If you want to disconnect from routine life, deciding for a vacation at Lake Suchitlán is an excellent choice among the tourist destinations that El Salvador offers.
Perfectly nestled between 4 Salvadoran departments such as Cuscatlán, San Salvador, Chalatenango, and Cabañas, places it in a position of easy access through various points and at a distance of 78 kilometers from the capital San Salvador.
LAKE SUCHITLAN - Lakes of El Salvador
Its majestic 135 km2 surface, with a length of 45 km and a width of 10 km. It makes it the largest of all the lakes in the country. Its origin or formation is artificial, as a reception of the entire course of the Lempa River for the use of the hydroelectric plant Cerrón Grande.
This immense body of water originated for three years, from 1973 to 1976, as a consequence of the construction of the reservoir and hydroelectric plant for more significant energy generation within the territory of El Salvador.
Thus, the hydraulic and drinking water potential contribute great importance to this Salvadoran lake, including its undisputed attraction for local tourism and from other latitudes. It is an excellent source of income for fishermen and locals who populate the sector.
The reservoir and hydroelectric plant name are due to the hacienda, once located in this area. The name Lake Suchitlán was created by Don Alejandro Coto, Salvadoran writer and filmmaker, who joined two words: Suchitoto and Custatlán, which in the Nahuatl language means Place of Flowers.
Lake Suchitlán Data
| Country: | El Salvador |
|---|---|
| Department: | Cuscatlán |
| Category: | Lakes |
| Surface: | 135 km² |
| Elevation: | 230 meters |
| Origin of incoming and outgoing flow: | Lempa River |
Location of Lake Suchitlán
What to see and do at Lake Suchitlán
The access to Lake Suchitlán is multiple, which makes this charming place a convenient tourist stop for those who visit it, which also increases to enjoy all its beauties and benefits from one season to another.
From the capital, San Salvador, and less than an hour’s drive by motor vehicle, you can reach Lake Suchitlán.
Also, tourists staying in the municipality of Potonico or the department of Chalatenango or Jutiapa in the department of Cabañas will approach their land at the end of the reservoir.
If you have chosen the city of Suchitoto as a stay for your vacation, access to the lake will be comfortable.
At the same time, from the department of Chalatenango, you have more options to reach Lake Suchitlán, either from the towns of San Luis del Carmen or San Francisco Lempa. As well as, if you make the journey through the Haciendas Colima and Santa Barbara, located in the municipality of El Paraíso, a fabulous trip from where you will see beautiful landscapes.
Activities you can do during your visit to Lake Suchitlán
Please make up your mind to visit Lake Suchitlán on your next vacation and visit it with your family. Enjoy fantastic boat rides or unload your adrenaline by practicing kayaking in its clean and fresh waters or perhaps in the canopy of the mountain, an even more extreme activity.
Hiking and camping are other recreational activities you can do together around the area or on the shores of the lake. Suppose the access is through Suchitoto from the Port of San Juan. In that case, you can reach the other side of the lake in a quiet ride on the Ferry La Luna or enjoy visits to the islands of El Ermitaño, El Salitre, El Burro, Chaparral, Trinidad or El León, among others.
Likewise, suppose you are a lover of photography, bird watching, and animal fauna or an observer of plant species. In that case, this is a unique tourist destination for you and from which you will be able to keep excellent memories and experiences.
Camping in the teak forest of El Ermitaño Island, a walk of more than an hour to the Isla de Las Aves, artisanal fishing, sailing among the nymphs lodged in the water, and swimming in pools, are other activities that we have access to in the beautiful Lake Suchitlán.
Prices and Schedules.
The prices of tourist attractions in El Salvador are genuinely reasonable.
The entrance fee to Lake Suchitlán is a modest $1.00 for adults and the same for parking your vehicle.
The ferry transfer is $1 per person and $8 per vehicle. Up to $25 per family group is the cost for the transfer and guided tour in El Ermitaño Island.
If you want to enjoy all the views this fascinating lake offers, a boat ride to the Cerrón Grande Hydroelectric Plant facilities is a must, taking advantage of observing the discharge of an immense flow of water. To do so, you must have $40 for this impressive and unforgettable spectacle.
Visiting hours are from Monday to Sunday from 8:00 am. to 4:00 pm, like other recreational centers in El Salvador.
Recommendations for the visit
- Wear light and fresh clothing suitable for a warm tropical climate.
- Use sports shoes near the lake or comfortable, closed shoes for hiking.
- Bring plenty of water and light snacks.
Climate, flora, and fauna of Lake Suchitlán
This pleasant place has a typically tropical climate with temperatures ranging from 21° Celsius at its lowest and 36° Celsius at its highest moments and an average humidity of 66%, stabilized by cool breezes.
Lake Suchitlán is an influential conglomerate of biodiversity, on which plans are being developed to prevent its degradation.
Its vegetation is typical of the region, with abundant coffee plantations and species native to Central America.
Also, the fauna of the place is worthily represented by a variety of resident and migratory birds that come there to rest and nest, highlighting the pelicans, herons, ducks or cormorants, and other palm and aquatic species.
The terrestrial fauna includes rabbits and foxes, as well as some types of lizards, not to mention the diversity of fish that inhabit its waters, such as bass, guapotes, mojarras, catfish, and pepescas of various species.
Nearby places to visit
To make your visit to Lake Suchitlán more pleasant, you can not miss a stroll through the town of Suchitoto, walking through its attractive cobblestone streets. At the same time, you relive the life and atmosphere of the beginning of past centuries with its colonial church and old Spanish-style houses.
And to complete the journey, taking a tour of the Hacienda Colima or Santa Barbara is essential.
In short, by vacationing at Lake Suchitlán, you will enjoy all the charms of an extraordinary place. Full of history and in harmony with its tropical landscapes, and if that were not enough, you would be able to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of the city and find rest and comfort during your stay.
