Category: Travel and Tourism

Published: October 8, 2026

An AI-generated illustration for Our Life in El Salvador celebrating the reopening of El Salvador’s Natural Protected Areas, highlighting the country’s lush forests, volcanic landscapes, and coastal beauty. Visitors are encouraged to explore responsibly and follow MARN’s safety recommendations during the rainy season.

El Salvador’s natural beauty is once again welcoming visitors. The Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (MARN) has announced the reopening of the country’s Natural Protected Areas following temporary closures caused by heavy rainfall and concerns about visitor safety.

The announcement is encouraging news for residents, tourists, and the communities that depend on visitors to these destinations. However, with the rainy season continuing, authorities are reminding everyone to remain cautious and pay attention to changing weather conditions.

Popular Natural Destinations Welcome Visitors Again

Among the protected areas reopening to the public are Cerro Verde, San Salvador Volcano, El Imposible National Park, Barra de Santiago, Las Ranas Lagoon, and Los Volcanes National Park.

These destinations offer visitors an opportunity to experience the remarkable variety of landscapes found throughout El Salvador.

From mountain forests and volcanoes to coastal mangroves and wetlands, the country offers natural attractions that appeal to hikers, photographers, birdwatchers, and families looking to enjoy time outdoors.

The protected areas had been temporarily closed as a precaution against the risks associated with heavy rainfall. On September 23, MARN announced closures to prevent accidents involving visitors.

Now, with access restored, the ministry continues to emphasize the importance of responsible tourism.

Visitors are encouraged to check weather conditions before traveling and follow instructions from park rangers responsible for protecting these natural environments.

Ahuachapán Offers Some Remarkable Natural Attractions

Here in western El Salvador, two of these destinations are particularly important: El Imposible National Park and Barra de Santiago.

El Imposible, located in the department of Ahuachapán, is one of the country’s most significant protected forest areas. Its mountains, wildlife, and vegetation make it an important destination for nature lovers and those interested in El Salvador’s biodiversity.

Barra de Santiago offers an entirely different experience. Located along the Pacific coast, this protected wetland is known for its extensive mangrove forests, waterways, birdlife, and fishing communities.

These two destinations demonstrate something that continues to impress me about El Salvador: within a relatively short distance, visitors can experience dramatically different natural environments.

For those of us living in Ahuachapán, having these beautiful places nearby is something worth appreciating and protecting.

Beach and Maritime Activities Receive Favorable Forecast

Along with reopening the protected areas, MARN has also issued encouraging news for coastal activities.

According to the ministry, conditions between October 9 and October 15 are expected to be generally favorable for fishing, maritime transportation, and marine tourism.

This is welcome news for coastal communities where fishing and tourism play important roles in the local economy.

However, favorable general conditions do not mean that every beach will be free from dangerous currents or changing waves. Visitors should continue monitoring official forecasts and respecting safety warnings.

Rainy Season Precautions Remain Important

Although the protected areas have reopened, El Salvador’s rainy season is not over.

MARN has warned that rainfall and thunderstorms are expected to continue in the coming weeks, particularly during afternoons and evenings. In some locations, storms may extend into the early morning hours.

Heavy rainfall can create hazardous conditions even after the rain has stopped.

Mountain trails may remain slippery, hillsides can become unstable, and rivers or streams may rise unexpectedly.

For this reason, visitors should never assume that reopening means all weather-related dangers have disappeared.

Following the instructions of park rangers and other authorities is essential to enjoying these destinations safely.

Natural Tourism Supports Local Communities

There is another important aspect of this announcement that deserves attention: the economic opportunities created by natural tourism.

When visitors travel to national parks and protected areas, the benefits can extend beyond the parks themselves.

Local restaurants, small hotels, transportation operators, guides, and family-owned businesses may all benefit from increased visitor activity.

For rural communities, tourism can provide opportunities to generate income while encouraging the preservation of the natural environments that attract visitors.

However, long-term success requires more than simply attracting larger numbers of tourists. Protecting forests, waterways, wildlife, and other natural resources is essential to maintaining these destinations for future generations.

Responsible tourism and economic development should work together.

My Thoughts: Appreciating and Protecting El Salvador’s Natural Beauty

Living in El Salvador since 2011 has given Elizabeth and me many opportunities to appreciate the country’s remarkable scenery and natural surroundings.

One of the things I continue to appreciate about this country is how much natural beauty exists within its relatively small geographic area.

There are volcanoes, mountains, lakes, forests, mangroves, and beautiful Pacific beaches, often within a few hours of one another.

I believe these natural attractions are among El Salvador’s greatest assets, not only because they attract visitors but because they are part of the country’s heritage.

I also believe MARN’s decision to temporarily close the protected areas during dangerous weather was appropriate. Tourism is important, but visitor safety must always come first.

Reopening these destinations while continuing to monitor conditions is a practical approach that allows people to enjoy nature without ignoring the risks of the rainy season.

As El Salvador continues developing its tourism industry, maintaining and protecting these natural areas will be just as important as promoting them.

For residents and international visitors alike, the reopening offers another opportunity to discover the natural side of El Salvador.

Before planning a visit, check the latest MARN weather advisories, confirm that your intended destination is accessible, and follow the instructions of park personnel.

After all, enjoying El Salvador’s beauty responsibly is one of the best ways to help preserve it.

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Sources and Further Information

• Diario El Salvador: “MARN Reopens Natural Protected Areas to the Public,” October 2026.
• Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (MARN): Official announcements concerning protected natural areas and rainy-season precautions.
• MARN official website: https://www.ambiente.gob.sv/

Our Life in El Salvador — Sharing experiences, developments, and the natural beauty of the country we call home.

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Exploring the mangrove waterways of Barra de Santiago. AI-generated for Our Life in El Salvador.

A boat ride through mangrove channels, a chance to observe wildlife, and a seafood meal beside the Pacific Ocean—Barra de Santiago brings these experiences together on El Salvador’s western coast. The country’s official tourism website highlights boat tours through the estuary, birdwatching, and opportunities to see crocodiles and caimans.

For those of us living in Ahuachapán, stories like this are a reminder of the places we have close to home. They also offer visitors another way to discover El Salvador through its natural surroundings and the people who make their living there.

A Family Tradition on the Water

In a September 28 report, Diario El Salvador introduces Julio César Avilés, the boatman known locally as Mapache Tours. He began learning to navigate the estuary alongside his father when he was just six years old. Now 55, he continues sharing those waterways with visitors.

That family connection is what caught my attention. Behind a tourism experience is often someone whose knowledge comes from years of working in the same place. In this case, a skill passed from father to son has become a way for travelers to discover the mangroves.

Exploring the Mangrove Channels

According to the newspaper, the tour lasts approximately two hours and includes the Zapatero canal, where visitors may observe crocodiles. Along the route, mangrove roots frame the waterways, while birds add to the experience. However, wildlife sightings depend on what appears during the trip.

A visit like this invites a slower pace. Rather than rushing from one attraction to another, the appeal is taking time to watch the surroundings and listen to the guide.

For anyone planning a wildlife excursion, patience is part of the experience. Following the guide’s instructions, keeping a respectful distance from animals, and leaving no rubbish behind are simple ways to help care for the place you have come to enjoy.

Why These Mangroves Matter

Barra de Santiago’s importance extends beyond tourism. The wider Complejo Barra de Santiago is recognized under the Ramsar Convention as a wetland of international importance. It covers 11,519 hectares, a figure referring to the entire designated wetland complex rather than mangroves alone.

Ramsar also explains that these mangroves provide shelter, feeding areas, and habitat for the early development of commercially important coastal species, including shrimp. Therefore, protecting them has a direct connection to the seafood resources on which coastal communities depend.

This adds meaning to a visit. The landscape seen from the boat is also part of the natural system that supports fishing and life along the coast.

Seafood After the Adventure

After the tour, the newspaper suggests enjoying local seafood. It highlights Restaurante Liliana, located beside the beach, where visitors can order mariscada, fried fish, and seafood cocktails.

Combining a boat excursion with a meal offers a pleasant way to spend the day. It also creates an opportunity to support both a local guide and a local restaurant.

For me, this is an appealing part of the story: seeing a place, learning something about it, and then sitting down to enjoy its food.

What to Check Before Visiting

The September 28 article lists protected-area admission at $3 for Salvadoran visitors and $6 for foreigners, charged separately from the boat excursion. It does not provide the boat tour price or booking information.

Before making the trip, contact the operator to confirm the departure point, availability, total cost, and what the price includes. Ask about life jackets and whether weather or tides could affect the outing. Bring drinking water and sun protection, and keep your phone or camera protected from splashes.

Barra de Santiago offers an inviting combination of nature, family tradition, and coastal cooking. A day on its waterways can be an opportunity to appreciate both the scenery and the livelihoods connected to it.

Sources: Diario El Salvador—Cristian Arévalo, September 28, 2026; El Salvador Travel—Barra de Santiago; Ramsar Convention—Complejo Barra de Santiago.

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An AI illustration Generated for Our Life in El Salvador of the people and experiences that make a visit to El Salvador memorable.

Today, September 27, El Salvador is hosting the international celebration of World Tourism Day for the first time. Representatives from the tourism industry have come to the country to discuss its future and experience a little of what El Salvador has to offer.

For those of us who live here, this is a special opportunity. I moved to El Salvador in 2011, and over the years I have enjoyed visiting its beaches, mountains, towns, and restaurants. I have also met people whose warmth and hard work make those visits memorable. Now the country has a chance to share more of those experiences with visitors from around the world.

What is World Tourism Day?

World Tourism Day is observed each year on September 27. Countries everywhere can mark the occasion, but one country hosts the official international celebration. This year, that country is El Salvador.

The 2026 theme is “Digital Agenda and Artificial Intelligence to Redesign Tourism.” Participants will discuss how technology can change the way people find destinations, plan trips, and connect with tourism businesses.

Technology can be useful. A small hotel, a local guide, or a family restaurant may be discovered by someone who otherwise would never hear of it. Better online information can also help a visitor plan a trip with confidence. Still, a website or an app can only introduce someone to a place. The people they meet and the experiences they have are what they will remember.

An opportunity to show more of the country

El Salvador’s beaches have attracted a great deal of attention, and I understand why. I have spent many happy days enjoying the coast myself. But visitors who come only for the beach can miss much of what makes this country interesting.

There are towns to explore, foods to try, artisans to meet, and scenic routes that reward taking your time. I would love for this international spotlight to encourage travelers to see more of El Salvador, including places outside the best-known tourism areas.

That broader interest could create opportunities for local guides, drivers, restaurants, guesthouses, and small businesses. Whether it does so will depend on what happens after the celebration ends. Visitors need good information and welcoming places to stay, while local businesses need a fair chance to be part of the growth.

What I hope visitors take home

When I first came to El Salvador, I felt a sense of calm and peace that stayed with me. Years later, after Elizabeth and I made our home here, I continued discovering new reasons to appreciate the country.

Hosting World Tourism Day is a proud moment for El Salvador. I hope the guests attending the celebration enjoy what they see. More than that, I hope they leave curious enough to return, travel beyond a single destination, and spend time with the people who make this country feel like home to me.

Sources: UN Tourism; El Salvador’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs; El Salvador Travel; and Diario El Salvador.

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AI illustration of Casona Tunan Generated for Our Life in El Salvador

Casona Tunan in Mizata offers visitors a new place to stay, with Salvadoran food, historical objects, and traditional design. Its doors opened on September 24 with a focus on Salvadoran food, traditional materials, historical objects, and rest.

That combination caught my attention. A trip to the coast can be about enjoying the ocean, but it can also give visitors a chance to learn something about the country and the people who live here.

A house with Salvadoran details

Casona Tunan has 11 rooms and is part of Antiresort’s collection of tourism projects in Mizata. Its name, Tunan, means “our mother” in Náhuat. The building uses materials associated with traditional Salvadoran homes and furnishings, including wood, palm, wicker, clay brick, and river stone.

Inside, visitors can also see a growing collection of objects connected to everyday life and older trades. Bottles, books, photographs, and household items may seem ordinary on their own. Together, they can help tell the story of how people lived and worked.

I like that idea. History does not always have to be found in a formal museum. Sometimes an object we recognize from a family home can start a conversation between generations.

Food and time to slow down

The property’s restaurant, Comedor Tunan, puts Salvadoran flavors at the center of its menu, including pupusas and traditional drinks. Casona Tunan also offers a pool and space for activities such as yoga, meditation, and retreats.

These features give visitors different reasons to spend time in Mizata. Some may come for the beach, while others may be interested in the food, the setting, or a quieter place to rest.

What growth could mean for Mizata

According to reports about the opening, Antiresort has invested approximately $5.8 million across its tourism projects in Mizata. That figure covers the broader collection of projects; it is not the cost of Casona Tunan alone. Diario El Salvador also reports 150 direct jobs associated with the company’s development in the area.

Jobs and investment matter, especially when tourism creates opportunities for people living nearby. As Mizata continues to grow, I hope local residents, food producers, artisans, and other small businesses share in that growth. It will be worth watching how these projects work with the community over time.

I have lived in El Salvador since 2011, and one thing I enjoy about this country is that every place has more to offer than its best-known attraction. The beach may bring someone to Mizata for the first time. Salvadoran food, history, and hospitality may be what they remember afterward.

Casona Tunan is a new addition to that experience. I hope it succeeds in helping visitors appreciate both the beauty of the coast and the culture of the country around it.

Sources: Diario El Salvador, “Casona Tunan, el nuevo atractivo turístico de playa Mizata”; Diario El Mundo; and Diario La Página.

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.