Lake Ilopango’s location just east of San Salvador makes it the closest lake to the capital and an easy tourist attraction, even if you’re short on time. It’s popular for swimming, boating, diving, fishing, and nearly every other on-water activity. Plan a day trip for some rest and recreation on your own terms. If you have a particular activity in mind, many tour guides offer half-day and full-day excursions for scuba diving and kayaking.
To play 18 serene lakeside holes, head to Club Salvadoreno’s golf course on the north side of the lake.
An on-water aquapark, Via Vela Ilopango, is on the northwestern rim near multiple restaurants and cafes.
Taking a boat across the lake is time-consuming, though it might be preferable to long roadway distance separating the west and east sides.
Lake Ilopango is accessible from San Salvador in under an hour by private car. You can hail a taxi, schedule a rideshare, take the public bus, or book a private/shared shuttle to reach multiple points along the lakefront. If renting a car from the capital, take the RN-5 to the RN-4, then follow the Calle Ilopango and C. a Joya Grande right to the western edge of the lake near Flores Park.
Between December and May is the best time to visit Lake Ilopango. During other months, the rainy season can bring flooding to the area; December through May has drier and warmer weather. Try to visit as early as possible on weekends to beat the crowds, considering traffic is heaviest in the evening. A mid-day visit during the week lets you enjoy the lake with fewer visitors to float alongside.
From simple hostels to campgrounds, multiple overnight accommodations surround Lake Ilopango. Soak up the sun and landscape around the lake by spending the night on the south shore. The following day, discover other natural attractions nearby, like swimming in the Jiboa River or hiking to the Cascada Salto de La Periquera waterfalls and La Peña Trabada rock tunnels.