Guatemala is a geographically diverse country. As well as spanning the centre of central America with a foot in both the Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean, a string of 35 majestic volcanos runs through the middle of the country including 3 active volcanos. Next door lies El Salvador and her most important national park, ‘El Imposible’ bursting with coffee plantations, indigenous crops and natural wildlife.

We would like to take you on an adventure to discover these areas; to enjoy the bio diversity and natural wonders of central America including the Mayan legacy.

Our primary destination in El Salvador is the implausibly named ‘El Imposible’ National Park including ‘Ruta de las Flores’; the largest national park in El Salvador in the coastal elevations of the Pacific Ocean in Ahuachapán; between the municipalities of San Francisco Menéndez and Tacuba, south-west of the Ruta de las Flores.

This protected area is the country’s most important natural, dry and tropical dry forest, ecosystem. It one of the last refuges for an incredibly diverse flora and fauna, including; 500 plant species, over 100 mammals, 53 amphibians and reptiles, 285 birds and over 5,000 species of butterflies. We will stay in Juayúa (2 nights), Coatepeque (1 night) and finish up on El Tunco beach (2 nights) exploring ‘Ruta de las Flores’, ancient Mayan ruins, thermal waterfalls, volcanoes and the best surfing beach in El Salvador.

Monday: Early morning we depart on the 05:30 ferry followed by bus to Taxisco then change for ‘La Hachadura’ for a coffee and a browse before a final bus via Sonsonate to the pretty town of Juayúa which will be our base for the next two days while we explore ‘Rutas de las Flores’ starting with a visit to Concepcion de Ataco and Apaneca. Overnight Casa Mazeta in the picturesque town of Juayua.

Tuesday: After breakfast we hit the road direction Ahuachapan. Our first stop is the hot springs of Atiquizaya for an amazing experience in the relaxing waters – naturally heated to 34c – below a stunning 5 meter waterfall. For lunch we approach the town of Chalchuapa for a local delicacy of Casabi bread ‘pizza’.

After lunch we continue our journey towards Tazumal Archaeological Park to explore the breathtaking Mayan architectural complex within the larger Mesoamerican city of Chachualpa – a unique opportunity to marvel at the sophistication of pre Colombian civilisations. Return to Juayua for overnight.

Wednesday: Early departure (7:30) we drive from Hostel Mazeta towards Ilamatepec Volcano (1h 15min aprox).
At almost 2,400m in height, this is El Salvador’s highest and most active volcano offering beautiful panoramic views of neighbouring towns and scenic landscapes. But the highlight is undoubtedly the stunning turquoise lake that sits in the centre of the crater. We hike 2 hours up to the volcano with amazing views through the forest at the base of the volcano and desert surroundings of the summit with a light smell of sulfur as we get closer to reach it. The massive crater with almost 200 mtrs of depth and a green turquoise lake is an amazing contrast to the dark blue lake of Coatepeque. Upon our decent we have a short drive to Lake Coatepeque – also known as Capt. Morgan – for lunch by the lake and a celebration beer!
Continue to our hostel by the lake for our final night in this area – time for a refreshing dive/swim. There is a lovely chill area on top of the lake (palafito) perfect to swim and relax after a nice hike!