For some years now, Eramon Hill has become one of the most outstanding destinations in El Salvador for mountain tourism. The main reason is the adrenaline it generates, the view, and its routes in the middle of a beautiful forest.
In addition, Eramon Hill has an approximate height of 996 meters above sea level, with an extension that has not been fully explored. As if this were not enough, it is a mountain with excellent stories about its first settlers, extreme adventures, and great mysticism.
ERAMON HILL - Hills of El Salvador. Photo by ElSalvadorViajar.
In addition, it is the best place for camping. It is one of the few hills where you can do this activity. Something that undoubtedly has given it a superior attraction and places it as one of the best destinations to visit in the department of Chalatenango.
Want to know what else you can see and do in Eramon Hill? Come and find out below.
Eramon Hill Data
| Country: | El Salvador |
|---|---|
| Department: | Chalatenango |
| Category: | Hills |
| Elevation: | 996 msnm |
| Walk: | Between 1 and 2 hours |
| Tip: | Hiking and camping |
Location of Eramon Hill
Activities we can perform
In Eramon Hill, tourism is unparalleled. The hiking trails are divided into three starting points, distributed among the hamlets and cantons of the municipality of Nombre de Jesus.
Although the ascent routes vary between 1 and 2 hours, this will depend on the speed and endurance of the visitor. Indeed, it is not a hill as high as others in El Salvador, but its steepness is often deceptive.
During the tour, you can observe and come into contact with nature in all its splendor. A walk among its forests full of life and enjoy a range of plant and animal species.
When you reach the top, you will have a full view of the surroundings, among which are natural places of great importance to the country. One is the Lempa and Sumpul rivers, the Chinchontepec volcano, Izalco, Santa Ana, and Cerro Verde.
On the other hand, camping is one activity you can also do. In Eramon Hill has placed decks or terraces where you can install tents. And if this is not enough, you can also make a paragliding jump without problems.
The only thing you have to do is to ask your travel agency if they offer this service and enjoy an adventure full of adrenaline.
Climate, flora and fauna
The climate in Eramon Hill is hot during the day, but at night the temperature usually drops considerably. In the winter season, there is heavy rainfall, and there is abundant cloud cover. The average annual temperatures are between 25°C and 30°C.
The terrestrial surface is characterized by being of firm rock in some stretches, while in others, it can observe red earth or a mixture of black world and stones. Due to the climate and soil conditions, Eramon Hill has a great diversity of flora.
The most abundant species are orchids, rabbit grass, and chaparro trees. As well as zacate, maguey, aceituno, sicahuite, among others. The fauna of the place is made up of rabbits, garrobos, snakes, and coyotes.
You can find skunks, deer, and birds such as owls, swallows, and torogoz. You can spot the friendliest species on the roads and trails that lead to the summit.
Origin and history of Eramon Hill
Eramon Hill, or Iramon as it is also known, was where the Aguacao community lived. Today it is called Arcatao. Its name in Nahuatl means “Sierra of the rabbits,” Since its origins, it has kept a historical legacy.
In the surrounding areas, archaeological remains have been found to reaffirm indigenous inhabitants’ presence. They are leaving tangible evidence that the Aguacao people are older than previously thought. Among the findings are two terraces of 100 m and 250 m.
One of the terraces forms a kind of mound as if it were a sacred area or destined for the most important rituals for the community. Found many objects and figures carved in stone and elaborated in ceramic in this space.
According to historical data, the native Aguacao people abandoned Eramon Hill shortly before the end of the 18th century. But many decades later, the people again took it over, this time as a guerrilla refuge during times of war.
The tatus and caves used as dens from this time are still preserved. Some of these can be observed during the tour.
Prices and schedules
There is no cost to climb Eramon Hill; however, it is necessary to hire a guide for the tour. The price can vary between $10 and $20 per person, depending on the number of people in the group.
It is worth mentioning that local guides are the most recommended since they know the area perfectly. You can hire them at the bus terminal or the Chalatenango mayor’s office. As for the visiting hours, they depend on the type of ascent.
If the trip is around, the best time to start climbing is between 6 am and 8 am. But if you wish to camp, the best time to start the trek is from 3 pm onwards. It depends on the trail you have chosen, which is:
- Caserío Junquillo Nombre de Jesús route of approximately 1 hour of ascent.
- Canton Potrerillos Nombre de Jesús route of about 2 hours.
- Village Los Dubones San Antonio de la Cruz route of about 1 hour.
On the other hand, it is essential to take into account some recommendations for the visit, for example:
- Wear appropriate sports shoes or, in the best case, hiking shoes.
- Wear comfortable and loose clothing. Shirt, sports pants and sweater or coat in case you want to camp at the top.
- Use repellent, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, or a cap.
- It is essential to bring plenty of water, light food, and energy bars. There are no food stands at the summit.
- If you want to camp in the place, you should bring a tent and a sleeping bag. You can also bring food that is easy to prepare.
- Camera to take pictures and videos of the scenery.
Nearby places to visit
In addition to Eramon Hill, in the department of Chalatenango, you can enjoy other incredible tourist destinations. The first is El Pital hill, with a height of 2,730 meters above sea level, located in the municipality of San Ignacio.
Another place for mountain tourism is Miramundo Hill; unlike the previous one, this one has a height of 2,400 meters above sea level. During the ascent, you can see and enjoy a majestic dark forest. There are even times of the year when the temperature is very close to 0°C (32°F).
Finally, in Chalatenango is the Cayaguanca Rock, the most abundant part of the Lempa River. It is the place thousands of tourists choose every year to have the best strange and aquatic adventure practicing rafting.
You already know an endless number of options and activities await you in Eramon Hill that you can’t miss. It includes the gastronomic richness of the region and its most typical dishes, such as pastelitos, tamales, empanadas, and nuégados.
