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El Boquerón National Park: A Volcanic Oasis

Explore El Salvador's volcanic heart: Hike scenic trails, discover unique flora, and witness breathtaking panoramic views from El Boquerón National Park.

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El Boquerón National Park, situated atop the San Salvador Volcano, offers stunning views of a massive crater formed by a 1917 eruption. Hike along trails, explore diverse flora, and enjoy panoramic vistas of San Salvador and surrounding landscapes.

A brief summary to Parque Nacional El Boquerón

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking on uneven surfaces to fully enjoy the hiking trails.
  • Bring cash for the entrance fee and parking, as it's typically a cash-only transaction.
  • Visit during the week to avoid crowds, as the park is more popular on weekends and holidays.
  • Pack water, sunscreen, a hat, and insect repellent for a comfortable visit.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From San Salvador, take a bus to Santa Tecla from the Terminal de Buses de San Salvador. Buses to Santa Tecla are frequent and well-marked, costing around $0.50. Once in Santa Tecla, take the Line 103 bus from Jabali station towards El Progreso. This bus departs once daily and the journey takes about 18 minutes. Alternatively, a taxi from Santa Tecla to the park will cost approximately $5.

  • Taxi/Ride-sharing

    From Santa Tecla, a taxi or ride-hailing service (like Uber) directly to Parque Nacional El Boquerón is a convenient option. Input 'Parque Nacional El Boquerón' or the address 'PPMC+J62, Santa Tecla' into the app. The journey typically takes around 30 minutes, depending on traffic. Confirm the fare beforehand; expect to pay around $5.

  • Driving

    From San Salvador, take the CA-1 highway west towards Santa Tecla. Continue for about 10 km until you reach the exit for Santa Tecla. Merge onto the Boulevard de Los Héroes, and follow it until you reach the intersection with Calle Los Andes. Turn left onto Calle Los Andes and follow the signs for Parque Nacional El Boquerón. Parking is available at the park for $2.

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Discover more about Parque Nacional El Boquerón

El Boquerón National Park, a protected natural area, is perched on the summit of the San Salvador Volcano, approximately 1,800 meters (5,905 feet) above sea level. The park's main attraction is the impressive volcanic crater, 'El Boquerón' (the big mouth), which stretches 1.5 kilometers in diameter and plunges 558 meters deep. This geological wonder was created by a powerful eruption in 1917 that affected nearby towns. Inside the crater, you'll find 'Boqueroncito,' a smaller cone formed after the 1917 eruption, when a lake evaporated and left behind this mini-volcano, which stands approximately 37 meters high. The park boasts marked trails that lead to three viewpoints, offering different perspectives of El Boqueroncito and the surrounding slopes, where temperate climate flowers and fruits are grown. The park is home to diverse plant species, including ornamental flowers like cartuchos, hydrangeas, wild sultanas, and begonias. Wildlife includes armadillos, raccoons, deer, and foxes. The climate is mild and cool throughout the year. Visitors can explore the park's history and geology at the small visitor center. The park also features a Glass Pavilion at the crater's edge, providing views into the crater. Along the road to El Boquerón, you'll find restaurants and cafes with views of San Salvador, Lake Ilopango, and the Chinchontepec volcano.

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