Visit this beautiful place in El Salvador, where you can enjoy a majestic landscape. El Pital hill borders Honduras and is the most visited tourist site by those who want to be in contact with nature.
Undoubtedly, it is the most visited by locals and visitors and is in the department of Chalatenango. Its incredible beauty catches the attention of anyone who enjoys being in its land.
Come with us to know what this beautiful place is like and confirm it for yourself. We assure you that you will want to know it immediately and visit it from beginning to end.
EL PITAL HILL - Hills of El Salvador. Photo by ElSalvadorViajar.
Data from El Pital Hill
| Country: | El Salvador |
|---|---|
| Department: | Ahuachapán |
| Category: | Hills |
| Municipality: | San Ignacio |
| Elevation: | 2,730 meters |
| Price: | $2 adults and $1 kids |
Location of El Pital Hill
Origin and history of El Pital Hill
El Pital hill is the highest peak we can find in the Republic of El Salvador, and it is one of the most important hills in the department of Chalatenango and is at an altitude of 2,730 meters above sea level.
Its fork is the highest area, making it striking for its visitors. It is also the border between El Salvador and Honduras.
El Pital was a little-known place in the nineties. However, in the mid-nineties, tourists began to visit it, to practice some extreme or adventure sport.
Thus, little by little, the incredible beauty of this hill spread among the inhabitants, becoming a place of great importance for the country. On the other hand, in the past, this hill presented a high volcanic activity giving origin to the formation of the rocks that we find today in these mountains.
This formation made its soil the most fertile, and thanks to its altitude, it has excellent humidity and rainfall. Currently, its low temperatures have frozen the vegetation, and this has caused, on many occasions, the evacuation of tourists and residents with hypothermic symptoms.
Since there are many recurrences of low temperatures of up to 3 degrees combined with strong winds, on July 13, 2013, El Pital hill was declared a private natural protected area, covering 310 hectares.
Climate, Flora and Fauna
El Pital hill has a very cool climate, ideal for those who enjoy the cold weather when camping with family or friends. The recommended area is the highest part of the mountain, specifically in the central area of the mountain peaks, where incredible air currents are generated.
El Pital is home to a humid forest where temperatures oscillate between 8 and 10 degrees Celsius. This hill is made up of oak, pine, cypress, and oak trees compared to nearby places.
Regarding its vegetation, El Pital hill has beautiful oaks and oaks, among which we can find species such as Abies guatemalensis, Pinus Ayacahuite, and Taxus Globosa.
These species are practically extinct in the country and can only be found in this tourist area. Also, we can enjoy the beauty of the Cartuchos, which are undoubtedly the flower that decorates the hill.
The hydrangeas of various colors stand out in white, pink, and light blue. The sunflowers, tigrillas, peach trees, and a beautiful wildflower called Carló Santo are also part of the great diversity of this natural monument.
On the other hand, the fauna found in El Pital hill is very varied and can only be observed in the zone’s highest areas. That said, among the animals that make life in this wooded area, we have the Blue-throated Motmot, the Southern Flicker-Teckolot, and the Quetzal.
But also, the Chara de Niebla and the Pava Negra. The presence of more than ten endemic species, such as the Bolitoglossa synovia (salamanders), has been confirmed.
Activities You Can Do at El Pital Hill
If you are one of those who enjoy ecotourism, El Pital hill is ideal for you. To enjoy a masterful view, you can enjoy a fantastic landscape climbing to the highest part.
The natural viewpoint of Peña Rajada will allow you to admire the beauty of the San Ignacio and La Palma areas. In addition to some parts of Guatemala and Honduras, other regions in eastern El Salvador.
Now, if you enjoy camping in nature, in Pital hill, you can do it without problems. You can also choose to go hiking and let yourself be carried away by the beautiful trails of El Pital with its majestic wild vegetation.
How to get there?
For those planning to visit the beautiful country of El Salvador and are looking forward to seeing its tourist areas, we leave you three ways to get to our excellent El Pital hill.
The first option is the transfer by private vehicle, following the northern highway route, continuing through La Palma, and continuing your journey through San Ignacio. When you leave the road, the rest of the way is uphill, and you will be only 3 kilometers from your destination. We recommend that your vehicle be a rustic 4×4 because the road is somewhat cumbersome. If you don’t have one up the hill, some pick-ups charge between $1 and $2 to take you up the 5 kilometers of road.
The second option is to take a bus; we suggest leaving early from the Terminal de Oriente located in San Salvador, where you will board route 119, which will take you directly to San Ignacio.
Then, in the park near this city, you should take route 509, whose destination is Las Pilas, and before arriving at this place, you should stay in the Río Chiquito canton. At this point, you will have to decide whether to continue your journey on foot or hire the services of a vehicle to take you to the top and complete the few remaining kilometers to reach the hill.
Finally, this option is ideal for those who enjoy long walks. You only have to start the hike from the town of San Ignacio. It is essential to consider your physical condition, wear comfortable sports shoes and plenty of water.
Prices and schedules
- To enter El Pital hill, you must pay $2 per adult and $1 for each child. You must pay $2 per vehicle in a private car.
- If you decide to camp, the general fee is $4 and the same for parking.
- Lodging in the cabins is $215 for 12 people, $120 for ten people, and $35 for two people.
Don’t forget to wear comfortable, non-skid shoes and warm clothing, especially for the cold weather in the area.
Nearby places to visit
Chalatenango is one of the most visited departments by tourists and residents of our beautiful El Salvador; you can visit both the capital city of Chalatenango and charming villages such as La Palma, San Ignacio, and Dulce Nombre de Maria. Among its tourist areas, El Pital hill stands out. However, if you want to enjoy even more of the natural beauties offered by our territory, you can choose other tourist destinations.
We start with Miramundo Hill, which stands out for its climate and unparalleled landscape. It is 13 km from La Palma in a forest full of mist, which gives it an approximate temperature of 12°C.
Another place you can visit is Las Pilas, an area used for agricultural activities in the region. The perfect option for those who love agrotourism and wish to appreciate the great variety of flora, wild plants, and more.
Finally, we have the Cayaguanca Rock, where you can also tour the Lempa River or the Sumpul Craked Stone. Truly incomparable landscapes. Its climate is quite cold so you should bring warm clothes to enjoy an unforgettable experience.
For this and much more, if you are planning to visit El Salvador with our tips, we guarantee you maximum enjoyment in your time of tourism. Do not miss our wonderful natural parks, volcanoes, beaches, waterfalls, villages, and archaeological sites.
We are sure that if you visit El Pital Hill, it will be an unforgettable experience you will never regret. Here you will find peace, beautiful landscapes, and a feeling of fullness that only exists in this natural monument.
