Our Life In El Salvador

Author: Hugh Talley

  • Regional Trade Strengthens El Salvador’s Pharmaceutical Industry

    Salvadoran pharmaceutical manufacturing is creating skilled jobs while supplying medicines to markets across Central America.

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    El Salvador’s pharmaceutical industry is becoming an increasingly important part of the country’s manufacturing and export economy.

    According to a recent report from La Prensa Gráfica, trade in packaged medicines among Central American countries exceeded $700 million in 2025. These products include medicines prepared in measured doses for therapeutic or preventive use.

    El Salvador exported more than $180 million in this category during 2025. Guatemala was the country’s largest regional trading partner for these products.

    The figures show that El Salvador is developing the ability to manufacture regulated products that can compete throughout Central America. This is important for a country seeking to diversify its economy beyond traditional exports such as clothing, coffee, and sugar.

    Central America Provides an Important Market

    El Salvador is a relatively small country with a limited domestic market. However, regional economic integration allows Salvadoran manufacturers to reach millions of additional consumers across Central America.

    Through July 2026, the country exported approximately $94.9 million in packaged medicines. Of that amount, $65.9 million went to other Central American countries.

    In other words, nearly 70% of these pharmaceutical exports remained within the region.

    This demonstrates the importance of intraregional trade. Salvadoran pharmaceutical companies do not have to depend entirely on local demand or distant international markets. Neighboring countries provide a natural destination for products manufactured here.

    Regional trade also offers practical advantages. Transportation distances are shorter, markets have similar needs, and participating countries have worked to establish common regulations.

    However, differences in how countries interpret and apply those regulations can still create difficulties. Carmen Pérez, president of the Salvadoran Association of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Industries, known as INQUIFAR, said the region needs a common direction.

    Industry representatives plan to discuss these challenges at a regional meeting. Greater regulatory cooperation could make it easier to register, manufacture, and distribute medicines across Central America.

    Any effort to simplify the process must continue to protect patients. Regional integration should reduce unnecessary barriers without weakening standards for quality, effectiveness, and safety.

    A Modern and Productive Industry

    The production capacity reported by the industry is impressive. Some companies associated with INQUIFAR can reportedly manufacture as many as 100,000 tablets per hour, depending on their facilities and level of investment.

    Technology is also helping manufacturers produce medicines more quickly and develop new products. In addition to packaged medicines, Salvadoran companies are expanding into cosmetics, nutritional supplements, and other health-related products.

    This type of manufacturing requires much more than machinery. It depends on trained pharmacists, chemists, laboratory technicians, engineers, quality-control specialists, and production employees.

    According to INQUIFAR, the Salvadoran pharmaceutical sector currently provides more than 6,150 jobs. Average monthly salaries reportedly exceed $1,000, making the industry one of the country’s better-paying employment sectors.

    These are the kinds of jobs El Salvador needs. They require education and technical preparation, but they can also offer workers greater stability and opportunities for advancement.

    INQUIFAR is working with the National Institute of Training and Education to help prepare pharmaceutical professionals. That cooperation will be important if the industry continues expanding.

    Manufacturers cannot increase production without enough qualified people to operate laboratories, supervise manufacturing, ensure quality, and comply with health regulations.

    The 2026 Outlook Requires Some Caution

    Industry representatives expect the pharmaceutical sector to finish 2026 with positive results. Nevertheless, the available numbers do not yet confirm that growth.

    El Salvador exported more than $180 million in packaged medicines during 2025. Through July 2026, exports had reached $94.9 million.

    If exports continued at approximately the same monthly pace, the year-end total would be below the amount reported for 2025. Sales could accelerate during the final months, but we should wait for the complete annual figures before concluding that exports have increased.

    The wider pharmaceutical sector also experienced a reported contraction of 1.5% in 2025. Therefore, strong intraregional trade does not mean that every part of the industry grew during the year.

    This does not take away from the sector’s accomplishments. It simply reminds us to distinguish between current results and expectations for future growth.

    What Does This Mean for Salvadorans?

    Pharmaceutical exports can benefit El Salvador by creating jobs, attracting investment, strengthening technical education, and bringing additional income into the country.

    However, another question deserves attention: Will a stronger domestic pharmaceutical industry improve access to medicines for Salvadorans?

    Export success does not automatically produce lower prices at local pharmacies. The final cost of medicine can also be affected by imported ingredients, packaging, transportation, distribution, regulations, and retail markups.

    Still, having a strong national manufacturing base could provide El Salvador with greater supply security. It may reduce dependence on some imported finished products and make the country better prepared for regional or international disruptions.

    As the industry grows, it would be helpful to receive more information about the types of medicines manufactured locally. The public should also know how many products are sold within El Salvador and whether domestic production is improving availability or affordability.

    An Industry With Room to Grow

    Germany, Switzerland, and the United States remain among the world’s leading pharmaceutical exporters. El Salvador will not compete with those countries on the same scale anytime soon.

    Nevertheless, the country does not have to become a global pharmaceutical giant for the industry to make a meaningful economic contribution.

    El Salvador can establish itself as an important Central American producer of reliable medicines, supplements, cosmetics, and related products. Its central location, manufacturing experience, regional trade agreements, and growing technical workforce provide a foundation for further development.

    The pharmaceutical sector also represents something larger. It shows that El Salvador can manufacture products requiring technology, scientific knowledge, quality control, and compliance with strict standards.

    The reported export figures are encouraging, but several questions remain. Will exports surpass their 2025 level? Can universities and technical institutions prepare enough qualified workers? Will Central American governments successfully standardize their regulations? Most importantly, will the industry’s growth improve the availability and affordability of medicine for the Salvadoran people?

    Regional trade has clearly given the industry an important market. The next challenge is turning that opportunity into sustainable growth, skilled employment, and benefits that reach people throughout El Salvador.

    If you enjoy reading about El Salvador’s development, economy, tourism, culture, environment, and continuing transformation, please consider liking and sharing this article. Your comments help start conversations, and subscribing ensures you never miss a new post. Every interaction helps our blog reach more readers and lets us keep sharing stories about life in El Salvador.

  • El Salvador’s International Reserves Surpass $5.1 Billion—but What Does That Mean?

    El Salvador’s International Reserves Surpass $5.1 Billion—but What Does That Mean?

    El Salvador’s net international reserves reached approximately $5.14 billion at the end of August 2026, giving the country a larger financial cushion against economic emergencies and disruptions.

    This is encouraging news for El Salvador. However, the figures deserve a closer examination because the increase does not mean that the government suddenly accumulated more than $5 billion that it can spend. International reserves serve a specific purpose, and some of the money belongs to or supports the country’s banking system.

    There is also some confusion over the percentage reported in the original newspaper article.

    Correcting the Percentage

    Diario El Salvador reported that the country’s international reserves grew by 15.2% in August. However, the figures included in the article do not produce that percentage.

    According to the report, net international reserves increased from approximately $4.36 billion in August 2025 to $5.14 billion in August 2026. That represents a year-over-year increase of about 18%, or approximately $783 million.

    Other published figures show that the reserves stood at approximately $4.48 billion at the end of December 2025. Compared with the August 2026 total, that represents an increase of approximately $658 million, or 14.7%, during the first eight months of this year.

    The increase from July to August was much smaller. Reserves rose by approximately $44.6 million during the month, an increase of about 0.9%.

    Regardless of which comparison is used, the important point is that El Salvador’s reserves have grown substantially over the past year and have remained above $5 billion since April.

    They reached approximately $5.17 billion in June, declined slightly in July and recovered to $5.14 billion in August. This suggests that the higher level has been reasonably stable rather than resulting from one temporary monthly increase.

    What Are International Reserves?

    International reserves are foreign assets controlled by a country’s monetary authorities and available when needed.

    They can include foreign currency, deposits, financial securities, monetary gold, Special Drawing Rights from the International Monetary Fund and other reserve assets.

    In practical terms, they serve as a country’s emergency financial cushion. They can help a nation meet international payment obligations, respond to financial disruptions and maintain confidence in its banking system.

    Strong reserves are particularly important for El Salvador because the country uses the U.S. dollar. El Salvador cannot simply create additional dollars if the financial system experiences a shortage. It must earn, borrow or otherwise attract dollars into the economy.

    A healthy supply of liquid international assets can therefore help protect the country when it faces an economic shock, a decline in remittances, weaker exports or sudden pressure on the banking system.

    Where Did the Increase Come From?

    The growth in reserves is positive, but it should not be described simply as additional government savings.

    Part of the increase appears to be connected to stronger liquidity requirements for Salvadoran banks.

    Under El Salvador’s agreement with the International Monetary Fund, banks have been required to hold larger liquid reserves at the Central Reserve Bank. These requirements are intended to strengthen the financial system and ensure banks have enough readily available resources to respond to withdrawals or other emergencies.

    The IMF has explained that the reserve deposits of Salvadoran commercial banks at the Central Reserve Bank are one of the principal sources supporting the country’s gross international reserves.

    In other words, some of the growth occurred because banks are holding more liquid assets at the Central Reserve Bank. This is beneficial for financial stability, but the money cannot be treated as unrestricted government funds.

    International financing has also contributed.

    In February 2025, the IMF approved a 40-month, $1.4 billion financing program for El Salvador. One of the program’s objectives is to rebuild the country’s external and financial reserves.

    The entire $1.4 billion was not delivered at once. The money is being made available in stages, depending on El Salvador’s compliance with the conditions and financial targets established under the agreement.

    As of early September 2026, approximately $231 million had been disbursed. The IMF and Salvadoran authorities recently reached a staff-level agreement that could allow another $140 million to be released, subject to approval by the IMF Executive Board.

    The IMF reported that El Salvador had exceeded its reserve and liquidity targets. It also said economic activity had performed better than expected, supported by investment, private consumption, remittances, tourism and capital inflows.

    Growth in bank deposits and strong remittance flows may also be supporting the higher reserve total.

    Gold Contributed to the Increase

    Reports based on Central Reserve Bank figures indicate that the value of El Salvador’s gold reserves increased during 2026.

    Some reports place their value at approximately $307.5 million in August, compared with $250.3 million at the end of December 2025. That would represent an increase of approximately 22.9%.

    However, a rise in the value of the country’s gold reserves does not necessarily mean that El Salvador purchased that amount of additional gold. Gold is valued according to international market prices, so part of the increase could result from changes in the price of the metal.

    Published reports also contain different figures for the value of the country’s gold holdings. That is another reason the composition of the reserves should be explained more clearly.

    A Positive Development—but Questions Remain

    Surpassing $5.1 billion in international reserves is a positive development for El Salvador. It strengthens the country’s financial protection and may improve confidence among banks, international lenders and potential investors.

    It may also support El Salvador’s effort to improve its international credit standing. A country with stronger reserves is generally viewed as being better prepared to meet its foreign obligations and withstand economic problems.

    However, the total dollar amount does not tell the entire story.

    To understand the country’s true financial position, we also need to know how much of the increase came from loans, how much came from bank liquidity requirements and how much resulted from remittances, exports, investment or higher asset values.

    We should also ask how many months of imports the reserves could cover and how they compare with El Salvador’s upcoming foreign-debt payments.

    Borrowed money can strengthen reserves and provide valuable financial protection, but loans must eventually be repaid. Long-term financial strength will depend on El Salvador generating more dollars through exports, tourism, foreign investment, productive businesses and sustainable economic growth.

    My Perspective

    I consider this encouraging news for El Salvador.

    The country has increased its financial cushion, remained above $5 billion in reserves for several consecutive months and exceeded targets established under the IMF program. These achievements can help protect the banking system and strengthen confidence in the Salvadoran economy.

    At the same time, we should be careful not to describe the reserves as money available for ordinary government spending. A substantial portion has specific financial purposes, and some of the growth is connected to banking requirements and international financing.

    The real test will be whether El Salvador can maintain and continue building its reserves through productive economic activity rather than depending heavily on borrowed money.

    Economic progress should be recognized when it occurs, but the public also deserves a clear explanation of what the numbers mean, where the money came from and whether the improvement can be sustained.

    For now, reaching $5.14 billion represents another positive sign for El Salvador’s economy—one that deserves recognition, along with careful and transparent analysis.

    If you enjoy reading about El Salvador’s development, economy, tourism, culture, environment, and continuing transformation, please consider liking and sharing this article. Your comments help start conversations, and subscribing ensures you never miss a new post. Every interaction helps our blog reach more readers and lets us keep sharing stories about life in El Salvador.

  • More Than 360 Electric Vehicles Strengthen El Salvador’s Territorial Control Plan

    Electric motorcycles provide Salvadoran police officers with a modern and potentially more economical way to patrol communities.

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    El Salvador continues to modernize its public security forces. More than 360 electric vehicles have now been incorporated into the Territorial Control Plan.


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    The latest addition includes 65 electric motorcycles delivered to the National Civil Police. These motorcycles will help officers patrol communities and respond to incidents. They will also provide a visible police presence in places where larger vehicles may be less practical.

    This investment brings together two important priorities for El Salvador: maintaining public security and introducing cleaner, more efficient transportation.

    A Practical Tool for Police Patrols

    Motorcycles can be particularly useful for police work. Officers can move through congested streets, narrow community roads, parks, commercial districts, and residential neighborhoods more easily than they can in a patrol car.

    Electric motorcycles also operate more quietly than traditional gasoline-powered models. This could be useful during certain patrol operations while reducing noise in the communities where officers work.

    Their smaller size and maneuverability may allow the police to respond more quickly in crowded areas. They could also help officers patrol public spaces where regular vehicles cannot travel easily.

    However, the effectiveness of these motorcycles will depend on where and how they are deployed.

    Potential Savings and Environmental Benefits

    Electric vehicles do not consume gasoline while operating, and their electric motors generally have fewer moving parts than conventional engines. This could eventually reduce fuel expenses and some routine maintenance costs.

    Those savings could become important when multiplied across hundreds of government vehicles operating every day.

    The environmental benefits should also be recognized. Electric motorcycles produce no exhaust emissions while being driven. Adding them to a government fleet sends a message that cleaner transportation can have a place in El Salvador’s public institutions.

    This program may also give the government valuable experience with charging systems, battery performance, maintenance, and the everyday demands of operating electric vehicles.

    That knowledge could help guide future decisions involving police vehicles, municipal fleets, public transportation, and other government services.

    Questions That Still Need Answers

    The announcement is encouraging, but the number of vehicles alone does not tell us whether the program will be successful.

    Several practical questions remain.

    How far can these motorcycles travel on a full charge? How long does it take to recharge them? Where will the charging stations be located? What is the expected life of the batteries, and how much will replacements cost?

    It would also be helpful to know how much the government expects to save on gasoline and maintenance compared with conventional motorcycles.

    These details would allow Salvadorans to judge the investment based on its long-term performance rather than only the number of vehicles delivered.

    Will Rural Communities Benefit?

    Another important question is how widely the electric vehicles will be distributed.

    They may be well suited for San Salvador and other urban areas where distances are shorter and charging facilities can be installed at police stations. Conditions are different in rural parts of El Salvador.

    Communities such as Cara Sucia and the surrounding areas of Ahuachapán include longer travel distances, rough roads, intense heat, and places where charging facilities may not yet be readily available.

    People living outside the capital should know whether these vehicles will eventually strengthen patrols in their communities or remain concentrated mainly in the larger cities.

    Electric motorcycles could still be useful in rural districts, but their range, durability, and charging infrastructure will be critical.

    More Than a Vehicle Purchase

    The incorporation of more than 360 electric vehicles represents more than another equipment purchase. It is also a real-world test of whether electric transportation can meet the demanding needs of public security in El Salvador.

    If the motorcycles prove reliable, reduce operating expenses, and help officers patrol more effectively, the program could become an example for other government institutions.

    Modern equipment can support the police officers responsible for protecting communities, but the final measure of success will be what the investment accomplishes in daily operations.

    For now, this appears to be a positive step toward combining security, modernization, and environmental responsibility. The government should continue the program while providing the public with clear information about costs, savings, vehicle performance, and their distribution throughout the country.

    That transparency would help Salvadorans understand whether these vehicles are delivering lasting value—not only for the Territorial Control Plan, but also for the communities it is intended to protect.

    What do you think about adding electric vehicles to El Salvador’s police fleet? Could they improve patrols in both cities and rural communities? Share your thoughts in the comments. If you enjoy following El Salvador’s continuing development and transformation, please like and share this article and subscribe to receive future posts.

  • Sunset Park Welcomes More Than 2.4 Million Visitors to El Salvador’s Pacific Coast

    Sunset Park has welcomed more than 2.4 million visitors, becoming one of El Salvador’s most popular family attractions.

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    Sunset Park has welcomed more than 2.4 million visitors since opening at the Port of La Libertad, demonstrating the continuing popularity of one of El Salvador’s most distinctive family attractions.

    According to a report published by Diario El Salvador, Salvadoran families and international tourists have continued visiting the oceanfront amusement park to enjoy its mechanical rides, food, entertainment, and views of the Pacific Ocean.

    The impressive attendance figure shows that Sunset Park was not simply a temporary attraction that drew attention when it opened. It has become an established part of the country’s growing tourism industry and the continuing transformation of the La Libertad coast.

    An Amusement Park Beside the Pacific Ocean

    Sunset Park opened in August 2022 as part of the renovated Tourist Complex at the Port of La Libertad. Its location makes it different from a conventional amusement park. Visitors can enjoy the rides while looking across the Pacific Ocean, walking through the port complex, eating at nearby restaurants, and watching one of El Salvador’s beautiful coastal sunsets.

    The park’s principal attractions include a Ferris wheel, roller coaster, carousel, pirate ship, and frog-jumping ride. These attractions were donated by the People’s Republic of China as part of its cooperation with El Salvador.

    The Ferris wheel has become one of the most recognizable images of the Port of La Libertad. It offers visitors an elevated view of the ocean, coastline, and surrounding tourist complex.

    Admission to Sunset Park is free, although visitors must pay separately to use the mechanical rides. This arrangement allows families to enter the park, enjoy the surroundings, and decide how much they want to spend.

    That accessibility is an important part of the park’s appeal. Tourism development should not be limited to expensive resorts or attractions that many Salvadoran families cannot afford. Public recreational spaces should also provide ordinary families with opportunities to spend time together.

    More Than an Attendance Figure

    The reported total of more than 2.4 million visitors is an impressive achievement for an attraction that has operated for only a few years.

    However, the figure should probably be understood as the number of recorded visits rather than 2.4 million different individuals. Many Salvadoran families may have visited Sunset Park several times, particularly during holidays, school vacations, and special events.

    Repeat visits do not make the achievement any less meaningful. In fact, they may demonstrate that the park continues to offer an experience that families want to enjoy again.

    The attendance also shows that tourism in La Libertad extends beyond surfing. Surf City has successfully introduced El Salvador’s beaches to an international audience, but not every visitor comes to surf.

    Families may want safe places where children can play. Older visitors may prefer restaurants, ocean views, and comfortable areas where they can walk and relax. International tourists may want to experience the coast without spending the entire day on the beach.

    Sunset Park helps provide these additional options.

    Benefits for the Surrounding Community

    A successful attraction can create economic activity far beyond its entrance.

    Visitors traveling to Sunset Park may purchase meals, transportation, souvenirs, snacks, and other services. They may also visit the nearby seafood market, walk along the renovated port, explore neighboring beaches, or stay overnight in the area.

    This activity can benefit restaurants, hotels, tour operators, transportation providers, artisans, street vendors, and other local businesses.

    The park also gives people another reason to remain in the area longer. A family might visit the beach during the day, eat dinner at the port, and enjoy Sunset Park during the evening. Extending the amount of time visitors spend in a destination can increase the economic benefits received by the surrounding community.

    The real value of tourism should not be judged solely by how many people arrive. It should also be measured by the employment created, the opportunities provided to small businesses, and the money that remains within local communities.

    Part of El Salvador’s Continuing Transformation

    Sunset Park is also connected to the broader transformation of El Salvador’s public spaces and tourism infrastructure.

    For many years, insecurity prevented families from comfortably visiting certain parts of the country, particularly after dark. El Salvador’s improved security environment has made it possible for more residents and tourists to travel, attend public events, and enjoy recreational areas with greater confidence.

    Infrastructure improvements along the coast have also helped change the public image of the country. New roads, parks, tourism facilities, restaurants, and public spaces are presenting visitors with a side of El Salvador that was frequently overlooked internationally.

    Sunset Park offers a visible example of that change. A modern amusement park beside the Pacific Ocean is not something many international visitors expect to find in El Salvador.

    When visitors photograph the Ferris wheel, enjoy the sunset, and share their experiences online, they help introduce the country to people who may still associate El Salvador primarily with the difficulties of its past.

    Maintaining the Park for the Future

    Reaching more than 2.4 million visits is worth celebrating, but continued success will depend on how well Sunset Park is maintained.

    Mechanical rides require regular inspections and professional maintenance. The surrounding areas must remain clean, secure, and welcoming. Prices should remain reasonable enough for Salvadoran families, and traffic and parking must be managed as the number of visitors grows.

    Authorities should also continue evaluating how the park benefits nearby workers and small businesses. Strong attendance is encouraging, but the wider purpose of tourism development should be to improve opportunities for Salvadorans.

    If the park remains affordable, properly maintained, and connected to the surrounding community, it can continue serving families and supporting tourism for many years.

    Our Thoughts

    The arrival of more than 2.4 million visitors shows that Sunset Park has become much more than a collection of amusement rides. It has developed into a family gathering place, a recognizable tourism landmark, and an important part of the renewed Port of La Libertad.

    The park demonstrates that tourism development can serve international visitors while also providing recreational opportunities for Salvadoran residents. That balance is important. The people of El Salvador should be able to enjoy the improvements being made in their own country.

    Sunset Park also shows how one carefully placed attraction can complement beaches, restaurants, public spaces, and nearby businesses. Its success supports the idea that El Salvador’s tourism industry can continue expanding beyond traditional destinations and offer something for visitors of different ages and interests.

    The 2.4 million figure is impressive, but the families enjoying time together may be the park’s most meaningful accomplishment.

    Have you visited Sunset Park at the Port of La Libertad? What was your experience, and which attraction did you enjoy the most? Please share your thoughts in the comments.

    If you enjoy our stories about El Salvador’s development, tourism, culture, economy, and continuing transformation, please consider liking, commenting, sharing, and subscribing to our blog. Every interaction helps more readers discover our work and learn about life in El Salvador.

  • El Salvador Expands High-Value Cacao Production Across 600 Manzanas

    Salvadoran farmers establish young cacao trees as part of a productive reforestation effort intended to create rural opportunities and expand high-value cacao production.

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    El Salvador is investing more than $7 million in a national program designed to increase cacao production, restore rural land, and create new economic opportunities for farming families.

    According to Diario El Salvador, the Ministry of Local Development is leading the Productive Reforestation with High-Value Cacao Program. The initiative plans to establish cacao-based agroforestry systems across 600 manzanas of land in several parts of the country.

    For English-speaking readers, the Spanish word manzana refers to a measurement of land—not the apple fruit. Six hundred manzanas represent approximately 419 hectares or 1,035 acres.

    The project could become an important part of El Salvador’s agricultural development. However, its greatest opportunity may extend beyond simply planting cacao trees. If properly supported, it could help the country build a larger industry based on Salvadoran cacao, chocolate, and other finished products.

    Supporting 320 Cacao Producers

    The program currently involves approximately 320 producers who own the land where the cacao trees are being planted.

    This is an important part of the initiative because it allows farming families to participate directly in the project. The producers are not simply working on a government-owned plantation. They are developing crops on their own property with technical support from participating institutions.

    The program is operating in 14 prioritized districts and surrounding communities in Chalatenango, Morazán, and San Miguel.

    An initial distribution of 17,000 cacao trees was directed toward communities in Morazán and Chalatenango. The trees are being planted in irrigated plots under the supervision of specialists who can help farmers establish and manage their crops.

    Technical assistance will be essential because cacao requires careful attention to soil conditions, shade, water, disease prevention, pruning, harvesting, fermentation, and drying. Producing premium cacao requires much more than placing young trees in the ground.

    The Ministry of Local Development is coordinating the project with the Ministry of Environment, the National Center for Agricultural and Forestry Technology, commonly known as CENTA, and local governments.

    Combining Agriculture With Reforestation

    One of the most encouraging parts of the program is its use of agroforestry.

    Cacao normally grows best with some shade. Farmers can plant it among taller trees and other crops rather than clearing the land for a single-crop plantation. When managed correctly, this system can protect the soil, retain moisture, provide wildlife habitat, and increase tree cover.

    Agroforestry can also give farmers more than one source of income. Depending on how the farms are designed, producers may be able to grow fruit, timber, plantains, or other useful crops alongside cacao.

    This type of agricultural diversification can make rural families less dependent on a single harvest. It may also provide additional protection when weather, disease, or changing market prices affect one particular crop.

    The environmental and agricultural goals of the program therefore support one another. The land can be reforested while remaining productive and capable of generating income for the people who own and care for it.

    Opportunities for Women and Young People

    The government estimates that the program could generate more than 8,000 jobs during its implementation, with particular attention given to employment opportunities for women and young people.

    This could be significant for rural communities where dependable employment is often limited. Agriculture should offer more than temporary manual labor. It can also create opportunities in farm management, nursery operations, quality control, transportation, packaging, marketing, chocolate production, and the development of new businesses.

    The projected number of jobs is impressive, although additional details would help the public understand its full meaning. It is unclear how many positions will be permanent, how many will be seasonal, and how many will be temporary jobs connected to planting and establishing the new farms.

    The strongest long-term results would come from creating an entire cacao economy rather than employment limited to the project’s early stages.

    Cacao Can Become Much More Than a Raw Crop

    Cacao has considerable economic potential because value can be added at several points between the farm and the customer.

    Farmers can sell properly fermented and dried cacao beans. Salvadoran businesses can then turn those beans into chocolate, cocoa powder, beverages, cosmetics, candies, baked goods, and specialty products.

    This is where El Salvador could create the greatest economic benefit.

    Exporting raw cacao can bring income into the country, but processing it locally can create more jobs and allow a larger portion of the final value to remain in Salvadoran communities.

    High-quality Salvadoran chocolate could also become part of the country’s growing tourism economy. Hotels, restaurants, cafés, gift shops, airports, and tourism destinations could offer locally produced chocolate and cacao products to visitors.

    Travelers increasingly look for products connected to the culture and agriculture of the places they visit. Salvadoran cacao could become another product representing the country internationally, alongside coffee, handicrafts, rum, and other national goods.

    Producers Will Need Long-Term Support

    The project is promising, but cacao is not a crop that produces immediate financial returns. Newly planted trees require several years before they begin providing a meaningful harvest.

    Farmers will need continued assistance during that period. Technical training, irrigation, disease management, access to supplies, and possibly financial support will be important while the trees mature.

    Reliable buyers will also be necessary. Producers need to know that a dependable market will exist when their cacao is ready for sale.

    Several practical questions should be followed as the program develops:

    Successful cacao production will require access to nearby fermentation and drying facilities. Cooperatives or producer associations could also help farmers negotiate fair prices and reach dependable buyers. Partnerships with Salvadoran processing companies would keep more of the crop’s value inside the country, while technical assistance could help producers meet the quality standards required by international markets.


    It will also be important to monitor how many trees survive, how much cacao the farms eventually produce, and how much participating families earn from the program.

    These questions are not reasons to oppose the initiative. They represent the next steps required to turn an ambitious planting program into a successful and sustainable industry.

    Measuring the Program’s Real Results

    The number of trees distributed and the amount of land planted are useful early measurements, but they cannot tell the entire story.

    The program’s lasting success should eventually be measured by:

    • The survival and productivity of the cacao trees
    • The quality of the harvested beans
    • The income earned by participating farmers
    • The number of permanent jobs created
    • The participation of women and young people
    • The amount of land restored through agroforestry
    • The growth of Salvadoran cacao-processing businesses
    • The development of local and international markets

    These results will require several years to evaluate. Agriculture does not change overnight, and a cacao tree cannot be rushed into production.

    That makes consistent support and long-term planning especially important.

    Building a Salvadoran Cacao Industry

    In my opinion, this is one of El Salvador’s more interesting agricultural initiatives because it connects rural development with environmental restoration and higher-value production.

    The investment could help farming families diversify their crops, improve degraded land, and participate in a growing market. It could also create new opportunities for Salvadoran entrepreneurs who want to produce chocolate and other cacao-based products.

    The real objective should not be limited to cultivating 600 manzanas of cacao. El Salvador should work toward building a complete national cacao industry—from nurseries and farms to fermentation, processing, packaging, marketing, tourism, and exports.

    If the program continues providing technical assistance and helps farmers connect with dependable buyers and processors, these young trees could eventually produce much more than cacao. They could generate stable rural employment, support family businesses, restore the environment, and create another high-quality Salvadoran product for the world.

    If you enjoy reading about El Salvador’s agriculture, economy, environment, and continuing development, please consider liking this post, sharing your thoughts in the comments, and subscribing to our blog. Your participation helps more readers discover our stories and supports the continued growth of Our Life in El Salvador.

  • New Health Unit Brings Medical Care Closer to 9,000 Residents of Jicalapa

    The new health unit will bring primary and preventive medical care closer to approximately 9,000 residents of Jicalapa and nearby communities in La Libertad.

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    Access to dependable healthcare is important in every community, but it is especially valuable in rural areas where residents may have to travel considerable distances for even basic medical attention.

    According to Diario El Salvador, approximately 9,000 people in Jicalapa and nearby communities in La Libertad Costa will benefit from a new health unit constructed by the Directorate of Municipal Works (DOM).

    The facility represents more than another government building. It brings essential medical services closer to families who previously may have faced transportation expenses, lengthy travel, and lost time from work whenever they needed treatment.

    A Modern Facility for a Rural Community

    The new health unit was constructed on an area of approximately 834 square meters. It has five consulting rooms where patients can receive several types of primary care.

    Services are expected to include:

    • General medical consultations
    • Dental care
    • Vaccinations
    • Treatment of acute respiratory infections
    • Wound care
    • Injections
    • Sterilization services
    • Access to a pharmacy

    The facility also includes a waiting room, storage and archive areas, administrative offices, space for doctors and nurses, electrical and water-treatment systems, and separate restrooms for patients and employees.

    Accessibility was also included in the design. Ramps will help people with disabilities or limited mobility enter the building more easily. The property has ambulance parking, improved drainage, a modern electrical network, fire-protection equipment, security walls, green spaces, and landscaped areas.

    These details matter because a health unit should be safe, accessible, and comfortable for everyone who needs its services.

    Bringing Healthcare Closer to the People

    People living in larger cities often have several clinics, pharmacies, laboratories, and hospitals within a relatively short distance. The situation can be very different for families living in rural districts.

    A simple medical visit may require finding transportation, spending money on fuel or bus fares, missing work, and waiting several hours away from home. For an older person, a mother with young children, or someone already feeling ill, the journey can become a serious obstacle.

    A local health unit can reduce some of these difficulties. Residents can seek treatment sooner instead of waiting until an illness becomes severe enough to justify a long and costly trip.

    The availability of vaccinations, general consultations, dental care, wound treatment, and respiratory care could make a meaningful difference in the everyday lives of Jicalapa’s families.

    Prevention Is as Important as Treatment

    One of the most valuable functions of a community health unit is detecting medical problems before they become emergencies.

    Conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure may develop without obvious symptoms. When people receive regular examinations, healthcare workers have a better opportunity to identify these problems early and begin treatment.

    The same is true for infections, respiratory illnesses, dental conditions, and childhood health concerns. Early attention can prevent complications and reduce pressure on larger hospitals that must handle emergencies and more serious cases.

    During the inauguration of the Jicalapa facility, doctors and nurses conducted a medical outreach event for local residents. Patients received consultations, learned more about their health, and were provided treatment for various conditions.

    This was a good way to open the unit because the community immediately began receiving the services the building was created to provide.

    Part of a Larger Healthcare Investment

    The Jicalapa health unit is reportedly the 13th facility of its kind constructed and delivered by the DOM in El Salvador.

    Other communities in Chalatenango, Cabañas, La Paz, Usulután, Morazán, La Unión, and additional parts of the country have also received new health infrastructure. A specialized hemodialysis clinic was constructed in Tecoluca, San Vicente, for people living with kidney disease.

    Smaller health units will never replace the need for modern regional and national hospitals. However, the two levels of healthcare should support one another.

    Community facilities can provide routine examinations, vaccinations, preventive services, and early treatment. Hospitals can then concentrate more of their resources on surgeries, emergencies, specialists, and patients with complicated medical conditions.

    A strong national healthcare system requires both.

    The Building Is Only the Beginning

    The completion of this facility is encouraging, but its long-term success will depend on what happens after the inauguration.

    A modern building must have enough doctors, nurses, dentists, medicines, supplies, and properly maintained equipment. Residents also need to know the unit’s operating hours, which services are available, and where they will be referred when they require specialized treatment.

    These are not criticisms of the project. They are the practical matters that determine whether any public health investment continues delivering results for many years.

    The most meaningful measurements will eventually be the number of patients treated, the availability of medicine, the consistency of staffing, the early detection of illnesses, and the experiences of the people who use the facility.

    A Valuable Investment in Jicalapa

    In my opinion, this is a valuable project for Jicalapa and its surrounding communities.

    Major hospitals usually receive the most public attention because they contain advanced equipment and perform complicated procedures. However, much of the work that keeps people healthy begins in facilities like this one.

    A child receiving a vaccination, an older resident having blood pressure checked, a worker receiving treatment for an injury, or a patient obtaining medicine close to home may not make national headlines. Nevertheless, these services directly improve people’s lives.

    El Salvador’s development should not be measured only by projects in its largest cities or most heavily visited tourism areas. Families living in smaller and rural communities should also have access to safe buildings, good roads, clean water, education, and dependable healthcare.

    The new Jicalapa health unit is an encouraging step in that direction. If it remains adequately staffed, supplied, and maintained, it can serve thousands of residents and become an important part of the community for many years.

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  • El Salvador Welcomes More Than 3.2 Million International Visitors in 2026

    International visitors discover El Salvador through its beautiful coastline, welcoming people, and colorful artisan traditions.

    AI Generated image for Our Life in El Salvador

    El Salvador welcomed more than 3.2 million international visitors during the first eight months of 2026, providing further evidence of the country’s growing popularity as an international destination.

    According to Diario El Salvador, the country received 3,241,583 international visitors between January and August. That represents an increase of 22% compared with the same period in 2025.

    The figures place El Salvador within reach of its goal of welcoming approximately 4.2 million international visitors by the end of 2026.

    These numbers are impressive for a country of El Salvador’s size. They also demonstrate how dramatically international attitudes toward the country have changed in only a few years.

    Where Are the Visitors Coming From?

    Guatemala remained the largest source of international visitors, with more than 1.3 million arrivals. The United States followed with more than 881,000, while Honduras accounted for over 626,000 visitors.

    El Salvador’s location naturally makes neighboring Guatemala and Honduras important markets. Families frequently cross the borders to visit relatives, attend events, shop, conduct business, and enjoy short vacations.

    Visitors from the United States are also an important part of the tourism economy. Some are Salvadorans living abroad who return to visit family. However, many combine those family visits with trips to beaches, historic communities, archaeological sites, restaurants, and other attractions.

    The distinction between an “international visitor” and a “tourist” can become complicated. Official reports generally use the broader term because not everyone enters the country exclusively for a vacation. Some come to see relatives, conduct business, or travel through the country.

    However, that does not mean they contribute nothing to tourism. A person may enter El Salvador primarily to visit family but still stay in a hotel, eat at restaurants, visit the beach, buy crafts, or take sightseeing trips. In practical terms, many international visitors participate in tourism even when tourism is not the only reason for their trip.

    What We See in Our Own Lives

    Our personal experience supports the idea that many international visitors are actively exploring El Salvador.

    Elizabeth and I have had visitors come from the United States and Canada. They may come to spend time with us, but they do not simply remain at our home throughout their stay. They want to visit the beaches, see different parts of the country, enjoy Salvadoran food, and experience local attractions.

    This is probably true for many Salvadoran families welcoming relatives or friends from abroad. The visit begins with a personal connection, but it often becomes a vacation and an opportunity to discover the country.

    We saw further evidence of El Salvador’s international reach during our recent trip to La Palma near the Honduran border.

    While there, we visited Artesanías Paty, where we had a very enjoyable experience learning about the area’s colorful artistic tradition. The owner showed us crafts made in her studio by visitors from many parts of the world.

    Those visitors had come from Japan, Turkey, Europe, the United States, and numerous other countries. They did more than pass through El Salvador. They visited a local studio, learned about Salvadoran art, created something with their own hands, and became part of a cultural experience they could take home with them.

    A small artisan workshop in La Palma welcoming people from countries around the world tells us something that national totals alone cannot show. International tourism is reaching communities beyond the capital and the major beach destinations.

    Why El Salvador Is Attracting More Attention

    Improved public security has played an important role in changing El Salvador’s international reputation. Places once avoided by foreign travelers are now receiving visitors who feel comfortable exploring the country.

    At the same time, El Salvador has invested heavily in promoting its beaches, surfing, historic centers, national parks, cultural attractions, and infrastructure.

    Surf City remains one of the country’s most internationally recognized tourism projects. Major surfing competitions have introduced El Salvador’s coastline to athletes and spectators around the world.

    However, the country offers much more than surfing.

    Visitors can walk through the revitalized Historic Center of San Salvador, explore Maya sites such as Tazumal and Joya de Cerén, experience the mountain communities along the Ruta de las Flores, visit La Palma’s artisan workshops, hike through national parks, and enjoy food prepared in communities throughout the country.

    El Salvador’s relatively small size is also an advantage. A visitor can experience beaches, mountains, archaeological sites, cities, and rural communities without traveling enormous distances.

    Tourism Benefits Small Businesses

    The growth in international visitors can create opportunities throughout the economy.

    Hotels and large tourism developments receive some of the benefits, but visitors also spend money at family-owned restaurants, roadside businesses, artisan workshops, transportation companies, markets, and small hotels.

    Our visit to Artesanías Paty is a good example. When international travelers participate in a workshop or purchase locally made crafts, their money supports Salvadoran artists and helps preserve the traditions of communities such as La Palma.

    These personal interactions may also be more memorable than visiting a large commercial attraction. A handcrafted item carries a story about the person who made it and the community where it originated.

    When visitors return home and show those crafts to friends and family, they also help promote El Salvador.

    Growth Should Reach the Entire Country

    The challenge will be ensuring that tourism’s benefits extend beyond the most heavily promoted destinations.

    Surf City and San Salvador receive considerable international attention, but communities across Ahuachapán, Chalatenango, Morazán, La Unión, and other departments also have natural beauty, history, food, and cultural traditions worth discovering.

    Promoting these destinations could encourage visitors to stay longer and spend money in more communities. Improvements to roads, signs, public transportation, visitor information, and online promotion would make less familiar locations easier to explore.

    Tourism growth should create opportunities for local guides, artisans, farmers, restaurant owners, and families operating small accommodations. That is how rising visitor numbers can produce meaningful benefits for ordinary Salvadorans.

    More Than a Number

    Reaching 3.2 million international visitors is an important achievement, but the larger story is found in what those visitors do after they arrive.

    They walk along the beaches, visit historic sites, eat pupusas, explore mountain communities, buy Salvadoran crafts, and meet the people who call this country home.

    Some may enter El Salvador to visit relatives or conduct business rather than identifying themselves strictly as tourists. Nevertheless, many use that opportunity to travel, sightsee, and spend money within the local economy.

    We have witnessed this ourselves with visitors from the United States and Canada. We also saw it at a small artisan studio in La Palma, where crafts created by people from Japan, Turkey, Europe, the United States, and other parts of the world demonstrated just how far El Salvador’s appeal now reaches.

    Statistics tell us how many people crossed the border. Experiences like these help explain why they came—and what they discovered after arriving.

    El Salvador’s tourism story is no longer limited to projections or promotional campaigns. It can be seen in the people enjoying the beaches, walking through historic communities, visiting local studios, and discovering a country many of them may never have considered visiting a few years ago.

    If you enjoy stories about El Salvador’s tourism, culture, economy, and continuing transformation, please consider liking, commenting, sharing, or subscribing. Your support helps more readers discover what is happening throughout the country.

  • Three Generations Unite to Celebrate Abstract Art in El Salvador

    Three generations come together to celebrate the creativity, continuing development, and enduring legacy of abstract art in El Salvador.

    AI Generated for Our Life in El Salvador

    El Salvador’s artistic heritage continues to evolve as established and emerging artists come together for the XIV Salón de Arte Abstracto. The exhibition brings works from three generations of Salvadoran artists into one space while paying tribute to the life and international legacy of Franco-Salvadoran painter Nicole Schwartz.

    According to Diario El Salvador, the exhibition allows visitors to see how abstract art has developed across different periods. Each generation brings its own experiences, techniques, and interpretation of the world. Yet all the participating artists share a desire to communicate through color, shape, texture, and movement.

    This is more than an exhibition of paintings. It represents a conversation between El Salvador’s artistic past, present, and future.

    Three Generations in One Exhibition

    Art changes as society changes. Artists are influenced by the events, traditions, struggles, and opportunities surrounding them. Therefore, artists from different generations may look at the same country but express what they see in very different ways.

    Older artists carry memories of an El Salvador that younger generations know mainly through history and family stories. Mid-career artists often connect those earlier traditions with contemporary ideas. Meanwhile, younger artists experiment with new materials, techniques, and ways of understanding identity.

    Placing their work together allows visitors to appreciate those differences while recognizing the connections between them.

    The exhibition also demonstrates that abstract art remains active in El Salvador. It is not limited to a particular period or group of artists. Each new generation can reinterpret it and use it to express emotions and experiences that may be difficult to communicate through words.

    Understanding Abstract Art

    Some people find abstract art confusing because it does not always represent recognizable people, places, or objects. However, understanding every detail is not necessary to appreciate it.

    Abstract artists use color, lines, shapes, texture, and movement to communicate an idea or feeling. One person may look at a painting and experience peace, while someone else may sense energy, sadness, uncertainty, or hope.

    There is not always one correct interpretation. Part of the experience is allowing the artwork to create a personal response.

    This makes abstract art especially interesting in a country as colorful and emotionally complex as El Salvador. Its landscapes, history, traditions, and people provide artists with an endless source of inspiration.

    Honoring Nicole Schwartz

    The exhibition carries additional meaning because it honors Nicole Schwartz, an important figure in Salvadoran abstract art who died in Paris in June 2026.

    Schwartz was born in Paris in 1938, but El Salvador became a central part of her personal and artistic identity. It was here that she discovered and developed her calling as a painter.

    She studied under important artists, including Valero Lecha and Benjamín Saúl. She later continued her artistic development in France, creating a style that connected European influences with the colors, landscapes, and emotional energy of Central America.

    During a career spanning more than six decades, Schwartz exhibited her work in El Salvador, France, Guatemala, and other locations. She also represented El Salvador at the São Paulo Biennial in Brazil in 1994.

    Her talent received international recognition. She earned the Grand Prize of the Académie de Port-Royal in Paris in 1990 and first prize at the Watercolor and Drawing Salon held at the Grand Palais in Paris in 2008.

    In 2016, the Legislative Assembly recognized her as a Notable Painter and Teacher of El Salvador.

    An Artist Between Two Cultures

    One of the most interesting aspects of Schwartz’s work was her ability to unite two cultures.

    People in El Salvador sometimes recognized French qualities in her paintings. In France, observers often noticed the influence of the tropics. Her work became a bridge between the country of her birth and the country where she discovered her artistic voice.

    That connection helped take Salvadoran art beyond the country’s borders. Through her exhibitions and international recognition, Schwartz showed audiences abroad that El Salvador possesses a vibrant and sophisticated artistic tradition.

    Her influence extended beyond her paintings. She supported other artists and remained connected with Salvadoran cultural organizations and creative groups. Her contribution helped open doors for the generations following her.

    Preserving El Salvador’s Cultural Identity

    Tourism, infrastructure, education, and economic development often receive the most attention when people discuss El Salvador’s progress. However, culture is also an essential part of a country’s development.

    Art preserves memories, communicates identity, and gives people another way to understand their history. Exhibitions like the Salón de Arte Abstracto ensure that Salvadoran creativity remains visible and accessible.

    They can also encourage young people to explore their own abilities. A child or student who visits an art exhibition today could become one of the country’s recognized artists in the future.

    For international visitors, Salvadoran art offers another way to discover the country. El Salvador is much more than its beaches, volcanoes, archaeological sites, and improving security. It is also home to painters, sculptors, musicians, writers, and artisans whose work deserves greater recognition.

    A Legacy Passed to a New Generation

    The most meaningful aspect of this exhibition may be the relationship between generations.

    Nicole Schwartz is no longer here to create new paintings, but her artistic influence continues. It survives through her existing work, the artists she encouraged, and the younger painters who are discovering their own forms of expression.

    That is how a cultural legacy remains alive. One generation creates, teaches, and inspires. The next generation learns from that foundation while developing something new.

    By bringing three generations together and honoring Nicole Schwartz, the XIV Salón de Arte Abstracto celebrates both remembrance and renewal. It respects the artists who helped establish El Salvador’s abstract-art tradition while providing space for new voices to emerge.

    The exhibition reminds us that a nation’s identity is not preserved only in history books or monuments. It also lives in the imagination of its artists and in the colors, shapes, and emotions they leave behind.

    If you enjoy learning about El Salvador’s art, culture, history, tourism, and continuing transformation, please consider liking, commenting, sharing, or subscribing to help more readers discover these stories.

  • Young Salvadoran Athletes Strike Gold in Honduras

    Salvadoran student-athletes celebrate a golden opening at the 2026 Central American Student Games in Honduras.

    AI-generated image created as an editorial representation for Our Life in El Salvador

    El Salvador’s young athletes made an impressive start at the 2026 Central American Student Games, earning at least seven gold, two silver, and five bronze medals during the opening day of competition in Tegucigalpa, Honduras.

    According to Diario El Salvador, Salvadoran students reached the medal podium in judo, taekwondo, and weightlifting. Their success provided an encouraging beginning for the national delegation at one of Central America’s most important student sporting events.

    These medals represent more than victories in competition. They reflect months—and perhaps years—of training, personal sacrifice, family support, and guidance from coaches and schools.

    An Exceptional Performance in Weightlifting

    One of the outstanding Salvadoran competitors was Daniel Cuéllar, a student at Colegio Salesiano San José.

    Cuéllar earned three gold medals in weightlifting by winning the snatch, the clean and jerk, and the overall total. Capturing three gold medals in one competition is an exceptional achievement that demonstrates his strength, technique, concentration, and dedication.

    Weightlifting requires far more than physical power. Successful competitors must develop proper technique, remain mentally focused, and follow a disciplined training program. A single mistake can make the difference between earning a medal and leaving the competition empty-handed.

    Cuéllar’s performance shows what young Salvadorans can accomplish when natural ability is supported by commitment and proper preparation.

    Salvadoran Athletes Succeed in Several Sports

    The success was not limited to weightlifting. Salvadoran students also reached the medal podium in judo and taekwondo, two demanding sports that require physical conditioning, mental discipline, patience, and self-control.

    These achievements are particularly important because soccer receives most of the sporting attention in El Salvador. Soccer will always be a major part of Salvadoran culture, but the country also has talented athletes competing in martial arts, weightlifting, swimming, athletics, volleyball, and many other sports.

    Young people deserve opportunities to discover the activity that best matches their interests and abilities. Not every student dreams of becoming a soccer player. Some may have the potential to become successful weightlifters, judokas, runners, swimmers, or taekwondo competitors.

    When their accomplishments receive national attention, other students may be encouraged to try a sport they had never previously considered.

    A Large Salvadoran Delegation

    El Salvador is represented at the games by 342 athletes—164 girls and 178 boys—who are competing in 20 different sports.

    The complete delegation includes athletes, coaches, officials, referees, and chaperones. The participating sports include athletics, basketball, baseball, boxing, chess, football, futsal, gymnastics, handball, judo, karate, swimming, table tennis, taekwondo, tennis, volleyball, beach volleyball, weightlifting, wrestling, and softball.

    The games bring together student-athletes from El Salvador, Honduras, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, and Belize. Competition is scheduled to continue through September 13, so El Salvador will have more opportunities to add to its medal total.

    The results reported after the opening day are therefore only the beginning, not the country’s final medal count.

    The Importance of School Sports

    The Salvadoran delegation emerged from a much larger national program. According to the National Sports Institute of El Salvador, more than 70,000 students participated in the different stages of the 2026 National Student Sports Games.

    That number may be more important than the medals themselves.

    Only a relatively small group advanced to represent El Salvador in Honduras, but thousands of other students were given an opportunity to compete, exercise, build friendships, and discover their abilities.

    School sports can provide important benefits even when a student never reaches an international competition. Athletics can teach young people discipline, responsibility, teamwork, perseverance, and respect. Sports also encourage physical activity and give students a constructive way to use their time and energy.

    A medal is a visible reward, but the confidence and habits developed through athletic participation can remain with a young person throughout life.

    Success Requires Continued Support

    These opening-day results deserve celebration, but they should also encourage continued support for youth athletics throughout El Salvador.

    Talented students can be found in large cities, small towns, and rural communities. However, talent alone is not enough. Young athletes also need safe facilities, trained coaches, suitable equipment, transportation, and opportunities to compete.

    Families often make considerable sacrifices to support their children’s athletic goals. Schools, local communities, sports federations, and government institutions all have a role in helping those students develop their abilities.

    Investment should also extend beyond the athletes who have already reached the highest levels. Programs must remain accessible to children and teenagers who are only beginning to discover their potential.

    A Golden Beginning for El Salvador

    The Salvadoran student-athletes competing in Honduras have already given their country something to celebrate.

    Seven gold medals on the opening day represent a remarkable beginning, but the true importance of the story reaches beyond the medal table. These students are demonstrating what Salvadoran youth can accomplish through discipline, opportunity, and determination.

    Whether or not El Salvador adds many more medals before the games end, every student who competes while representing the national flag deserves recognition.

    Congratulations to Daniel Cuéllar and all the Salvadoran athletes who have reached the podium. We should also recognize the coaches, families, schools, and others who helped them reach this important moment.

    El Salvador’s future is not measured only by roads, buildings, tourism, or economic statistics. It can also be seen in young people who work hard, believe in themselves, and proudly represent their country.

    The competition has only begun, but for El Salvador, it is already a golden start.

    If you enjoy following the achievements of Salvadorans and the country’s continuing development, please consider liking, commenting, sharing, or subscribing to Our Life in El Salvador. Your support helps us reach more readers and continue telling these important stories.

  • A Scenic Journey to El Poy: Art, Nature, and a Family Reunion

    Artesanías Paty, a workshop in La Palma, Chalatenango

    Elizabeth and I left our home in Cara Sucia at about 8:30 Thursday morning for the four-hour drive to La Palma, near the El Poy border between El Salvador and Honduras.

    We planned to meet our friend Luz at the border on Friday and bring her and the children back to Cara Sucia. They had been visiting her father in Honduras for several weeks.

    Rather than making the long drive there and back in one day, we decided to travel on Thursday, spend the night in San Ignacio, and enjoy some sightseeing along the way. It proved to be a good decision because the drive was scenic and there was much to see in the area.

    Discovering the Art of Fernando Llort

    When we arrived in La Palma, we stopped to ask about local attractions. Our first destination was the Museo Fernando Llort.

    This small, single-room museum celebrates Fernando Llort’s artistic legacy and the artisan traditions of La Palma. Its displays include historical pieces, handcrafted artwork, and panels describing Llort’s life and influence.

    On one wall, I noticed a photograph of Fernando Llort accompanied by a quotation that I found especially inspiring:

    “God is the source of all inspiration.
    He is the one who gives us the gift of creativity.
    May He bless our hands, our minds, and our hearts
    so that everything we create may reflect His love.”

    These words touched me because they express feelings and experiences I have written about in my book, Harmony of the Cosmos. I have long believed that creativity, inspiration, and our connection with the universe come from something greater than ourselves.

    Fernando Llort’s art was inspired by nature, everyday Salvadoran life, and the search for spiritual harmony. His colorful and distinctive style became closely connected with La Palma and helped transform the town into one of El Salvador’s best-known centers for traditional arts and crafts.

    The museum is located on Primera Calle Poniente in Barrio San Antonio, inside the Centro de Desarrollo Artesanal. Elizabeth and I thoroughly enjoyed our visit, and I recommend it to anyone traveling through La Palma.

    A Visit to Artesanías Paty

    Our next stop was Artesanías Paty, a workshop and store in La Palma with more than 20 years of experience creating unique pieces inspired by Salvadoran culture, tradition, and identity.

    Paty told us that Fernando Llort had been her mentor. His influence can be seen in the beautiful colors and designs found throughout her shop.

    Visitors can purchase locally made handicrafts created from wood, morro, and copinol seeds. These pieces are produced by artisans from La Palma and reflect the creativity for which the town has become famous.

    Artesanías Paty also offers visitors an opportunity to create something of their own. Behind the shop is a studio where tourists can paint their own handicrafts and take home a souvenir made with their own hands.

    Elizabeth and I enjoyed meeting Paty and seeing her work. If you visit La Palma, I strongly recommend stopping at Artesanías Paty. It is well worth your time.

    Our Night in San Ignacio

    After visiting La Palma, it was time to check in at the Hotel Las Tilapias in San Ignacio, about 15 minutes away.

    The hotel sits on a large property surrounded by vegetation, colorful flowers, scenic views, and walking paths. There was also a monkey on the property that had reportedly been found when the land was being developed. He did not appear overly friendly, so we admired him from a respectful distance.

    The hotel also had an attractive swimming pool and a large restaurant. Our room was small but comfortable, with one twin bed and one single bed. We would have preferred a queen-size bed and a small desk, but since we were staying for only one night, the room served our needs.

    For dinner, I ordered lasagna, while Elizabeth chose a plate with yuca. After eating, we returned to our room. We were tired after the long drive and an enjoyable afternoon of sightseeing.

    Meeting Luz at El Poy

    On Friday, we made our way to the El Poy border crossing. Luz and the children arrived at about 1:30 p.m.

    While Luz completed the necessary customs and immigration procedures, Elizabeth and I had an opportunity to talk with her father. Once everything was finished and everyone was ready, we began the long journey back to Cara Sucia.

    The purpose of our trip was to bring Luz and the children home, but the journey gave us much more. We experienced the beautiful mountain scenery of Chalatenango, learned more about Fernando Llort’s artistic legacy, met a talented local artisan, and spent a peaceful night surrounded by nature in San Ignacio.

    It was another reminder that traveling through El Salvador is often about more than reaching a destination. Along the way, there are always new people to meet, places to discover, and stories worth sharing.

    I have added some pictures of our trip in a slideshow below.

    If you enjoy following El Salvador’s progress in education, technology, development, and other areas of national transformation, please consider liking, commenting, sharing, and subscribing to Our Life in El Salvador. Your support helps us continue bringing these stories to more readers.