I am currently a Peace Corps volunteer in El Salvador
I am currently a Peace Corps volunteer in El Salvador
The Unforgettable Forgotten El Salvador
by Lesh1018 | May 03 '01
Pros: The most generous and wonderful people in the world, insurmountable beauty
Cons: Not enough really touristy things to do (but I don´t think that´s a con)
The Bottom Line: El Salvador offers you culture, history, and the greatest people in the world. Go...you won´t regret it.
Recommended: Yes
I am currently a Peace Corps volunteer in El Salvador, automatically making me a more valuable resource than Let´s Go, Fodor´s, or even the State Department. But seriously, I have met traveler´s in Central America that when asked always respond that they´re going to skip El Salvador. Needless to say, I feel like the Minister of Tourism.
El Salvador has natural beauty much like the rest of Central America. With lush, rolling hills, and numerous volcanoes to gawk at or climb, El Salvador offers travelers a variety of things to do, be it natural wonders, craftmanship, or history. The country was ravaged by civil war for twelve years, and the war museum in Perkín (Morazon) provides you with the best all around view of the intensity of the years of 1980-1992. The museums in San Salvador are not as impressive as american museums, but still offer you the cultural aspect you crave. There are many pueblos that offer crafts if that is your fancy: San Sebastian (San Vicente) and Concepción Quezaltepeque (Chalatenango) are big hammock hubs, and Ilobasco (Cabañas) has little chachkes, if you enjoy those.
The people are the friendliest and most generous that I have ever met. They will take you in anywhere you go which would give you the opporutnity to experience the culture firsthand. I highly recommend it.
The State Department´s web page speaks in great detail about crime but in the year I have been here I have learned that like everywhere else, there are places to go and places not to. It is no more dangerous than any big city in the States.
If you would like further information or have questions, please feel free to email me at Lesh1018@hotmail.com
Enjoy!
Type of Travel: Long-Distance Vacation
Length of Visit: Week-long or more
Cost of Trip: Shoestring (less than $50/day)
Best Suited For: Students
Best Time to Travel Here: Jun - Aug
