San Salvador, El Salvador) - San Salvador (El Salvador)

San Salvador
Flag
Situation
250x180px
Country	The Savior
Idiom	Spanish
Demographic data
Surface	72.25 km²
Population	567,698
Useful data
Time zone	UTC-6: 00
Web
Official Web site	San Salvador

The city of San Salvador It is the capital of The Savior. It has an estimated population of 290 thousand inhabitants for the year 2013, although the urban conglomerate called «Gran Salvador» - to which it belongs together with the municipalities of Apopa, Santa Tecla, Mejicanos, Ayutuxtepeque, Cuscatancingo, Delgado, Soyapango, Ilopango, Nejapa, San Marcos, San Martín, Tonacatepeque and Antiguo Cuscatlán — have a population of approximately 1.7 million inhabitants.

It is the headquarters of the main organs of the State and the main economic and cultural center of the country. It was founded in 1525, although without a known seat, but three years later the first Spanish inhabitants, together with natives from the Valley of Mexico, settled in the Bermuda Valley near the current city of Suchitoto. This place was abandoned and the town was erected again in 1545 in what would become known as the Valley of the Hammocks due to its constant tremors. It obtained the title of city a year later from the Spanish crown.

San Salvador became an important commercial center during the Spanish colonization, although subordinated to the city of Santiago de los Caballeros in Guatemala. It was the focus of the uprising against the Spanish authorities in the years 1811 and 1814, and after Central American independence it sustained a political tension with the Guatemalan metropolis. After the dark years of the Federal Republic of Central America, there was a certain development in the city in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, thanks to the export of coffee.

During the 20th century, military regimes ruled the country with some stability, but tensions increased with the growth of the political left. In the years of the Salvadoran civil war, San Salvador was not the theater of operations, but it did not escape guerrilla attacks and human rights violations, until in 1989 it was the protagonist of a guerrilla offensive. With the arrival of liberal governments, the city had an economic boom, but social inequalities persisted. On the other hand, the city has been destroyed by earthquakes that have modified its infrastructure and society itself.

Understand

San Salvador is a very active city in commerce. Economic development and new trends in architecture are notable in the west and southwest of the capital and Greater San Salvador. In the east are located the old neighborhoods and colonies, and mainly the historic center, the original nucleus of the city that still remains an important commercial center for the popular sectors.

It is located in the central area of ​​the country, so it is a strategic site for tourism, since in the city the traveler can stay and travel to various parts of El Salvador, which has the smallest territorial area in Central America, in relatively short periods of time.

The inhabitants of San Salvador may seem overwhelmed by daily needs, but the visitor will almost certainly find a helping hand for any need. Insecurity is a worrying point in the city as in the whole country, so it is recommended to take the necessary precautions.

Take into consideration that the city is located in an area where seismic events are recurrent.

To get

By bus

It is not difficult to find a bus route that goes to San Salvador. Being the most important center of economic activity, most of the public transport service is organized to connect with the city. The highest prices are around five dollars,^[1] as in the routes that leave from San Miguel, in the east of the country, and the cheapest ones are between 60 cents and 1.25 dollars. Do not expect to find much comfort in the interdepartmental units, and your trip may be delayed by the constant stops for users, although there are buses with a direct line from cities such as San Miguel and Santa Ana.^[2]

By car

Travel

By bus

Bus transportation in San Salvador is a point of daily debate. Despite their low cost (20 cents for buses, and 25 cents for minibuses), the units are for the most part in poor condition, and you could find yourself in a vehicle driven by an anxious chauffeur. However, buses cover most of the city, and can be boarded almost at any time, except late at night.

It is advisable not to wear valuables or a lot of money, because assaults, although not very common, are a daily concern.

By car

In Salvador you may encounter traffic jam problems during peak hours, especially early in the morning and late in the afternoon. The places with the greatest traffic congestion are Los Próceres or Autopista Sur boulevard, Arturo Castellanos or Venezuela boulevard, General Escalón avenue, Constitución boulevard extension, Los Héroes boulevard, Juan Pablo II avenue, San Antonio Abad street, Jerusalem, the historic center; and in the places of entry and exit of the city such as the San Salvador-Santa Tecla highway (west), the Northern Trunk that connects with Apopa, the Army Boulevard (east) and the Comalapa highway (south).

The state of these arteries is regularly good, not so some secondary streets, which could be in poor condition. It is advisable to drive with great caution, since there is a lot of anxiety in drivers. The main streets and avenues are duly identified, and the layout of the roads in general is quite uniform. In general, the inhabitants lend their help to find the right direction.

Watch

Museums

National Museum of Anthropology David J. Guzmán

The most important in the country. It is located in front of the International Center for Fairs and Conventions on Avenida Revolución, Colonia San Benito. The entrance fee is $ 1 for nationals and Central Americans, and $ 3 for foreigners.^[3]

Museum of Art of El Salvador

Complete collection of Salvadoran art. It is located at the end of Avenida Revolución in the San Benito neighborhood. It forms a group with the Monument to the Revolution, popularly calling "Chulón". The rate is $ 1.50 for adults and $ 0.50 for children, on Sundays admission is free. ^[4]

Zapote Barracks Military Museum

It is located in the San Jacinto neighborhood, south of San Salvador, it forms a group with the old Presidential House, popularly called "La Casona". You could have difficulty finding it, so take the route of the Boulevard Venezuela or Arturo Castellanos heading east and when you get to the Church of the Candelaria neighborhood, take the south heading towards the municipality of San Marcos. Admission is free.^[5]

Museum of the Word and the Image

Institution that was born with the impulse of the journalist of Venezuelan origin Carlos Consalvi, and whose objective is the investigation, rescue, preservation and dissemination of the Salvadoran heritage. It holds thematic exhibitions, and it is visually very attractive. It is located on 27 avenida norte in the vicinity of the Guadalupano school. The rate is $ 1 for Salvadorans and Central Americans, $ 2 for foreigners, and free for seniors.^[6]

Popular art museum

Small museum of Salvadoran crafts, especially dedicated to those made in Ilobasco, department of Cabañas. It is located in the Central America colony. To get there, take Los Héroes boulevard and turn left onto Gabriela Mistral street and ask for the park in that neighborhood. The fee is $ 1 for adults and $ 0.50 for children.^[7]

Museum of Natural History

Dedicated to the exhibition of the biodiversity, paleontology, minerals, and ecosystems of the Salvadoran territory. It is located in the Saburo Hirao park area, near the National Zoo. The rate is $ 0.60 and free for children and seniors.^[8]

Tin Marin Children's Museum

Space dedicated to children where they will have a fun and educational experience through games and experimentation. It is located next to the Cuscatlán Park on the sixth-tenth west street.^[9]

University Museum of Anthropology of the Technological University

Located on Calle Arce in the historic center, it occupies an old house in the area and contains five permanent rooms and a temporary one related to the history of the country since pre-Hispanic times.^[10]

Places

Historical Center

The historic center of San Salvador is a populous area, which can seem messy and chaotic at first impression. Informal commerce has been installed in several streets and avenues, making it difficult to walk or drive, although public transport has been diverted from the main roads such as Rubén Darío Street, Monseñor Romero Avenue and España Avenue. However, the traveler will be able to find in this place some places of historical importance, since the "center" was for many years the political, commercial and social heart of the country for a long time, apart from the fact that it was here that the city was born. Take into account the difficulty of finding parking, so it is preferable to travel on organized tours. If you do take the option of walking, shopkeepers and passersby are quite willing to help you, even if you take the necessary precautions regarding your personal belongings.

Visited:

• Metropolitan Cathedral, where the crypt of Monsignor Óscar Arnulfo Romero is located;
• National Palace, which served as the seat of public powers for much of the 20th century, remains open Monday through Friday from 8 am to 4 pm with a rate of $ 1 for Salvadorans and Central Americans and $ 3 for foreigners.^[11]
• El Rosario ChurchIts appeal is the modern open space architecture. In this place are the remains of the hero José Matías Delgado. It is located in front of the Plaza Libertad.
• House Taken from the Center, this place has been occupied by young enthusiasts dedicated to the promotion of art and culture, it is located near the Plaza San José.
• Cafe Bella NaplesIt is located near the Plaza Libertad and is a very traditional place where you can taste sweet bread with coffee. The cafe was a meeting place for poets and writers in the 1970s. I understand it was closed. ^[12]

Natural spaces

El Boquerón National Park

"El Boquerón" is the name of a crater of the San Salvador volcano, and in which a national park has been erected. To get there, go to the Merliot shopping center in Santa Tecla, and head north. There is a viewpoint to observe the crater and you can also request assistance to go down to the bottom of it. The street that crosses the volcano is in good condition, although take precautions when the weather is rainy if you drive a vehicle. In this street you will also find good quality restaurants. Entrance to the park is $ 1.^[13]

Bicentennial Park

It is located on Jerusalem Avenue, to the west of the Metropolitan Area. It is part of the El Espino forest reserve, and has hiking trails, routes for mountain biking and trekking, and other green areas.^[14]

Do

Events (edit)

San Salvador does not stand out as a very active center in cultural events. However, this does not mean that the effort of public and private entities is lacking in the development of activities.

The patron saint festivities are the main celebration of the city.^[15] They take place in the first week of August and the 5th and 6th are a national holiday. The parades organized by the municipality and commercial houses stand out, and the Catholic procession popularly known as "La Bajada", on the 5th, which takes place in the historic center and is held in honor of the Divine Savior of the World, patron of the country. On those days amusement parks are installed. One of them is generally located near the Don Rúa church, near the Government Center, and another is located in the Center for Fairs and Conventions in front of the National Museum, which provides more secure conditions. Holy Week is another important celebration, being in the historic center where the most traditional organization takes place. In addition, in the Our Lady of Guadalupe parish, located in Antiguo Cuscatlán, a festival is celebrated every December 12 in honor of the Virgin of Guadalupe.^[16]

Other events are the commemoration of Central American independence on September 15 in which educational institutions and also representations of the police and the military parade. In December, the cultural exhibitions in the remodeled Plaza del Divino Salvador del Mundo have taken off.

In the field of fine arts, painting exhibitions are held at the Salaruch National Gallery, located in Cuscatlán Park, and the Museum of Art (MARTE). There are private ones such as the 1-2-3 Gallery and others in which samples of photographs or other visual arts are made that have proliferated in the last decade. There are also theater seasons at the Luis Poma Theater, located in Metrocentro; as well as the national and youth symphony orchestra, and also ballet at the Presidente Theater. On the other hand, there are important centers for cultural promotion such as the Cultural Center of Spain, or the French Alliance. It is advisable to follow the activities of the Ministry of Culture of the Presidency, in newspapers or on its home page. Facebook.

On the other hand, there are regular musical concerts by international artists that take place in the Cuscatlán and Mágico González stadiums.

Learn

Work

To buy

• Metrocentro. Popular shopping center located on Los Héroes boulevard.
• Galleries Escalón. Mall located on Paseo General Escalón, two blocks from Plaza del Divino Salvador del Mundo. Three levels of commercial stores, banking services, and movie theaters.
• Artisan market. Located on the Santa Tecla-San Salvador highway, in front of the Saturnino Bengoa ball park. Variety of Salvadoran crafts and others of Guatemalan origin. Accessible prices with the possibility of haggling.
• Central Market The important thing about this place, first is that the prices are completely popular, then, is that you will find everything, fresh and good quality food reigns, and you can haggle.

To eat

Typical food

Pupusas, a typical Salvadoran dish par excellence, can be tasted in "pupuserías" located throughout the city in neighborhoods and neighborhoods. Near Gran Salvador, the area of ​​Los Planes de Renderos is popular in the municipality of Panchimalco, 12 km from the capital. Closer is also the center of the city of Antiguo Cuscatlán. Also among the best known foods in El Salvador are the tamales pisques, chicken, meat, chipillin, corn ..... also tortias made from squash corn in poleada honey, different kinds of atoles, toasted corn, Piñuela, atol chuco por sierto, very famous and consumed by the Salvadoran inhabitants, there are also products derived from corn such as riguas, corn atol, corn cakes, crazy corn, enchiladas, tacois, plantain-based empanadas made with milk reyeno and bean

Other traditional places are the "chilaterias", where you can taste the nuégados de yuca, chilate, egg fritters, or torrejas. Some popular chilaterias are "Los Huacalitos" in the San Miguelito neighborhood, and "Mamá Nena" in the Santa Anita neighborhood. metro centers like siman metro sur etc

In gastronomy, there are also panes with turkey, of which the most recognized restaurant is "Panes Coyo", others are "Pavito Criollo" and "Don Pavo". Tamales can be found especially on Saturdays in stores in some neighborhoods and neighborhoods, as well as in supermarkets. Traditional sweets can be found in abundance during the city's patron saint festivities in August, although there are street sales in the historic center. Other street sales include the riguas, the shuco atol, the corn atol, the piñuela atol, meat pastries, poleada milk, and artisanal sorbets. In Gran Salvador, the municipality of Mejicanos is a place where yucca with chicharrón is tasted, in the Typical Municipal Square.

The traditional drinks, called "frescoes", can be savored in the municipal markets, of which the most popular are barley, horchata, and tamarind, among others. Restaurant chains that serve typical food in San Salvador are Tipicos Margoth in Col. Escalón, on 79 ave. North; It also serves typical food Mister Donut Restaurants, of which there are some in the city, one of the most central Mister Donut in La Campana Shopping Center, Salvador del Mundo area, Alameda Roosevelt.

International food

International food fills the most demanding tastes, and among the most representative are Chinese food, in places like El Dragon Dorado, China Palace, or Hunan; Mexican cuisine at Los Cebollines, and Las Fajitas; Argentine cuisine in El Arriero and La Pampa Argentina; Italian cuisine at Al Pomodoro, La Bodega Italiana and La Dolce Vita; Japanese food in Kamakura, Daruma and Shushi Ito, is international the famous food chain "Pollo Campero" of Guatemalan origin and very limited in all El Salvador, they serve fried chicken, breakfasts and others, stand out in San Salvador Pollo Campero de Metrosur , Pollo Campero Salvador del Mundo, PC Ex Terminal de Oriente, PC 25 ave, PC Darío, PC Parque San José and many more; among others..^[17]

Drink and go out

Popular nightlife centers in San Salvador are the Zona Rosa, in the west of the city; the Paseo General Escalón that starts from the Monument to the Divine Savior of the World; the Zona Real in the vicinity of Metrocentro and the Hotel Real Continental, and Santa Elena Boulevard in the area of ​​the United States embassy. In shopping centers there are also entertainment venues such as El Paseo Shopping Center, Torre Futura, as well as La Gran Vía and Multiplaza, the latter two located on the road from San Salvador to Santa Tecla. Alameda Juan Pablo II, there is a Willy's restaurant, with a popular atmosphere, you can dance and security is strict, if someone is disturbing your table, notify security and they take them out, it costs $ 3 for admission.

Gourmet coffee

In the last decade, gourmet coffee shops have grown,^[18] and in San Salvador there are several good quality establishments such as The Coffee Cup, Viva Expresso, Ben's Coffee, and Coffee Station, among others. These cafes can specifically be found for greater comfort in Shopping Centers, Metrocentro, Galerías, El Paseo or in the same restaurant chains such as Pollo Campero, Pizza Hut, Mister Donut, and in the modernism that San Salvador is heading for, they have also been opened. cafes in the Historic Center of San Salvador.

Sleep

Economic

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Half

• Quality Hotel Real Airport El Salvador, Km 40.5 Highway to El Salvador International Airport. ☎ 503 2366 0000, fax: 503 2366 0000. The Quality Hotel Real Aeropuerto El Salvador is located 5 minutes from the Comalapa International Airport, it offers varied and modern rooms, as well as a bar, swimming pool, conference room and a restaurant that serves American breakfast totally free every morning and also offers regional and regional cuisine. international for lunch and dinner.Price: Prices range from $ 70 - $ 140.latest edition: no information

Waste

• Hilton Princess San Salvador Hotel, tel. 503 2 268 4545, fax 503 2 268 4500, [1].

• Hotel Intercontinental San Salvador, Boulevard de Los Héroes. San Salvador, 544. El Salvador. ☎ 503 2211 3333, fax: 503 2211 4444. Price: Prices range from $ 80 - $ 450.latest edition: no information

The Hotel InterContinental San Salvador has 228 rooms, 6 suites and 2 Club InterContinental floors. It has 13 conference rooms with capacity for up to 1000 people, 3 restaurants, lounge bar, gym, spa, swimming pool and business center.

Keep in touch

Security

In the municipality there are two types of security agents who will watch over your well-being:

• The Metropolitan Agents Corps (CAM): which is in charge of ensuring compliance with municipal ordinances related to urbanity, safety and quality of life of all those who live and transit in San Salvador. During your visit, you can ask these agents for help in case of minor emergencies.
• The National Civil Police (PNC): in charge of enforcing all the laws in force in the country. You should go to this in case of serious emergencies, contactable at the emergency number 911.

In addition, as extraordinary measures, the Central Government deploys military agents throughout the country to collaborate with the security of its inhabitants.

Despite the fact that San Salvador has been classified as "Dangerous Cities of the World" it should not be alarming, it is only a matter of common sense not to be a victim of crime. Some tips that are provided are:

• When traveling by vehicle: lock your doors and try not to travel with valuables in sight.
• When walking on foot: Try not to walk alone or with valuables through conflictive sectors.

Health

El Salvador is one of the countries with the highest "medical tourism", so you can find a wide range of services. San Salvador has the best hospitals in the country, in case of any emergency you will have two options:

1. National Clinics and Hospitals: Rosales Hospital and FOSALUD Health Units.
2. Private Clinics and Hospitals: you can consult the range of clinics and hospitals in this link.

Surroundings

References

external links

• Wikipedia has an article on San Salvador, El Salvador).w: San Salvador (El Salvador)
• Wikimedia Commons houses multimedia content about San Salvador, El Salvador). Commons