Must-see attractions in Western El Salvador

  • Parque Nacional El Imposible

    Western El Salvador

    Edging Guatemala, the mostly primary forest of Parque Nacional El Imposible shimmers with rivers and beautiful waterfalls. Hiking can get muddy and steep,…

  • Tazumal

    Western El Salvador

    In the K’iche’ language Tazumal means ‘pyramid where the victims were burned.’ Archaeologists estimate that the verdant 10-sq-km Tazumal area – much of…

  • Parque Nacional Los Volcanes

    Western El Salvador

    Alongside volcanoes in triplicate, Parque Nacional Los Volcanes has hectares of lush forest that provide sanctuary for hundreds of migrating bird species,…

  • Parque Nacional Montecristo

    Western El Salvador

    The cloud forest–cloaked mountains of Parque Nacional Montecristo are home to abundant flora and fauna that make it a magnet for nature lovers and…

  • Finca Santa Leticia

    Western El Salvador

    Finca Santa Leticia is a coffee farm, hotel and restaurant just south of Apaneca. The highlight here is the small on-site archaeological park (admission…

  • Catedral de Santa Ana

    Western El Salvador

    The most notable sight in Santa Ana is its large neo-Gothic cathedral, which was completed in 1913. Exquisite ornate moldings cover the church's front,…

  • Teatro de Santa Ana

    Western El Salvador

    The Teatro de Santa Ana is an opulent Renaissance-style building constructed using funds from an export tax on coffee beans. The epitome of wealth, excess…

  • Casa Blanca

    Western El Salvador

    Across the highway from Chalchuapa town center and the Tazumal site sits Casa Blanca, home to some Preclassic Maya ruins set in attractive woodland. An…

  • Reserva Ecologica El Limo

    Western El Salvador

    Fourteen kilometers north of Metapán is the lush Reserva Ecologica El Limo, home to incredible cascadas (waterfalls). Drivers near the turnoff to Frontera…

  • Jardín de los Cien Años

    Western El Salvador

    At Los Planes, this enchanting garden has more than 70 species of orchid as well as towering oaks and other plants, many of which are labeled. Don't miss…

  • Iglesia de San Pedro

    Western El Salvador

    Metapán's town square features the glorious Iglesia de San Pedro, the jewel in a restored old quarter where the sense of civic pride is palpable. In the…

  • Iglesia El Calvario

    Western El Salvador

    El Calvario has undergone numerous hardships and catastrophes since its initial construction in the early 19th century. Today it's an imposing place that…

  • Iglesia El Carmen

    Western El Salvador

    Santa Ana's trifecta of Catholic churches is rounded out by El Carmen, which was damaged during the 2001 earthquake after nearly two centuries of…

  • Hacienda San Jose

    Western El Salvador

    Near the park entrance, a charming hacienda with pretty gardens holds a small interpretative center with displays on the park's flora and fauna, including…

  • Plaza Concordia

    Western El Salvador

    Green gardens and palms make Plaza Concordia an agreeable spot to catch a breeze. The kiosk occasionally holds concerts and free events.

  • Nuestra Señora de Asunción

    Western El Salvador

    This church east of Plaza Concordia has pretty azulejo floors and a stained-glass Virgin.