Alegría

Alegría is a small city in the mountains of Eastern El Salvador.

Laguna de Alegria

Get in

From Usulután

Buses go from the smaller Eastern terminal in Usulután (which is next to Maxi Despensa) to Santiago de María. From there, there are regular buses to Alegría.

Get around

Alegria is small enough to cover on foot. Most places in town are either on or adjacent to the Parque Central or a few blocks down.

See

• 1 Laguna de Alegría (also known as the Emerald of Central America). The laguna is inside the crater of the now dormant volcano Tecapa. The laguna grows a brilliant green especially in bright sunlight, which is caused by the sulfur and other minerals found in the craters volcanic clay. It is a favorite spot among El Salvadorans and its common to see locals trekking out hunks of the clay which they use for medicinal purposes. There are several picnic tables and large rocks to congregate around. The laguna itself is only deep in the very center although most El Salvadorans will not swim in the laguna. There is a myth that a mermaid lives in the laguna which drowns handsome young men. The cobblestone path is roughly 1.5 miles long and is a moderate hike through coffee plantations. The road will end at the entrance to the laguna and a small tienda is just to the left of the entrance. Admission is 25 cents for the day.  

Eat

• Restaurante Mi Pueblito, Calle Alberto Masferrer (close to northwest corner of Parque Central), ☏ +503 2628 1038. 8AM-4PM. Nice terrace. 
• Parque Ecológico Cartagena, Final Barrio El Calvario, ☏ +503 2606 5310. Good fish and ceviche. Nice terrace with panoramic view. Plant nursery. Main dish from $5. 
• Cafe Entre Piedras. See hostel below. 

Sleep

• Tekapa Hotel, 1era Av. Norte y Pasaje Mejía, ☏ +503 6012 1086. Big rooms, cool atmosphere and tranquillity. Dining available. From $52. 
• Cabañas La Estancia de Daniel. Family atmosphere. Cozy cabañas with private bathroom with hot water. Cabañas from $10. 
• Hostal & Café Entre Piedras (northeast corner of Parque Central), ☏ +503 2313-2812, www.entrepiedras.alegria@hotmail.com. Opened in 2009. Hot water, cable TV, Wi-Fi. Good restaurant. Very nice patio to sit, relax and have meal. Dorms from $16. 
• Mirador Las 100 Gradas. According to some locals it is fine to pitch a tent on this viewpoint. The village is fairly safe. You probably should inform the police (in front of the church) that you are there. free. 

Go next

• Berlin
• San Miguel
• Western El Salvador