Pure Adrenaline Tour
Day 1
San Salvador
Our TTC professional staff will greet you upon your arrival at the El Salvador Comalapa International Airport and transport you in our Mercedes Benz van to your hotel. This van will provide transportation throughout the trip. You will be spending your first night in El Salvador at the 5 star Radisson Hotel (or similar) that is located in the Escalon district of San Salvador. You will enjoy the view of the San Salvador Volcano from your room or from the outdoor eating venue featured at this hotel.
TTC staff will host a welcome reception at the hotel. No worries; we will make sure you have time to relax and enjoy the many amenities your hotel offers as you anticipate the start to your adventure-filled week!
Our TTC staff will escort you on this evening to the plaza of 'La Gran Via' where you may choose from the many restaurants offered. You will have time to enjoy your meal at your leisure or grab a quick bite and spend time shopping at the many brand named stores in this area. Enjoy! (Please note: dinner on this evening is not included in the price of the tour.)
Day 2
Volcano National Park
After a scrumptious breakfast at the hotel, your adrenalin will begin to get pumping as we enter into the world of adventure -- El Salvador style -- with a trip to Volcano National Park.
We will begin our morning climb on the Ilamatepec Volcano that last erupted in 2005. Here we will climb up to 2,365 m above sea level. As we reach the summit of this volcano we will find ourselves surrounded by clouds, only to find a real treasure -- an emerald green lagoon inside its crater. Before heading down we may need to cool off under a small waterfall of crystalline water. The morning has only just begun.
It is time to take on the youngest volcano in the American continent; the Izalco Volcano. Now, just because it's the youngest, don't think it will be easy. Izalco is shaped into a perfect cone -- completely devoid of vegetation. Its slopes have inclinations of up to 45 degrees making it a serious challenge for even the most experienced of climbers. The Izalco volcano last erupted in 1966.
From the volcanoes we will then drive into coffee country for a night of rest and relaxation in the beautiful town of Apaneca. Here we will stay at the El Jardin de Celeste (the Celestial Garden Hotel), which features colonial style cabins surrounded by beautiful gardens. Each room has a working fireplace, which may be nice as the nights can be very cool.
Day 3
Canopy/Zip-Line Tour
What a way to begin morning three as we reach the hills of Apaneca (over 6000 ft.) to begin our "Canopy Tour". There is no better way to see the coffee country than by air. You will also enjoy the view of Guatemala and the surrounding volcanoes.
The zip-line flight will take about two hours as we fly from platform to platform traveling in the air suspended by cable through the forest. This high-end view of Apaneca is unforgettable.
After our tour we will then proceed to the plantation house of Santa Catalina Coffee (home of El Salvador's finest coffee) for a lunch served by the staff of Santa Catalina.
After lunch we have the options of horse back riding through the coffee fields on Peruvian horses or, if your legs are ready, we can take a mountain bike ride straight up to the "Green Lagoon" above the town of Apaneca.
It's then back to Apaneca and the Celestial Garden to prepare for day four and the Monte Cristo Cloud Forest. You will enjoy a delicious dinner at the hotel as you overlook the gardens. Salvadorans drive for miles to feast on the meals served at this restaurant as it is a local favorite.
Day 4
Monte Cristo cloud forest
Following breakfast, day four will begin a journey from the coffee fields to the gates of Monte Cristo National Park. During this 2.5 hour scenic drive, our guides will share with you the rich history of El Salvador and the interesting facts about sites you pass.
Monte Cristo is a 2600-acre cloud forest where the borders of El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras converge - 'Il Trifinio'. It is the largest protected area in the country and you must request special permission to visit and camp in this area.
Monte Cristo is known for having the tallest pines in the country as well as having hundreds of species of orchids. In the forest we will hike and discover the rivers, paths and many scenic vistas that this cloud forest offers. Imagine your delight as our guides unpack a picnic lunch they have carried up the mountain so that you can continue soaking up the captivating views as you dine.
We will be spending the night inside of the park in a rustic cabin powered by solar energy. We will share a very special night of as we "cook out" over an open fire. Our TTC chef will prepare a wonderful meal and offer a nice variety of wine and beverages as we enjoy the cool mountain night before the glow of an open fire.
Day 5
Cycling into Citala
We will pull out of Monte Cristo, only after drinking fabulous Salvadoran coffee from Santa Catalina and enjoying breakfast consisting of your choice of pancakes, bacon, eggs, fresh fruit, and yogurt -- all prepared and served by the TTC staff. Our morning drive will be just over ninety minutes as we drive through Metapan and into the high mountain range between Metapan and Citala, Chalatenango. On most days, our journey will be enriched by views of rainbows as we descend the steep roads of the cloud forest.
Our day of cycling will began with a climb out of Metapan. We will ride within full view of the largest mountain in El Salvador, el Pital (8600 ft) that a year ago recorded snowfall. From this isolated mountain road, we can also view Lake Gujia over the Guatemalan border.
Our ride will cover 21 miles (35 km) over a mountain road with some challenging climbs. We will encounter road conditions consisting of mostly dirt, sand, and rocky road that will challenge your mountain biking abilities. Our ride will conclude before the historic colonial church of Citala.
We will then proceed to Hotel La Palma (or similar) for a well deserved lunch, late afternoon shopping, swimming in the hotel pool (if you can handle the cold water), and rest. We will meet at the restaurant for a leisurely dinner. We will all enjoy a great night sleep in the cool mountain air and hopefully awaken refreshed and ready to tackle another day of adventure!
Day 6
Kayaking
As we travel down from the mountains after a restful night and hearty breakfast, day six will take us to the Costa del Sol (Coast of the Sun). We will check into a beachfront hotel but we won't have time to sit by the pool. Our Hobie Kayaks will be waiting for us as this day invites us to discover the beauty of the mangrove estuary of Jaltepeque.
Our kayaks will be accompanied by our TTC panga boat, the "Colocha," which will be fully stocked with food and drink for our day's journey. The estuary of Jaltepeque can offer serious currents during shifts in the tides. But these tides are no match for the Hobie Kayak that offers a unique pedal system that makes even the most difficult of currents a snap. The Hobie also gives you a nice option between pedal and paddle. You can even use both! Our TTC chef will prepare another picnic lunch so we don't have to worry about missing a moment of fun on these kayaks.
After our day on the water we will head over to the Bahia del Sol Marina for the traditional "Captain's Dinner". With full view of the fishing fleet of the Bahia del Sol we will meet with Captain Lucio Ventura over dinner to discuss our day seven 'marlin adventure'.
Day 7
Departure
After breakfast our staff will deliver you back to El Salvador Comalapa International Airport for your safe travel home.
*Tour Price Includes: Fully escorted tour with English speaking/bilingual guides. All accommodations, transfers, guide services, and taxes are included, as are meals unless otherwise indicated on the itinerary. Price does not include airfare, passport expenses, $10 entrance fee required upon arrival at the San Salvador El Comalapa International Airport, alcoholic beverages, or tips for guides.
** Deep Sea Fishing Adventure can be added to this trip for an additional cost. Please contact your Adventure Designer for details and pricing.
