Enjoy hundreds of tourist and natural sites in El Salvador at any time of the year. One is the Peñón de Comasagua, a rock formation used as a reference point by ships on the high seas.
Its magnitude is such that it can offer a complete view of the surrounding area. Landscapes that can glimpse on the horizon are also tourist sites of great importance for the country.
PEÑÓN DE COMASAGUA - Hills of El Salvador. Photo by ElSalvadorViajar.
Without further ado, get ready to discover all Peñón de Comasagua has to offer to those seeking an experience full of extreme adventure.
Peñón de Comasagua Data
| Country: | El Salvador |
|---|---|
| Department: | La Libertad |
| Category: | Hills |
| Elevation: | 958 masl |
| Walk: | Between 1 and 2 hours |
| Ideal: | Hiking and camping |
Location of Peñón de Comasagua
Activities we can perform in Peñón de Comasagua
In the Peñón de Comasagua, you can do ecotourism with complete freedom, where hiking stands out, contact with nature, and why not, take nature photography and immortalize the unique colors that adorn the landscape.
The route is 1.5 km, and its path is moderate, so it is an ideal tour for the whole family. The access point to the rock is located in the canton of La Shila in the municipality of Comasagua and right in an area used to cultivate different grains.
From there, you must go through the secured steps that are built until you reach the exact point where the base of the Peñón de Comasagua is located. It is worth mentioning that the trip can take between 45 minutes and 1 hour to reach the top.
You can see almost all day in the area as the road clears in the mist. So, although it is a safe area, you must take precautions during the climb.
In the area where the stands are located, the road can be seen almost all day long as it clears through the fog. Therefore, although it is a safe area, precautions should be taken during the climb.
After this stretch, there is no protection, so staying on the trail on the mountain until you reach the top of the rock will be necessary. Once there, the 360° view will allow you to observe a significant part of the Salvadoran coasts, mountains, and some volcanoes in the distance.
Such is the case of the San Vicente or Chinchontepec Volcano, San Miguel Volcano, Las Pavas and Guazapa hills, and the Pacific Ocean.
If you want to visit this impressive rock, the best time to conquer its peak is very early in the morning or before sunset. The sun’s position changed during this time, making the landscape stand out in color and beauty.
Climate, flora and fauna
In Peñón de Comasagua, you can enjoy a tropical savannah climate with average temperatures between 20 °C at night and 33 °C maximum during the day. This mountainous region has a high probability of sporadic rainfall throughout the year, and I feel the months between May and October, with up to 169 mm, are the rainiest months of the year.
On the other hand, the characteristic flora of the place is entirely wild. You can see ferns, moss, flowers, and trees in various parts of the route. As for the fauna, it is the natural habitat for multiple species of birds, reptiles, rodents, and of course, the white-tailed deer.
Origin and history of Peñón de Comasagua
The Peñón de Comasagua is in La Libertad department in the municipality of Comasagua. It is 958 meters above sea level with a height of 108 meters, so its total elevation is almost 1,000 meters.
In ancient times, it was called “El Faro” (The Lighthouse) and was the reference point used by navigators to reach the Port of La Libertad. Although many locals still refer to the rock by this name. It has also been baptized as the “Quepis Salvadoreño” because of its resemblance to the military berets.
It has even been said that this characteristic inspired its inclusion in the National Coat of Arms. Another name given to this imposing formation is the “Piedra de Santiago,” which is undoubtedly one of the best attractions in La Libertad and Comasagua.
Prices and schedules
Going up to enjoy all the attractions of the Peñón de Comasagua is free. However, you should do the route with the help of a local guide to avoid getting lost on the trails or suffering severe accidents.
Affordable tour guides are available at the municipality. To hire the services, you must make a reservation in advance, and the cost varies according to the number of people.
The maximum price per group is 25 USD and includes sightseeing tours through the streets, most important places, and meals. If you wish to visit Peñón de Comasagua, you should follow the following recommendations:
- Wear comfortable clothes and shoes suitable for mountain hiking.
- Bring plenty of water to stay hydrated during the tour.
- Use sunscreen, insect repellent, sunglasses, and a hat.
- You can bring a bathing suit and a change of clothes if needed.
- Remember to bring a video or photographic camera to capture images of the entire landscape during the tour.
Nearby places to visit
If you have finished your adventure through the Peñón de Comasagua and want to visit other tourist sites in the town, you can’t miss the Mirador de la Giralda. Here you can enjoy the wonders of the Cordillera del Bálsamo, have delicious coffee in the heights, and more.
You can get a similar experience at Finca Santa Marta, where you will also have the opportunity to taste the region’s most traditional dishes. Want more? Then before you say goodbye to Comasagua, take advantage of the Waterfall Adventure Route.
This route will take you into a coffee forest where you can bathe in the El Cinchal and El Chorrerón waterfalls. Can hire this route can be employed at the tourist offices in the municipality.
