Things to See in El Salvador

High in the mountains, Alegría is an unsung gem and one of El Salvador's most picturesque towns. Once the heart of coffee country, it has transformed into the country's flower-growing capital and is a fine place to visit. About 230 flower viveros (nurseries) fill porches, fields and backyards throughout town, and visitors are very welcome.

The borders of El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala converge at a point which has an elevation of 2400m (7900ft), receives 200cm (80in) annual precipitation and has 100% humidity - ideal conditions for a cloud forest. Parque Nacional Montecristo-El Trifinio sits right in its middle. Get permission from the National Parks and Wildlife Service and take a look.

The Mayan ruins of Tazumal, in Chalchuapa, are considered the most important and best preserved in El Salvador. The name Tazumal means 'pyramid where the victims were burned' in the Quiché language. The excavated ruins on display here are only one part of a zone covering 10 sq km (4 sq mi) - most of the ancient wonders still lie buried under the town.