Activities in Morazán
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Prodetur
Perquín's tourism and environmental-protection organization, Prodetur, operates the eco-hostel, Eco Albergue de Río Sapo, in the Río Sapo protected area, and offers guided hikes there and around Perquín. Guides are local residents, many of them former guerrilla members, and have ample information on the area as well as fascinating accounts of the war years; most speak Spanish only.
The longer hikes are best begun early in the morning to avoid the heat and (more importantly) afternoon rains. Stop by the Prodetur office when you arrive to arrange a tour for the following day; or call ahead if you're only visiting for a day. If you stay at the eco-hostel, the guide will …
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Cerro el Pericón-El Mozote
This three-hour hike is the most popular of Prodetur's tours. It starts in Perquín and climbs Cerro el Pericón, the summit of which affords fine views of the Río Sapo and the surrounding valley. Descending the other side, you reach the Río Sapo protected area and eco-hostal. After stopping for a snack and possibly a swim - it's cold! - continue to El Mozote to see the monument to the 1981 massacre.
From there it's possible to walk to the highway (about 10km along a dirt road, through the town of Arambala) or you can wait for bus, which passes at 12:45. At the highway, hop on one of the frequent pickup trucks for the last 3km back to Perquín.
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Walking Tour, Cerro Gigante
A 6km loop starts behind the Gigante Casa de Huepedes El Gigante and passes a number of historical and war-related sights. You pass the Pueblo Viejo (Old Town), where Perquín was originally located, and a Lenca cemetery where stones are used to mark graves instead of crosses. Doubling back you pass a container used by the UN to store weapons following the signing of the Peace Accords.
The trail climbs Cerro Perón, in the shadow of Cerro Gigante, then returns to the starting point, passing a guerrilla hospital on the way. Though this can all be done solo, but a guide helps bring the history to life.
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City Tour
This walking tour of Perquín focusses on events that took place here during the war. Most of the sights are right around the parque central, including the Casa de la Cultura (formerly a military barracks) and the church. You'll also visit the Museo de la Revolución Salvadoreña and Cerro de Perquín (entrance fees not included). A nice option following lunch and a longer tour in the morning.
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Cerro de Perquín
This is the small hill that rises behind town, with a pretty view from the top. Prodetur is planning to install interpretive signs along the easy 1km trail to the summit, explaining some of the natural and historical significance of the area. There is also talk of charging an entry fee. Look for the trail opposite the entrance to the Museo de la Revolución Salvadoreña, near a public parking lot.
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Walking Tour, Quebrada de Perquín
Walking Tour, Quebrada de Perquín A small natural swimming hole with a modest waterfall. It's right at the intersection of two dirt roads that see very little traffic but still detract from the scene. It's a pleasant, if steep, descent and a long climb back up. Follow the road past Perquín's cemetery just south of town. May be dry February through April.
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