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Locally Hosted Independent Tour Suggested Departure Day: Monday or Tuesday

ITINERARY (Subject to change without notice):

Day 01 - USA – San Salvador - Suchitoto: Upon arrival in El Salvador, you will be met and began your sojourn into the smallest, yet most densely populated country in Central America. On your way to the tranquil area of Lake Suchitlan, you will stop at the charming craft town of Ilobasco. Ilobasco’s fame lies in its intricate red-clay ceramic works, notably the clay miniatures figurines. Continue to Suchitoto and your hotel Los Almendros de San Lorenzo, just about a block from the Central Plaza. Lunch will be included en route. (L)

Day 02 – Suchitoto:  After breakfast there will be a guided walking tour of this quaint town. Suchitoto means “Bird-Flower” in the native “nahuatle” language of the Pipiles who settled in this region around the 11^th century. Once a center for indigo production, it lost its prominence in the 19^th century with the discovery of synthetic colors. Today it is a flourishing center for the arts, with many local artists and galleries in residence (on the weekends there is an Artisan’s Market on the Central Plaza) and a growing tourist mecca. Drive into the countryside to the archaeological park of Cihuatan (Place of Women), the most recent site to the opened to the public. Studies indicate that this may well be the largest archaeological site in the country, covering some nearly 2-square miles. Cihuatan was founded between 900-1000 AD; by whom is questionable, but could very well be by some form of immigration from Mexico. It is believed to have been an urban site, with housing, temples, palaces, ball courts. From the park, drive up to La Palma, yet another craft town, noted for its decorative crafts in fine pine wood works, wood paintings and linen. Lunch included. (B/L)

Day 03 – Suchitoto – San Salvador: This morning’s visit will take you on a boat ride on the lake to view the various bird species. Return to town for lunch before heading to the present day capital at San Salvador, and your hotel, the Princess. In the late afternoon, the city tour of the capital will include the highlights of the such as the main square flanked by the National Theater, National Palace and Metropolitan Cathedral. Tour will be followed by a delightful typical dinner. (B/L/D)

Day 04 – San Salvador - Apaneca:  Today you will head northewest to visit the premier archaeological site of the country and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Joya de Ceren. A complete explanation of what is being referred to as the “Pompeii” of the Maya world will be given. Once a farming community, the site was completely buried by ash of a volcanic eruption around 600 AD. Excavations reveal remains in excellent condition and give an insight into the daily lives of the ancient Maya. A bit west of Joya de Ceren, just off of the Pan American Highway, lie a group of low excavated structures known as “San Andres.” Continue to Santa Ana, the country second largest city to visit the historic center town area      and have lunch in this city. Afterwards we continue our visit to the site of Casa Blanca, once a large Pre-Classic/Classic Maya site with a small charming museum on the premises. Our last stop is very near Casa Blanca, Tazumal where see the biggest pyramid found in the country. Arriving at our Hotel Santa Leticia in late afternoon.  (B/L)

Day 05 – Apaneca: The area surrounding Apaneca is the heart of the coffee growing region in the country. Here one finds numerous coffee plantains producing some of the world’s finest coffee. Visit a local farm and leanr the entire coffee process from seed to planting, harvesting, roasting, packing and even enjoy a cup or two! Nearby are also a few flower farms and picturesque villages. Lunch included today. (B/L)

Day 06 – Apaneca: Enjoy a full day into the lovely countryside. On Saturdays and Sundays, you will enjoy the weekly festivities know as “Ruta de las Flores” (The Flower Route). Perhaps having little to do with actual flowers, this is better know for visiting the local towns, known for their weekend activities and traditions. Nahuizalco (The Four Izalcoes, in nahuatl language, as it was founded by four families from the town of Izalco), well steeped in tradition, crafts (in wicker, wood, cotton) and local cuisine is also quite popular for its night market. Salcoatitan (City of Quetzalcoatl, god of wind and the dawn star), is basically a coffee town, noted for its central plaza colonial church. On Sundays there is a huge Food Festival on the main square. In Juayua (River of Purple Orchids), see the charming miniature “locomotive” take people around the town. The church on the main square has as one of its attractions the figure of a Black Christ. On the weekends it also boasts a huge Food Festival on the main plaza. Lunch included en route. (B/L)

Day 07 – Apaneca – Barra de Santiago: Today you host will drive you to the Pacific coast to Barra de Santiago (about 2-hours), a small sleepy village, not that far from the Guatemalan border. Here you will find long wide beaches, for the most part, nearly deserted, with good surf. Your hotel for the next three nights will be the lovely boutique La Cocotera Lodge. (B/L/D)

Day 08 - Barra de Santiago: Days at leisure. Enjoy the complimentary use sea-kayaks or arrange activities, such as fishing, surfing, water skiing,   naure and bird excursions, available at additional cost.   (B/L/D)

Day 09 – Barra de Santiago: Another  day at leisure to explore or relax as you wish.  (B/L/D)

Day10 – Barra de Santiago – San Salvador Airport – USA: Your local host will call for you at your hotel and transfer you to the airport (about a 2-3 hour drive) for your return flight home. (B)

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