• El Salvador

    Background Notes - El Salvador

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  • El Salvador

    Background Notes - El Salvador

    Book Now

Adventure Week

Guatemala is a geographically diverse country. As well as spanning the centre of central America with a foot in both the Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean, a string of 35 majestic volcanos runs through the middle of the country including 3 active volcanos. Next door lies El Salvador and her most important national park, ‘El Imposible’ bursting with coffee plantations, indigenous crops and natural wildlife.

We would like to take you on an adventure to discover these areas; to enjoy the bio diversity and natural wonders of central America including the Mayan legacy.

Our road trip to El Salvador takes place during the 2nd week of each month.

El Salvador

Our primary destination in El Salvador is the implausibly named ‘El Imposible’ National Park; the largest national park in El Salvador in the coastal elevations of the Pacific Ocean in Ahuachapán; between the municipalities of San Francisco Menéndez and Tacuba, south-west of the Ruta de las Flores.

This protected area is the country’s most important natural, dry and tropical dry forest, ecosystem. It one of the last refuges for an incredibly diverse flora and fauna, including; 500 plant species, over 100 mammals, 53 amphibians and reptiles, 285 birds and over 5,000 species of butterflies.

It is also popular for hiking owing to the outstanding 360O panoramic views from volcanic mountain ranges all the way down to the Pacific Ocean, including views across to nearby Guatemala and Monterrico.

Monday to Thursday: After an early breakfast, we take the ‘chicken bus’ to El Salvador directly northwards inland to Cuilapa then east to the frontier at Valle Nuevo (approx. 3 hours). After a further 30 minute bus ride we find ourselves in the down at heal town of Frontera Las Chinamas and take lunch while browsing the various goods and local produce at the market stalls lining the main square. We then take another bus to Tacuba which will be our base for the next few days.

Tacuba is a peaceful village on the northern edge of ‘El Imposible’ where the main industry is coffee farming. During our time here we will spend time in the hills learning about the different coffee varietals and other crops grown in this fertile area; most of which are consumed locally and include maize, beans and vegetables only known in this area.

During a pre dinner walk around the village we quickly discover that the main preoccupation of the locals is evangelicanism. There are many churches here, and daily services and celebrations. There are no bars in Tacuba which all adds up to it being a safe and friendly place to explore!

We will spend Monday & Wednesday night at the Casa de Mama y Papa, a local hostel. However, Tuesday night we will spend a rustic night in hammocks enjoying the company of a local coffee farmer and his family in very simple surroundings.

Thursday to Friday: Having spent three nights in the mountains we now head back to Monterrico. The route takes us down to the coast and so we reward ourselves by spending our final night in El Salvador at Barra de Santiago – one of the most beautiful spots in the country; a long finger of land packed with coconut trees lapped by an estuary on one side and the roaring Pacific on the other.

This protected reserve and tiny fishing village has miles of deserted, pristine beaches sitting a few hundred yards from a mangrove-filled estuary teeming with wildlife. On Friday morning after enjoying the beach we take a boat trip into the mangrove forest and have a ‘friendly’ encounter with local crocodiles!

After lunch we continue our journey home to Monterrico, crossing the border at La Frontera Hachudura.

Program Price

Cost of 2 week program USD 825 / EURO 705

Cost of 4 week program USD 1,560 / EURO 1,350

The ‘Learn Spanish & Adventure’ weekly price includes 7 nights accommodation, breakfast & lunch (brunch at weekends), 15 intensive Spanish lessons, volunteer activities, adventure weeks, plus other activities described.

Cost of extra night – accommodation & breakfast USD 30 / EURO 25

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Start Dates

Two Week Program Start Dates 2018: Jan-07, Jan-21, Feb-04, Feb-18, Mar-04, Mar-18, Apr-01, Apr-15, May-06, May-20, Jun-03, Jun-17, Jul-01, Jul-15, Aug-05, Aug-19, Sep-02, Sep-16, Oct-07, Oct-21, Nov-04, Nov-18, Dec-02, Dec-16

Four Week Program Start Dates 2018: Jan-07, Jan-21, Feb-04, Feb-18, Mar-04, Mar-18, Apr-01, May-06, May-20, Jun-03, Jun-17, Jul-01, Aug-05, Aug-19, Sep-02, Oct-07, Oct-21, Nov-04, Nov-18, Dec-02

NOTE : though program start date is Sunday you are welcome to arrive early and pay for extra nights bed & breakfast. We are open 365 days a year!

Getting Here

The ‘program’ starts on a Sunday (changeover day) with the program ending after breakfast on corresponding Sunday 14 or 28 days later. Clients are welcome to arrive Saturday or earlier if they pay a supplement for extra night bed & breakfast.

You can take a private taxi from Guatemala International Airport (GUA) for USD 110 – around 2 ½ hours. This is a fixed price for up to 4 persons – if you share your arrival details with us, we will try to optimize this service by finding others for you to share with. The taxi service operates from 06:30-22:30, so there should be no reason for you to have to overnight in Guatemala city prior to joining us in Monterrico!

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To book now or simply let us know that you are interested in learning more about this program, please send us a message today. We will usually get back to you within 24 hours.

We have fixed start dates but you are welcome to arrive a day or so early, or extend after program ends, if this helps to optimise your travel plans. We look forward to hearing from you!

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