Salvador, Alegría – A Journey to the Lagoon

In Alegria, there is a peaceful atmosphere, only traditional markets are held on the square. This place has been discovered by tourists and it is visible on it. However, there are rather local tourists and not foreign tourists.

The biggest attractions include La Laguna de Alegría. Located about 2 km from the city, it rests at the bottom of the crater of the Tecapa volcano and is considered one of the most beautiful places in the country. Thanks to minerals and sulfur, the lagoon water is greenish and is said to have healing properties. The lagoon is easily accessible from the city, it is a small walk up the hill on a rutted road. We go around different gardens and houses and the path also crosses coffee plantations.

The entrance to the lagoon is charged, but we paid 6 CZK per person. We come to the emerald green lagoon, which is smaller in this period, which suggests the surrounding dry shore. It is also enough to feel sulfur, so we don't even dare to swim in the water. Around the lagoon is also approximately 2 km trail, which is possible to walk around.

A popular spot in the city is also the lookout, where tourists meet and wait for the sunset to take nice photos.

In addition to the city and the lagoon, we also walked a small farm that belonged to our hostel. The owners walked us here and explained what they grow. The only thing that struck us a little was a lot of garbage. Everywhere. However, this is gradually changing in the country, in 2019 Alegría was declared one of the cleanest cities in the country.

In the morning, we will have a look at the local police running and practicing with the boys on the playground. It's a form of prevention here. The police are making sure that young people do not tend to join local gangs.

The hostel owner goes to San Miguel and will take us as well. He recommends that we stay in the city, because it is said to be very nice, but we are heading to La Union, because the next day we want to travel to Nicaragua. However, we have to cross the border of Honduras. As we know here, it will be chasing a bus and paying unnecessary charges for leaving or entering the country. But that does not deter us!

GPS: 13°30'28.8"N 88°29'18.3"W

Text and photos: Tomáš Novák