Natural wonders of the world : Coatepeque Caldera in El Salvador

The Coatepeque Caldera in El Salvador goes to justify the fact that nature is the most beautiful architect and no human being can ever emulate its feats. Coatepeque Caldera is a pure creation of nature and surpasses the greatest works of artistry by the greatest artists and architects ever. People from all over the world can marvel and wonder about the brilliance of the creation and can look at the facts and figures, but will never be able to emulate the creation.

For the tourists, Coatepeque Caldera (also known as Lago De Coatepeque) is a volcanic caldera in El Salvador in Central America. In other words, it is an artwork, performed by volcanic eruptions of a particular type of stone known as Rhyolite about 70000 years ago. The place consists of six volcanic lava domes, formed because of lava flows. The youngest of these domes is Cerro Pacho.


Tourist attractions include the Lake Coatepeque, which is a huge crater lake, situated on the eastern part of the Coatepeque Caldera. The lake houses hot springs and also an island called Teopan. It is one of the largest lakes in El Salvador.

To reach the lake, drive along the Pan American Highway west to the city of Santa Ana from San Salvador. After you drive for around 40 km, you reach a market called El Congo which indicates the exit to the lake. To reach the lake, drive south along this road.


There are two brilliant Miradores on the way to the lake which enable you to have a brilliant view of the caldera.


Accommodation is scarce as the lake is mainly surrounded by private residences. You can stay at the two hotels Hotel Del Lago and Torremolinos.


Additional attractions include the domes like Afate and Cerro la Isla which have some hot springs.