Latin America Collection

Located with Guatemala to the west, Honduras to the north and east,
and the Pacific Ocean to the south, is El Salvador. El Salvador is smallest
and most densly populated of the Central American countries. There are
around a five million warm and friendly people who live in its 8,203 square
miles of scenic country. Like other countries in Central America, it has
warm temperatures along its coastline and cooler temperatures in the
higher mountain regions. From about May through October is the rainy
season here, with the dry season extending from November through April.
The country's land is very fertile and ripe for all types of agriculture and
like most of the other central American countries has its share of volcanoes.

The warm tropical climate, fertile volcanic soil and lush vegetation
make the country a veritable paradise. Besides rich farmlands, you will
see a myriad of brilliantly colored flowers and trees full of blossoms which
are a sight to behold.

El Salvador's earliest civilization can be traced back 3,500 years to 1,500
B.C. as many pre-Columbian artifacts attest to. Long before the Spanish
conquerors came in 1524, this country had developed its many customs,
dances and ceremonies, as well as the highly evolved cermonial centers which
have been unearthed. Some of the most prominent archaeological sites are
Tazumal
and San Andrés. The step pryamid ruins at these sites testify to
the Mayan presence in western El Salvador that lasted over 1000 years.
Evidence of both the decendents of the Toltec and Aztec tribes of Mexico
is also present. Joya de Ceren which was discovered in 1976 is another
interesting Mayan site.

Each city, village and hamlet celebrates the protection of its Patron
Saint with colorful festivities every year. Some of the famous festivities occur
in Santa Ana in July, Santa Cruz de Roma in September, San Miguel with
its famous colorful carnival on November 24th, Sonsonate in February and
Panchimalco in May, just to name a few. During these and on other
celebrations, you will see the traditional folklorical dances that originated
in the pre-Columbian era and are mixed with Spanish influence. Dancers
dressed up with masks and very colorful clothes, coins, feathers and other
decorative ornaments.

Salvadorians are very creative as witnessed by their typical art and crafts
made of every imaginable material, including twigs, clay, fabrics, wood,
bamboo and palm tree branches. Some of the places noted for their crafts
are: Nahuizalco for its twigged furniture; Ilobasco for its ceramics; San
Sebastian for its "colchas" and hammocks; Tenancingo for its "sombreros"
(hats) and La Palma and Chalatenango for their assortment of treasures which
are known worldwide for their beauty and originality.

El Salvador's official currency is the colón which has a floating value
against the dollar. The rate is published daily in the newspapers. There
are numerous banks where you can exchange your dollars and travellers
checks, as well as in hotels and other places of business.
SAN SALVADOR
is the capital of El Salvador, largest and most
important city in the country, and is one of the most modern cities in Central
America. Located at an elevation of 2,300 feet, it boasts a wonderful year-
round climate. The city sits in a valley at the foot of the large San Salvador
volcano and has around 500,000 inhabitants. Since its "Civil War", it has
flowered into an ideal city of contrasting beauty, sprinkled with the old
buildings and modern skyscrapers of the 21st Century. There are many
modern hotels and exquisite restaurants to pamper your stay in this city
of hospitality. There are a number of good bars, cafés and plenty of nightlife
to keep you busy. While in El Salvador you should try pupasas, the most
popular dish of the country. They are two corn tortillas stuck together
with cheese or meat in the center. Typical handicrafts can be purchased at
one of the cites two main markets. There is a zoo, musuems and colonial
buildings you can visit when sightseeing. Your cultural side will enjoy the
theater, art shows and modern dancing co-mingled with expressions of
folkloric dances.

The county has a couple of nice fresh water lakes where you may take
part in watersports or just relax. About 10 miles east of San Salvador is the
Lago de Ilopango
. It is the largest lake in the country and about 10 miles
long and 3 miles wide. You may takes boat rides, sun youself, swim in the
lake or enjoy the local lake fish at one of the restaurants in around the lake.
There are also a few hotels if you wish to spend the night near the lake.
Located just off Central American Highway (1) is Lake Coatepeque. It is
another favorite weekend resort with good sailing and fishing near the
foot of Santa Ana volcano.

Just a half-hour's drive from San Salvador are the warm, sparkling
waters of the Pacific and many fine beaches that make up the 188 mile
coastline of El Salvador. From Garitis Palmera beach near the Guatemalan
border, to La Barra de Santiago beach, Las Cobanos, El Majahual,
Conchalito
, La Zunganera, Costa del Sol, La Herradura, Estero de
Jaltepeque
, Jiquilisco, El Espino and El Cuco to El Tamarindo beach on
the Gulf of Fonesca, you will find a myraid of sun-drenched pristine beaches
for your tanning and swimming pleasure. Surfers will enjoy the huge
waves all along the coastline.

The seaside fishing town of La Libertad is the closest beach to the capital.
Because it is only 22 miles from the San Salvador it is very popular with
the locals on weekends and holidays. There is a black sand beach and the
surf can be very strong. Accomodations are plentiful. There are also open-
air restaurants along the beach where you can savor all types of delicious
seafood.

La Libertad is conveniently located along Central America Highway-
2 or CA-2 on most maps which runs along the coast. So, if you choose to
take the costal route, you can stop and have lunch here or even spend the
night. Zunzal to the west has some of the best surfing beaches in Central
America.

El Salvador's volcanoes contribute to the rugged landscape of the
country. One of the most visible is the Izcalco Volcano, a perfect cone of
black lava some 6,183 feet high, which can be viewed from Cerro Verde
(Green Hill) where you may enjoy the hospitality of the Hotel de La Montaña
(Hotel of the Mountain).

The country has a couple of nice national parks. The Montecristo cloud
forest is an international nature reserve. However, you can visit it only
during certain times of the year since it is protected.
La Carretera Panorámica
(Panoramic Highway)is a scenic road between
the Pan-American Highway CA-1 and Highway CA-8, is famous for its
fantastic views and scenery. It passes by one side of Coatepeque Lake.

Because this counry is so small, you can conceivably enjoy the city of
San Salvador, have lunch at the seashore and spend the night at a fascinating
lakeview hotel high on the slopes of a volcano--all in one day.
HONDURAS ROUTES MAP