Hostels in CUSCATLAN, EL SALVADOR

Cuscatlan – Beauty of Lakes and Culture

Cuscatlan, located in the heart of El Salvador, is a department popular for its lakes, waterfalls and countryside. It is fast gaining in reputation as a leading tourist destination.

History
The Cuzcatlans were the original inhabitants of this region along with the Pipil warriors. The literal meaning of the name is “land of precious jewels”. The department was officially created in 1835 with Suchitoto as its capital. The capital was moved to Cojutepeque in 1861. The department has its own flag and song and is popular for its production of fruits, coffee, sugarcane and tobacco.

Popular Places and Attractions
Suchitoto is the cultural capital of Cuscatlan and is popular for its cobblestoned streets, monuments and art galleries. The Santa Lucia Church and Don Alexander Cotto Museum are two of its major attractions.

Lake Suchitlan is the biggest attraction in Cuscatlan and is El Salvador’s largest freshwater lake. It’s an artificial lake formed out of River Lempa because of the construction of Cerron Grande Dam. The lake’s elevation and extension is dependent upon the prevailing season at that moment. The lake is popular for its breathtaking flora and fauna on its accompanying islands. Cojutepeque’s Ilopango Lake is another good place to visit in Cuscatlan. Visitors can opt for camping, boating or simply relaxing at the lakeside.

Some other popular attractions are San Martin Park, Los Tercio Waterfall, Theatre of Ruins and Cerron Grande Dam.

Getting Around
Buses, taxis and boats are the various modes of transportation available for getting around Cuscatlan, a guide for easy travel is to have some change handy to pay for your journey.

Places for Entertainment
Restaurants, bars, discotheques, cinemas, karaoke shows, handicraft stores and art galleries are the usual places for entertainment in Cuscatlan. Suchitoto is the leading night spot of Cuscatlan. Its weekend discos and karaoke shows provide for a good lease of nightlife. The Permanent Festival of Culture and Art held in February attracts artists from all over the world to display their work each weekend of the month. Art lovers can visit the Art Fair held in Suchitoto’s Central Plaza every weekend. The November Fair is another cultural gathering that can be enjoyed by visitors.

If you are in Cuscutlan, you should never leave without tasting its chorizos, especially the ones available in Cojutepeque. Boating in Lake Suchitlan and hiking or horseback riding along Guazapa Mountain are few other entertaining avenues for adventure lovers. Boat rides can be taken to the Island of Bird Reserve. 

Accommodation
Budget hotels, youth hostels, dormitories, Bed & Breakfast, motels, studio apartments and guesthouse are available in Cuscatlan for looking after tourist accommodation requirements.

Currency
The U.S Dollar is the official currency of Cuscatlan El Salvador. Credit cards and traveller’s cheques are accepted at few places in Cuscatlan such as Suchitoto and Cojutepeque, but it is advised to get your currencies exchanged before venturing out in this department, check the internet and news for the latest exchange rates.

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