The Country Of El Salvador

Tazumal-

Tazumal is the most impressive Mayan ruin in El Salvador and archaeologists estimate it was first settled in around 5000 BC and then abandoned around AD 1200. The architectural complex was excavated and extensively restored during the 1940s and ’50s, but many of the ruins remain unexcavated. Tazumal is believed to have been an important center of trade, and its language in the K’iche’ language means ‘pyramid where the victims were burned.’ As i explore this vast site and learned about the history of the Maya civilization through the onsite museum was really cool.

The on-site Stanley H. Boggs Museum is a fascinating visit, displaying artifacts uncovered during the excavation. From incense burners to pottery and statues. Tazumal is cluster of unusual step pyramids, the tallest reaching up to 75 feet in height (the largest in the country.) Its autonomous status lasted until Spanish forces moved into El Salvador in the 1520s, after which the local people were conquered and exploited. However, the people around the site are really proud of their past and take care of the ruins. I remember seeing about 5 people going around handing out pamphlets of the history and cleaning at the same time. I love all types of ruins and getting to see these ruins were really awesome, especial running through them. 

Parque Nacional El Imposible-

Parque Nacional El Imposible is the largest park in El Salvador and is named for being dangerous while crossing the park that regularly claimed the lives of farmers and pack mules transporting coffee to the Pacific port. Named a national park in 1989, it sits in the Apaneca Ilamatepec mountain range between 300m and 1450m above sea level, and encompasses eight rivers that feed the watershed for Barra de Santiago and the mangrove forests along the coast. There a lot of things to do when you are there its so much fun its like an adventure park.

When my cousins and I went we had our own tent so we enjoyed a couple of nights of free accommodation! There are several hiking trails within the park, that take you pass viewpoints waterfalls, gorges, swimming holes & Maya rock carvings. It was one of our favourite things to do in El Salvador. If you’re lucky, you’ll spot some wildlife too. It’a also one of the most popular El Salvador tourist attractions for locals, especially on weekends.

San Salvador- 

The area around the cathedral has been paved, pedestrianized and planted with greenery, while new lighting has improved safety and made Plaza Barrios look pretty at night. During the day, you can dive into the teeming centro markets, where travelers are greeted with typical guanaco hospitality. Though you can rarely catch a glimpse of gang-related violence, there are a few neighborhoods east of town that should be avoided. Head to the nightspots of Zona Rosa and the shopping and cafe scene of Colonia Escalón.

San Salvador’s greatest asset is its location within easy reach of the ocean and the mountains, making it an excellent base for day trips. From the hustle of downtown San Salvador to the mega-malls in the surrounding neighborhoods, see the contrast between the rich & the poor in El Salvador’s capital city. You can take easy day trips to the UNESCO Joya de Ceren ruins, the boulders of Puerta del Diablo & Volcan San Salvador. San Salvador has a bad reputation but it’s worth a visit just to see Iglesia El Rosario, one of the best top things to do in El Salvador.

Iglesia El Rosario 

Joya De Ceren ruins

El Boqueron National Park-

Adventurous visitors in El Salvador will love a day trip to El Boqueron National Park, which is only half an hour away from the Salvadoran capital. The park is at the top of the San Salvador Volcano, which lets visitors get up close and personal with a crater that is over 1,800 feet deep and over 3 miles wide. Additionally, there is a smaller crater within the larger one called Boqueroncito, which visitors can also explore. It’s quite a hike to get up there, but it is well worth the view as well as the flora and fauna that visitors will come across. Beginner hikers can explore one of the shorter and less difficult trails since there are many within the national park. Overall, the park is amazing and a fun hike to go with your family and friends, btw dont forget mosquito repellent cause i got eaten alive. 

My next blog will be on Ecuador!