Heritage inspiring the world

13:11 31 de janeiro de 2022 Por Daniel Oiticica

The underwater heritage of volcanic origin is another experience offered by El Salvador.

El Salvador is not only an investment destination. It is also a place with countless tourist icons, combining beaches, volcanoes, pre-Columbian heritage, colonial towns, tropical forests, and exquisite cuisine. Everything can be visited in a short time, since distances are short. Investment and experiences, only in El Salvador

The country has more than 300 kilometers of beaches, with ideal areas for surfing. There is also space to lie on the sand and enjoy the sun and seafood.

Some coastal points are typical of salt forests, where mangroves are home to a great variety of marine species, as well as the route for different birds passing through on their migratory process.

The underwater heritage of volcanic origin is another experience offered by El Salvador, in addition to archaeological diving to learn about the ancient ships that sailed the Salvadoran waters in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, and that ran aground off the coast of the country.

El Salvador also offers options of landscapes and climates in valleys, as well as panoramic views and temperate climates from the mountain ranges. Ahuachapán, Santa Ana, Chalatenango, Morazán and La Unión are the departments known for having the main terrestrial elevations. Some of these, in the west of the country, favor the cultivation of high-altitude coffee and have also become a must-go destination to taste the beverages made from the so-called "golden bean".

Cerro Verde Hotel, Exupéry's inspiration
Located at an altitude of 1,950 meters above sea level and 30 meters above the crater of the Izalco volcano, the Hotel Cerro Verde is a heritage of the history of El Salvador, recovered by the current government. The Izalco volcano is related to one of the most important works of world literature, The Little Prince, by French writer Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, with more than 50 million copies sold in 120 languages.

Located at an altitude of 1,950 meters above sea level and 30 meters above the crater of the Izalco volcano, the Hotel Cerro Verde is a heritage of the history of El Salvador.

Antoine de Saint-Exupéry was married to Salvadoran artist Consuelo de Saint-Exupéry. Her maiden name was Consuelo Suncín Sandoval Zeceña. She was born in Armenia (Sonsonate), El Salvador. From her house, Consuelo could see the volcanoes of Santa Ana, Izalco and Cerro Verde. Consuelo and Antoine visited Armenia several times to see the family. In The Little Prince, as well as in the town of Armenia, there are three volcanoes, two active and one extinct, inspired by Salvadoran volcanoes.

Built in 1955, the hotel was closed since 2001 due to earthquakes that inflicted damage to the foundations. With the government of Nayib Bukele, it was decided to revive this national historic icon, preserving and respecting the unique elements of El Salvador's cultural and architectural heritage. The government as facilitator and the private sector with its knowledge and employment creation. Its recovery marked the reactivation of a tourist area, and created local employment, investment, as well as an important boost for the hotel sector.

The building has 4 meeting rooms, 20 guest rooms, kitchen and service area, common areas with restrooms, internal parking for 30 vehicles, security booth, office space, among other facilities.

Its architecture is modern, with minimalist touches and wide and free spaces. The original shape of the hotel stands out, combining wood, glass and concrete materials. The wood has been reused in 50% of the original from the 50's. Architectural criteria such as integration, harmony, rhythm, color, warmth and form have been implemented.

Its three chimneys represent the three volcanoes Izalco, Santa Ana and Cerro Verde, and the property repeats this symbolism of always placing three elements. The building is in harmony with the natural landscape and represents the complex of the volcanoes of Santa Ana, Izalco and Cerro Verde, as well as the proximity of Lake Coatepeque and its great natural scenic and inspiring beauty.