Travels around the world 2009-2024
Exploring our beautiful planet

Alegría

January 3, 2019  —  El Salvador
Alegría - El Salvador

Alegría is a nice mountain village worth some days just to enjoy the quiet central plaza, restaurants, and a cool and pleasant climate. Perched on the mountainside, at about 1200 metres high, the village offers a few fantastic viewpoints on the plains around it. Moreover, only a few kilometres from the village, the Laguna Alegría offers some absolutely fantastic scenery.

This early in the year, the village is still in a festive mood with its numerous crafts and food stands, and is still decorated with splendid Christmas ornaments.

Alegría - El Salvador
Alegría - El Salvador
Alegría - El Salvador
Alegría - El Salvador
Alegría - El Salvador

The mirador of Las Cien Gradas (mirador of the Hundred Steps) is a superb viewpoint on the village and the valley below.

Alegría - El Salvador
I counted 99 steps.
Alegría - El Salvador
View from a small restaurant.
Alegría - El Salvador
Alegría - El Salvador
View from a small restaurant.
Alegría - El Salvador
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Laguna Alegría

Laguna Alegría - Alegría - El Salvador

The Laguna Alegría is a magnificent crater lake with a green-emerald colour. Apparently, its water has some medicinal virtues, but as a downside, it has a rather strong and unpleasant sulphur smell (like a not so fresh egg smell).

A formidable activity to do around the laguna is to hike the trail around the crater rim. From above, the lake and crater become even more incredibly beautiful.

Laguna Alegría - Alegría - El Salvador
View from below.
Laguna Alegría - Alegría - El Salvador
Laguna Alegría - Alegría - El Salvador
There is sulphur all around.
Laguna Alegría - Alegría - El Salvador
Laguna Alegría - Alegría - El Salvador
Laguna Alegría - Alegría - El Salvador
Laguna Alegría - Alegría - El Salvador
I wasn't looking where I was stepping.
Laguna Alegría - Alegría - El Salvador
Laguna Alegría - Alegría - El Salvador
Another volcano far away.

The trail along the crater rim offers fantastic scenery.

Laguna Alegría - Alegría - El Salvador
Laguna Alegría - Alegría - El Salvador
Laguna Alegría - Alegría - El Salvador
Laguna Alegría - Alegría - El Salvador
Laguna Alegría - Alegría - El Salvador