Author: Hugh Talley

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Inspired by today’s coverage in Diario El Salvador on the reopening of Apulo Recreational Park for Holy Week.

For years, Apulo has been a place that lives in Salvadorans’ collective memory: warm water, simple food, families relaxing under the trees, and the gentle sounds of Lake Ilopango. Many went there as children, but later stayed away as safety concerns grew along the shoreline. Now, after a long break and a complete renovation, Apulo Recreational Park is getting ready to reopen for Holy Week 2026. The story of its return says a lot about the country we are becoming.

A Park Rebuilt for Families

The Salvadoran Institute of Tourism (ISTU) has managed a full remodel of the park, adding new infrastructure, better lighting, and longer hours from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ISTU president Eny Aguiñada says the goal is to create a top-quality, family-friendly space. There will be a breastfeeding and nursing area, and the restaurant zone has been updated so long-time tenants can keep serving the dishes visitors have loved for years.

These changes are important. They show a move away from the old way of just fixing things quickly and reopening. Now, the focus is on creating spaces that offer dignity, safety, and comfort, not just basic access.

A Different Security Reality

Aguiñada pointed out something many Salvadorans know but rarely say: Apulo used to be a place people were afraid to visit. Violence in the area kept families away, even though the lake always stayed beautiful. Today, she says, things are different. The park can reopen because security has improved. No matter how people feel about the country’s changes, it’s clear that places once abandoned are now being brought back.

Part of a Larger Pattern

Apulo’s renovation is part of a bigger trend. Other public spaces, such as Puerta del Diablo, Costa del Sol, and the San Sebastián Tourist Terminal, are also receiving new investment. The government is clearly focusing on tourism, hoping it will boost the economy and help restore national pride.

For people living outside the capital, these projects have a wide impact. They affect how people travel, where families spend time together, and how the country sees itself.

What This Means for Holy Week

Holy Week is one of the busiest travel times of the year in El Salvador. If Apulo opens as planned, thousands of visitors will come between March 29 and April 5. Even more important, they will find a space that feels renewed, both in its appearance and in its meaning.

A park that people once stayed away from is now being made ready for families to return. That, by itself, is a story worth sharing.

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The numbers landed quietly in Diario El Salvador, but they carry the weight of a decade: coffee exports grew 260.5% in January 2026, reaching $28.2 million, the highest January figure in ten years. The scale of that jump is almost disorienting. One year ago, the same month closed at $7.9 million. Now, the country has added more than $20 million in coffee sales in just thirty-one days.

For a crop that has shaped this country’s hillsides, families, and fortunes for more than a century, this kind of surge is more than an economic data point. It’s a reminder that the world is paying attention again.

What the Numbers Reveal

A few details from the report stand out:

• 84.8 thousand quintales of Salvadoran coffee were sold abroad in January, at an average price of $331.60 per quintal.
• The United States remains the dominant buyer, purchasing $18.6 million worth of coffee, followed by Belgium with $3.1 million.
• Smaller but meaningful shipments reached Italy, Finland, Germany, Canada, South Africa, Japan, Australia, and France.
• Coffee alone accounted for 5% of all Salvadoran exports in January.

These aren’t just trade flows—they’re signals of renewed confidence in Salvadoran quality, processing, and consistency. They’re also evidence that the country’s coffee sector, long battered by disease, migration, and low prices, is finding a new footing.

A Personal Thread Back to January

Back on January 23rd, I published a post titled From the Hills of El Salvador to the Markets of Dubai: A Coffee Journey I’ve Watched From the Outside. In it, I wrote about the strange, almost dislocated feeling of watching Salvadoran coffee gain prestige in places around the world—Dubai, Seoul, Tokyo—while living quietly in Cara Sucia, surrounded by the landscapes that grew the beans in the first place.

This new export report feels like a continuation of that same story. The world is not just discovering Salvadoran coffee; it’s actively seeking it out. And from the outside—from the dusty roads of Ahuachapán, from the small fincas tucked between rivers and volcanoes—it feels like watching a long‑overdue recognition unfold.

Why This Moment Matters

Three things make this surge more than a statistical anomaly:

• It breaks a decade-long ceiling. The last “best January” was 2023, with $10.5 million in exports. This year nearly triples that figure.
• It reflects global demand for specialty flavor profiles. Salvadoran coffee’s reputation for sweetness, balance, and altitude-grown complexity is finally translating into real contracts.
• It hints at a broader economic shift. January’s total exports across all sectors grew 8.5%, but coffee’s growth dwarfed everything else. Even sugar—another traditional pillar—grew “only” 111.9% by comparison.

For a country that has often struggled to convert its natural strengths into global opportunity, this is a rare moment of alignment.

Watching From the Ground

Here in the West, the coffee harvest has already moved downhill. Trucks loaded with red cherries have come and gone. The smell of wet parchment has faded from the beneficio floors. Life has returned to its usual rhythms.

But somewhere between these quiet rural days and the polished counters of cafés in Brussels or Boston, Salvadoran coffee is carrying a different story—one of resilience, reinvention, and global curiosity.

And for those of us watching from the outside, it’s a reminder that even in a small country, the world can shift beneath your feet.

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This article is based on a report originally published by the Salvadoran newspaper Diario Latino about El Salvador’s upcoming Economic Census.

El Salvador is preparing to better understand its economy. President Nayib Bukele has signed an executive order for the 8th Economic Census—the first in a long time—and has created a National Census Commission to oversee the process.

While the census might seem important only to economists, it can actually impact jobs, investment, and how public money is used in El Salvador.

What Is an Economic Census?

An Economic Census is a nationwide effort to collect information about businesses and economic activity. In simple terms, it tries to answer questions like:

• How many businesses are operating in El Salvador?
• In what sectors do they work (commerce, services, industry, agriculture, etc.)?
• How many jobs do they create?
• Where are they located, by municipality and department?

This data lets the government plan with real, current information instead of relying on guesses. El Salvador has needed this for quite a while.

Who Will Be in Charge?

The Central Reserve Bank (BCR) will be responsible for the census. Since 2022, the BCR has handled national statistics following the closure of the old Directorate General of Statistics and Censuses.

Reports say the BCR has already:

• Completed 100% of the cartographic update of the country.
• Conducted a pre‑census across the national territory.

They have already mapped out areas and found businesses in all 14 departments, using 18 regional offices. This should help the census run faster and more smoothly.

Part of a Bigger Statistical Effort in 2026

The 8th Economic Census is only one part of a larger plan to update statistics in El Salvador. The government says the economy is a top priority in its second term, which is clear from other upcoming projects:

• A National Agricultural Census will help show how the farming sector is structured and how it supports food security.
• A National Household Income and Expenditure Survey will measure living conditions, what Salvadoran families spend money on, and how much they spend on food and health.

All these studies together will give a clearer and more complete picture of how people in El Salvador live, work, and produce.

Why Is This Happening Now?

This decision comes at a time when El Salvador’s economy is sending mixed signals:

• The government estimated growth above 4% at the end of 2025.
• International organizations, such as the IMF, have more cautious forecasts.

In times like this, having reliable data is essential. Without it, it’s hard to know:

• Whether economic growth is reaching ordinary people through more and better jobs.
• Which sectors are really driving the economy and could receive more support?
• Which regions are being left behind and need more public investment?

Trying to make public policy without solid data is like driving at night with no headlights.

How Will the Institutions Work Together?

A census of this size needs more than one institution. Many agencies have to work together and share information.

The newly created National Census Commission will bring together:

• Ministries and public institutions related to the economy and social policy.
• The National Registry of Persons.
• The Salvadoran Social Security Institute (ISSS).
• Municipal governments.
• Other public bodies that handle statistics and records.

The aim is to avoid duplicating work, share information in an organized way, and build a clear, unified picture of El Salvador’s economy.

Catching Up After Years Without an Economic Census

International standards recommend that countries do a census every 10 years. El Salvador has missed this timeline, leaving a significant gap in economic information.

That’s why the 8th Economic Census is more than just another government project. It can also be viewed as:

• A gesture toward greater transparency by publishing clear, verifiable data on economic activity.
• A move toward evidence‑based planning, instead of decisions based only on political interests or impressions.
• An effort to get in line with international best practices in the field of official statistics.

What Will This Mean for People, Businesses, and Communities?

Even though many details like dates and questionnaires are still being decided, we can already see some possible benefits if the census is done well:

small and medium businesses

• Better information about how many businesses like theirs exist and where.
• Data to understand if their sector is growing or shrinking.
• A better foundation for requesting loans, investments, or support programs.

investors (local and foreign)

• A clearer idea of the size and location of economic activity.
• More confidence when deciding whether to open or expand operations in the country.
• Less uncertainty when planning long-term projects.

citizens and local governments

• Tools to demand public policies based on real needs.
• Information to prioritize projects such as roads, markets, training centers, or industrial parks.
• A clearer idea of where jobs are being created and where opportunities are still missing.

A Needed Step Toward a Better Economic Future

For years, El Salvador has tried to grow without a clear understanding of its current economy. The 8th Economic Census and other studies planned for 2026 are a chance to change that.

If the process is done carefully, with strong technical standards and transparency, the country will have a powerful tool to:

• Design smarter and more effective public policies.
• Attract investment that responds to the country’s real situation.
• Build a development model that is more strategic and less improvised.

As data becomes more valuable, updating our economic information is no longer just a nice-to-have. It’s a necessary step if El Salvador wants to grow sustainably and inclusively.

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When Condé Nast Traveler, a respected travel magazine, makes a recommendation, people notice, especially those searching for their next adventure. Their latest list of seven wonders to visit in 2026 includes a local treasure: El Imposible National Park in El Salvador.

According to a story from Diario La Página on February 27, 2026, El Imposible is now recognized not only as a beautiful park but as a must-see natural wonder around the world. For a small country often overlooked by tourists, this is big news.

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Why El Imposible Matters So Much

El Imposible has long been a favorite spot for hikers, birdwatchers, and nature lovers in El Salvador. Now, this new recognition is putting it on the map for people everywhere. Here’s what makes it special:

• A biodiversity hotspot
  El Imposible is home to:
  • Hundreds of bird species, including hawks, toucans, and migratory birds
  • Endemic and endangered species that rely on this forest to survive
  • Dense tropical forest, rivers, waterfalls, and stunning viewpoints
• A living representation of El Salvador’s natural heritage
  El Salvador is often known for its fast-growing cities and its history of conflict and migration, but El Imposible proves there’s much more to the country than headlines suggest. It’s a place where:
  • You can still walk for hours under a closed canopy of trees
  • You hear more birds than cars.
  • You’re reminded that this land has strong roots and stories older than any of us.
• A sign of what is possible
  In an interesting twist, “El Imposible” is turning into a symbol of what El Salvador can achieve:
  • To protect natural areas
  • To welcome respectful tourism
  • To appear on the global platform for something positive, beautiful, and hopeful

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What This Recognition Means for El Salvador

Being named one of the seven wonders to visit in 2026 is more than just a compliment in a travel magazine. It could really make a difference:

1. More international visitors
   Adventurous travelers who may not have considered El Salvador before might now start planning trips, drawn by the mix of:
   • World‑class surfing
   • Coffee country in the highlands
   • And now, a globally recognized natural wonder
2. A boost for local communities
   Communities near El Imposible, like guides, small lodges, local restaurants, and transport providers, can benefit if tourism is handled with care and respect for nature.
3. Stronger arguments for conservation
   When a place becomes known as a world-class destination, it’s harder to ignore the importance of:
   • Environmental protection
   • Responsible development
   • Long‑term planning so that the forest doesn’t pay the price for short‑term profit

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Visiting El Imposible in 2026 (and Beyond)

If you’re planning a trip to El Salvador in 2026, or if you live here and haven’t visited yet, now is a great time to add El Imposible to your plans.

What to expect when visiting:

• Tough but satisfying hikes
  The park is not a manicured city park; it is a real forest. Trails can be steep and hot, but the rewards are worth it: rivers, viewpoints, and the feeling of being truly surrounded by nature.
• Local guides
  It’s a good idea to go with a local guide:
  • They know the safest routes.
  • They help you spot wildlife.
  • Your visit directly supports people who live near the park.
• Simple infrastructure, big rewards
  You won’t find luxury hotels inside the forest. Instead, expect:
  • Basic facilities at the entrances
  • Lodges, hostels, and eco‑stays in nearby towns
  • A chance to take a break from the pace of daily life

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A Personal Viewpoint on El Imposible

For those who call El Salvador home, or have chosen to live here, this recognition means a lot. We’re used to seeing our country in the news for negative reasons. Seeing El Imposible named a wonder of the world worth visiting is truly moving.

It’s a notice that:

• El Salvador is more than its past.
• Our future can be rooted in caring for the land we have.
• The world is starting to notice the beauty we already know is here.

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Gazing Forward

When Diario La Página shared the news about Condé Nast Traveler’s list on February 27, 2026, it was more than a travel update. It was a proud moment for El Salvador.

Now that El Imposible is on the world’s bucket list, we all have a clear challenge and opportunity:

• Visit responsibly
• Support local communities
• Protect the forest
• And keep proving that, in El Salvador, even “the impossible” is possible.

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Life in El Salvador has clearly changed in recent years. Neighborhood stores are making a comeback. According to Diario El Salvador, better security has helped these small shops grow by about 23%.

People who lived here during the hardest years of violence know this is more than just a statistic. Back then, many small business owners were too afraid to open, expand, or stay open late. Now, more people are out walking, more families shop nearby, and more entrepreneurs are starting or improving their stores.

This growth in neighborhood stores has led to several changes:

• Families now have more convenience. Instead of traveling far for basics, many people can find what they need just a short walk from home.
• These stores create local jobs and income. Even a small shop can support a family, give a young person a job, and help keep money in the community.
• They also help build a stronger sense of community. These shops are more than just places to buy things. They are small meeting spots where neighbors talk, catch up, and look out for each other.

Better security has made all of this possible. When people feel safe, they are more likely to invest, open businesses, stay open longer, and offer more products. Customers also feel comfortable going out early or late, which helps these stores grow.

To outsiders, a 23% rise in neighborhood stores might seem like just a number. But for those of us who live here, it means much more. It marks a return to normal daily life. Being able to walk to the corner, buy a soda or rice, chat with the owner, and go home without fear is the kind of normal life many Salvadorans missed for years.

For us, seeing this change is a quiet but powerful sign that security policies are changing daily life in El Salvador. It is not just about numbers. It is about seeing more doors open, more lights on at night, and more hope for small neighborhood businesses everywhere.

Personal Reflection

Here in Cara Sucia, I have seen many small businesses open in the past year. This trend is happening both here and across the country. When I retired here in 2011, I never imagined the area would grow as much as it has.

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