Ilopango Lake
About Ilopango Lake
Lake Ilopango, the largest in the country, was formed within a volcano that collapsed around the year 431. It was one of the most destructive eruptions in Central America: it covered the territory in ash and forced the abandonment of the Mayan settlements in the region. From the Turicentro Apulo on the shore, boats set out, and activities such as diving, sailing, and fishing are practiced in its waters. Up high, the Panoramic Route features restaurants with views of the lake.
Explore Ilopango Lake
Activities, restaurants and stays recommended by Experiences.
Where to eat8
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RestaurantLas Tres Piedras
Las Tres Piedras
Restaurant and viewpoint along the Panoramic Road, on the southern edge of Lake Ilopango. The menu combines traditional Salvadoran cuisine with international dishes, served with a view of the lake.
Carretera Panorámica Km 21.5
RestaurantKiosko San Francisco
Kiosko San Francisco
Typical food restaurant at kilometer 24 of the Panoramic Highway, on the southern shore of the lake. The menu focuses on Salvadoran dishes and seafood, with a terrace facing the crater.
Carretera Panorámica Km 24
RestaurantCoffee Lake Restaurant & Steak House
Coffee Lake Restaurant & Steak House
Restaurant and steakhouse on the Panoramic Highway, with a view of Lake Ilopango from the southern slope. The menu includes cuts of meat, coffee, and international dishes.
Carretera Panorámica Km 19
RestaurantLa Petite Chef
La Petite Chef
Restaurant at kilometer 22.5 of the Panoramic Highway, in the southern sector of Lake Ilopango. The offering is international cuisine served in front of the crater viewpoint.
Carretera Panorámica Km 22.5
RestaurantLa Casona Café y Típicos
La Casona Café y Típicos
Café and traditional food restaurant on the Panoramic Highway, at kilometer 25 on the southern slope of the lake. The menu features Salvadoran dishes, coffee, and pastries, with a view of the crater.
Carretera Panorámica Km 25
RestaurantRestaurante y Mirador Los Llanitos
Restaurante y Mirador Los Llanitos
Restaurant with a viewpoint on the Panoramic Road, in the hamlet of La Montaña on the southern shore of Lake Ilopango. It offers traditional Salvadoran cuisine on terraces overlooking the crater.
Carretera Panorámica Km 24, Caserío La Montaña
RestaurantAzomalli SV
Azomalli SV
Restaurant at kilometer 24 of the Panoramic Road, on the southern shore of Lake Ilopango. The menu features international and local dishes served in front of the viewpoint.
Carretera Panorámica Km 24
RestaurantTípicos Lisseth Melody
Típicos Lisseth Melody
Typical food diner along the Panoramic Highway, on the southern slope of Lake Ilopango. The menu consists of traditional Salvadoran dishes served with a view of the lake.
Carretera Panorámica
Cafés & Bars1
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Coffee shopCafé Santa Cruz
Café Santa Cruz
Café located on the Panoramic Highway, on the southern slope of Lake Ilopango, with an open view of the crater. It offers coffee, pastries, and light dishes to enjoy in front of the viewpoint.
Carretera Panorámica Km 10
Highlights
Snapshots that tell the story of Ilopango Lake.
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Cerro de Las Pavas
Viewpoint over Lake Ilopango.
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Apulo Recreational Park
The classic resort on the shores of Lake Ilopango.
History of Ilopango Lake
The Ilopango caldera was formed by four major eruptions from the late Pleistocene. The last one, Tierra Blanca Joven, occurred around the year 431 and was one of the most destructive in Central America: it covered much of the territory with ash, forced the abandonment of Maya settlements such as Joya de Cerén and Chalchuapa, and left the region uninhabited for generations. Over the centuries, the crater filled with water. After the earthquakes in December 1879, a lava dome emerged from the bottom of the lake, reaching fifty meters in height, until the explosions on March 5, 1880, nearly blew it apart: what remains are the Islas Quemadas.
Fun facts
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