El Salvador is the smallest, though the most densely populated country in Central America. This mountainous country is bordered by the Pacific Ocean, Guatemala, and Honduras. About 90 percent of Salvadorans are mestizo, descendants of Spanish and (Native) Indian ancestors. Settled as a colony of Spain in the early 16th century, El Salvador gained its independence in 1821. Economic inequality led to the civil war in 1980. Many Salvadorans, rich and poor, fled to the United States. The 12-year civil war, which cost about 75,000 lives, ended in 1992. Today, El Salvador is stable and with a growing economy, leaving behind its painful history, though it does have a high rate of violent crime. I would not recommend traveling solo in San Salvador after dark.
As I was working full time during 2010, I had only a week in the country. I spent most of the time in San Salvador, making a day trip to the colonial town of Suchitoto and beach town of La Libertad. I would love to go back and explore El Salvador and Rest of the Central America in near future.
Pictures below are from my visit to El Salvador.
Kilómetro Cero (KM 0) of El Salvador.The National Palace of El Salvador, built in 1911 in San Salvador, the capital city, replaced the old National Palace built in 1866–1870, which was destroyed by fire in 1889.San Salvador Cathedral, originally built in 1842, destroyed by earthquakes multiple times, current building was completed in 1999. The Cathedral is located in the city center, very crowded area, take care of your personal belongings. Interior of the San Salvador Cathedral.We stayed in a very upscale neighborhood of San Salvador.A restaurant decorated like an old Spanish Hacienda.Cerveza Suprema with San Salvador style Michelada (Spicy Beer and Lime Cocktail)
One evening we took a taxi to Los Planes de Renderos, a hillside district that offers one of the nicest views of the city of San Salvador. Los Planes (as everybody refers to the area) is famous for its many pupuserias, a typical Salvadorian snack.
Interior of our Taxi to Los Planes, an old Datsun. The city of San Salvador from Los Planes.One of many pupuserias in Los PlanesLadies making fresh pupusas, the national dish of El Salvador. Pupusa is a thick griddle cake or flatbread stuffed with meat, beans and cheese. Very similar to Indian Paratha.Road side cafes on the way to Los Planes.One of many family owned small convenient stores in El Salvador.
While in El Salvador, we made a day trip to the colonial town of Suchitoto, a town set in the mountains of El Salvador’s Cuscatlán department. The town overlooks Lago Suchitlán, a large man-made lake with boats and migratory birds.
Iglesia Santa Lucía de Suchitoto, a mid-1800s Church, with a wooden altar and beams, that sits on Parque Central, is the highlight of the colonial architecture in Suchitoto.Another view of Iglesia Santa Lucía de Suchitoto, a mid-1800s Church.Colonial houses on cobblestone streets in Suchitoto.La Posada de Suchitlan, one of many old Haciendas converted to Restaurant and Guest House.Posada Suchitlan, beautiful old housePosada Suchitlan – Lunch with Beautiful view of Lago Suchitlán, a large man-made lake. The Villa Balanza, a restaurant and small guesthouse, has an artwork above its entrance: a huge iron scale weighing a stack of tortillas against a bomb.A pupuseria in Suchitoto.Centro Turístico Puerto San Juan, a port and tourist center, where visitors can enjoy typical foods, boat rides and ferry service surrounded by the natural environment of the beautiful Lake Suchitlán.Boat ride on Lake Suchitlán, it was challenging to take the boat out in open water.
While in El Salvador, we made a day trip to La Libertad, beach side town closer to San Salvador.
Pacific Coast of El Salvador near La Libertad.Pacific Coast of El Salvador near La Libertad.La Libertad.Cockteles de camaron (Shrimp Cocktails) with Cerveza Pilsener in San Salvador style Michelada (Spicy Beer and Lime Cocktail)
After a week in El Salvador, it was time to go back to home in Dallas. El Salvador has lot to offer, though because of limited time, I couldn’t explore more. I would definitely like to come back and explore more.
In May 2017, 23 days before I was going to complete 50 years, grabbed an opportunity and took an early retirement.. Picked up a backpack and traveling ever since.. Love to travel around the world, experience different culture, local cuisine & drinks .. and take pictures.. so far been to 108 countries and still counting...
Window on the World 