Irma’s guidebook
Sightseeing
Check hours of operation before entering the park (they tend to close around 8pm). The park offers moderate to difficult hikes to the top of the mountain or you can explore the entrance which has natural exhibitions, scenic views of the Izalco volcano, restaurants, food stands, and artisan souvenir shops. Visit Los Volcanes Bistro Cafe or Casa 1800 for a quick bite or hot drinks with dessert. The view from this cafe is jaw-dropping.
40 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Parque Nacional Cerro Verde
1509 27 Avenida SurCheck hours of operation before entering the park (they tend to close around 8pm). The park offers moderate to difficult hikes to the top of the mountain or you can explore the entrance which has natural exhibitions, scenic views of the Izalco volcano, restaurants, food stands, and artisan souvenir shops. Visit Los Volcanes Bistro Cafe or Casa 1800 for a quick bite or hot drinks with dessert. The view from this cafe is jaw-dropping.
Lago Coatepeque is a large crater lake surrounded by wooded hills in western El Salvador. Nearby, El Congo is its gateway village. In the lake's southwest corner is Teopan Island, once a sacred site for the ancient Maya. Farther southwest, the Cerro Verde National Park is crossed by a network of trails. Its towering Santa Ana volcano and the conical Izalco volcano offer panoramic views over the lake. The lake is also famous for a natural phenomenon that occurs during July and August. Produced by microalgae, the lake turns a bright turquoise color. Many people come here to swim and can also rent out jet skis. Be very careful not to swim too far into the lake for it is known to have very strong currents.
79 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Lago de Coatepeque
Lago Coatepeque is a large crater lake surrounded by wooded hills in western El Salvador. Nearby, El Congo is its gateway village. In the lake's southwest corner is Teopan Island, once a sacred site for the ancient Maya. Farther southwest, the Cerro Verde National Park is crossed by a network of trails. Its towering Santa Ana volcano and the conical Izalco volcano offer panoramic views over the lake. The lake is also famous for a natural phenomenon that occurs during July and August. Produced by microalgae, the lake turns a bright turquoise color. Many people come here to swim and can also rent out jet skis. Be very careful not to swim too far into the lake for it is known to have very strong currents.
The most notable sight in Santa Ana is its large, neogothic cathedral located in the heart of the city. It is most famously known for its beautiful and intricate architectural design. It is the poster child of Santa Ana and a must-see sight. Parking can be a little tricky but there is a parking lot structure nearby that charges a small fee; however, sometimes the lot can fill up. Since it is located in downtown Santa Ana, there are plenty of artisanal shops and stands nearby that sell souvenirs, treats, food, etc.
24 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Catedral de Nuestra Señora Santa Ana
1a Avenida SurThe most notable sight in Santa Ana is its large, neogothic cathedral located in the heart of the city. It is most famously known for its beautiful and intricate architectural design. It is the poster child of Santa Ana and a must-see sight. Parking can be a little tricky but there is a parking lot structure nearby that charges a small fee; however, sometimes the lot can fill up. Since it is located in downtown Santa Ana, there are plenty of artisanal shops and stands nearby that sell souvenirs, treats, food, etc.
Food scene
When in El Salvador, pupusas are a must. They are the national food of El Salvador and are most delicious right off the griddle. La Pupusawa is a local favorite in Santa Ana and is located in a food court that is home to other amazing counter style restaurants. They offer a variety of fillings and are made fresh to order. The revueltas (pork, beans, and cheese) are a classic filling.
Pupusawa. El auténtico sabor de El Salvador Santa Ana
Calle A Tres CaminosWhen in El Salvador, pupusas are a must. They are the national food of El Salvador and are most delicious right off the griddle. La Pupusawa is a local favorite in Santa Ana and is located in a food court that is home to other amazing counter style restaurants. They offer a variety of fillings and are made fresh to order. The revueltas (pork, beans, and cheese) are a classic filling.
If you're in the mood for seafood and a drink, head to Caliche's. Often accompanied by live music on most nights, this place offers delicious food along with an experience. If you aren't familiar with Salvadoran cuisine and want to try something new, a cocktel de camaron con salsa rosada (shrimp cocktail with pink sauce) is the way to go. Check hours of operation beforehand.
Caliche's
If you're in the mood for seafood and a drink, head to Caliche's. Often accompanied by live music on most nights, this place offers delicious food along with an experience. If you aren't familiar with Salvadoran cuisine and want to try something new, a cocktel de camaron con salsa rosada (shrimp cocktail with pink sauce) is the way to go. Check hours of operation beforehand.
Located in the heart of Santa Ana, Simmer Down offers a sit-down dinner with a view. You can ask to be seated on the top floor to experience the Santa Ana Cathedral from a different perspective. They are most popularly known for their extensive pizza and beer menus but offer a variety of different foods. If you're a big peanut butter fan, their horchata de morro (made from a blend of rice, spices, cocoa, cuts, and seeds) is amazing.
15 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Simmer Down
Located in the heart of Santa Ana, Simmer Down offers a sit-down dinner with a view. You can ask to be seated on the top floor to experience the Santa Ana Cathedral from a different perspective. They are most popularly known for their extensive pizza and beer menus but offer a variety of different foods. If you're a big peanut butter fan, their horchata de morro (made from a blend of rice, spices, cocoa, cuts, and seeds) is amazing.
City/town information
Apaneca is one of the villages on the Ruta de las Flores (route of the flowers). This is a must-see pit stop. It is home to a theme park with fun and adventurous activities such as bungee jumping, ziplining, and maze solving. There are also places to eat and drink.
22 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Apaneca
Apaneca is one of the villages on the Ruta de las Flores (route of the flowers). This is a must-see pit stop. It is home to a theme park with fun and adventurous activities such as bungee jumping, ziplining, and maze solving. There are also places to eat and drink.
Ataco is one of the villages on the Ruta de las Flores (Route of the flowers). This is a must-see pit stop. It has places to eat and drink. Scenic views of the church and beautiful murals. It is also filled with street vendors.
70 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Concepción de Ataco
Ataco is one of the villages on the Ruta de las Flores (Route of the flowers). This is a must-see pit stop. It has places to eat and drink. Scenic views of the church and beautiful murals. It is also filled with street vendors.
Juayua is one of the villages on the Ruta de las Flores (route of the flowers). This is a must-see pit stop. This small town usually holds food festivals on the weekends. There are street vendors and artisan souvenir vendors as well.
21 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Juayua
Juayua is one of the villages on the Ruta de las Flores (route of the flowers). This is a must-see pit stop. This small town usually holds food festivals on the weekends. There are street vendors and artisan souvenir vendors as well.