Are you a lover of ecotourism and enjoy being surrounded by nature? Then you can’t miss out on all the natural attractions El Boquerón National Park offers.
The best thing is that you will have the opportunity to do different activities in a single day and be surrounded by absolute fun. You will be able to feel the harmony of nature, but above all, you will know the attractiveness of the park, which is by far one of the most famous in El Salvador.
EL BOQUERÓN NATIONAL PARK-El Salvador National Parks. Photo by Jpyle490. Wikimedia Commons.
Would you like to know which one it is? Then be sure to read what we present below.
El Boquerón National Park Facts
| Country: | El Salvador |
|---|---|
| Category: | National Parks |
| Elevation: | 1,800 m |
| Crater: | 1.5 km in diameter |
| Tip : | Ideal for nature and landscape lovers |
Location of El Boquerón National Park
Activities we can do in El Boquerón National Park
El Boqueron National Park is nothing more than the best tourist destination for hiking around its incredible volcanic crater. It consists of 3 summits adorned by superb and colorful vegetation.
As the most attractive thing is the landscape in general, you can make a tour through trails, where you can find a variety of viewpoints. All scattered along the route up to the peaks named El Picacho, El jabalí, and El Boquerón.
The best thing is that you will not have to worry about bringing food because here you will find restaurants where you can enjoy the traditional dishes of the region and the country. Once inside the National Park, you can learn more about its history at the Museum.
There is even an exhibition of typical costumes you can wear to take wonderful thematic photographs. One of the most important attractions is the hike to the heart of the crater El Boquerón through trails of medium difficulty.
An interesting fact is that you can find places that offer coffee in some viewpoints, all elaborated and produced in an artisanal way in the surroundings. So after a good coffee in the afternoon, your tour can continue to El Playón.
Here you will find the remains of volcanic lava left as a result of the last eruption of the San Salvador Volcano. It was initially called Quezaltepeque Volcano and is now widely known as El Boquerón.
Prices and visiting hours
If you want to enjoy a different day at El Boquerón National Park, these are the opening hours and entrance fees:
- The park is open Monday through Sunday from 8 am to 5 pm.
- Senior citizens and children under eight years old do not pay admission.
- After eight years of age, the entrance fee is 1$ for nationals; foreigners pay 2$.
- Parking for small vehicles is 1$, and Minibusses and pick up 2$.
- Minibusses and buses for more than 18 people 3$.
Location, origin and history of El Boquerón National Park
El Boquerón National Park is located right in the volcanic mountain range of the Department of La Libertad on the San Salvador Volcano. As such, it was founded by Antonio Saca, former president of El Salvador, in 2008.
The former president wanted that, through this honorary action, El Boquerón would become a legacy for the nation and tourism. This has undoubtedly had a significant impact on the Salvadorans. People and visitors from all over the world visit the park.
On the other hand, the formation of the crater took place during the year 1917 as a result of an eruption that partially destroyed areas of San Salvador, Quezaltepeque, and Nejapa. This resulted in a considerable extension of lava over the countryside, receiving the name of El Playón. One of the symbolic points in the tours made within the park facilities.
Climate, flora and fauna
The climate in El Boquerón National Park is Tropical Savannah Calm, so its annual temperature is approximately 21°C. The same is true for the park’s conservation and flora and fauna, allowing for the preservation and development of a great diversity of flora and fauna.
In the case of flora, there are hundreds of species of trees, shrubs, and ornamental plants, also as hydrangeas, begonias, cartridges, and more.
Finally, its fauna includes reptiles, mammals, rodents, and birds. The most common are deer, foxes, raccoons, and tree snakes. The park has the denomination of Natural Protected Area due to many species in danger of extinction.
Recommendations for your visit
If you want your visit to El Boquerón National Park to succeed, you should follow these recommendations.
- Before your trip, contact the park to find out about prices. Depending on the season, they are usually modified without prior notice. Can request information by calling +503 7509 1664.
- If you want to make a complete tour of the crater of El Boquerón and El Boqueroncito, it is ideal to arrive early or shortly before the park opens.
- Bring plenty of water for the tour through the park.
- Wear comfortable clothes and hiking shoes or comfortable enough.
- Although the weather is quite remarkable, there are areas where you will be in contact with the sun so bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
- Don’t forget to include insect repellent in your backpack.
- Bring a camera so you can capture all the scenery.
Nearby places to visit
If at the end of your tour of El Boquerón you still have time for one more adventure, you can visit Finca El Espino. Here you will find an eco-park of more than 500 km2 that is also part of the protected natural area.
Should note that it is part of the lung of the capital and is just southeast of the San Salvador Volcano. This extension of land borders Santa Tecla, San Salvador, and Antiguo Cuscatlán.
What can you do at the farm? In addition to seeing and enjoying another nearby natural area, you can hike to its viewpoint and visit its ancient suspension bridge.
But if you want your trip to last a few days, you can stay in a cabin and practice mountain biking, among others. Traveling with children, you will find a playground in the facilities. Just call and make your reservation in advance.
