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Sehenswürdigkeiten in El Salvador(Dieses Dokument wird zur Zeit noch ins Deutsche übersetzt.)Tourist AttractionsChurchesChurches and convents built by religious orders can be found all around the country. There are wonderful samples of architectural baroque and classic styles (churriqueresque) at Candelaria Church, San Salvador; Sonsonate Church; big church at Huizucar in the Department of La Libertad; Metapan Church; and Our Lady of Pilar Church, San Vicente with its façade covered with unforgettable decorations.These buildings are the delight of art lovers for their architecture as well as for the works of art that decorate their walls. The city of Santa Ana is proud of its colonial architectural richness portrayed in its majestic Cathedral that for its European style impresses tourists. The Basilica of "La Ceiba" of our Lady of Guadalupe in San Salvador is colorful and splendid surrounded by tall pine trees. The Church at Panchimalco is the oldest church in the country located in the town by the same name located in the vicinity of San Salvador. "The Palms Fair" and "The Dance of the Historians" are festivities celebrated in this town. VolcanoesLarge part of the country is mountains. There are more than 25 inactive volcanoes in the entire country. Many of them have big craters that show flow of petrified lava.The volcanoes considered "dormant" are San Miguel, Santa Ana, and Izalco. San Salvador volcano erupted for the last time in 1917 and shows no evidence of activity. Santa Ana volcano or "Lamatepec" is the tallest volcano at 7,804 feet above sea level. Izalco, another volcano, is totally lacking vegetation, is 6,000 feet in altitude and is located in the Department of Sonsonate. Until 1957, this volcano's fumes and glows were seen from the Pacific Ocean serving as a guide to ships that passed by giving it the name of "Lighthouse of the Pacific". RiversThe river system of the country is divided into ten different basins according to the climate, geography and vegetation. Rivers Lempa, Goascoran, Rio Grande from San Miguel, Torola, Paz and Jiboa are included. Lempa Rivera originates in the mountains of Guatemala and has the largest volume of water flowing into the Pacific Ocean in the American continent after passing 325 kilometers through our territory. Two hydroelectric dams are located in the Lempa River supplying the country's electric power needs. LakesOther natural beauties are the wonderful lakes throughout the national territory. The most important lakes are: Ilopango, 9 miles from San Salvador; Coatepeque in the Department of Santa Ana and Guija, shared with Guatemala.BeachesEl Salvador is bathed by the warm waters of the Pacific Ocean in the south. From "La Barra de Santiago" in the Department of Ahuachapan to the beaches of "El Tamarindo" in the Department of La Union, El Salvador has 184 miles of Pacific Ocean coastline. The tropical climate and beauty of its scenery make of the Salvadoran Pacific Coast one of the favorite spots to be visited by nationals and tourists.The beach scenery is made up of a series of geological structures such as cliffs and large rock formations covered with tropical vegetation. From the West to the East Coast, El Salvador has many beaches that can be easily accessed because they are interconnected by the "Litoral" Highway. In the West, Los Cobanos, Metalio and Playa Dorada are famous for their beautiful recreational centers and their private beach clubs. Traveling towards the central coastline, San Diego and Costa del Sol, only 40 minutes away from the capital city, are elegant hotel beach areas where events such as beauty contests and water sports competitions are carried bout. To the East, the impeccable El Espino beach and the popular El Cuco beach plus the renowned Gulf of Fonseca are visited frequently. ShoppingThe largest shopping malls are "Metrocentro" at Boulevard Los Heroes in San Salvador, "Galerias Escalón" and "Villas Españolas" at Paseo General Escalon; "Plaza Merliot" at Ciudad Merliot, amongst others and most recent constructions in the cities of San Miguel and Sonsonate.For people interested in handicrafts, they can visit the handicrafts market or better yet visit the place where they are made such as Nahuizalco, Ilobasco or La Palma. Flora and FaunaSalvadoran scenery is full of diverse vegetation, depending on the zone climate and type of land where it grows. Original vegetation is minimal because of human consumption. Majority of tree lands and forests have been taken over by agricultural fields where sugar cane and cotton are grown. Coffee is the principal crop in the central high plains.Since El Salvador has no access to the Caribbean Sea, the majority of flower and plant species typical of the coastal areas do not grow there. However, there is still abundant and colorful tropical vegetation. More than 200 different orchid species are cultivated throughout the country. Balsam woods and swamps are unique panoramas in the country. Vegetation is altered during the year as a result of the change of seasons. Environmental reservesThrough time as a result of destruction caused by inhabitants and excessive use of timber, many mammals originally from the high plains have decreased significantly or are extinguished in the region, including the crested eagle and the jaguar. To avoid major damages to the land, reservations have been established in areas where flora and fauna are still intact. Some of the most important that are worth mentioning: El Trifinio, Montecristo, El Imposible Forest, Cerro Verde Mountain Park, Walter Deininger Park and Jocotal Lagoon. Despite all adversities, small animals are still abundant. There are still 400 different bird species and 17 humming birds that are considered endangered species are included.To promote national tourism, El Salvador has built and organized 14 tourist centers that are recreational areas located along the Pacific Ocean coast, central mountain range and other strategically located areas in the country. After a field trip day or simply playing under the shining sun, there are many options to enjoy a night partying (parranda). Many nightclubs throughout the capital city offer entertainment and dancing. Be sure to visit some of the best restaurants in the city, bars and dancing clubs at Zona Rosa. And to listen to music you can choose from marimba, violins, mariachi bands, salsa, cumbia or merengue. Advice for visitorsAbout the ClimateWeather is generally warm or tropical. But remember the rainy season is from the month of May to October, and the dry season is from November until April. AttireDue to the climate, the most recommended clothing is light, thin, usually made of cotton. Soft sole and comfortable shoes for walking are advisable. A sweater or light jacket is all you need to go out at night or in cold seasons. In El Salvador's business and professional environment formal clothing is usually worn. For men, business suits are recommended although in a relaxed environment, a long sleeve shirt and tie should be enough. For women, a business suit or dress is recommended. For trips to the mountains, we recommend a good pair of boots and a jacket for unforeseen temperature changes due to the altitude. For outdoor trips or to the beach, sunglasses and any type of head protection is highly recommended, as well as solar skin protectors. For trips to areas with humidity it is convenient to be prepared with some type of mosquitoes repellent. Credit Cards and Travelers Checks Traveler's checks can be easily cashed at all bank. U.S. Dollars are accepted almost everywhere, as well as credit cards. U.S. currency can be exchanged at all bank and hotels. Local CurrencyLocal currency is the Colón (¢), which is divided into 100 cents. The official exchange rate is ¢8.75 colones per US$1 dollar. Since January 1st, 2001, the US dollar is also officially accepted as legal tender in El Salvador and now is widely used in any type of commercial transactions. US dollars can be obtained at any ATM. More information on the "Monetary Integration Law" can be obtained at www.integracion.gob.sv.CommunicationsEl Salvador code to receive international calls is 503.In El Salvador there are fax, telex, cable, radio, microwaves, optic fiber, PCS, Internet and television facilities. Several international carriers that compete in the most open telecommunications market in Central America can directly activate international calls. Entry RequirementsImmigration requires that visitors entering El Salvador have their passport and one of the following documents: visa or tourist card. Visas are issued by the Consulate of El Salvador accredited in the countries where these type of diplomatic missions exist; and the tourist card is generally issued for 90 days and can be purchased for US$10 at the port of entry. Passports of certain countries might need to obtain a visa before entering El Salvador. Visa for U.S. citizens is free. Some countries pay a fee for the issuance of the visa.Departure taxesPassengers leaving the country by air must pay a tax of US$ 27. For those traveling by sea or land the tax varies according to the area. Any travel agency can check the actual amounts.TaxesThe majority of goods and services are levied with 13% Value Added Tax (IVA, for its initials in Spanish). Hotels add 10% to the bill.TipsIt is customary to tip at least 10% in the majority of restaurants. Check your bill before paying because some restaurants add the tip to the check.Work ScheduleGovernment: Monday to Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
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