Introducing Parque Nacional Montecristo-el Trifinio

Isolated and pristine, this borderland park boasts thick cloud forest canopy, exotic orchids and abundant wildlife. The borders of El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala converge at the highest point (2418m), referred to as El Trifinio. Oak and laurel trees grow to 30m, and leaves intertwine to form a canopy impenetrable to sunlight. The forest floor provides a habitat for abundant exotic plant life including mushrooms, lichens and mosses, and tree ferns up to 8m tall. The temperature averages between 10°C and 15°C. This is the most humid region in the country, with 2000mm annual precipitation and 100% average relative humidity.

Animals seen (albeit rarely) include spider monkeys, two-fingered anteaters, porcupines, spotted and hooded skunks, pumas, red and gray squirrels, wild pigs, opossums, coyotes and agoutis. The forest is also home to at least 87 bird species, including quetzals, green toucans, woodpeckers, hummingbirds, nightingales, white-faced quail and striped owls.

There is no place to stay here – you must camp. Ask trail directions from the owner of the small shop here. You have a few options but none of the trails is well marked. Several hiking trails begin from Los Planes (about 1900m), a grassy clearing and in a bowl at the foot of Cerro Montecristo. Two trails lead about 1km each to wooden observation towers with views of the park and surrounding area. The trail you are probably looking for is the one to the top. The park highlight, it is a tough 7km climb through dense, misty cloud forest. At the summit a plaque marks the borders of the three countries. The views and the photo opportunities are outstanding.

Information:

The area above Los Planes is closed from May to November, the breeding season of the local fauna. The remainder of the park is open the rest of the year, but you can only venture a few kilometers up the road.

To take full advantage of the park, you'll need to spend the night. Camping is free at Los Planes – bring all your own equipment, food and water. Get advance permission from the National Parks and Wildlife Service at the Ministerio de Medio Ambiente (tel: 2267 6259/6276; www.marn.gob.sv in Spanish; Alameda Araujo/Carr a Santa Tecla Km 5.5; h7:30am-4:30pm Mon-Fri) in San Salvador. Admission is US$6 per day for foreigners plus US$1.15 per vehicle, required for taxis as well.