Introducing Eastern El Salvador

El Salvador's eastern interior is the least explored of all of its regions. Though San Miguel is the country's second-largest city (and an important commercial and transportation hub), the area has no hook - no national parks, no surfing spots, no phenomenal museums. But what eastern El Salvador does have is pockets of possibilities - a vibrant nightlife in San Miguel, appealing mountain towns, challenging volcano ascents, and artisan communities whose wares are sold throughout the country. The east is a historically vital economic and agricultural zone, with cotton, sugarcane, cattle and, of course, coffee.

Most people visit the eastern interior on their way to or from areas with more obvious tourist appeal, like Morazán and the Pacific coast. And there's nothing wrong with that. So as you're flying by on that painted Blue Bird bus, consider stopping to smell the flowers in Alegría or watch artists at work in Ilobasco. Heck, even sitting in the plaza in Sesuntepeque is a nice way to spend an afternoon after a week of beach-hopping.