El Salvador

Marine Life

Marine life is abundant in El Salvador, thanks to its pristine coastal estuaries. One of these, Jiquilisco Bay, is a 246-square-mile UNESCO Biosphere Reserve on the coastline that has helped preserve marine life for decades. Its beaches, fresh water lagoons, mangrove forests and estuaries are home to many species of marine life found in coastal ecosystems, but sea turtles are among Jiquilisco Bay’s most prominent residents. Four endangered sea turtle species—the hawksbill, leatherback, olive ridley, and green turtles—use Jiquilisco Bay as their nesting area, which gives travelers the rare opportunity to witness them laying their eggs, learn about sea turtle conservation efforts, and help release baby turtles into the ocean. Jiquilisco Bay has served as a refuge for many species of marine animals and plants to not only recover their population numbers, but to thrive.

Geology

Despite its small size, El Salvador has over 20 volcanoes densely lining the Pacific coast. One of the best places to observe them is at Volcanoes National Park, located near San Salvador. Here, travelers can choose to either marvel at its three towering volcanoes, Cerro Verde, Izalco, and Santa Ana, from the base or hike up to the craters with a local guide. From the top, hikers can gaze out at the breathtaking, blue Coatepeque Lake which occupies the crater of an extinct volcano.

Volcanoes aren’t the only noteworthy geological feature here. El Salvador’s beaches are among the most pristine in the world because of the minimal crowds that visit them, preserving their natural, beautiful state. The sand originated from volcanic eruption and debris and comes in three different types: black, grey and coral. El Salvador’s beaches offer adventure and are considered one of the top surfing destinations worldwide, or are perfect for just sitting back and relaxing on the shore.

Culture & History

Ancient Mayan culture has been heavily preserved in one of El Salvador’s most famous archeological sites, Joya de Cerén. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is often referred to as “the Pompeii of the Americas” because a volcanic eruption in 600 A.D. buried and preserved this entire pre-Hispanic farming village. Here travelers can get a glimpse into what daily life was like for the Mayan people to better understand their culture and how it has influenced El Salvador’s society today.

Traditions run deep in the communities of El Salvador, with colonial villages preserving their way of life and culture. You can observe this in a town like Suchitoto, which is considered the “cultural capital” of El Salvador. As you walk down the cobblestone streets and past the colonial-style buildings, visitors get a chance to feel like they have gone back in time. This town is also a central component to El Salvador’s Indigo production industry, which has been a traditional crop since the 1800s. Visitors can explore the town’s indigo plantations and even dye a scarf to truly experience the native culture firsthand.