The Republic of El Salvador is one of the poorest states in Central America. The country is located in the highlands at an altitude of 600-700 m above sea level. Due to the fact that there are many active and extinct volcanoes in the territory of El Salvador, it was called the edge of lakes and volcanoes. The unique natural landscape and the connection with the ancient Mayan civilization attracts many tourists here. The article will take a closer look at the most interesting sights of the Republic of Salvador.
Short description
This country is relatively small - its area is 21 thousand km 2 . According to 2015 data, the population was in the range of 6,460,000 people. The Republic of El Salvador is considered the most populous country in the region. The population density is 307 people per 1 km 2 .
The official language is Spanish. Most residents of the republic profess Catholicism.
Interesting cities
If you want to get acquainted with the culture and customs of the indigenous population, then you should definitely visit some cities of the Republic of Salvador.
- Suchitoto. This tropical town is located on the shores of Lake Lago de Suchitlan. Translated, the name means "city of birds and flowers." The size of the town is small. However, this did not prevent Suchitoto from becoming the most beautiful village of the republic. There are many buildings of colonial architecture, and local restaurants offer tourists delicious dishes of traditional cuisine of El Salvador.
- The capital of the republic is San Salvador. It is the largest city in the state, which was founded by the Spanish conquistadors in 1525. In San Salvador, a large number of monuments of history and architecture are concentrated. The city has many entertainment venues: clubs, restaurants, etc. Tourists need to be very careful, since San Salvador is considered the world capital of crime.
- Santa Ana. This city has many architectural objects, churches and various entertainment venues. Among other settlements of the Republic of Salvador, Santa Ana is the most developed. Among the natural assets, it is worth noting the hot springs, National Park. You can also see live the volcanoes surrounding the village.
The legacy of ancient civilizations
Maya culture is of interest to many tourists. We bring to your attention several objects of ancient civilization that have survived to this day:
- Hoya de Seren, or South American Pompeii. In 1976, during excavations, archaeologists discovered the remains of an ancient village, which was destroyed by the eruption of Loma-Caldera. According to scientists, a natural disaster occurred in 600 BC. e. About 12 thousand Indians were forced to leave these places. Scientists have dug up entire streets with houses, bathhouses and workshops. An ancient cemetery was also discovered.
- Chihuatan. This is a whole complex of architectural structures that were built by the Mayans in the 10th century. But the inhabitants lived here only until 1200. Chihuatan is also called the city of women. The total area of ββthe complex is 4 km 2 .
- Tasumal. On the territory of the Republic of Salvador, it is the largest city belonging to the Mayan civilization. The period of existence is 100-1200 years. The word "tasumal" means "the place of burning of the victims." The main building of the complex is considered a ceremonial platform. Its height is 24 m. Next to it are 23 tombs.
Landmarks created by nature
The Republic of Salvador is located in the tropical zone, therefore it has a corresponding natural landscape. What places should a tourist visit in this country?
- Among national parks, El Boqueron, where ecotourism thrives, is especially popular. It is possible to take a bike ride and even climb to a volcanic crater.
- El Imposible Park, founded in 1989, is protected by UNESCO. Its area is 5 thousand hectares. The park has a wide variety of animals and plants; you can also find about 500 species of butterflies.
- The active volcano Santa Ana, whose height is 2385 m, is considered the highest point in the republic. From the fourteenth to the twenty-first centuries, 15 eruptions were observed, the last of which was in 2005.
There are many beautiful places in the republic where it would be worth going. There are lakes, beaches and formidable volcanoes, so everyone can choose a vacation to their taste.