EL SLAVADOR Culture & Attractions

Phrases Guanaco (Salvadoran) cabal (right on) Quiubo? (How's it going?)

Number of Animal Species 897

Attraction Los Chorros is a series of large, refreshing natural pools fed, one pool to the next, by clear spring water from overhanging volcanic cliffs.

The Devil’s Doorway Two huge rocks on the edge of a deep precipice frame the view of the valley lying far below. The "doorway" is approximately 1km south of Balboa Park on the summit of Chulo Hill, 1,000 meters above sea level.

Lago de Ilopango Formed in a giant volcano crater the lake, at 15 km long, 8 km wide and 248 metres deep, is the largest lake in El Salvador and a popular spot for fishing, boating and swimming.

As part of the Mayan world, El Salvador has its share of impressive pre-Columbian sites. Highlights include: Tazumal: Part of the large Chalchuapa site, Tazumal comprises a group of flat-topped stepped pyramids and is still being studied by historians. Located 78km from San Salvador on the outskirts of the city of Chalchuapa. Guija:Close to the Guatemala border on the Guija Lake. Many archaeological treasures can still be found, untouched, on the lakeshore. San Andres: Another group of stepped pyramids positioned between two rivers 36km from San Salvador in the Zapotitan Valley. Cihuatan: Ruins of cities cover an area of 4 square kilometers. A stone wall is still standing that was originally one of the ball courts called Tlatchli. Joya de Ceren: A pre-Columbian settlement that was buried under 5 meters of ashes from the eruption of Laguna Caldera Volcano in 600 AD. The site was discovered in Located 36kms from San Salvador. Corinto: Consists of two caves situated on a broad plain 1 km north of the village of Corinto. Prehistoric drawings about 10,000 years old can be seen on the cave walls.

Food Pupusas: thick corn tortillas stuffed with cheese, meat, squash, and/or other fillings. Tamales: boiled pockets of corn dough, stuffed with meat or sweet corn and served in banana leaves. Sopa de Patas: a popular soup made from corn, plantains, tripe and cow's feet. Yuca frita: fried yucca, often served with chicharon (deep-friend pork cracklings). chicharon Platanos fritos: deep-fried plantains.Platanos fritos Curtido: a spicy, vinegar- based condiment made from cabbage, carrots and other veggies. Much like sauerkraut.

Desert & Beverages Tres Leches Cake (Pastel de Tres Leches): A cake soaked in three kinds of milk, including evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk and cream.Tres Leches Cake Pastelitos: pasty turnovers, stuffed with sweets like custard, jam or caramelized fruit. Semita: coffee cake with guava or pineapple jam. The most popular El Salvador beer is Pilsener. Characteristic non- alcoholic beverages in El Salvador include Kolachampan, a sugarcane-flavored soda; tamarind juice; horchata, a sweet herb and spice- based El Salvador drink; and ensalada ("salad"), a drinkable blend of finely chopped tropical fruits.

RELIGION Roman Catholic 57.1% of population

SALVADORAN DANCE

El Salvador Life

Hotel MiramundoHotel Miramundo, La Palma, San Ignacio La Montaña Cabañas-EcoTurismo Finca y Cabañas El Pinabete El Pital La Escondida Bed & BreakfastLa Escondida Bed & Breakfast - If you feel like spending a night or two up on the mountain, you can visit "La Escondida" B&B located in the heart of "El Portezuelo Farm" at 4500 ft. Santa Leticia Mountain ResortSanta Leticia Mountain Resort - This Magical place is located in a town called “Apaneca”, which in Nahuatl language of the Pipil Indians means “Rivers of Wind”, this town is in the province of Ahuachapan, El Salvador; just 1:15 minutes away from the city of San Salvador.