El Jocotal Lagoon
Sanctuary of waterfowl amidst swamps and ancient lava flows of Chaparrastique.
About El Jocotal Lagoon
The El Jocotal lagoon is one of the main places to observe waterfowl in the eastern part of El Salvador. Its swamps, floodable forests, and areas of freshwater mangroves serve as a refuge for thousands of resident and migratory birds. Among the most characteristic species are the snail kite, the white pelican, herons, the roseate spoonbill, and the kingfisher.
Details
Hours
Mon-Sun 9:00 AM-5:00 PM
Brief History
The name El Jocotal refers to a place abundant in jocote trees, a word derived from the Nahuatl *xocotl*. The lagoon occupies a depression fed by waters that flow through ancient lava beds from the Chaparrastique volcano. It was declared a protected natural area in 1976 and a bird sanctuary in 1983. On January 22, 1999, it became the first Ramsar site in El Salvador, and in 2012, its area was expanded to include the San Juan lagoon, hot springs, and nearby volcanic land.
Location & Map
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