The immensity of landscapes that El Salvador offers us gives us the possibility of knowing the Torola River. An inexhaustible water source and a natural space for an obligatory visit for those who want to know this small Central American country.
This plentiful fluvial current, capable of discharging 75 cubic meters of water per second, occupies a total area of 1500 square kilometers, with an extension of 603 kilometers long, and is located 127 meters above sea level.
TOROLA RIVER - Rivers of El Salvador. Photo by Marden Nolasco. Wikimedia Commons.
Torola River Data
| Country: | El Salvador |
|---|---|
| Category: | Rivers |
| Source of the river: | Lislique |
| Mouth River: | Lempa River |
| Length: | 100 km |
| Altitude: | 227 m |
Location of the Torola River
The majestic Torola River crosses from east to west the department of Morazán, being its source at the height of the mountains of the department of La Unión, where the Lajitas River and the Manzucupagua stream converge, thus occupying a small part of Honduran territory.
It also crosses several municipalities of Morazán to the north. Such as Osicala, El Rosario, and San Simón, among others, to continue its course through the department of San Miguel, wetting the lands of the municipalities of San Antonio, Carolina, and San Gerardo until it flows into the Lempa River.
All the communities on its banks are provided transparent and good-quality water to irrigate crops and small orchards nearby.
They are also used to water the animals, which in local terms means that in sweltering seasons, the animals can quench their thirst by approaching their banks.
In addition, families use its water for their consumption, cooking food, washing clothes, and other activities of daily life.
The word torola comes from the Lenca language and means “the river of the Guayabo,” although other scholars suggest that it may mean “three heads.”
What to see and do in the Torola River
Along its course, the Torola River offers tourists the possibility of bathing in its calm waters, especially in the months of the year when the heat is stifling.
It is a natural stop that receives many visitors, particularly during Holy Week, when neighbors and travelers move to its shores to share a moment of relaxation with family or friends.
But the attraction does not end, as you can enjoy the tranquility of its forests and immense mountains and listen to the chirping of the different birds that pass through here.
Residents of the river take the opportunity to fish, thus, completing the dishes from the Salvadoran stoves.
You can also practice some hiking, walking along the banks and small trails along this stream, and thus discover the beauties that keep us, these paths, and these relaxing forests.
Recommendations for the visit
Along the Torola River, you will always find places where you can spend the day, but following these recommendations is not superfluous to have an unforgettable day.
- Remember to be careful, especially in the rainy season, because the river flow can increase and become dangerous.
- Prepare your food so you do not need to light a fire.
- You should avoid bathing with soap in the waters of the Torola, as these products contaminate the water.
- It is essential to bring mosquito repellent and sunscreen, as well as hats or caps.
- Do not forget to pick up the waste you generate and deposit it in garbage containers.
Climate, flora and fauna
This wonderful place has invaluable characteristics for those who visit it. It enjoys a tropical climate, whose temperatures depend on the time of year but on average, are around 22 to 34°C.
In the rainy season, the Torola River always increases its water torrent, showing all its majesty.
The fauna is varied, where we can find different types of birds, among which we can observe herons and a significant quantity of small birds, as well as invertebrates such as dragonflies and butterflies.
The richness of the water has allowed different types of fish to thrive, including crabs, snails, and otters.
As for the flora, the forests near the Torola River are full of trees. Especially cedars, pines, bushes, and some species of grass.
Places near the Torola River that you can visit
The beauties surrounding the Torola River never cease to impress locals and foreigners, with places that offer spectacular views and natural phenomena that you can hardly see in other countries.
Agua Caliente (Hot Water)
This fascinating Salvadoran corner is in the village of Agua Caliente, located in the department of San Miguel and 20 minutes from the municipality Carolina of that entity.
The most striking of the place is its “hot springs” or, as they also say, “sulfurous waters.”
It is said that they have healing properties, and soaking in them can relieve body aches and respiratory problems and significantly improve the skin. Remember that the temperatures of these thermal waters can reach up to 70°C.
The geysers emerge among the rocks in the form of jets of water vapor with a high sulfur content that reaches a height of 5 meters, offering the habitat splendid, almost magical views.
When tourists come to these localities, they see a fairytale landscape, where the stones acquire beautiful bright colors due to minerals such as copper, nitrogen, or phosphorus, as well as lime salts, by the waters that run from the Torola River, forming small wells.
Undoubtedly, El Salvador surprises us with its scenery full of natural riches, and the Torola River is one of those flowing streams that, wherever it passes, brings life and brightness to the environment.
The moments we enjoy walking along its banks, or a relaxing day among its clear waters and the beautiful forests that protect it, become unforgettable.
Visiting this river becomes a different way of sightseeing in the country’s northeastern part. It is a natural space protected by the neighbors who live on its banks, thus setting an extraordinary example to tourists and locals alike.
