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* Information :Decameron Explorer El Salvador

THE MAYAN ROUTE

The archeological discovery of greatest importance in the last 50 years throughout Latin America: a Mayan village that shows us how the Mayas lived, as Joya de Ceren was preserved by nature upon being buried under the ashes of the volcanoes Loma Caldera eruption 1.400 years ago. Joya de Ceren is considered a site t of first order of what is known as the Mayan Route or the Meso American Route. It has been recognized by UNESCO as Patrimony of   Humanity. After this visit we will be transferred to San Andres, a ceremonial center where semi-discovered structures (pyramids), some mounds and its historical museum can be appreciated.

Close to noon time, we will be transported to Chalchuapa where we will find archeological site, El Tazumal and Casa Blanca, places that we will visit and admire their pyramids, as well as listening to the  historical briefings of its inhabitants. Included is the opportunity to see archeological remains in the museums. In El Tazumal we can tour the pyramids  and near here, we will find replicas of Mayan ceramic of great quality as jewels elaborated by local artisans . Casa Blanca is also known for its processing of indigo dyeing. Visitors can participate in the dyeing process.

Level of difficulty:  I (includes climbing the steps)

Included: land transportation, tour guide, beverages, entrance fees, lunch.

Recommendations:  comfortable shoes, sun block, hat

Departure: 8:00 AM               Return: 6:00 PM

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ANTIGUA GUATEMALA

You are invited to visit La Antigua Guatemala, which was also called the city of Santiago de los Caballeros, during the colonial period.  This is a fascinating place, rich in history, to be enjoyed in all its splendor.  This city was partially destroyed by the earthquake of Santa Marta in 1773.  In 1965, Antigua was declared “colonial monument of the Americas” by the UNESCO.  You will go back 300 years in time walking along cobble streets.  Let’s start the tour through the Plaza Mayor where you will find the only   mermaid fountain (Las Sirenas) that represent fertility and was constructed in 1739.  Next we will see, El Palacio de Ayuntamiento (Town Council Palace) constructed in the XVII century.  On this route we will appreciate the colonial architecture from the Central Park, La Vieja Plaza Real where bullfights and merchants gathered nearby the cathedral.  La Antigua in Guatemala has numerous ruins and restored buildings that constitute only a fraction of the splendorous colonial architecture of the city.

A visit to the Cathedral which has undergone many structural changes during the past centuries.  Its façade of baroque style with mannerist and renaissance details, are added to its impressive height and various images.  It stands out as a symbol of Catholicism.  The church and to the San Francisco el Grande Convent.  This is one of the most visited convents of today.  The church, with its carving and baroque sketches, is one of the most opulent antique chapels with colonial art and traditions.  We will approach the Cloister Institution and Temple of our Lady of Pilar of Zaragoza, better known as the Capuchinas.  It was certified by Philip V on May 5,  1725 as he arrived to the city of Santiago of Guatemala (today La Antigua Guatemala) starting with five institutional nuns.  It was the last women’s monastery instituted in the city.  Next we will visit the church and convent of La Merced, with impressive bell towers, of   relatively low proportion.  The impassive baroque façade of the church is now in sight.  The mercedarians were the first ones to establish a monastery in the capital of Santiago of Guatemala.

We also have the opportunity to visit the jade factory also arts and crafts stores, where it is very likely to find a variety of Guatemalan popular arts in its different forms such as rock, gold, wood, wax, glass, silver, textiles, etc. These hand made articles in its majority are found in many stores, markets and street vendors.

Included:  land transportation, tour guide and local tour guide, entrance fee, lunch, beverages and snack.

Recommendations:  comfortable shoes, sun block, hat, passport, light clothing.

Notice:  Guatemalan visa required for some nationalities.

Departure:  6:00 AM                  Return:  7:00 PM

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COPAN RUINS - HONDURAS

Copan is a beautiful small town with cobblestone streets and adobe houses whitened with lime stone and red tiled roofs.... giving it a harmonic and historic flair. It is located in the outskirts of Santa Rosa De Copan, close to the limits with Guatemala, which is the best proof of the existence of one of the greatest American Pre-Colombian culture. The Ruins of Copan were declared by UNESCO as patrimony of humanity in 1980.

The Ruins of Copan is a quiet antique culture oasis, with sublime nature located in the eastern part of Honduras. For many years the Copan Ruins have been popular for its many Mayan ruins. We shall escalate and descend staircases to be able to see the principal parts of the center of the ruins, from whence we will be able to see The Great Plaza where we find the steles, the ball court and the staircases with the hieroglyphics. It is a place that offers picturesque panoramas surrounded by lush green mountains. The climate is pleasant due to the variety of pines and abundant vegetation. The Archeological Park shows a variety of steles that enclose the mystery of our indigenous forefathers. The Copan Ruins are considered today as the Paris of the Mayan World.

Difficulty level: I-II

Included: land transportation, tour guide, entrance fees, lunch, beverages, snack, entrance fees to Honduras.

Recommendations: running shoes, sun block, hat, sunglasses, light clothing, passport

NOTICE: Visa to Guatemala and Honduras is required for some nationalities.

Departure: 6:00 A M                 Return: 8:00 P M

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GOURMET COFEE - SANTA LETICIA

This beautiful and magical place is located in the Apaneca-Ilamatepec mountain range, in the municipality of Apaneca, department of Ahuachapan.  We will tour coffee plantations through trails, which are among 92 hectares of different farmlands at an altitude between 1,400 up to 1,700 meters above sea level.

You will enjoy and admire the relevant aspects in the production of the famous gourmet coffee, produced in this region.  Enjoy a walk through the trails where different stages of growth and variety of coffee plants can be appreciated.   Explanations of all the labor and aspects involved from the bean till you obtain of delicious cup of coffee will be offered.  Santa Leticia is the right place to enjoy an authentic gourmet coffee, in midst of the Mayan world, with its essence and flavor.  We will also visit a near by coffee mill where we can appreciate the drying and selection of the beans.

In these mountains we find the only archaeological private site of El Salvador, sacred ceremonial spot where the Mayans worshipped their gods and where is civilization evolved 2,600 years ago.  This site accounts for three Mayan monuments that date 600 years before Christ, known as Gordinflones (the fat ones), monoliths similar to the human figure in a round shape.

Difficulty Level:  I - II

Included: Land and truck (inside the farm) transportation, tour guide, entrance fee, lunch, beverages.

Recommendations:  comfortable clothing, long sleeve shirt, long pants, running shoes or hiking boots, hat, bug repellent, cash for souvenir shopping.

Departure:  9:00 AM                 Return:      4:00 PM

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SAN SALVADOR VOLCANO & COATEPEQUE LAKE     

Exit towards the Capital of El Salvador, taking a panoramic highway from where it will be possible to appreciate the Pacific coasts from El Salvador, Arrival to the Volcano of San Salvador that is located to the west of the city and is a complex bulk that includes the tips: Peak (1.967m) and Wild boar (1.397 ms). The crater (the big hole) has a diameter of 1,500m and it is located to 1.800 mts. of height. We will make a long walk around its border, where we will be able to appreciate the beauty of the wild life, in addition to a variety of species of violets in the trunks of the trees. This volcano to destroyed several times the capital, that date from 1671 to the date, the last eruption in 1917 destroyed the capital almost completely.Afterwards, a panoramic ride takes us to the Coatepeque Lake, formed by the sinking of the ashes of two volcanic cones that gave origin to the lake, whose name comes from the Nahuat tongue that means “snake hill”. It is without a doubt one of the most beautiful places in El Salvador, and considered one of the ten most beautiful lakes of the world.

Level of Difficulty: I - II

Included: land transportation, tour guide, lunch, beverages.

Recommendations: light clothing, sun block, bug repellent, running shoes, sunglasses, and cash for souvenir shopping.

Departure: 8:00 AM Return: 5:00 PM

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CITY TOUR & SHOPPING

Upon arrival to the capital city, San Salvador, we invite you to visit their origins and historical center, where we find structures dating back to XX century, such as the Metropolitan Cathedral built in 1905, the National Theater, a beautiful architectonic jewel dating back to 1911.  Also we find the National Anthropological Museum and the Presidential Home,the Armed Forces National Museum; a place full of history and patriotism; El Arbol de DIOS ( GODs Tree) art , Fantasy  and magic expressed by Don Fernando Llort Master and Pride of our country. We cannot exclude visiting Plaza Salvador del Mundo, and the Arts and Crafts Market, where we find an ample range of folkloric souvenirs made of wood, fibers, cloth and other materials, made by skilled hands of our men and women of the region.

We will visit the new Multiplaza Commercial Center (Centro Commercial Multiplaza), where we will find more than 250 stores and restaurants that offer special discounts.  Stores of famous designers, such as TOUS, Donna Karan, Ann Klein, Kenneth Cole, and many more can be found in this modern mall.

Included:  land transportation, tour guide, entrance fees, lunch and beverages.

Recommendations:  hat, comfortable walking shoes, and sun block

Departure:   8:00 AM                 Return:  6:00 PM

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SHOPPING AT OUTLETS

If you are interested in buying bargains and discounts on famous brands do not miss this opportunity to save money by going shopping to the different outlets in San Salvador.

We will visit several stores like Siloeé, Adoc Premium Brands Outlet, Samna Outlet, Outlet Levi’s that offer brand goods at low prices in all times of the year. You will find brands like Perry Jeans, Calvin K, Naútica,  Ninewest shoes, handbags and accessories, Lacoste, Sculpture, Bisou Bisou Diesel Mansini, Traditional Levi’s Docker (formal and casual style) XOXO, Seven, BeBe and more!!

The stores offer a great variety of discounts by cash pays until 30% and by credit cards (VISA, AMEX, MC) until 10%, special sells are available on weekends.

Included: Land transportation, English speaking tour guide, snack and beverages.

Recommendations: Light clothing, comfortable shoes, sunglasses, hat.

Departure:        8:00 a.m.                                    Return:          5:00 p.m.

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CLIMBING THE  IZALCO  VOLCANO

This is a crater located approximately 1900 meters above sea level.  The Izalco Volcano is one of the natural marvels found in El Salvador.  This tour of the colossus not only includes the ascension to the top, but also the sight of the Cerro Verde Park, from where you can enjoy an impressive view of the place.  This is a perfect route for those that enjoy sport activities and contact with nature.

Three hours from Cerro Verde you will arrive to the crater of the “Pacific Lighthouse” (el Faro del Pacifico), as it was baptized by the seamen active at that time, due to the incandescent lava that could be observed for many miles from the sea.   On this route you will find a trail with approximately 1500 steps and resting sites.  During all the route, you will enjoy natures beauty, and the chirping of the birds such as the Torogoz, declared the national bird of El Salvador.

At the skirts of the Volcano, after at least 45 minutes of walking, we start the ascent of approximately 2 hours.  As we ascend, the freshness of the air is more intense and the panoramic view gets even more spectacular.  Once you get to the top, you will encounter a crater of 275 meters in diameter and 27 meters in depth that will suddenly convert itself in a natural observatory.  You can observe to the north the Santa Ana Volcano; to the south, a wooded stretch of cultivated land and the Pacific Ocean, and to the west the mountains of the neighboring country of Guatemala and to the East the San Andres Valley.

Level of Difficulty:  V

Included:  land transportation, tour guide, fruits, snacks, beverages, entrance fee, park guides, and the companion of a forest ranger.

Recommendations:  light clothing, long pants, tennis shoes or hiking boots, long socks, bug repellent, sun block, sunglasses, hat, binoculars.

Maximum weight:  200 lbs per person

Length of the tour:  5 hours approximately

Departure: 8:00 AM                              Return: 5:00 PM

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CULTURE AND CRAFTS - RUTA DE LAS FLORES

This route is specially designed for those interested in crafts, since on the way between the City of Sonsonate to Ahuachapan there is a series of towns with a lot of cultural traditions. The first town will be Nahuizalco, characterized for having strong pre-Columbian traditions. This is one of the country’s most important indigenous and crafts populations. Baskets and furniture woven from natural fibers such as “Tule” and  wicker dress up the streets. Its colonial church and the nocturnal market, lighted with candles, are an attraction in itself. In the heart of the route we find Salcoatitan. Its white colonial church in front of the Central Plaza  is one of its main attractions. It was here where the first coffee tree was planted, a profitable item that supports the local economy.

We continue our tour towards Juayua, famous for its Black Christ. This beautiful town is of coffee tradition and it envelopes an extraordinary climate and nature. From the verandas we can observe the natives picking up the coffee beans. We will also visit the town of Apaneca where we will find lots of crafts and shops that work the coffee wood.  Here the flowers grow in abundance and the constant breeze expels pine and coffee scents. We will finalize our trip at Concepcion de Ataco, a pre-columbian town established by the Pipeles tribe and located in the heart of the mountain where its cobblestone streets and lanterns take us back in history. Enjoy the serenity of a town in the mountains. The locals elaborate colorful textiles in traditional pedal looms. Amongst their crafts variations they also fabricate musical string instruments.

Included: Land transportation, tour guide, snack, beverages

Recommendations: comfortable walking shoes, sun block, light clothing, hat, sun glasses

Departure:  8:00 A M                         Return: 2:00 P

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BIRD WATCHING – NATIONAL PARK CERRO  VERDE

For those nature lovers, we offer you the most exciting experience available in this region, from the Santa Ana volcano until Cerro Verde National Park. This Park has being recognized for its diverse Flora and Fauna and biological richness. The Park includes more than 164 bird species such as: Torogoz (national bird of El Salvador, whose colorful feathers represent a symbol of family unity), Crested Eagles, Hawks, Hummingbirds, Blue jays, Green billed Toucan, among others. Cerro Verde is an inactive volcano located at an altitude of 2.035Mts. above sea level, with a longitude of aprox.500 hectares of tropical forest and temperatures that run between 12º C until 18º C.

We can also enjoy a walk through beautiful trails, from where we can observe the majestic Izalco volcano, the neighborhoods of Sonsonate, Salcoatitan, the Port of Acajutla in the Pacific Ocean and the highlands of the Sierra of Apaneca.

Included:  land transportation, tour guide, entrance fee, binoculars, bird pamphlets of El Salvador, beverages, snack.

Recommendations:  running shoes or wet shoes, light clothing, long pants, bug repellent, binoculars, hat, sun block.

Departure:   3:00 PM                Return: 8:00 PM

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BAHIA DE JUQUILISCO, MAGLARES Y MONOS

Located south of the department of Usulutan, the Jiquilisco bay and its Kilometers of water channels right in the middle of beautiful mangroves and calm waters, became the most diverse aquatic eco systems in El Salvador. Thanks to this biodiversity it has being included in the RAMSAR list of important International Wetlands.

Admire for yourself the great variety of species: the fun and curious four eyed fish who will escort you during your boat journey, groups of aquatic birds (some in migration) and the different varieties of mangroves and vegetation typical of this bay. You will enjoy the natural beauty of the virgin beaches, volcanic sightseeing and small fisherman villages that adorn gracefully this picturesque area. 

After a delicious lunch at the shore, we will embark on a walk through a subtropical forest and sugar plantations where we can observe a colony of spider monkeys that will delight us with their acrobatics and presence.

Included: land and boat transportation, entry fees, English speaking tour guide, snack, beverages and lunch.

Recommendations: Light clothing, long pants, comfortable walking shoes, insect repellent, sun block, hat, bathing suit and beach towel.

Difficulty level: I

Departure:  06:00 am                Return:   07:00 pm

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JUAYUA CASCADES

With generosity the nature gives us back the appraised WATER, in El Salvador, in the heart of the Route of the Flowers, thanks to the protection of the forests and the good handling of the plantations of Coffee; The water is born of cracks between volcanic rocks, in small mountains full of a colorful tropical flora characteristic of the 1000 mts. above sea level; in the municipality of Juayúa, "rain of pearls", between beautiful sangs of Magpies, Torogoz, Doves, Hummingbirds among other birds and fruit trees and tropical forest you will find "The Cascades of La Calera", treasure of the mother nature.  In a walk of approximately 30 minutes by a route of fertile lands,  through coffee plantations, you will have a beautiful sight without equal.

You will find in this ecological adventure, natural small wells where you can take a refreshing bath between rocks and cracks full of myths  that we invited you to make yours here in El Salvador.

Level of Difficulty: IV - V

Included: land transportation, English speaking tour guide, snack, beverages, local guide.

Recommendations: light clothing, shorts, tennis, bug repellent, suntan lotion, sunglasses hat.

Duration of the walk: 1 ½ hours approx.

Departure: 8.00 AM      Return:  2:OO PM

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