El Salvador

Description of El Salvador

El Salvador is located in central America and is a part of North America geographically. The southwest border of the country is on the Pacific Ocean. The country sits between the Honduras and Guatemala. El Salvador is the smallest country of Central America, but it has the most dense population. There are over 6,500,000 people that call El Salvador home. The country is divided into 14 sections which are called departments. There are 25 volcanoes in the country as well as 3 large cities, and 14 lakes. It is divided into 3 sections, west, east, and central. The capital of El Salvador is San Salvador and it is located in the central region. San Miguel is the largest city of the east and Santa Ana is the largest city of the west.

History

The civilization of the country dates back to about 1500 B.C. according to the evidence found in ancient structures located in Chalchuapa.

In 1522, Andres Nino, a Spanish admiral led a voyage to Central America and landed on the island of Meanguera. This was the first of the territories that was visited by the Spanish. Pedro de Alvarado, a Spanish captain started a ware against the native tribes in the area in June of 1524. There were 17 days of very bloody battles where many Spaniards and natives were killed. Alvarado was defeated and having sustained an injury to his hip he left the fight and went to Guatemala. He appointed his brother to continue the battle. The king of Spain gave San Salvador the title of city in 1546. The country of El Salvador then developed more under Spanish rule.

Around the year 1810, the people of Central America decided that they wanted to be free. In November of 1811, Jose Matias Delgado, a priest, rang the Iglesia La Merced Bells in San Salvador calling for insurrection. After several internal fights the act of independence was signed in Guatemala in September of 1821.

What to See in El Salvador

When it comes to countryside, you will find that El Salvador is quite breathtaking. There are mountains and volcanoes that offer green adventures to all that are looking for an escape. There are several environmentally oriented organizations that promote eco-tourism in the country. You will find several secluded and beautiful forests and beaches that are scattered around the country.

The Bosque El is a well maintained national park that is practically deserted. The Montecristo Cloud forest is quite gorgeous and there is also a quaint little fishing village that has wonderful hospitality. In the Isla de Mendez you will find remote coconut islands and the Isla de Olomega of San Miguel is a great destination for eco-tourism. Other popular eco-tourist destinations include Isla Meanguera, Isla Teopan, Isla Conejo, Conchaguita, Conchagua, Isla San Sebastian and El Cajete.

The colonial towns of Suchitoto, Panchimalco, Juayua, and Apaneca should also be visiting as well as the Mayan sites of Joya de Ceren, and San Andres. Tazumal has a main pyramid that rises almost 75 feet. There is a museum onsite that showcases the artifacts left behind from the Pipil culture, which is who built Tazumal. There are also paintings that show the life in El Salvador before the Spanish arrived. Some of the best artisans are found in La Palma and in San Juan.

The capital of El Salvador, San Salvador, offers great restaurants that highlight the fresh seafood of the country. There is some great shopping, nightlife, and entertainment. In the east, San Miguel offers tourists a chance to see the country in a more authentic manner. The city offers travelers a chance to go off the beaten path to see the coastline, countryside, and the lakes that are located throughout the area.

What to Do

El Salvador is becoming one of the more popular destinations for surfing. Tourists from around the world are coming to central America in order to surf at some of the best beaches. Some of the meccas include El Cuco, El Zonte, El Sunzal, and La Libertad.

Some of the other popular water sports in El Salvador include water skiing, jet skiing, para sailing, wake boarding, tubing, and stand up paddle boarding.

There are volcano hikes, nature hikes, tours of lakes, waterfalls, and hot springs all throughout the country. El Salvador is a beautiful country and well worth the visit.

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