Issue link: https://viewer.e-digitaleditions.com/i/510519
Unspoiled, uncrowded, and uncomplicated, this pint-sized nation has everything visitors look for in a Central American getaway. The formal use of the U.S. dollar as the country's currency speaks to the latter, and the 25 volcanoes, 14 lakes, multiple cloud forests, waterfalls and celebrated surfing beaches—even Punta Roca and La Libertad remain refreshingly spacious—all meet the former. Densely packed with bait for nature lovers, this small country's size is equally deceiving when it comes to its more urban reaches. Elevated 2,132 feet above the foot of a long-extinct volcano, the capital city of San Salvador is home to close to half of the country's citizens, making it the second-largest city in Central America. Contemporary pursuits thrive in Zona Rosa, whose upscale clubs, luxury hotels, and international restaurants keep the nights alight. More shopping malls can be found within Valle de las Hamazas—the "Valley of the Hammocks"—than any other city in the subcontinent, but for traditional shopping, the Ilopango Market offers handicrafts and local goods more in line with the stunning Spanish colonial architecture that shapes the cityscape. A short drive from the bustle of town, the popular beaches of La Libertad extend a warm welcome to passionate surfers; the reputations of El Sunzal, El Zonte and El Cuco have transformed this nation into one of the fastest-growing surf tourism destinations. Inland, an eco-tourism focus bring travelers close to the colorful toucans and mischievous spider monkeys of the Cloud Forest of Montecristo and its 100-foot-high canopy; fresh coffee, grown in the scenic mountains of Alegría; and the La Laguna Botanical Gardens, located in a volcano's crater. And as if the present doesn't hold enough wonder, Mayan cities and a 1,400-year-old town petrified in volcanic ash pay an homage to El Salvador's rock-solid past. HIlTon prInCess sAn sAlVADor o o o o Conveniently located in the San Salvador business district, 45 minutes from the airport, this hotel offers among the plushest accommodations and the finest amenities among hilton Princess hotels. It boasts 204 elegant, beautifully appointed guestrooms and suites and 5,934 square feet of flexible function space, well-suited for corporate retreats, family reunions, weddings, and events of all sizes and types. roYAl DeCAmeron sAlInITAs HoTel o o o Decameron is an all-inclusive resort located in Western El Salvador, less than 1.5 hours from San Salvador City and two hours from El Salvador International Airport. It covers an area of 322,917 square yards with about more than a half a mile of private beach. beACH VACATIoN ENhANCINg TouRS With so much to see in everymile, it takes a pre-arranged tour to really take it all in. Make your plans now and look forward to later. Coffee & Flower Route: Learn about the entire coffee production process right from a working coffee plantation, then explore charming towns along the famous Flower Route, such as Nahuizalco, Juayúa, Apaneca, and Ataco. History Tour: Enter a moment frozen in time and see how Salvadorian families lived 1,400 years ago in the Pompeii of the Americas, Joya de Cerén, before being covered by over 19 feet of volcanic ash. San Salvador City Tour: The second- largest city in Central America lays itself at your feet in this tour, with the Cathedral, National Palace, local craft markets, and downtown district leading the way. Volcano Tour: As if three amazing volcanoes weren't enough, a beautiful lake also astounds in the crater of yet another one, all in the heart of a UNESCO biosphere Reserve. Consult your travel agent for more details on these and other tours. Transfers: A complete selection of private transfers is available. EL SALVADOR Gulf of Fonseca Bay of Jiquilisco P A C I F I C O C E A N H O N D U R A S G U A T E M A L A E L S A L V A D O R San Salvador Santa Ana Ahuachapan San Miguel Cojutepeque La Union Izaleo Volcano Chaparrastique Volcano Nahuizalco Costa del Sol La Palma & San Ignacio Ilobasco San Sebastian Suchitoto El Salvador 15 ALL-INCLUSIVE HoTel reAl InTerConTInenTAl o o o o a luxury hotel located in the heart of the city's thriving entertainment and business centers, it is adjacent to one of Central America's largest shopping malls and offers easy access to the airport. All of the rooms have been newly renovated and include soundproof windows, high- speed WiFi, customized mattresses, and more. This fine hotel is also available: ColonIAl CITY LOS ALMENDROS o o o h sAn sAlVADor CITY