Live a unique experience on your next vacation by visiting the lakes of El Salvador, with their impressive formations and surrounded by fantastic vegetation, which make these natural spaces a must-see destination.
These lovely creations of nature have made a significant contribution to Salvadoran tourism. Every year has a significant influx of visitors; locals and foreigners are eager to know about exotic tropical landscapes—both for their distraction and rest. Give free rein to their pleasures, sharing this glorious land full of beautiful landscapes with the whole family.
LAGOS DE EL SALVADOR. Foto por ElSalvadorViajar.
Strolling and venturing into the territory of some of these lakes of El Salvador, most of them of volcanic origin, and admiring their crystal clear and warm waters, or enjoying a magnificent bath in them, will be a priceless gift.
Let’s take a tour of the four most visited lakes of El Salvador, witnesses of the ancient Mayan culture, and symbols of the magic that enchants all who come to see them.
Lake Coatepeque
Located in the El Congo municipality, the Santa Ana department, Lake Coatepeque, is one of the most exclusive tourist attractions in the Salvadoran region.
This natural wonder of fresh and warm waters, some considered thermal, has an extension of more than 25 kilometers and a depth of 115 meters, standing out in its center as a small island.
One of its most peculiar charms is that its waters often change color, acquiring a magical turquoise hue.
Coatepeque Lake is on the exclusive list of the eight most beautiful lakes in the world, which has earned international awards, the latest being the one received in 2013, which placed it in second place among the ten most beautiful places in the world.
Like other lakes in El Salvador, Coatepeque offers safety and optimal conditions for sports such as paddle surfing, diving, fishing, sailing, swimming, and water skiing. At the same time, you can enjoy your family boat rides and pedal boats.
The infrastructure surrounding the Lakes of El Salvador is of excellent quality, and it is manifested again here. A great variety of accommodations, with careful attention, ranging from hotels, hostels, cabins, and even cottages for rent to enjoy more privacy with your family.
Satisfying your palate will never be a problem because the area’s different restaurants can satisfy the most demanding tastes, either with shrimp, shells, or other seafood.
If you prefer international food is also guaranteed. Still, you can not miss the opportunity to taste the typical food of El Salvador, with its rich empanadas and tamales, the fine enchiladas, and, of course, the traditional corn pupusas.
Lake Güija
The municipality of Metapán, department of Santa Ana, is located in one of the most splendid lakes of El Salvador, Güija Lake, which enchants at first sight by the details of its surroundings.
Its crystalline waters are highly stimulating between a unique combination of volcanoes and rivers and will attract you to bathe in them. It has an extension of 45 kilometers within the territory of El Salvador, being of greater size since the rest is part of the Republic of Guatemala. The average depth of its waters is 15 meters, and the maximum is limited to 21.
Lake Güija is essential not only for tourism but also for being classified as a RAMSAR site, which refers to preserving marine areas to conserve the world’s biological diversity.
Güija is different from other lakes in El Salvador, especially for the tourism activities that are carried out there: ecological tourism of preservation, equally oriented to the observation of plant species, as well as its wildlife, where lizards and snakes stand out, without leaving aside the quetzals and the American larks.
Its greatest fame is the historical tourism you can enjoy when visiting it. Many archaeological remains belonging to the Mayan Empire can be seen through the petroglyphs that can be easily seen on the shores of the lake, as well as ancient houses and a pyramid located at the top of Cerro Ihualtepec, used by this ancient culture for astronomical activities.
It is a perfect place to rest and practice some sports to complement all these activities. Since you will need more than one day to visit it, several facilities offer clean and comfortable lodging, restaurants with excellent and varied gastronomy, and bars where you can enjoy typical drinks.
Suchitlán Lake
We cannot fail to recommend a visit to the largest of El Salvador’s lakes, Lake Suchitlán, whose incredible 135 square kilometers is composed of thousands of cubic meters of delicious waters, green vegetation, and unique fauna.
It is located by its wide space between 4 Salvadoran departments: Cuscatlán, San Salvador, Chalatenango, and Cabañas, which facilitates its penetration through various populations.
This enormous aquatic extension is because its formation is artificial and is a consequence of constructing the Cerrón Grande hydroelectric plant. For this same reason, there is an increase in the extension and depth of the waters.
In this tourist town, bird watching and vertebrate fauna observation are among the most common activities, which, together with fishing, have made it famous. For those who like sports with more physical activity, the alternatives of camping, hiking, or kayaking are available.
Ferry and boat rides are other activities to occupy your stay, which can end with refreshing baths in the lake waters, especially in summer.
Like other lakes in El Salvador, you will have total security of comfortable lodging in hostels and hotels. The restaurant service is waiting for you to offer culinary specialties of the region based on seafood.
Lake Ilopango
One of the most significant tourist treasures among the lakes of El Salvador is the Ilopango Lake, which will surely surprise you when you visit it, for its 72 square kilometers to enjoy fresh water, sun, and breeze.
The 11 kilometers long and 8 kilometers wide, together with the 250 meters deep Ilopango Lake, are very well located between San Salvador, Cuscatlán, and La Paz departments. That is, in the country’s capital, which is a point of support for this magnificent tourist attraction that offers visitors easy access to various issues, especially from the city that is 15 kilometers away.
Like other lakes in El Salvador, it is of volcanic origin, and the crater is where all the water is contained.
You can enjoy many freshwater sports during your stay, including pedal boats or scuba diving, jet ski rides or boat tours, swimming, fishing, paddle surfing, and even kayaking.
In the lake’s interior, several islands can be reached by boat. The largest and most important is Isla del Amor (Love Island). There have trips to Los Quemados and Isla de Los Patos.
The town lacks tourist lodging, but this is not a setback because, in the municipality of Ilopango, there are many establishments. Because of the proximity to the capital, San Salvador, the opportunities to choose hotels of all categories and good quality lodging are very advantageous.
The gastronomic sector does have stores in the area, where freshwater fish dishes are typically fried or in soups, combined with other specialties of the region’s traditional cuisine.
Recommendations to visit the Lakes of El Salvador
If you have already decided to start a tourist adventure in the Lakes of El Salvador, consider these tips and equip your luggage with what we point out.
- At all times, wear light and fresh clothing suitable for a warm tropical climate, sports shoes in the vicinity of the lake, or comfortable and closed shoes for walking and hiking.
- Wear caps, hats, sunglasses, sunscreen, or sunblock to avoid damage from sunstroke.
- Bring plenty of water and light snacks.
- Lakes can be accessed by rented vehicles or by taking buses that cover the different routes.
- Excursions and hikes in the Lakes of El Salvador should be accompanied by guides or Politur staff once the requests have been processed.
Suggestions for the practice of water sports
In the aquatic activities practiced in the lakes of El Salvador, such as diving, snorkeling, boat rides, and swimming, you must strictly comply with the regulations and indications of the guides, instructors, and tourist police.
- It is essential to carry life jackets and duly-certified equipment.
- You must practice them in groups or at least with a companion.
You should not miss visiting El Salvador’s lakes if you plan a trip to this fascinating Central American corner to discover the magic of a territory where adventure, history, and exotic landscapes are combined with rest. An amazing getaway!
