Pipil Adventure - A Historic Adventure Tour
PIPIL ADVENTURE
A Historic Adventure TourEl Salvador history begins around 3000 B.C. It was during this period that descendants of the Mayan Empire entered into this territory from southern Mexico. The Pipil Tribe has been compared to the Aztecs and they spoke the Nahuat language. These indigenous people claimed and divided the land known as Cuscatlan that would later be renamed El Salvador (‘the savior’) by the Spanish.
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 provide a welcome reception at the hotel. Afterwards, we will take a trip to the downtown area of San Salvador and visit the historic cathedral. It is here we will begin our discussion of the Salvadoran Civil War. We will also visit the National Palace built in 1905 with a neo-classic and neo-gothic style. The palace was recently opened as a permanent museum.
Our TTC staff will then escort you on this evening to the plaza of 'La Gran Via' mall where you may choose from the many restaurants found in this area. You will have time to enjoy your meal at your leisure or grab a quick bite and spend time shopping at your favorite store. Enjoy! (Please note: dinner on this evening is not included in the price of the tour.)
Day 2
San Salvador and Joya de Ceren
After a hearty breakfast at the Radisson, we will begin our day at the National Museum of Anthropology. Here we will get an overview of the colonial history, traditions, and customs of El Salvador -- past and present. There are also interesting samples at this museum from several archeological sites from around the country.
Following the museum visit, we will travel just 19 miles west to the Joya de Ceren and San Andres Archeological sites. The Joya de Ceren is the most important archeological site in the country -- and was recently listed as one of the most important ancient cities in the Americas by the Travel Channel! It was discovered accidentally in 1976. The site shows a small pre-Columbian village with a domestic style that gives insight into the daily way of life of the Pipil Tribe. It is believed that the village was destroyed in 590 A.D. by the eruption of Cadera Volcano.
After lunch we will tour the museum of Joya de Ceren and San Andres. After satiating our appetite for history, we will travel to the beautiful coffee country of Apaneca. Here we will stay at the El Jardin de Celeste (the Celestial Garden Hotel) that features colonial style cabins surrounded by lovely gardens. You will enjoy a lovely evening of food and conversation as we dine at the hotel’s restaurant while enjoying the splendid views of the gardens.
Day 3
El Imposible
Following a lovely breakfast at El Jardin de Celeste, day three will begin with a short drive to the El Imposible National Park for a day of hiking. The Imposible is a tropical mountain forest. El Imposible was so named, as it is an area of towering mountains that surround very deep gorges. Traders from Guatemala used to travel to markets through this forest, leading their mules through the steep, ‘impossible pass’. Although the road into the park remains rough, the destination is well worth the journey!
The park is the largest protected area in El Salvador and has the greatest biodiversity in the country. El Imposible is home to approximately 500 bird species -- both residents and migratory -- and 103 native species of mammals. Additionally, El Imposible is known for its 600 species of butterfly.
In the park, rangers will guide us on a hike that will take us over beautiful trails to crystal clear rivers and water falls. Here we will enjoy a light, picnic lunch before we discover more beautiful vistas.
We will spend the night at the Hostal El Imposible -- an Eco-Lodge where we will enjoy a casual, yet scrumptious meal. Although the cabins are very basic, the views are spectacular!
Day 4
Suchitoto
We will enjoy a nice breakfast at the Eco-lodge restaurant as you soak up your final views of this tropical paradise. We will then travel via our air-conditioned Mercedes Benz van to the beautiful town of Suchitoto. In the Nahuat language Suchitoto means “Place of Birds and Flowers.”
Long ago Suchitoto was an indigo producing town. Today Suchitoto offers us a look back in time. This colonial city with its warm climate, architectural beauty, and rich cultural heritage offers us a number of interesting attractions.
Once we arrive in Suchitoto, we will be given a tour of the Guazapa Volcano underground caves where Salvadoran Guerilla fighters took refuge from the bombings of the region. You will be able to enter the caves as our guide tells us the story of life underground. We will also be given a first hand account of the battle of Ayacayo by a survivor of that battle.
In Suchitoto you will stay at one of two five star gems that are rich in colonial beauty and comfort. After lunch, you can visit the fabulous colonial church, stroll the cobbled-stoned streets and browse the many shops and art galleries. Or you might choose to simply enjoy a nice glass of wine while lounging around the pool. The afternoon is yours for your leisurely enjoyment. We will meet at a predetermined time to go to a restaurant specifically chosen for your tour group by the TTC staff.
Day 5
Morazan
After a wonderful breakfast at the hotel, we will travel nearly 3 hours -- across the country -- to Morazan. (Thank goodness the country is only the size of the state of Massachusetts as it makes for a short trip!) Upon arrival, we will mountain bike along the Peace Route to the town of El Mozote where we will visit the site of the El Mozote Massacre, one of the great tragedies of the Salvadoran Civil War. The people of the region created a beautiful memorial here and its story is very important for all.
We will then cycle to the historic Zapo River for an afternoon of conversation and rest. Your TTC guides will set up a picnic for your enjoyment. That night we will enjoy dinner and an evening of relaxation at the Perkin Lenca Lodge. The log cabins are very comfortable and the Lenca is a TTC choice lodge.
Day 6
Kayaking
Once you finish your breakfast at the lodge, we will visit the Museum of the Revolution in Perquin. The museum was created by war veterans to pay tribute to the men and women of that very difficult period in Salvadoran History. Here we will hear testimony by the veterans themselves.
After the museum visit, we will travel to the Costa del Sol (Coast of the Sun). You will be lodging at one of the beachfront hotels that feature ocean views from your balcony, and miles of beach at your doorstep. After checking in and grabbing a quick lunch, we will head out to the estuary of Jaltepeque where we will kayak in our Hobie pedal kayaks between the mangrove trees of the Lempa River and the great Pacific Ocean. Here it is not uncommon to paddle along side of large sea turtles that bury their eggs along the beaches of Costa del Sol.
In the late afternoon we will cruise the estuary on the TTC’s 25 ft. panga boat, called the “Colocha” and enjoy the spectacular Pacific sunset. After sunset our boat will take us to the Bahia del Sol Marina for a terrific evening of food, boats and conversation.
DAY 7
Despedida…..Farewell
After breakfast at the hotel, the TTC team transports you 35 minutes to the El Salvador Comalapa International Airport for your departure.
*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, tips for guides, alcoholic drinks, passport expenses and the $10 entrance fee required upon arrival at the San Salvador El Comalapa International Airport.
