Ilopango

Ilopango is a caldera volcano east of San Salvador with a large crater lake surrounded by steep walls that rise dramatically from the water. The basin spans several kilometers and features coves, shallow shorelines, and multiple access points for visitors and locals.

A major eruption in the 5th and 6th centuries destroyed ancient settlements in the region and reshaped the landscape. A later eruption in 1879 created new islands within the lake.

Local fishing families use traditional methods to catch mojarra and guapote fish, supporting their communities with daily catches from the crater lake. The practice shapes how people interact with the water and has been part of life here for generations.

The shoreline has resorts and recreation areas offering swimming, boat rentals, and water activities available year-round. Most facilities cluster along easily accessible sections of the coast.

The Islas Quemadas are a cluster of small islands formed during volcanic activity in the 1800s that mark the summit of a submerged lava dome. These islands stand as visible reminders of the forces that created this landscape.