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    • El Salvador

      Background Notes - El Salvador

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    • El Salvador

      Background Notes - El Salvador

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    Adventure Week

    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 road trip to El Salvador takes place during the 2nd week of each month.

    El Salvador

    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!

    Thursday: After breakfast we get ready to continue our local bus travels down to the pacific to Playa El Tunco. Eta 1pm. Papaya Lodge is our last hostel for the week (2 nights) right in the middle of town and 50 mtrs to the beach with a small pool and a local café/restaurant/bar to chill when not surfing. After lunch we take a walk around town and confirm tide times for next day (surfing day)… chill and then we check out the surfing town night life.
    Friday: Surfing Day! After breakfast we take our surfboards (depends on tide) and hit the waves of El Tunco beach – one of the most popular beach towns in El Salvador and the best surf spot in the country.

    Saturday: Early morning bus back to Sonsonate, Frontera and Monterrico late afternoon OR if you wish to continue your exploration of central america, you can take a 40 minute transfer to San Salvador International Airport (SAL).

    Program Price

    Cost of 2 week program USD 845 / EURO 750

    Cost of 4 week program USD 1,580 / EURO 1,420

    Weekly price includes accommodation (private at homestay Antigua, shared ‘single sex’ rest of the time), meals (3 meals daily at homestay Antigua, breakfast & lunch rest of the time), Spanish lessons, guided excursions and activities, volunteer activities, inland transfers and other activities described above.

    Private airport transfer from Guatemala to Antigua USD 40 / EURO 35

    Cost of extra night – accommodation & breakfast USD 30 / EURO 25

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    Video

    Start Dates

    Two Week Program Start Dates 2019: 01-Sep, 15-Sep, 06-Oct, 20-Oct, 03-Nov, 17-Nov, 01-Dec, 15-Dec Start Dates 2020: 19-Jan, 02-Feb, 16-Feb, 01-Mar, 15-Mar, 07-Jun, 21-Jun, 05-Jul, 19-Jul, 02-Aug, 16-Aug, 06-Sep, 20- Sep, 04-Oct, 18-Oct, 01-Nov, 15-Nov, 06-Dec

    Four Week Program  Start Dates 2019: 20-Oct, 17-Nov Start Dates 2020: 19-Jan, 16-Feb, 19-Jul, 20-Sep, 18-Oct

    NOTE : though program start date is Sunday you are welcome to arrive early and prepay for extra nights. We are open 365 days a year! Arrival and departure day is Sunday but you are welcome to arrive Saturday or earlier and pay for extra nights as required. The program starts in Antigua and finishes in Antigua (2 week program starting 3rd Sunday of the month) OR starts in Monterrico and finishes in El Tunco (2 week program starting 1st Sunday of the month) OR starts in Antigua and finishes in El Tunco (4 week program).

    Getting Here

    Guatemala City’s ‘Aeropuerto La Aurora’ (GUA) is the country’s major international airport. There are direct flights from the USA and Europe with a variety of airlines, as well many connections to other Central and South American countries.

    To get to Antigua, you can either book a prepaid private taxi transfer with us OR you can take a shuttle bus service for Q80 (around $12 – look for the kiosk just before you leave the terminal building). You may have to wait a while for the shuttle bus to fill up before departure but they will generally take you to your nominated address in Antigua. Transfer time about 1+ hour. We can also arrange first transfers to Monterrico.

    Book Now

    To book now or simply let us know that you are interested in learning more about this program, please send us a message today. We will usually get back to you within 24 hours.

    We have fixed start dates but you are welcome to arrive a day or so early, or extend after program ends, if this helps to optimise your travel plans. We look forward to hearing from you!

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