious temple, and in the museum here are the artefacts found in the mud under the lake.
Overnight Santa Ana. Breakfast and dinner.
Departure
Return to San Salvador. Departure from San Salvador.
Breakfast.
