The Atecozol Aquatic park is a tourist attraction that stands out in the entire region along with the Izalco volcano.
It offers locals and foreigners a natural environment that allows them to enjoy while taking a refreshing swim in any of its pools for adults and children or entertain themselves in its sports and recreation areas.
ATECOZOL - Aquatic Park of El Salvador. Photo by ElSalvadorViajar.
All that remains is to tour it and discover much more of its attractiveness and why everyone who visits it wants to return.
Atecozol Aquatic Park Data
| Country: | El Salvador |
|---|---|
| Department: | Sonsonate |
| Category: | Aquatic Parks |
| Municipality: | Izalco |
| Advice: | Ideal for families |
| Price: | $1.50 salvadorans $3 foreigners |
Atecozol Aquatic Park Location
Origin and history of Atecozol Aquatic Park
Atecozol Aquatic park was created in 1956 by Raúl Contreras, a pioneer, and advocate of tourist centers in El Salvador. Since then, different infrastructure works have been carrying to expand and improve the quality of service to the users.
This recreational park is only 54 kilometers from the capital, San Salvador, and is located in the city of Izalco in the department of Sonsonate, at 430 meters above sea level.
While it is true that it has some tourist spots around it that compete for popularity, Atecozol continues to remain a reference for visitors to the city who enjoy its spring waters and lush nature.
Its name comes from the Náhuat language and means “Cradle of the Lord of the Waters.” It was called Atecozol since the river of the park benefits from the washes that emanate from the Izalco volcano.
Its extension of more than 20 blocks covers a large area of balsam trees, which is why its founder called it at the time: “The forest of balsam and water.” It also has some indigenous cultural and religious sculptures. The “Cayancúat” is a sculpture with a snake’s body and a pig’s head. Also, the statue of Atonal, one of the chiefs of the area.
In the last few years, 7 of its pools have been rebuilt, some with slides.
Climate, Flora and Fauna at Atecozol Aquatic Park
The climate in the park is predominantly warm tropical, with high humidity during most of the year, because the Atecozol River is constant almost all the time, and the green vegetation keeps the facilities excellent. That is why tourists and locals always look for a dip to cool off the heat.
The flora is very varied. In addition to the balsam that predominates in the area and that perfumes the park in its flowering days, you can also find medlars, palm trees, and ornamental plants. There are some other species, but in smaller quantities.
The park’s fauna is diverse, and you can find from owls and other smaller birds to cotuzas and squirrels. Due to the frequent presence of tourists and local visitors, the exotic animals that inhabit the Izalco area do not come near the park. Still, seeing them in other environments, such as the volcano itself, is possible.
Recommendations for your visit
To enjoy your visit to the Atecozol Aquatic park, you can follow these general recommendations:
- Do not enter the park with alcoholic beverages because it is forbidden, and you may be expelled.
- Use repellent, as there are usually mosquitoes.
- If you are traveling with children, keep an eye on them so that they swim in safe areas because lifeguards are limited.
- All kinds of inappropriate acts are prohibited in the park.
- Campfires are not allowed, so you must bring your cooked food. Otherwise, you can buy food at the different restaurants in the park.
- Do not damage or scratch any of the trees or ornamental plants in the park.
- Please bring a bag where you can throw your garbage and place it in the containers.
- If you rent equipment or a cabin, be careful because you must pay for any damage.
Activities we can perform
There is a lot to do in the Atecozol aquatic park, starting with enjoying the different pools with different depths and more than pleasant temperatures, and for children and teenagers, the slides will give you extra fun.
If you want to do some sports, you can bring your football or basketball and use one of the courts, or try something new, like playing Mayan ball on the special court.
For those who want to rest, 34 cabins with bathrooms are available, and you can also rent plastic tables, chairs, and even hammocks to sleep outdoors.
And if you are one of those who enjoy learning about cultures, you can take a mini-tour on your own through the different sculptures based on the region’s indigenous history.
Prices and visiting hours
The park is open Monday through Sunday, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The entrance fees are:
- Locals: $1.50
- Foreigners: $3
- Light car parking: $1
- Heavy car parking: $2.
There are other prices for the services and objects you hire or rent; you can ask for them at the park.
Nearby places to visit
Although there is a lot to see and do in Atecozol Park, if you are interested in other destinations, you can visit the Izalco Volcano, the city’s archaeological ruins, or the Chenejeken and El Escorpión caves at the foot of the Izalco volcano.
Also, in the nearby towns, you can visit Caluco, where you can bathe in the waters of the Turicentro Shutecath. But if you want a bit of beach, the beautiful Sonoran beaches such as Salinitas and Los Cóbanos are less than a half-hour drive from Atecozol.
Atecozol aquatic park is surrounded by an exuberant landscape and an exceptional climate. It is a perfect destination to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city and enter a recreational and cultural space at the same time, which allows you to drain stress by practicing with the dynamism of some sport or with the quietness that it also offers, to spend a peaceful day.
In short, a beautiful natural corner of Izalco deserves your visit if you travel to El Salvador.
