Introducing Lago de Coatepeque

Coatepeque is a sparkling blue crater lake under the looming peaks of Cerro Verde, Izalco and Santa Ana. It's 6km wide and 120m deep, surrounded by green slopes. The lake is a popular weekend retreat for San Salvador's elite. But there are a few cheap hotels here, and during the week it is peaceful. The bus enters the northeast side of the lake to an area with hotels and public access. For around US$4 or the price of a meal, you can relax and enjoy lake access at one of the hotels.