Why El Salvador?

Explore an extensive offering of diverse opportunities..

• Surf a terrific wave
• Explore the impressive volcanoes
• Learn about the biodiversity of El Salvador
• Visit archeological sites, and glimpse El Salvador's history before colonization, including the cultures that inhabited the territory
• See the villages, the markets, and the people of El Salvador in their daily life...

Facts and General Information

About El Salvador

El Salvador is the smallest country in Central America. Since pre-columbian days it has been blessed by its strategic location in the heart of Mesoamerica.

El Salvador, along with Guatemala and Honduras, came under the influence of the Mayan civilization around 1,000 BC. This was an advanced civilization related with southern Mexico.

This connection is still evident in ceremonial centres such as El Tazumal, Joya de Ceren and San Andres.

Mayan and Hahuat cultures played an important role in developing the country. These civilizations had lost most of their power and splendor by the time the Spanish Conquistadors. For many years the Spanish and the Creoles lived side by side with the Ahuachapan and Sonsonate people.

El Salvador gained its independence from Spain in September, 1821, and is a growing nation that does not seem to have had the time to grow old.

In just one decade, it has succeeded in building the best highway network and more sports arenas than any other country in Central America.

During the last few years, the country has felt the benefit of companies investing from all parts of the world. The Free Trade treaty with the United States also increased substantially the economic opportunities. It has aided in the development of the Port of La Union, which will be the largest and most modern port in Central America.

Geography and Surroundings

This tropical paradise allows tourism to flourish because of the variety of places to visit and explore, the gentle tropical breeze, and the warm comfortable temperatures. There are five recognized natural regions, which creates a wide diversity of landscapes all in close proximity:

• The Route of the Flowers, a colourful scenic tour in the Western Zone including ocean, woods, and volcanoes.
• The Route of a Thousand Summits, through the central part of Ululutan, an area set in the middle of hills and volcanoes. South of these summits is Jahilisco Bay, an area of channels throughout its inlets and mangrove swamps.
• The Peace Route, the townships of Perquin, Cacaopera and Corinto are open to exploration by people interested in history, eco-adventure, and culture.
• The Sun and Beach Route, follows 300 kilometers of sunny beaches including Costa del Sol, El Espino El Cuco until it reaches the Gulf of Fonseca, where one can participate in a host of water activities. Coastal restaurants create delicious seafood dishes and encourage you to sample the local foods as well.
• The Handicrafts Paradise Route, winds 60 miles (100 km) from Cihuatan, all the way to El Pital Throughout the entire route, villages have grouped together to create signature items that are available to locals and tourists.
  
  On the street corners of San Salvador, see displays of furniture such as rocking chairs, wardrobes, cabinets, and tables. On another corner, you may easily find locally made hammocks suspended from racks, brought to the city to sell.
  
  In countryside villages, watch craftsmen at work and purchase directly... at better prices.

The Laughing Pelican is located just 10 minutes from the small port of La Libertad; 20 minutes from San Salvador International Airport and 45 minutes from the Capital City of San Salvador.
Ask about our many half and full-day tours.  click here for more details...

It is an honour and pleasure to extend to you, as our guests, our warmest invitation to introduce you to El Salvador - a country full of vitality and rich in history.