Quebec to Panama 2017-2019
(North and Central America)
16 months - solo travel - Suzuki DR650

Parque Nacional El Imposible

December 20, 2018  —  El Salvador
Road from Cara Sucia to El Imposible Park - El Salvador

After passing the border, I drove toward the El Imposible National Park. Its name comes from a gorge that was very difficult to cross for farmers and pack mules transporting coffee to the coast. The gorge is responsible for deadly falls for many a good number of them.

As I am driving toward the park, my first day in El Salvador is darkened by a flat tire in the middle of nowhere. I repair the tube, and after a 30-minute job, I resume my journey. Unfortunately, there were two pieces of metal in the tire, and I saw only one. The next day, the tire is going to be flat again. I had to replace the tube.

Parque Nacional El Imposible - El Salvador
View of the Pacific Coast.

The park contains some nice forest trails leading to some interesting point of interest. I was the only tourist to sleep in the park, and it was probably the most remarkable nights since Mexico. Why? Simply because it was the first time I could sleep without hearing people, music, vehicles, dogs or roosters. The first night, I only heard the wind in the trees and on the tent. The second night, without wind, I heard strange noises from some nocturnal animals, including owls. Two great and relaxing nights.

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Cerro El León

Parque Nacional El Imposible - El Salvador

This trail of about 8 km leads to a summit with 360 degree views on the park, but also beyond its borders. The Pacific Coast, some 18 km away as the crow flies, can be seen in the distance.

Although it's a tropical forest, there are lots of bamboos, an invasive species from Asia.

Parque Nacional El Imposible - El Salvador
Parque Nacional El Imposible - El Salvador
The summit of Cerro El León at 1100 metres.
Parque Nacional El Imposible - El Salvador
Parque Nacional El Imposible - El Salvador
Parque Nacional El Imposible - El Salvador
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Piedra Sellada

Another trail leading to a rock with Mayan writing.

Parque Nacional El Imposible - El Salvador
Parque Nacional El Imposible - El Salvador
Parque Nacional El Imposible - El Salvador
Parque Nacional El Imposible - El Salvador
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Los Enganches

Parque Nacional El Imposible - El Salvador

The third and last trail leads to a nice pool with cold water swimming.

Parque Nacional El Imposible - El Salvador
Parque Nacional El Imposible - El Salvador