Mayan Ruins in El Salvador

No visit to El Salvador would be complete
without a visit to one of the many Mayan Ruins.

Within just 30 minutes away from the capital, you will be enjoying a little bit of ancient history. By taking the  highway to Santa Ana, El Salvador is one of the most important archeological sites in Central America.Joya de Ceren is a unique site found in Mesoamerica; it was suddenly buried in ashes by a volcanic eruption

This unique and culturally significant site, Joya de Ceren ( the Jewel of Ceren), has given us an understanding of the day-to-day lives of the ancient Mayan cultures who lived here. Joya de Ceren is one of the most amazing sites to visit in El Salvador. Located in the Valley of Sapotitán, Joya de Ceren is one of the most fertile valleys in El Salvador. In Joya de Ceren, you will experience and learn to look back at ancient civilizations and the way of life was before.

                                      Extra Information:

Hotels usually offer to either get a taxi or arrange tours for their guests. But if you prefer to take public transit, it is available and with easy access there.

Hours of operation:

• Open Tuesday to Sunday 9am – 4pm
• Guided tours are given every 15 minutes
• Admission: $3.00 for tourists, $1.00 for locals and free for children under 8 years of age and for adults over 60
• Parking: $1.00

Moreover, El Salvador has another ancient Mayan Ruins 7 minutes away from Joya de Ceren, total of 37 minutes away from the capital San Salvador, called "The Ruins of San Andres." San Andres is one of the biggest pre-Hispanic centers in El Salvador. This ancient community covers around 200 acres or more, and consists of a ceremonial center surrounded by a wide residential area. It has been thought that San Andres dominated the Zapotitan Valley and Hammocks Valley, where the actual capital San Salvador lies.

Bahia Jiquilisco

Bahia Jiquilisco is situated in the Department of Usulutan. Within 2 hours away from the capital, on the same highway of the airport, the Jiquilisco Bay is the place for experiencing a different type of restaurant. In Jiquilisco Bay, you will find numerous options of eco-turism. One of the options are the tourist route that are offered by Tourist Development Association at  Jiquilisco. This route consist of taking you through passages and getting to know some island before getting to the biggest destination.

What is best in Bahia Jiquilisco is that you can enjoy delicious and fresh seafood in an unusual, strange, and different perspective of a restaurant. These restaurants are floating restaurants situated in the middle of the Bay. Furthermore for more information about this Bay and its restaurants, you can get more information and recommendation at "Puerto del Triunfo."







If you don't have a boat and make up an excuse for not going, well, there are boats offering transportation and their rates are from US$15 to US$45. Some restaurants that I would recommend are:

Cabo Tortuga Restaurant:
 located in the area of Tular Beach.



Playa Palmeras Restaurant: located between
 the Jobal Island and El Espiritu Santo Beach.

  What it is good about these two restaurants is that you can rent a fishing pole for just $5 an hour, and if you get lucky, you can get the people there to prepare it and for free. In addition, these restaurants offers a gastronomic specialities such as ceviches, seafood cocktails, breaded fish and seafood soup (Mariscada, best described in the Costa del Sol, Beach; post). 

Soccer

 "MUST EXPERIENCE" especially soccer fans



Whether my team or not is playing, I still go!




La Selecta 2011



  When it comes to sports, El Salvador is a country that plays a huge role in them. Sports are not just a matter of popularity in El Salvador, but rather a passion for citizens. Having soccer as the most popular sport in El Salvador, like most countries worldwide El Salvador has its own national soccer team, better known as “La Selecta”.  Whenever El Salvador National Team plays against any other country, people get crazy and in fact they treat that day as a day to celebrate and have a wonderful time regardless the final game score. El Salvador has the biggest and most complete (in regards to infrastructure) stadium in Central America, its name is “Estadio Cuscatlan”, A.K.A “El Coloso de Monserrat”.

Pablo Miguel (me), Gerardo Caceres "Jorra"

 El Salvador however, is not a country reach in football, even though it is its most played sport. La Selecta is not the best team out there. They have only qualified twice to the FIFA World Cup, better known as the most important tournament in soccer history. This occurred in the years 1970 in Mexico and 1982 in Spain. During these years and on, its song “Pajaro Picon Picon” became very popular and now every time La Selecta is going to play a game, the song is played over and over in many places around the country. The most popular soccer player in El Salvador is Jorge “Magico” Gonzalez, best know by his outstanding performance inside the soccer pitch and because of the exceptional journey he had in European soccer, scoring spectacular goals to teams of great magnitude such as FC Barcelona from Spain.

  


Pablo Miguel (me) "Pajomi", Gabriella Saravia "Cebolla", Jorge Zabaneh "Toño"

 

Today, El Salvador National Team is working on having a new developed team with a mixture of some old players but mostly with very talented young players. La Selecta is currently getting ready to participate in the next international soccer tournament called “Gold Cup”and it is to be held in the United States next summer 2011.



Right: Pablo Miguel "Pajomi" , Left: Jorge Bigit "tss tss ssnaake"



On the other hand,



Like most of countries have their own professional soccer league, El Salvador has one of its own called Liga Mayor de Futbol (LMF). In this league, 10 teams compete against each other playing all against all. At the end of the season, the top four teams qualify to semifinals where 1^st place plays against 4^th while 2^nd does the same against 3^rd place. The final is to be played at El Coloso de Monserrat.

The most popular and biggest team in Salvadorian soccer is Club Deportivo FAS, aka “FAS”. Its mascot is the tiger. FAS is from the famous department of Santa Ana where it has its stadium called “Oscar Alberto Quiteno” and the fans nickname is “Turba Roja”.



Jorge Magico Gonzales
Started playing in FAS FC, then
to Barcelona



Currently runners-up in the latest national tournament Clausura 2011, FAS has a total of 17 national trophies, more than any other team in the LMF. FAS’ most famous and historical player is Jorge “Magico” Gonzalez, who played for Antel, Independiente Nacional from El Salvador, Cadiz CF and Valladolid from Spain, and finally Club Deportivo FAS, and San Salvador FC both from El Salvador. FAS wanted to pay a big tribute to its best player and did so by not letting anyone in the team wear the #10 jersey, number worn by “Magico” Gonzalez.

FAS is currently getting ready to compete in the next national tournament Apertura 2011 beginning in August 2011.

Lake Coatepeque




Lake Coatepeque

  

Left to right :

Simon Quezada, Jorge Bigit, Pablo Miguel (me)

RELAXING ON THE LAKE

Within just 35 minutes from the capital, you will be able to see, experience the "Lago Coatepeque." Lago Coatepeque is considered to be the next natural wonder of the world. It all started thousands years ago, from a volcano that existed before in the Department called Santa Ana. Later, the volcano disappeared, leaving the crate as the only evidence there was left. On top of this crate, a lake was formed, also known as Lago Coatepeque. After few hundred years have passed, there was a tiny eruption on this crate, creating an island in the middle of the lake what it is also known as "La Isla de Coatepeque"(Coatepeque Island). Lago Coatepeque is above a crate that once it was a volcano  years ago.

With only 6 kms wide and 120 meters deep and surrounded by a steep green slopes rising up 250 to 500 meters; makes the Lake Coatepeque seen as surrounded by many volcanoes. Along the shore of the lake there are several private houses with their own kind of port called "El Muelle." Whether a Salvadorian or a turist, Lake Coatepeque is a popular place for spending a get-a-way weekend. There are also  hotels accommodations for visitors whether turists or Salvadorian itself, Hotel Torremolinos offers lodging, a restaurant and they rent watersports equipment. Other option would be, Hotel Amacuilco because has an art center worth checking out and it is a popular spot for younger teenagers such as turists and residents.



Pablo Miguel (me)
at the possing with the view of the Lake









Startes of Lake Trip
Left to right:
Karla Guillen, Pablo Miguel (me), Jorge Zabaneh (owner of the house), Tania Garcia, Oscar Coto, Alejandro Cuellar







At the end of the day enjoying
the after sunset



This trip to the Lake Coatepeque is a "must trip" between my friends and family each time I come back to home. Either is only with friends or family or both, either way I can assure you that your experience and time will be worth BIG times. There has been every trip to the Lake since 2005. Meaning that , there has been at least 2 trips each year. 



Starting the Party







First Trip for Lago Coatepeque



Here is when us 3 realized that this was not the last one we were going to experience.

 



The Result of the Video



From the Capital to the Airport



Welcome to Comalapa Airport







Welcome to
Olocuilta





In the journey on the way to or back from El Salvador, you will encounter a pretty interesting town that is one of best and "must go" place that I would highly recommend, whether you are a turist or a resident.

Within 15 minutes,

Olocuilta the Place!!!!

Olocuilta is a little town that has this variety of chains of pure Salvadorian food. It is situated half journey to the airport. So if you are just arriving to the country and could eat in the plane, whether because the food was disgusting or you just fall asleep, and didn't woke up(mostly happens to me). Well, Olocuilta has to be the first and last place you must experience( or at least you cannot leave without trying it). I always when i travel or coming back home, I always order pupusas to go no matter what!!! What is very interesting (mostly to Americans) is that there is no fancy restaurant in Olocuilta. Customers get to eat in this plastic tables with this wooden long chairs. In addition, it is worth while to see how a pupusa is made and how they are prepared in your plate. In additon, for a person to experience Real Salvadorian Pupusas, you will need to do the following things:

• Never use forks nor knives.
• Pour the sauce on top of the curtis.
•  Cut a reasonable slice and put a reasonable amount of curtis with sauce on top.
• Grab both on them
• Enjoy!!!!!!!

 

What you will see
when doing the Pupusa



The Final Product

As we can notice on the image on the left, there is one pupusa bigger than the others ones. Well, only in Olocuilta has this special pupusa that is the size of 3 pupusas in 1, the rest are the normal same pupusas. Salvadorians has a variety of different ingridients for a pupusa. The most common pupusa orders are the cheese pupusa and the bean with cheese pupusa. In addition to that, there are several other ingridients, such as beans with chop pork and a mix of beans/cheese with chop pork  Lastly, one of the causes that makes this experience worth a try is that for a Pupusa, it will cost you

US0.35-$0.50 



And I'm pretty sure that for a guy, it doesn't need no more than 4 pupusas to get you full. For a woman, it doesn't need no more than two pupusas to be full. I am a big eater, and I love to eat. I usually get 4 pupusas to get me satisfied, but my record is 6!

El Salvador International Airport

AKA: Comalapa Airport

The El Salvador International airport is one of the modern and biggest airport in Central America. It has 17 gates; where 14 is connected to waiting rooms. In regards with safety level, this airport is the only one in Central America to be Certified Category 1 by the Category of Aviation of the U.S. In addition, this airport is AKA "Comalapa Airport" and it is 112,729 ft. Within 30 minutes, you will be arriving. Moreover to that, inside the airport, there is a variety of shopping areas. Something that I see, do and recommend is to buy whatever you need here.Why? Because it is CHEAPER!; than in other countries, especially Europe and United States that are very expensive. Things that you find cheap here are from perfum and lotions --> to alcohol and cigarrettes. Furthermore, Comalapa Airport is the best because it has flight directly to Europe and more variety of flights in America. Some of the companies that flies in-and-out are:

 

• American Airlines
• Continental
• Delta
• Avianca/Taca
• Iberia
• Spirit( on June 12,2011)
• Copa Airlines
• Mexicana
• Aeromexico

In addition, E.S. is such convinience because as said before "The Country of Short Distances" well also when you fly it applies that theory:

• From El Salvador to Bogota, Colombia = 2 hours
• From El Salvador to Lima, Peru  =  4 hours
• From El Salvador to Guatemala City  =  25 minutes
• From El Salvador to Miami  =  2 hours
• From El Salvador to Los Angeles = 4 hours
• From El Salvador to Madrid  =  9 hours

San Salvador, Beautiful City

San Salvador is still recovering in many ways from an extended history of violence. San Salvador can be dangerous and chaotic, but once compromising first impressions are set aside, you will discover that San Salvador's other side is: friendly, globe-conscious, cultured and even sophisticated.

The capital has many different nice places you must visit. San Salvador is well packed with anything you can think of, from hotels to shopping malls; entertainment from country clubs to bar/nightclub and theaters.

 

 San Salvador has a really wide options of where you can stay in your visit. From really well-known chains such as Holiday Inn, Courtyard, Crown Plaza and others charging  $60-$150/night to hostel such as Hostal Portada and Hostal Via Luz pricing $15/night.

San Salvador has 3 main malls:

Galerias: Within 5 minutes you will be arriving. The interesting thing about this mall is that, it is constructed on top of a beautiful monument house, that was made years ago. Galerias is a 3 floor mall with a parking space of 3 floors down. Galerias has a variety of things. Half of their stores are well-known around the world, other half are brands that are cheaper or Salvadorean brands. It consist with 2 stations of food court. In my opinion, one of the most reasons I go to Galerias is because the movie theater "Cinepolis." I consider Cinepolis as the best movie theaters from all El Salvador.

Multiplaza: Within 7 minutes you will be arriving. Multiplaza is a 3 floor mall with 3 underground floor of parking. The interesting thing about this mall is that is the Newest and modern of all. Most of the stores are well-known brands name. In addition, Multiplaza is the best on offering "Social Environment." Multiplaza has the widest variety of night life within young people. We can find the best club in El Salvador "NVY" and additionally there are few other places to socialize such as KGB(Karaoke Grill and Bar), Mai Thai (lounge bar, highly recommend), Alambiques (a somewhat club but in a more relaxing theme). In addition, Multiplaza has a movie theater but I consider it as the worst theaters.

La Gran Via: Within 8 minutes you will be arriving. La Gran Via is located 1 minute away from Multiplaza. The best of La Gran Via is that this mall is an open sky mall. In La Gran Via, you will find more restaurants than shopping stores. It also has a night life but more focused on older people, I consider it as a "Chill" place; where they like to get a cup of wine and go walk around. In addition, La Gran Via has my second best movie theater in El Salvador.    

 

But, what is the best about El Salvador??????

EL Salvador is very CHEAP!!!!!   Drinks usually cost like around up to $5. National Beers cost like $2-$3. Bottles of alcohol that are considered good, in places cost no more than $40.(excluding NVY) In addition, movie tickets cost $3 everyday (except Wednesday, 50% off)

And what is better than cheap??

The Legal Drinking Age is 18 years old.

Beaches & Volcano

Have you ever been asked on a date, "Are you a type of Beach person or a Volcano person?" Most of the time you will only get one answer, but what if that person likes both options as much as the other? What if you like the other thing of what your special person chose? or What if you do not remember what was her answer and you are becoming desperate!

Well, there is no necessity for being alarmed, in this case,

El Salvador is your best choice!!

In El Salvador, there is no worries if that person likes to do the both things, or you both disagree or if you just accidentally forgot what that special person had said. El Salvador will provide this two answers with a spark of adventure, fun, and having an unforgettable experience within the range of  20-60 minutes

Whether you or your special partner is a Volcano type. Well, El Salvador has 22 volcanoes in his tiny little area, but my two favorite volcanoes El Salvador has are Volcan de San Salvador and Izalco. Within 20 minutes (depending on which zone of San Salvador you are situated), you are arriving to the top of the Volcano of San Salvador. Whether you go at night or daylight, the view (as you can see) is incredible, with just a height of 1,893 meters (6,211 ft). In addition for providing a better experience, there are few restaurants that you could go and have a meal, meanwhile you are enjoying the view. Some of the name restaurants are ......... and within the price of ...... a person could eat an entire meal.

Moreover if you are more into action, climbing and sporty activities, well, Izalco is the best choice that I could provide. Within 30 minutes, you and/or your partner will be arriving. Izalco has a height of 1950 meters (6398 ft). I have been twice to climb this volcano.

A little story that I will always remember. My first time I climb the volcano "Izalco", it was in an activity of my summer camp called "Sherpas". It was trip for only father and son. Back then, I was 12 years old. When we were in the middle of the Izalco, it started raining. I thought everybody was going give up, but few people back-down. After we were decided to continue climbing, there was this tiny BIG issue; the volcano is mostly made up of rocks and soil, so when we made a step was very slippery. For me that wasn't an issue, I was very excited to climb it with my father. After climbing and climbing, we finally got to the top of the volcano. At first, I felt really cool because we were above the rain. I felt like an angel. However, the view was not that impressive because of the rain, but seeing how the clouds were disappearing little by little was the thing that I most liked. I think few people have had this experience and let me tell you, it was great! One of my best days in my life.

In addition, El Salvador is located in the Pacific Coast. El Salvador has many different beaches, however, the top 3 best beaches I would recommend to visit is:





Costa del Sol

1. Costa del Sol: Within 40 minute trip, you and/or your partner will be arriving. The  most beautiful and a "must experience" of this beach is because of his long path of walking from the house to the water. In addition, Costa del Sol has hotels and private houses one beside another. Moreover, there is this 2 "must go" restaurants; Maricos Mary and Ola Betos. Mariscos Mary specializes more on cocktails and their best plate is "La Mariscada." La Maricada" is a cream soup that has a little bit of every seafood a gigantic lobster. In addition, Mariscos Mary has one of the best "Michelada". A "michelada" is an alcoholic drink made of beer with lemon, Worcestershire sauce, salt and pepper,(tabasco as preference). Sometimes, "La Mariscada" must be eaten between two. This experience cost no more than $18  In the journey going to Costa del Sol, you will pass 2 "must experience" places in El Salvador that I am going to blog next.


1. Costa Azl



2. Costa Azul: Within a hour trip, you and/or your partner will be arriving. The most beautiful and "must experience" in this beach is because of the privacy you have in the area. There are few houses that are beside each other. This beach is very private sort of speech.







El Puerto de la Libertad & Nightlife

3.  El Puerto de la Libertad: Within 20 minute journey you and/or your partner will be arriving. The most beautiful and a "must experience" thing is how a mini city has been created in-front of the beach. In addition, El Puerto de la Libertad is considered on the top 10 best beaches to surf in the entire world. Moreover, I would strongly recommend to stay for a few days if you consider yourself as a reggae music, bare feet, cold beers, and sun-warmed hammocks. A place to "must go" is El Tunco. At 5 minute distance, there are 3 bar/restaurant/somewhat discotheque that makes the nightlife.

El Puerto de la Libertad

(note: Despite the gradual rejuvenation of each beach, mostly on La Libertad, robberies still occur. Use caution at night.)