Climate
El Salvador's tropical climate varies between regions. The coastal plains along the Pacific are very hot, although the humidity is relatively low. Much of the country enjoys mountain elevation: A semitropical, springlike climate prevails from about 600 to 1,200 m (about 2,000 to 4,000 ft), and a temperate climate occurs above 1,200 m (4,000 ft). A rainy season from May through October brings the annual average rainfall for most of the country to about 2,030 mm (about 80 in). Dry and often dusty conditions prevail from November through April. The average annual temperature of San Salvador is 24°C (75°F).

Volcanic ranges occupy most of El Salvador’s area. More than 25 extinct volcanic cones punctuate its horizons, with many small and large craters showing past lava flows. The San Miguel, Santa Ana, San Salvador, and Izalco volcanoes have all been active in modern times. The highest mountains are in the sparsely populated, northwestern part of the country and include the Santa Ana volcano, the highest point in the country, at 2,385 m (7,825 ft) above sea level.

Plant and Animal Life
El Salvador contains fewer species of plants than the other Central American states, but still has much of the luxuriant and colorful vegetation characteristic of the tropics, including more than 200 different species of orchids. The mountains of El Salvador have temperate grasslands and sparse forests of oak and pine. Tropical fruit and medicinal plants are abundant.

Habitat destruction and logging have caused many animal species to become rare or to disappear altogether, notably the crested eagle and the jaguar. Among the mammals still found wild in El Salvador are the monkey, coyote, puma, and ocelot, along with a great variety of small animals. Reptiles include the iguana and boa constrictor, and there are 251 different bird species, including 17 varieties of hummingbirds.
The Salvadoran government has established natural reserves and parks to preserve natural habitats, the most important of which are at Montecristo National Park, El Imposible National Park, Cerro Verde, Deininger Park, and El Jocotal Lagoon.

El Salvador se divide en
14 departamentos:

• Ahuachapán

• Santa Ana

• Sonsonate

• La Paz

• Chalatenango

• San Salvador

• Cuscatlán

• Cabañas

• La Libertad

• San Vicente

• Usulután

• San Miguel

• Morazán

• La Unión

Otros sitios web
importantes:

• Asociación de Periodistas

• Escuela Sup. de Economía

• Cuscatlán-Arte y letras

• Observatorio - Drogas

• Pixeles Cuscatlecos

• C. Nacional de Registros

• Fotos

• Fed. Salv. de Fútbol

• Diario Colatino

• Y Hoy ¿Adónde vamos?

• Cruz Roja Salv.

• Vamos a La Palma

• Centroamerica21

Travel information El Salvador is the most densely populated nation in the Western Hemisphere and, a s a result, 97% of the country has been deforested in the last 30 years. Litter and garbage abound on highways, roads and in slum areas. Salvadorians are hard working and aggressive people, some cases of rudeness have been reported in the crowded and very densely populated capital city of San Salvador, however the traveler will find the people in the countryside exceptionally friendly and corteous, eager to please and practice their English. If heading to Beaches to relax, the Comalapa International Airport is located on the newly paved Litoral(Coastal) Highway less than an hour from La Libertad and Costa del Sol Beach points, so the visitor need not even transit the capital city os San Salvador if they desire. Take caution when driving a rental vehicle here, as there are many cases of hit and run in minor accidents (fender benders) especially scrapes in crowded parking areas. Most motorists in Central America drive uninsured and one has an $800 deductible upon your rental contract, which means you pay for any minor damages to the vehicle on report to the rental car company. It is often better to form a group and take a Tour i n an insured vehicle with Driver, as then the company has liability. Anyway come on down..."If you've missed El Salvador, you've missed Central America"
Personal Security
Violent crime such as banditry, assault, kidnapping, rape, armed robbery and car-jacking is common in El Salvador, including in the capital, San Salvador, particularly after dark.
Travel and Health Insurance
Travel and health insurance is strongly recommended for all overseas travel. Travellers should check with their insurer to make sure that their policy meets their needs. In particular, travellers should seek advice from their insurer on what type of circumstances and activities are the subject of exclusions in their policy.
Getting There El Salvador's international airport, Aeropuero Internacional Comalapa, is 44km (27mi) southeast of San Salvador. The following airlines fly to/from San Salvador: TACA, American, Continental, Copa and Delta. There's a US$30.00 departure tax.
Taxi fares are negotiable. If you're hitching, it's customary to give (or at least offer) a small payment.

BEST ALTERNATIVE
If a little bit nervous about visiting El Salvador for the first time due to it's undeserved reputation and in a group of 3 or more persons, the author can hook you up with ISTU (Salvadorian Institute of Tourism) with a bi lingual Guide and Tourist Police escort at no extra charge to either the Nature Preserves of Cerro Verde in Western El Salvador near the volcanic Lake Coatepeque or Walter T. Denninger Tropical Forest at the slopes of the Pacific Ocean with it's amazing bio diversity. No mass tourism Costa Rican style here enjoy but reservations ARE required in advance. National Tourist Police escorts are available for ALL groups of travelers ALL YEAR, ANYWHERE in El Salvador, however we must be notified at least 3 weeks in advance of your departure in order to make your arrangements. No charge for Police escort, however tipping is encouraged.
BEST CULTURAL ENTERTAINMENT
La Luna Casa de Arte- Ongoing Art Exhibitions and many, many cultural, artistic and musical endeavors. Stop by La Luna any night but Sunday to get oriented or check the Arts, Culture and Entertainment section of the local news papers. The "Bohemian District" is near the National University take city bus 44 or 30 or 30B by day and taxi it by night. City buses are few and far between after 8PM and walking alone any distance at night not recommended.
Recommended Local Haunt La Ventana near the National University. With a European cafe atmosphere, they do not mind if you sit and chat, nursing a beer. Located in the heart of San Salvador's "Bohemian" district.
SOME SHOPPING SITES
There are two great arts and crafts markets in San Salvador, The "Ex-Cuartel" a huge crafts bazaar located in downtown San Salvador and the smaller "Mercado de Artesinias" near the San Salvador Fairgrounds(be ready to bargain hard at both locations) along with dozens of towns dedicated to Crafts aound the country, such as Ataco, Ilobasco, La Palma, Nahuazalco and San Sebastian. Knock yourself out! There are several large modern Shopping Malls, with security patrols, such as MetroCentro, MetroSur, Gallerias and Las Cascadas located in and around San Salvador. There are also MetroCentro Malls in the cities of Santa Ana and San Miguel.