Beaches, volcanoes, rivers, water mirrors, and mountains are just some attractions attracting millions of tourists to El Salvador every year. A country where biodiversity abounds in environments full of life, such as the Apastepeque Lagoon.
This is a lagoon where you can enjoy days of complete peace. Also, outdoor activities will make you forget the stress of the city. The best thing is that it is very close to the capital city, the climate is lovely, and the scenery is unparalleled.
APASTEQUE LAGOON - Lagoons of El Salvador. Photo by Daniel chavez castro. Wikimedia Commons.
So, if you want to spend a few days surrounded by nature, you can not miss the Apastepeque Lagoon. A park that will leave you wanting to come back soon.
Apastepeque Lagoon Data
| Country: | El Salvador |
|---|---|
| Department: | San Vicente |
| Category: | Lagoons |
| Extension: | 2.06 Km2 |
| Schedule: | Open 24 hours a day |
| Price: | Free Access |
Location of the Apastepeque Lagoon
Location and history of Apastepeque Lagoon
Apastepeque Lagoon is in the municipalities of Apastepeque and Santa Clara in the department of San Vicente. From San Salvador, you must make a road trip of approximately 65 km to reach this body of water.
Apastepeque in Nahuatl means “Hill of the alabastros or the big vessels.” It is an ideal place for fishing and, of course, considered one of the areas of El Salvador that keeps much of the nation’s wildlife.
Moreover, the lagoon has a volcanic origin, and according to geological data, there are no rivers in the surrounding area that flow into it. However, it is fed mainly by rainwater and groundwater.
Likewise, it has subway drainage that reaches the Ismateco River. Given these characteristics, its waters can reach approximately 504.5 meters above sea level, and it is the winter season when it acquires greater reach. In other words, 1.2 km2 of water level while the rest of the year is 0.59 km2 for a maximum depth of 35 meters.
For decades it has been used as a source of income for fishermen in the region, but because of the number of visitors it received, government entities decided to create a recreational park.
It is how the Turicentro or Parque Recreativo Apastepeque Lagoon was born in 1979 and founded by Alfredo Menéndez Magaña. You can find cabins, restaurants, picnic areas, swimming pools, and more within its facilities.
Climate, flora and fauna
The atmospheric characteristics of the Apastepeque lagoon give rise to a geographic extension full of biodiversity. It has a subtropical rainforest-type climate with some annual variations of tropical type.
Its annual temperature ranges between 24°C and 30°C, with a humidity of 76% and rainfall of 1.5 mm, ideal for developing vegetation. In this sense, the flora that predominates in the area are bushes, wildflowers, and trees typical of the region.
Among these, laurel, sálamo, and Madre cacao stand out. As well as ceiba, chilamate, aceituno, cedar and different species of conacaste. Finally, the fauna in the Apastepeque lagoon is as abundant as its vegetation.
It is the natural habitat for hundreds of birds, reptiles, arachnids, amphibians, and fish. The latter is of great abundance and are the ones that make fishing possible. Some of the fish in the area are tilapia, black mojarra, common catfish, and tiger guapote.
Curiously, an area adjacent to the lagoon is used for tilapia farming and breeding. The income from selling these fish is to maintain the park’s facilities and promote this project.
Finally, given the weather conditions and safety reasons, here are some recommendations to consider when coming to Apastepeque Lagoon. Such is the case of:
- Use insect repellent.
- Avoid swimming in deep water if you do not know how to do it.
- Alcoholic beverages are not allowed.
- Stay in the marked areas.
- If you want to go into nature, do it in the company of a park guide.
- Carry bags to dispose of garbage.
- Pets are not allowed.
Activities we can do
If you are looking for a quiet environment where you can rest in the Apastepeque lagoon, you will find cabins for rent. You can walk to the floating dock, swim a little, and fish if you like.
You can also take a tour through the trails of the park, go to the viewpoint, get in touch with nature, and learn about the area’s biodiversity. But if you want something more lively, you can rent jet skis or take a boat ride around the lagoon.
Access to Apastepeque Lagoon has an entrance fee per person. As well as the use of some of the facilities. These are:
- General admission per person is $1.
- Children under ten years old, handicapped, and people over 60 do not pay admission.
- Public parking is $1.
- The cabins have a cost of $4.
- Admission hours are Monday through Sunday from 8 am to 4 pm.
Nearby places to visit
To visit the Apastepeque Lagoon is also to visit other places in the department of San Vicente. Indeed, you would have to make a long journey, but nothing like this to have the best tourist experience of your life.
Without further ado, among the nearby places, you can also visit the Barranca del Sisimico, a place where stories are told about goblins and magical beings. In addition, fossil remains from the prehistoric era were found here and donated at the Vatican Museum.
In the lower part of the ravine is Poza Azul (Blue Pool). It’s turquoise waters with a fantastic waterfall. The whole area is ideal for adventure tourism, and why not climb the canyon.
Other places are the town of Apastepeque and San Esteban, whose rich milling route. Here you can connect deeply with the region’s culture besides tasting the typical sweets made with sugar cane.
Depending on the time of year, you can stumble upon the famous Panela Fair, watch the parade of floats, buy handicrafts, and more. And if you still have time for a little more, you can’t miss the Hoyo de la Caldera and the La Bruja lagoon, full of mysticism and charm.
