Santa Ana Volcano
Cerro Verde National Park has three separate volcanoes that you can hike. While we were visiting, we hiked the Santa Ana Volcano. In order to do a hike, you do need to go with a guide. At the front of the entrance, you can “check in” where you are given available times for hikes that day. It seemed like there was a group that was leaving every 20 minutes, so finding availability was fairly easy. However, because it was a weekend, there were a TON of people on the trail which meant it took a lot longer to get to the top than necessary. It’s not too difficult of a hike but there are some areas that can be a little more “challenging.” The landscape and views during the hike were BEAUTIFUL and when we got closer to the top, you were able to start smelling the sulfur that is released from the steaming greenish-blue lake down below. And if you needed something cold to drink or eat…there were even a couple people at the top selling cold drinks and popsicles! After our hike, we grabbed some dinner and drinks at the restaurant near the entrance while taking in the incredible views and sunset!
Iglesia del Rosario
At our first stop in El Salvador, we met a couple, Julio and Claudia, that lived in San Salvador (the capital city). After talking with them for awhile, they invited us to dinner when we drove through. Julio happened to be a tour guide (he’s on Instagram as @elsalvadorbirds) giving us incredible information not only about El Salvador but Honduras as well. When we eventually made it to San Salvador, Julio took us around town. One of the highlights for us was stopping at the Catholic Church, Iglesia del Rosario. From the outside, it looks like a basic concrete semi-circle, but from the inside, it’s incredibly beautiful. The arch from the inside is lined with rainbow stain glass creating the most beautiful light show. As a FYI, like many sacred places, you’re supposed to cover your shoulders and knees. When we visited, I was wearing shorts so I had to buy a little shawl before going in to wrap around my waist. Sebastian was also wearing shorts but because they were longer he was fine. This was an unexpected highlight during our tour in San Salvador.
El Palmarcito Beach: The Hammock Plantation
A year before we left on our trip, Sebastian saw a Facebook post about a place in El Salvador called the Hammock Plantation. It was a laid back style hostel, with of course hammocks that was a few minute walk to Palmarcito Beach. If you are traveling through El Salvador, this is a fun place to stop. Since El Salvador is known for it’s surf, we felt it was something we had to do! The owners set up surf lessons for us which was a lot of fun and a great spot for beginners. Plus, a hotel on the beach has a pool next to the ocean which was fun to swim around in and get doused by the waves!