it can be seen from the Pacific Ocean in the south.
Cerro Verde National Park is a must for visitors who
want to experience this volcanic nation. At more than 2,000
metres elevation you can take guided or self-guided tours
around the volcano to capture great views of the Santa Ana
volcano as well as the Izalco Volcano, Lake Cerro Verde
and the surrounding countryside. In many parks, you can
hike, kayak, fish, swim and even zip line.
To the south, there are more than 300 kilometres of
Pacific Ocean coastline. It is home to some of the world's
best surfing beaches as well as a burgeoning turtle popula-
tion thanks to recent preservation efforts by various eco and
wildlife organizations.
Surf culture is alive and well in surf-centric towns such
as Las Flores, San Blas, El Tunco and La Paz. In other
coastal towns you'll see fishing boats laden with shrimp,
crab, snapper and other delectable seafood that will be
served that evening at seaside restaurants.
Riding waves. Volcano viewing. Shopping for handicrafts. Exploring Mayan ruins. Or simply sipping coffee. El
Salvador and its people will reach into your heart and soul
and invite you to discover theirs.
travel planner
El Salvador uses U.S. currency. Avianca (avianca.com), a
Star Alliance member, will
soon provide daily non-stop
service between Toronto and
San Salvador. For more information on El Salvador, visit
elsalvador.travel.
top, left to right:
Many murals painted on homes
and shops depict daily life in
the picturesque town of Ataca
in western El Salvador.
The charming mountain town
of Ataco is surrounded by coffee
plantations and volcanoes.
Surfers in the know rank
El Salvador as one of the
world's best places to catch
the "big wave."
opposite, bottom: Hop on
an open-air Moto taxi to
see the sights of many
towns such as Juayúa.
Chris Ryall
Fa l l / Wi n t e r 2 0 1 3
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