Hiking Izalco Volcano, El Salvador

My friend Nick and I were ending a semester abroad in the Yucatan
Peninsula of Mexico, and decided to spend three weeks backpacking
one of the most beautiful regions in the Americas. As we made our
way through Central America, one of the highlights was a hike up
Mount Izalco, one of El Salvador's many volcanoes. The park was absolutely
breath-taking, offering a wonderful view of Mt. Izalco from the
top. Of course, this meant that we had to descend a steep 1,500
steps to arrive at the base of the towering volcano, but the verdant
scenery more than makes up for the effort. Among our climbing group
were John Guiliano of Tamarindo Touring Company and a group of kids from his
Tamarindo foundation. The kids bounded ahead of us down the trail,
determined to be the first climbers to ascend the (active!)
volcano.


It took over an hour to climb, but the ashy, barren rock
of Izalco made for a striking contrast with the unbelievable
greenness of the surrounding hills. As we reached the top and
caught our breath, it felt as though we were on top of the world.


There is something so wondrous about standing on the steaming,
sulfur-belching mountain that at one time formed the geography of
the region with its yearly eruptions. It struck me that Mt. Izalco
is both a source of destruction and renewal, burying the land
violently with lava and yet providing a source of wonderfully rich
soil. We spent a few minutes resting at the top, covered in little
red aphids which, the kids solemnly informed us, "bite like crazy".
As the Tamarindos dutifully flicked the aphids off each other, we
had a snack and took some pictures of the glorious view. Then came
the descent, which was an adventure in and of itself! In my
spartanistic planning for our backpacking adventure, I had
calculated that only one pair of shoes was needed, and that pair
happened to be open toed. The ascent had been no trouble, just as
long as I stepped carefully around the sharp dried magma rocks.
However, the descent strategy was, shall I say, more of a "slide and
recover" strategy.

It was much quicker, but my feet did get a bit
scratched up. One of our wonderful security guards helped me
balance as I picked a few needle-like bits of rock out of my shoes.
Then came the 1,500 steps back up to the National Park, where we
discovered that the last bus for Santa Ana had already left. But,
in characteristic Salvadoran fashion, the Tamarindos offered us a
ride to town in their bus. We had so much fun listening to them
play the guitar (they even knew Sweet Home Alabama), and generally
basking in the beauty of El Salvador and its wonderful people. It
was an experience I will never forget!

Picture Perfect Vacation in El Salvador!

About Our Guest Blogger

Our guest blogger, Karen, traveled with Tamarindo Touring Company this spring on a Multi-sport/Cultural Tour. She currently lives in Indianapolis and inspires young students daily while teaching them Spanish. She actually traveled to El Salvador with a former student! Karen not only loves the Spanish language -- she loves the culture. It is her hope to travel to all Spanish-speaking countries sometime in her lifetime. Her trip to El Salvador was the first time she had traveled to Central America -- and she absolutely savored every moment. The locals sure enjoyed visiting with a 'gringo' that spoke Spanish so well!


Guest Blogger, Karen, taking off on her very first zip-line flight!

Editors Note: We created the 'Travelers to El Salvador' account on this blog for visitors to El Salvador who want to share their experiences as guest bloggers. Check back often to read their stories! Please contact us if you'd like to guest blog about your adventures in El Salvador.

From misty parks atop a dormant volcano to delicious breezes off the ocean, El Salvador is completely unique. As you drive around, you feel a mix of so many emotions. The country is lush, colorful, mountainous and gorgeous.

Here are a couple photos I took showing the incredible diversity of terrain in El Salvador. This misty volcanic mountaintop is no more than two hours away from this idyllic sun- drenched beach.

The people are proud, open and generous no matter what their circumstances.













Meet my new 'best friend' -- she and I immediately bonded when we realized we shared the same first name! Her mom owned the local hotel where we were staying -- Betty's in Guarjila. The food was amazing!

I loved knowing that stunning, unspoiled beaches were no more than two hours from mountains, crater lakes, rainforests, and even the big city. For me, El Salvador is a place to experience all kinds of contrasts--rustic to lavish--and the best freshly caught seafood I've ever tasted!







I am embarrassed to say this, but this was my lunch one day -- and the appetizer isn't even pictured! Add the best shrimp cocktail I have EVER eaten -- and you have the entire luncheon fare!

Hot Central American Beaches!

A friend of mine recently sent this link to me featuring Forbes list of the hottest beaches in Central America.

She knows I often travel to Central America -- actually visited the Mayan Riviera and El Salvador this spring. She was especially interested in whether I had ever been to Los Cobanos beach -- listed by Forbes as one of the best -- tauting it as having a sexy and wild feel. I have been there and although it is not my favorite beach area in El Salvador -- it is certainly one of the most diverse! Within the small area surrounding Los Cobanos, you can enjoy deserted beaches, quaint fishing villages, and even more populated resort areas. Just off the coast visitors will discover some of the best diving reefs in the area. There is literally something for every type of beach lover along this stretch. As the article mentions; 'While Costa Rica battles charges of Americanization, here you'll enjoy unadulterated Latin America while you bond with other intrepid travelers and locals not yet jaded by a tourism onslaught.'

So, what is my favorite beach area in El Salvador? I would have to choose the Costa Del Sol -- offering miles and miles of basically untouched white sand beaches. Especially on weekdays, you can wak for miles and see very few others along this stretch of beach. Just you, the sand, ocean, and whatever wonderful thoughts cross your mind at that moment! I also find the inlets and estuaries fascinating in this area of the country. Talk about serene!

Another beach area that I am dying to visit is on the east coast of El Salvador in the La Union area off the Golf of Fonseca. I hear you travel out of the mountains down to very remote and beautiful beach areas. (I have been in the mountainous area -- but never to the beach in this area. Lovely.) The surfing is supposedly spectacular and I would love to sail to one of the undeveloped islands just off the coast and spend a day or two exploring these islands!

The only downside I have found to the beaches in El Salvador is the presence of trash. (Developing countries such as El Salvador sometimes have problems with trash -- they are simply unaware of how destructive and unattractive trash is to visitors). I was happy to read a recent article about a group of surfers efforts to help educate and remedy this problem. Way to go surfers who have discovered El Salvador and are making a positive impact!

Dispelling the Myths about El Salvador

#1 Myth: El Salvador is a dangerous country.

El Salvador, like every other country, has it's challenges. Crimes related to gangs are on the rise in cities like San Salvador. Gang related crime is also on the rise in many U.S. and European cities, but does that keep travelers from visiting those cities? No, it does not. Using common sense and taking simple precautions when traveling anywhere are always advisable -- just as locking your doors at home and while driving in a car are advisable even if you live or drive in a safe areas close to your home. The important fact on which to dwell is that crimes against tourists are nearly non- existent in El Salvador. When traveling to El Salvador, if you are staying in San Salvador, it is imperative to know the area of town in which you are going to stay. It is also not advised to explore the city of San Salvador by foot. The hotel concierge is a great resource for sightseeing information. There are many beautiful, upscale, and safe areas of San Salvador -- but you can not assume you can walk from one area to another. Traveling with a tour guide or by taxi is recommended.

Once you leave the city of San Salvador, you will find the country to be much less chaotic and the pace of life much slower. You will also discover that the Salvadoran people very kind and helpful. It is highly recommended to venture out of the city and explore some of El Salvador's beautiful nature areas and attractions; El Impossible, Monte Cristo, Apaneca, Suchitoto, Morazan, Joya de Ceren, National Volcano Park, Ilopongo Lake, El Pital, the beach areas and estuaries -- and all of these areas are quite safe. Infact, El Salvador was the first, and continues to be the only, Central American country that has established a System of Tourism Safety (STS). At a January 2008 meeting of the Central American Council of Tourism (CCT), it was determined that the System of Tourism Safety developed in El Salvador would be adopted throughout the Central American region. This system provides trained tourism police in the popular tourist areas.

In El Salvador, many businesses employ armed guards to protect their property and patrons. This can be unnerving at first since most travelers are not used to seeing this type of security in other countries. This seems to be a result of cultural traditions mixed with the need to employ people who had developed few skills during the civil war years. Most often you will find these guards very friendly and willing to help you in any way. At worst, they are reserved, but are never threatening.

If you don't speak Spanish, driving in El Salvador -- or any Central American country -- can be quite challenging as most people in the rural areas do not speak English and you will not find street signs in English. In the rural areas, often times the roads are not well marked. Getting lost or disoriented in any foreign country can increase your chances of falling victim to a crime. It is advisable to hire a tour guide for your adventure travels throughout El Salvador.

Unbelieveable Deep Sea Fishing!

Just returned from a fabulous family vacation to El Salvador. The highlight of our trip was the day we spent deep sea fishing. Even better than we ever dreamed it could be! We caught over 600 lbs. of fish! This is no fish story. We reeled in a 400 lb. marlin, a large sail fish, several yellow fin tunas, and more! We even found ourselves in the midst of a huge group of spinning dolphins. They were everywhere. This was the first day of our trip. My son said; 'Dad, if our trip ends today, this will be the best vacation ever!' Thank you Tamarindo Touring Company for an unforgettable trip to El Salvador!

Yet another myth about travel in El Salvador

# 3 Myth: El Salvador has little to offer for an Adventure Traveler

El Salvador may be a small country in acreage, but it is packed full of sites that are suited for adventurous travelers. Here is a listing of some of the most wonderful adventure in El Salvodor and the location where you can enjoy them:

Deep Sea Fishing - The Pacific Ocean provides miles upon miles of undisturbed waters
Kayaking - Pristine Estuaries
Sailing - In the Golf of Fonseca
Hiking - El Imposible tropical forest, Monte Crist cloud forests, Volcanoes (25), and other scenic areas
SCUBA diving - The Pacific Ocean and Volcanic Lakes such as Ilopango
Surfing - Punta Roca and El Sunzal are two of the most popular places to catch the waves. Punta Mango is accessible only by boat and boasts tremendous surf.
Biking - In mountainous areas such as El Pital or through rural areas on back roads in Apaneca or Morazan
Zip Lining - In Apaneca coffee country
White Water Rafting - Lempa, Sumpul, Guayjoyo, Bandera and Paz Rivers

There are many artisan communities to visit, and interesting and significant cultural and historical sites throughout the country. In San Salvador, there are a number of museums including the David J Guzman Museum of Anthropology, the Tin Marin children's museum, the Museo de Arte Marte displaying a huge collection of International artwork, and several history museums. If traveling to Morazan, the Museum of the Revolution is a popular attraction.

With over 200 miles of unspoiled coastline, El Salvador is a beach lovers perfect destination.

More Myths about travel in El Salvador

# 2 Myth: Contractible diseases are common in El Salvador

The Center for Disease Control (CDC ) lists a number of vaccinations/precautions travelers should take before traveling to El Salvador. It is always good to consult your primary care physician before traveling to any foreign country to discuss the recommendations. Your physician knows your baseline health and can help determine whether you would benefit from these vaccines or not. Some countries seem to elicit more concern regarding these warnings/recommendation than others. For instance, I have heard for years that you have to be careful when traveling to El Salvador because of all the diseases you can contract there. The warnings/precautions/recommendations are the same for El Salvador as they are for all other Central American countries, the Caribbean Islands, Mexico -- including popular areas such as Cancun, Puerta Vallarta, Cabo San Lucas and Mazatlan. When people travel to these areas, they don't often consult the CDC guidelines. I imagine they are familiar with these destinations, have had friends and family that have traveled to these areas and have not heard of many -- if any -- instances of malaria, dengue, or other ailments mentioned on the travel sites. It is my opinion that once more people become familiar with El Salvador, the concerns about these diseases will be less. Pack your bug spray and avoid mosquito bites -- that will be your best safeguards against contracting arboviral (transmitted through insect bites such as mosquitoes or ticks) diseases. Consult your doctor before traveling and you will be able to make a well informed decision that will be best for you.