El Salvador Vacation and Trip Information

The smallest Central American country, and the only one without a coastline on the Caribbean Sea, El Salvador lies on the Pacific Ocean between Guatemala and Honduras. Almost 90 percent of the 5.7 million residents are of mixed Indian and Spanish descent, with few of the small indigenous population retaining their customs and traditions.

Spaniards first visited the area in 1522, disembarking on Meanguera Island in the Gulf of Fonscea. The capital of San Salvador was established as a village in. Independence was gained in 1821, but relative stability was not achieved until the early 20th century. After unrest in the 1970s a civil war followed from 1980 until peace accords were signed in 1992.

Reforms established by the peace agreements have opened the country to visitors, though tourism facilities are not fully developed. Several national parks highlight the natural attractions of the area: Parque Nacional Los Volcanes includes three major volcanoes, Parque Nacional El Imposible has a deep gorge and is home to an abundance of plant and wildlife, and Parque Nacional Montecristo-el Trifinio is where Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador converge 7,933 feet above sea level.