The
Caribbean islands have each a treasure one should not miss when visiting. For
El Salvador, it’s the Ilopango Lake. The 72 square kilometres and 230 metres
caldera is the largest natural like of the country. Just a few minutes from San
Salvador, Ilopango Lake is perfect for water activities.
Try the various water
sports
Sandy
beaches and turquoise water is what one would expect for holidays in the Carribean Islands.
Ilopango does not make an exception to the rule. Along the southwest shore,
near the community of Apulo, there are public beaches where you can swim.
However, they are not Ilopango’s best features. They are small, poorly maintain
and overcrowded. The best of water activities actually happens at the lake. On
water, kayaking and skiboating are popular. You can also tour the lake on a
boat, by renting one or paying a fee to join a group tour. In water, swimming
is obviously the first thing to do. You can plunge into the clear and sparking
water by launching yourself from the branches of the trees surrounding the
lake. The depth of the water makes it possible to dive into it to explore the
steep rock ridges that plunges into the deep waters. Local shops organize
expeditions and provide guides. Some even rent equipment if needed.
Eat fish-based food
The
lake is said to be home to fine tiger bass and other small fish. Bigger catch
is a however rare event – not to say impossible. Ilopango Lake is so deep that
sunlight only reaches the shallow waters. Vegetation cannot therefore not grow
in deeper water, hence the absence of bigger fish. However, Ilopango is still a
fishermen land. Fish they caught are used for local consumption and they tend
to get a lot. It is thus common to have fish on the menu every day. You however
can be certain they are always fresh. The people still use ancient methods to
get their catch. They boat out to where the water is deep and free dive to look
for the fish. You could learn from them. However, it is a very dangerous
method. For a more modern and safer angling, you could contact a charter
fishing company to arrange you a trip.
Stay in Ilopango’s
vacation rentals
Ilopango
is just 10 miles from San Salvador, the capital city of El Salvador. You can
reach the location by bus or taxi. However, the area has so much to offer and
you can’t see or do it all within a day. It is therefore recommended to rent a
room or a house along the many along the shoreline of Ilopango. You won’t only
save money from the trips to the capital but could also get great deals for the
activities. Vacation rental owners indeed supply water activities equipment and
other amenities and you could get them for free if you are residing in the
area. Staying in a private lake house will also allow you to cook your own
menu. But the most rewarding thing is the magnificent views of the lake.
