Historic San Salvador

The beautiful El Salvador through pictures before politics, dictatorships, religions and war..... An Architecture Jewel!

A little history on El Salvador

The smallest and most densely populated nation in Central America sits at the edge of the Pacific Ocean between Guatemala and Honduras.

Beautiful beaches and a sizzling nightlife top the list of attractions.

Unlike some of its neighbors, El Salvador doesn't rely on ecotourism but instead emphasizes its dollar denominated economy, ease of getting around, and warm, welcoming people.

The highest point in El Salvador is Cerro El Pital (2,730 m).

El Salvador is known as the "land of volcanoes" or "valley of the Hammocks"

The Pipil Indians, descendants of the Aztecs, likely migrated to the region in the 11th century. In 1525, Pedro de Alvarado, a lieutenant of Hernan Cortés, conquered El Salvador.

Ancient Olmec scupltures have been found in Chalchuapa, in western El Salvador.

The Maya people were early inhabitants of El Salvador. They also lived in southern Mexico, Belize, Guatemala and Honduras.

The Maya were advanced in subjects such as mathematics and astronomy.

El Salvador is Spanish for The Saviour.

The Spanish arrived in El Salvador around 1520 and remained in the country for three centuries.

El Salvador, with the other countries of Central America, declared its independence from Spain on Sept. 15, 1821, and was part of a federation of Central American states until that union dissolved in 1838. For decades after its independence, El Salvador experienced numerous revolutions and wars against other Central American republics. From 1931 to 1979 El Salvador was ruled by a series of military dictatorships.

Jose Simeon Canas proposed the abolition of slavery in Central America (1823).

The Myths and Facts of Eco-Tourism

Rethinking Tourism Project
Ecotours, adventure tours, sustainable tours, reality tours - if you are seeking a vacation alternative to Disneyland or Club Med, there are certainly plenty of options. However, how do you decide what is right for you, and what kind of vacation matches your values? Do you have to leave your social, political or environmental consciousness at home just to have a good time?

Tourism is the largest industry in the world. Like other major industries, it is mainly controlled by large transnational corporations, who profit at the expense of local communities and the environment.

In the 1980s, ecotourism emerged on the scene to meet the demands for more nature-based travel adventures. The World Tourism Organization defines ecotourism as a nature-based tourism in which the tourists observe and appreciate the natural environment and the traditional cultures within that environment in a sustainable manner. Sustainable tourism, a term often used interchangeably with ecotourism, emphasizes projects that protect natural resources and sustain the local community, both now and in the future. Ecotourism includes a mixed bag of projects, including mountain trekking tours, hikes in the rainforest and eco lodges, which in many cases are similar to mega-resorts.

For people who enjoy being outdoors and who are concerned about the environment, ecotourism may seem like a good option. Promotional materials use this perception effectively and, as a result, ecotourism is becoming increasingly popular. According to the World Tourism Organization, ecotourism has increased at six times the average rate of growth for the tourism industry. Yet while the demand and supply are growing, so are the concerns. Sustainability is not as simple as adding the phrase "eco." Ecotourism projects are often self-labeled by tour operators who have an interest in capitalizing on the expanding and profitable market. In many cases, there is little or no thought to environmental and social implications.

As a result, ecotourism has come under fierce attack by environmental, human rights and Indigenous Peoples organizations, who believe there has not been an adequate assessment of its environmental and social costs. Environmental abuses may include the depletion of local natural resources, waste mismanagement, an excess amount of tourists, and infrastructure development such as roads and airports - all of which result in irreversible destruction to land and wildlife. Social problems include displacing local people, offering only low paid unstable jobs and marketing Indigenous or rural people as 'attractions' with neither their consent nor an accompanied compensation. Other problems include the lack of community involvement and control in tourist projects, which are often developed and funded by large conservation NGOs.

As global citizens we need to be aware of the problems rooted in the tourism industry and make informed choices about what we do on our vacation time and where we spend our money. Deborah McLaren, author of Rethinking Tourism and Eco travel states that "Truly sustainable tourism must be locally controlled, limited and focus on local self-reliance for the local population." She offers the following suggestions:

Get involved in your own community so that when you travel you will have a reason to be involved in other communities and will stay involved.

Acknowledge the modern realities of Indigenous and rural communities and learn to respect, not romanticize other cultures.

Support responsible tourism organizations. Subscribe to their magazines and newsletters.
Volunteer.

Study.

Pressure large tourism companies to do more than green wash..

Organize a "reality tour" of your own community to examine environmental economic or social justice issues. Make activism a goal of the tour.

Contribute funds to support more integrated, diverse, critical tourism studies.

By Julie Trupke

People are scared of El Salvador ....until they arrive here!!!!

Are you longing to travel to an exotic place? El Salvador may be just for you. Be prepared, however, El Salvador is not the typical American tourist hideaway.

Not all Central American countries are equal. In 2007, I traveled to Costa Rica and saw a country flourishing in fabulous flora and fauna. I expected a similar experience when I visited El Salvador a year later. Instead, I witnessed a small country struggling for survival.
El Salvador is about the size of Massachusetts. With about six million inhabitants, it is the most densely populated country in Central America. About 90 percent are of mixed Indian and Spanish decent. Residents speak Spanish and most are Roman Catholics.

Because of many years of civil war, this country's economy and environment are in peril. Even though the fighting ended more than a decade ago, El Salvador still suffers from post war paranoia, pollution and poverty. An estimated 25 percent of the children are malnourished and 50 percent of residents are unemployed.

Stripped of natural resources, El Salvador is the second most deforested country in Latin America. Over 90 percent of the original tropical forest is gone, and the ecosystems are some of the most severely threatened on the planet. However, El Salvador is definitely worth saving. Superior surfing, considered as one of the best in the Pacific Ocean, is just one reason.

Ten of us traveled to El Salvador. My friend, Deb, and I (both non-surfers) happily filled last minute vacancies when the group coordinator needed two additional people to receive a discounted rate. El Salvador only has two tropical seasons -- dry (November-April) and wet (May-October) and four surfing seasons (segmented into months based on wave consistency and strength). We traveled in early December. Offering 4- to 6-foot waves, perfect conditions all day long and slightly cooler temperatures, this was the ideal time for our group of mostly novice surfers.

We stayed at Takuani Kal Hotel/Restaurant, a small (six room) tranquil retreat just north of La Libertad on Playa El Tunco. Takuani Kal's construction was inspired by the native culture of the Nahuats.

Stones, sculptures and mosaic steps complement the tropical landscape. Fishponds and water cascades surround the infinity pool. Descendants of the ancient tribe provide ceremonial baths. Their pre-Columbian healing treatments take place in the Temascal, a dome-shaped Mayan sauna.

Yet, armed guards protected the mini paradise 24 hours a day. The fence surrounding our refuge had shards of broken glass imbedded in the top to keep intruders out. For some reason, there was a machete lying against the door in our room. (We never did learn its purpose.) Takuani Kal was safe, but we heeded warnings to proceed with caution beyond its perimeters (especially at night). Enjoying the artwork, watching the rest of the group ride the waves and experiencing spiritual bliss was amazing. After a couple of days, however, we wanted to explore.

Our first of only two trips beyond the safety of Takuani Kal was to an Internet café about a block away. We brought only our drivers' licenses for identification and a couple of bucks to buy time to check e-mail, leaving our passports behind. Those documents were too important to have stolen.

The short midday excursion broadened our knowledge. Branded cattle roamed the roadways. Peasants burned wood for fuel and laundered clothing in the river. Homes were simple, with hammocks strung from the ceilings. Children peddled wares and begged for donations. Dogs scrounged scraps. The sights saddened my soul, but we felt surprisingly safe.

We passed a hostel, small outdoor markets and several surfers. A public park prepared to provide music and street vendors cooked pupusas (Salvadoran stuffed flatbread, similar to corn tortillas, only thicker and stuffed with cheese, beans or meat). Reluctantly, we returned to Takuani Kal, afraid to partake.

With our confidence raised, we booked a tour with Quiver Surf, a company specializing in creating safe excursions for tourists. Even though I was apprehensive, once we met Cebolla Mendez -- our guide and owner of Quiver Surf -- his wealth of information became my focus. Mendez, a native Salvadorian, avid surfer and middle class business owner, enthusiastically expressed his desire to bring about positive change in El Salvador.

El Boquerón National Park was one of our destinations. The park is located inside the crater of San Salvador Volcano, which is part of a volcanic chain. It is home to local wildlife, rarely seen because of over-hunting. Guard and handrails, designated walking paths and security are in place to attract and protect tourists. The park's posted rules and regulations are enforced. Until recently, safety precautions were almost nonexistent.

We learned the volcano absorbs rainwater like a sponge. The park has open reservoirs to store water for human consumption during times of drought. Mendez was proud of this park; it is a symbol of his government's effort to preserve the land and encourage tourism.

We ate lunch at Cafe del Volcan, located on the road to Boquerón. The restaurant began as an experiment by owners of a plantation when coffee prices were low. They built their café in a mountain forest near the volcano and created a native garden. Their goal was to attract foreign visitors. It worked. While we ate, a group of locals celebrated a special occasion in style. Mendez was excited to share the beautiful surroundings.

By the end of the day, we had met his American fiancée, Monica, discussed religion and politics, and exchanged stories about our completely different lifestyles. He wanted to help me share this story.

Entrepreneurs, who take risks and support counter-violence efforts, help build the tourism industry. Agriculture, tourism and the development of sustainable coffee farms could be the key to this country's successful future. The Rainforest Alliance (a nonprofit organization) works with SalvaNATURA, the leading environmental organization in El Salvador, and members of the Sustainable Agriculture Network (SAN) to teach farmers about biodiversity. The Web site: www.rainforest-alliance.org/locations/el-salvador/index.html, states, "Sustainable coffee can support nearly the same biodiversity as primary forest."

Biodiesel (an organic fuel made from plant oil) production began when a pilot plant was built in 2006. The goal was to provide clean renewable energy, create jobs and boost the agriculture sector.

El Salvador is a country in recovery. The conflicts from their past are slowly evolving into a commitment for peace. Citizens, like Mendez, work towards building a strong economy and sound environment. El Salvadorian leaders are building strong ties with foreign countries. In 2001, the United States dollar became their currency.

Today, the country lacks luxuries the average tourist seeks. However, El Salvador offers diverse geography, incredible surfing and breathtaking sunsets. Opportunities to experience a true third world lifestyle are rare. I am thankful for my visit.

In the courtyard at Takuani Kal stands a monument with a crucial global message/warning. It states, "When we show our respect for other living things, they respond with respect for us."

I returned home eager to spread those words of wisdom. §

Donna Bonnell is a writer in Newberry. She may be contacted at Donna@towerpublications.com