Lake Suchitlan in El Salvador is an astonishing artificial lake formed in 1976 as a result of the construction of the Cerron Grande Hydroelectric Power Plant.
The lake sits near the colorful town of Suchitoto and is popular with tourists visiting Suchitoto and other cities nearby.
Lake Suchitlan is part of Rio Lempa, one of the most recognizable rivers in El Salvador. The lake is a natural habitat for many species of birds and fish; furthermore, numerous species of flora and fauna grow and live in and around the lake.
Lake Suchitlan is one of the main attractions in the area, not only for its size and surface but also for the amount of flora and fauna that exits in the region.
So, if you have the opportunity, take a chance and spend time at this man-made lake; there are plenty of activities and things to see that will keep you busy all day.
Highlights and useful information.
- The lake’s body of water is about 134 square kilometers, which makes it the largest lake in the country.
- The lake is home to small islands such as bird island, Los Enamorados, El Salitre, El Chaparral, El Leon, El Burro, Trinidad, and a few others.
- Along the lake, you will find colorful towns such as San Francisco Lempa, San Luis del Carmen, Colima, San Cristobal, Platanares, San Juan, and a few others.
- Suchitlan is shared by four departments in the northern and central parts of the country; Chalatenango, Cabañas, Cuscatlan, and San Salvador.
- The best way to access the town is through the colonial and picturesque city of Suchitoto.
- Lake Suchitlan got its name from Alejandro Coto, a famous Salvadoran writer, and resident of Suchitoto.
- Suchitlan in the ancient Nahuatl language means, place of the bird flower.
Visting Lake Suchitlan.
Suchitlan is a fantastic tourist attraction; every year, many Salvadorans and foreigners visit this lake to see and experience great ecotourism.
Activities at Lake Suchitlan.
These are some of the most popular activities at the lake, boating, kayaking, hanging out at the visitors center, or taking the ferry and exploring other small towns in the area.
Take a boat ride and venture into Lake Suchitlan. Boat rides are available for you to see all the flora and fauna that live along the banks of the lake, or take a boat ride and explore the small islands in the lake.
Kayaking along the shore of the lake is a great way to see flora and fauna.
The visitors center near Suchitoto is a great area to hang out. The center has some small restaurants and shops where you can witness all the splendor of the lake; and at the same time buy souvenirs, made locally.
Lastly, if you are looking for other things to do, you can take the La Luna Ferri and visit other small towns in the area.
Accommodations at Lake Suchitlan.
Lake Suchitlan is in an underdeveloped area; therefore, if you are looking to spend more than a day at the Lake Suchitlan area, I recommend you stay in Suchitoto.
In Suchitoto you will be able to find plenty of accommodations for all types of visitors; and by the way, from some of the hotels in Suchitoto, you will be able to get a great view of the lake.
Some hotel options available near Lake Suchitlan are Casa 1800, Los Almendros de San Lorenzo, and El Tejado Hotel. Click Here to view the full list and the cost per night. Click Here to view the full list and the cost per night.
Getting to Lake Suchitlan in El Salvador.
Suchitlan is a large lake shared by four different departments; however, the vast majority of visitors visit through the town of Suchitoto. Besides, the lake area around Suchitoto is the most developed and the one that will give you the opportunity of getting more things done.
Lake Suchitlan is about an hour’s drive from the capital city of San Salvador. Additionally, it takes about 1.5 hours to reach the lake from the International Airport.
Before venturing into Lake Suchitlan on your own, I highly recommend you talk to a touring company and see what they recommend on the best way of getting to the lake.
To sum up, this impressive artificial lake was created in 1973, when the Cerron Grande Dam was built, and as of today is a top attraction in the central part of the country.
Every year, foreigners from many countries and locals from all parts of El Salvador visit and enjoy this astonishing man-made wonder.
Visit and explore Lake Suchitland in El Salvador! There are plenty of activities and things to see; you will have a great time, I am sure of that.
