Bahia Del Sol Cruiser’s Guide

June 2010

We hope the Bahia del Sol Cruiser’s Guide

will contribute to making your stay in Bahia del Sol
a more pleasant and enjoyable experience.
e-mail hotel with arrival info: [email protected]

Contained within are a few of the services

and places of interest that you may find
in our local area and in San Salvador.

For any additional information you may need,

or suggestions you may have for this guide,
please don’t hesitate to contact Colette or Murray
S/V
Tarazed
On VHF Channel 16.
E-Mail: [email protected]
Please remember :do not put this e-mail address on any list so they do not receive any SPAM!

Bahia del Sol Cruiser’s monitor Channel 16

Currency is the American dollar. Just like in the States but smells like mildew!
Any prices or recommendations are from 2010 season. The taxis, tours, restaurants and hotels were
available during this time. Remember, things can change overnight!

Every attempt was made at entering accurate waypoints and bus routes and information. Errors may be
present-we regret any unintentional errors. Maps and GPS waypoints are not for navigation.

A Useful Published guidebook is The Lonely Planet Guide to “Central America on a shoestring”
This is for south of Mexico. Available in Antigua, seldom in San Salvador, so buy in States. Or purchase
on-line at http://shop.lonelyplanet.com/Primary/Product/Destination_Guides/Country.jsp . (Please
respect the authors by not making illegal copies of your purchased guides.)
 GENERAL ENTANCE INFORMATION

When outside of the estuary, call Hotel Bahia del Sol on Channel 16.
They will advise you as to high slack tide and arrange a panga with hotel pilot
to guide you over the bar. This is done only in daylight hours. You can anchor
safely outside the surf to the north or the south of the entrance in 40’ of
water. If things are too rough or the swell is really big, you can go to Barillas
and return a few days later when the swell is better. However many people
wait outside patiently for a good time to enter.

You can also try emailing Tarazed, they will try to contact the hotel staff to
make sure a pilot is available. [email protected] or the hotel
[email protected]

Standby waypoint
h 13°15.7’ N and 088°53.5’ W g

If there enough cruisers there is a net on Channel 22 in the morning (7:30am in

2007 or 9:00am in 2008). Try first on VHF 16 to ask someone for assistance.
They can help arrange a pilot with the hotel and provide answers to your
questions.
 What’s Where
Costa del Sol, La Herradura, San Salvador, and Zacatecoluca

SKETCH OF THE ESTURARY

Marina Contact Info:

Tel: (503)-2257-9463 or (503)-2257-9464
Fax: (503)-2275-8167
[email protected]
http://www.hotelbahiadelsolelsalvador.com

GENERAL TRANSPORTATION
TO THE SURROUNDING AREAS

BUSES
There are three buses you can take from Bahia del Sol.
♦ Bus 495 — To San Salvador and stops along the way. Does not go to Zacatecaluca, “Zacate”
♦ Bus 495A - Direct to San Salvador, turns at Arco. Leaves LaPuntilla at 5:05 AM and
11:10 AM. Returns at 8:10 AM and 4:00PM. Cost is $1.25 1hr 30min
♦ Bus 193 — To Zacatecaluca. To go to San Salvador, get off at Arco, go up the path, cross the
road and catch a bus going toward San Salvador. This is faster than the local 495 bus.
A bus that has “Auto Pista” on it means it is a direct bus to San Salvador, as direct as direct may be.

********Ear Plugs******* are very important and make the trip tolerable since the drivers play music at
incredible decible levels.!!!!!
Also here is a micro bus that can be taken with 22 of your closest neighbors directly to Centro. It departs
from a stop before ARCO across from a yellow auto hotel. It is quicker and gets someone to centro
directly. These same microbuses leave from centro to arco.
The 495 bus to San Salvador drops people off at Terminal Sur (GPS:13*39’.696;89*11’.419)-grab a
#26 bus/microbus/taxi to centro and your favorite destination. At the end of the day, take the 26 bus
which takes people from San Salvador centro to terminal sur(for the 495 bus back to costa del sol(bahia
del sol).There is also an autopista bus from Terminal Sur back to Costa del sol that leaves at 3:50
PROMPTLY.
waypoint for ARCO(GPS:13*27’.908,89*01’.051)

Banos
Clean ones are:
Zacate- ‘Biggest Hamburger stand, chinos cyber café (Tolerable one in internet café next to Don Juan
supermarket)
San Salvador-Campero Chicken, Martinez Y Saprisa, metrocentro. Tolerable at Vidri hardware, Marinsa
(outboards), Multiplaza upstairs in food court.

TAXI WITH DRIVER

See also: tours and excursions
Arrangements can be made for a taxi for the day, including a driver, for a day trip to San Salvador or the
location of your choosing. Check at the front desk.

BAHIA DEL SOL

PLACES TO VISIT – THINGS TO DO

AIRPORT
The main international airport is located less than an hour away from Bahia del Sol by car. A taxi will
cost you approximately $30 each way. TACA is the name of the El Salvadorian airline. Continental, as
well as other airlines, fly out of El Salvador. It is recommended that you contact a travel agent to make
plans or else go to the airport personally to arrange your travel plans.

You can get to the airport by bus, but it involves taking at least 3 different buses. Take a bus to Arco, go
up the path, cross the highway, and take a bus toward San Salvador. Tell the driver’s assistant who
takes your money that you want to go to the airport. They will tell you when to get off. Cross the
highway and catch another bus going toward the airport.

Remember—When you leave the country you will pay an exit tax of about $28,cash. There is an ATM at
the airport.

Pets leaving El Salvador by plane need to be certified by a veterinarian.

ALTERNATORS & STARTER MOTORS& WINDLESS MOTORS

Alternators and starter motors can be repaired at almost any auto repair shop. Stop at any one and if
they can’t repair it for you, they will gladly direct you to one who can.
Nov 2005: (happy report on windless motor repair Oct 2005)-
Taller Union Electridad Automatriz (GPS 13*42’.592;089*11’.062)
14 Av Norte Y23 Calle
ote. No.636, San Salvador
2235-2009,2235-3009,2226-0349
21 Calle Oriente No.612
SanSalvador
2225-0941
ATM
You can find ATMs at Zacatecaluca, at the Banco Custalan in the mall(where one can take out more
money), Don Juan market,or the Scotia bank across from the church), San Salvador, or at the airport.
AUTO RENTALS
Arrangements for a rental car can be made at Bahia del Sol’s Recepcion, or you can go directly to the
airport by bus or taxi to personally make arrangements.

Euro Rent-Cars is at 29 Calle Poniente y 7th Ave Norte, #1622 in San Salvador. Their phone number is
(503)2235-5232, or you can email them at [email protected] and finally, their website is
www.eurorent.com.sv. S/V Breila rented a car for $40/day plus $20 to travel out of El Salvador for a 4-
day trip to Honduras.(2004) It took them one hour to get the required notarized statement to take the car
out of El Salvador. This document is mandatory to have in your possession to leave the country with any
rental car and the fee will vary, depending on the agency.
Sandoval y Co. is recommended for a good price and is located in San Salvador. If you plan to take a
rental car out of the country, say to Guatemala, you must inform the rental company in order to obtain a
necessary official form that specifies the days you will be in the other country, and this form is obtained
for an additional fee (amount varies with each rental agency).
The phone numbers are (503) 2225-0739, 2295-5405,or 2325-0392
GrupoTropical has locations at the airport, and in town. Central office phone # (503)2279-3236 fax#
(503)2279-3235 e-mail: [email protected] Rates from $30.00/day including tax and
insurance.(quoted in 2005) www.tropicrentautos.com

BAKERY GOODS and BREAD

Check with the local tiendas.(5/2008 Local vendors on bikes with baskets travel the road outside the
hotel and sell rolls, sweets and pan)
LaHerradura Great bakery-Go up main street past central market. Turn L in front of the red and white
tower, go through the yard to far R corner. Ask if you don’t see the door.
BATTERIES
Batteries can be purchased at Price Smart, such as Group27 and Group 31 Deep Cycle.
BOATYARD
Murray and Colette can assist you with inquiries regarding a boatyard. They have a 35 ton Travelift as
well as moorings and dry boat storage. They can be contacted on VHF 16 by calling their boat, Tarazed.
Carlos is the local manager.
BOAT CARETAKING
Tarazed can assist you in this area. There may be other cruisers who are willing to watch boats as well.
Ask on the morning net.
Santos also has moorings and boat caretaking.
BOTTOM CLEANING / DIVERS
Santos, a local young man, does a good job cleaning the bottom of your boat. He lives across the
estuary from the hotel on the island next to the 2-story building, with the sign ”Taller Todito” ( A Little of
Everything Workshop). Take your dinghy over to the island and just ask for him. You can also call him
on Channel 16. He is known as Santos on the VHF radio. His rates were $35 per cleaning and less for
each subsequent cleaning if you agreed to have him do it every 2 weeks. Changing zincs is extra.
You can also check with any of the boat workers at the hotel dock.
BUSES, CENTRAL AMERICA
King Quality and Comfort Line to Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica. See GUATEMALA for
directions to Puerto Bus International.
King Quality in San Salvador (503)2257-8997, 2243-3457
In Guatemala City (502)2369-0404
Confort Line in San Salvador (503)2257-8998
In Guatemala City (502)2369-0456
Trans Nica(Costa Rica,Nicaragua,ElSalvador,Honduras)
 http://www.transnica.com
505-270-3133 / 505-270-3147
Tica Bus (Mexico & All of Central America)
http://www.ticabus.com
505-222-6094
CANVAS FABRIC
You can find canvas for your boat (may be some Sunbrella) and canvas fabrics for upholstery in this
shop. Lots to choose from.
CoPlasa-
9a. Av. Norte y 1a. Calle Poniente No.531
San Salvador
Tel: 2271-0767
(GPS:13*41’.884;89*11’.730)

Martinez Y Saprisa- Almacaen Marysa

5a Av NorteY 1a Calle Poniente
Sansalvador
22220069;2225994
(1 block away from CoPlasa)
(owner speaks english, lots of seconds/remnants sold by the pound)
(clean Bathroom)
(GPS:13*41.965;89*11.730)
Servilonas Marysa
15 Av. Nte. entre 6a. C. Pte y Calle Gerardo Barrios, S.S.
San Salvador
http://www.lonasmarysa.com
e-mail: [email protected]
Tel: (503) 2222-2659
CARPENTRY
Contact Murray for an appointment.
Santos does some woodwork.
CHIROPRACTOR
Dr.Edmundo Lozano,Jr. Av Los Andes No. 2992, Col. Miramonte, San Salvador
TEL: (503)2260-3335/ cell: 7769-3990 near Metro Centro
COFFEE
El Salvador is not known for coffee. The Starbuck’s grown here is strictly for exportado. Buy coffee in
Guatemala at the local supermercado. (LaBodega in Antigua) About $3.50-$4/lb You can buy this same
coffee at PriceSmart.
COMPUTER SERVICES
Check with the hotel. They have someone who works on their computer system. There are usually
cruisers who are very knowledgeable in this area. There is a Toshiba service center in SanSalvador.
DENTIST
Contact Colette to see a list supplied by a local Health Unit associated with the American Embassy.
Dr. Norma Mixco@22631901/22112550 Calle Mirador #4937,Colonia Escalon
(located a few blocks up from the world trade center) Many happy smiling cruisers!
DERMATOLOGIST
Dr Maria Celeste Valiente de Alvayero
Edificio Diagonal No313,Col.Medica,SanSalvador
Tel. 2264-3088,7885-5678
This street is past FREUND and to the right(north) off Escalon, then 2 blocks on the left
DHL SERVICE
DHL is the fastest and most reliable way to get packages (or mail pouches) from the US or Canada. It is
located near Metro Center. Have the package addressed to:
Your Name—The Boat Name
DHL El Salvador
47 Av. Norte , Pasaje las Terrazas #104
San Salvador, El Salvador, C.A.
Make sure that the waybill and package are both conspicuously marked “Vessel in Transit”. Get the
tracking number from the person who sent the package and either track it online or call DHL at 2250-
5400 to see when it has arrived.( I called and it was released before I got there the next day.)
Take your passport (must be the person the package is addressed to- not a spouse), boat
documentation. The “vessel in transit” document was not needed in 2008. You can ask the
Immigration person at the hotel as they may have new information. You will have to go to DHL, across
the hall to customs, then back to DHL. With luck, you won’t have to pay any customs fee. They will give
you a form and send you to the DHL Customs warehouse. It is about 5 min by taxi. With luck,your
package may have been released by the Aduana and waiting for you at the office .
DIESEL ENGINES
Contact Murray for an appointment.

For Fuel Injection pump or lift pump repair(2 happy reports with reasonable prices)-
Salguero Diesel Laboratory
18a Calle Pte No
1229 Col Santa Cristina Barrio Santa Anita
SanSalvador
2-222-270
For Bearings :
Cemarsa
1132 Venezuela
Sansalvador(near 25 Ave sur)
(GPS:13*41’.527; 89*12.362

for delo 40 sae oil:

A&A Commercial
Calle San Antabad Y Ave Los Tanques
Marinsa was able to order 30 wt SAE diesel oil

Machine shop that can press bearings, engine belts

Proveedores industriales
25 AV Sur No 416
SanSalvador
2222-0359
2271-1707
(alternate site is 17av sur no416 tel 271-0436;222-1088,2221277,2221699)
For Starters/alternators and windless motors
Taller Union Electridad Automatriz (GPS 13*42’.592;089*11’.062)
14 Av Norte Y23 Calle
ote. No.636, San Salvador
2235-2009,2235-3009,2226-0349
21 Calle Oriente No.612
SanSalvador
2225-0941
DIVING
Oceanica in San Salvador
ELECTRICAL REPAIRS / REWIRING / ELECTRICAL ENGINEER
Check with Murray on channel 16.
FIBERGLASS REPAIR
Check with Murray on Channel 16.
To do-it-yourself, see Hardware Store below.
FISHING SUPPLIES
See Hardware Store below.
See Marinsa and Barracuda
Aqua Fun also has a fishing supply area.
FUEL
Bahia del Sol’s fuel dock, the Gas Club or the Texaco fuel dock charge the similar prices for fuel.

GROCERIES
SUPER-MERCADO
Take any bus approximately 2 miles beyond San Marcelino and you will see a Super-Mercado on the
right. When you see a Texaco sign on the left, it is 300 feet further on the right. This Super-Mercado
has everything you could want from a grocery store except fresh produce. It even has Iguana Soup!
Fresh produce you will have to find elsewhere. They have a large selection of swim suits, flip-flops and
swim toys.
TIENDAS
There are small tiendas all along the main road.
Emily’s is a very small Tienda, located approximately ½ mile from the entrance of Bahia del Sol Resort
and Hotel. Turn right and walk the one-half mile. Hours 6AM-9PM Marta is the owner and she has
veggies and frozen chicken, beef and pork, canned goods and beer. Fresh breads on M-W-F.

Pupuseria Kenny is just past Emily’s. Hours are 7AM-6PM with food served 4-8PM. Fresh breads on T-
F. She has c-o-l-d cervesa anytime!
El Milagra is a tienda across the street and down the lane. Hours are 6AM-8PM. She has a few
groceries and frozen chicken and meats. Fresh breads on Wed.
Comeador Merci is a restaurant on the left, just before Emily’s Open 7AM to 8PM Rice and corn
pupusas
next door is: Tienda Linita She has frozen meats, some veggies and all sizes of bottled water, no beer

SUPERMARKETS
Super Selectos is in several locations. Store selection and quality vary from location to location.
Range from “funky’ to rivaling North American stores.
-There are two Super Selectos in the SW corner of San Salavador that rival NorthAmerica:
1)“MUTIPLAZA” GPS 13*40’.946;89*14’.668
(Via bus42 from downtown or from metrocentro take 30B get off brfore it makes
left turn at GPS 13*41’.181’;89*14’.345 and catch the 42 for the last 1 mile)
2)Hiper mall (a Wal-Mart):
entre 77y79 av Sur Col. Esclon;tel 264-2560;fax 264-2559
-another that was highly rated:
- Selectos Gigante
Av.olimpica Y59 av Sur,San Salvador,Tel 2223-3860;fax 223-3451
--For convenience: A downtown store :
4A Calle PTE y Av. Oscar Romero(GPS13*41’.724;89*11’.590)-

Europa (GPS:13*42’.284;89*14’.199) (VIA 30B bus from metrocentro)

ALSO When done shopping and returning on the bus, at terminal Sur they sell onions and tomatoes, etc
on the bus while you wait to get underway.
 Zaca:
Don Juan Dispensa (gps:13*30’.175;088*52’.344)
has a good selection and is next to the internet café and the ATM
Super Selectos is located next to the market, ATM and the church.

HARDWARE STORE
The best store is Almacenes Vidri, S.A. De C.V., ( Vidri is a Super Ace Hardware store), located at:
21 Av. Sur Entre 12 Y 14 C.Pte. S.S.
San Salvador
Telephone: 2271-4033
(GPS:13*41’.75;89*12’.34) near intersection of Venezuela and 25 ave
Another Vidri is located in centro(not as big):
VIDRI (GPS 13*42’.798;089*14’.790)
29Cpte y 1A ave Nte #207 ;tel 225-9500
Between Terminal Sur and centro is
Goldtree Ace (GPS 13*41’.085;089*11’.500)
in plaza San Jacinto,,Calle mexico Y 10aAv sur Bo ,
Freund

ICE
You can purchase ice from the bar at the hotel. They can get blocks of ice with an advance order. Mar y
Sol laundry facility also has ice cubes as does Aqua Fun and the Texaco fuel dock. Mar y Sol also has
Ice blocks which are not made from purified water. It is tap water.

ICE CREAM AT POP’S or LA NEVERIA

To get to Pop’s, refer to the directions to the Super Mercado in groceries. Right next door on the right is
an establishment where you can go in and sit down for a real ice cream sundae and more. It’s a
fantastic ice cream parlor!
For other ice cream, La Neveria is an ice cream chain in El Salvador that is inexpensive and delicious.
The closest one by bus is just past San Marcelino. La Neveria is also found in LaHerradura, Zacate,
and every mall in San Salvador.
April (from Entelecheia)and Dan (from Tricia Jean) both report that the carmel flavor at the Sarita
(another chain) is worth a taste
IMMIGRATION
Immigration is done at the Bahia del Sol Hotel for your convenience. There is a $10 pp entry fee. Be
sure to get a 90 day permit. If you leave the four country area, when you return you will get a new Visa
for another 90 day period (be sure to ask for 90 days). As of 1/1/2008,this is a 4 country Visa--El
Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. For renewal purposes, officially you are to be out of this
area for 72 hours.
You may get a 30 day extension at the Immigration office in San Salvador.
NOV 2005 :PLEASE make sure you do not exceed the 90 day limit. Two boats were hit with 120$
fees per person

Importing boat items from States via airlines

See DHL
INTERNET
Bahia del Sol has wi-fi internet capability. Also the Metro Centro and Metro Sur Malls in San Salvador
offer numerous air conditioned internet cafes for $1/hour.
LaHerradura and Zacate also have internet cafes. Zacate, near Don Juan is closed Sat.
In San Salvador, there is an Office Depot that is on the left as you approach Metro Centro.
LAUNDRY
The Bahia del Sol Hotel---Bring your laundry to Recepcion. The cost is $1.00/pound. This is equal to $2 /
Kilo!!.
****Mar y Sol also does laundry. ****The current rate is $.35/piece. She stacks small items together.
Bring it to her restaurant when it is open or her house, which is located at the end of the road where it
intersects with the highway.

Lumber
Abetus Lumber
On Venezuela Blvd
San Salvador
(GPS near waypoint-13*41’.5; 89*12’.3;near Cemarsa Bearings)
MAIL DELIVERY
You can have mail sent directly to the hotel. It took 10 days to 4 weeks for first class air mail. A few
residents use this technique to receive mail quite often as DHL can be very expensive.
Current Address:

Hotel Bahia del Sol

Boulevard Costa del Sol, Kilometro 78
SAn Luis La Herradura, La Paz
El Salvador, Central America

Put on the envelope

Boat Name
Recipient: Boat owner name
Malls
Metrocentro (office depot near by)
(GPS (via 29bus):13*42’.150; 89*12’.985
Take bus 29 from centro and bus 30 back to centro

Galleria Mall(has a bagel shop- the Bagel Factory tel # 2245-0901)

(GPS(via bus take 30 B from metro center to the Galleria):13*42’.260;89*13’.733)
Multiplaza, Las Cascadas,and La Gran Via are next to each other,check a map
Central Street Market in downtown SanSalvador:
(GPS:13*41’.881;89*11’.569)

Maps-The El Salvador map for tourists that is free at the front desk is ok, but the Mapa Turistico that
costs about $2 is much better. It can be found in the bookstore in the Galleria mall
MARINE STORE
Marinsa
Gabriel speaks English has ordered/shipped hazmat items out of Miami; Carries
Mercury/Mariner. Outboards are “reasonably priced” and priced better than in USA and
Gabriel delivers it to the dock!!! Just ask for what you need, as you may not see it.
67 Av SUR No 121 Col Escalon
SanSalvador 2-298-7007
GPS:13*41’.267;89*13.843
Take bus 42 from centro.
Get off in traffic circle at Texaco before the bus turns southwest.
Barracuda
Located on the main road at Mar y Sol road. It is associated with Marinsa.
Island Marine
This is Tarazed’s business. They have a haulout facility, dry storage and moorings.
Contact them by e-mail for current rates.

MECHANIC FOR OUTBOARD MOTORS

Santini works on gasoline engines and outboard engines. You can find him on the island across the
estuary from Bahia del Sol. His son Santos speaks English.
Vidri has quite a bit to offer for OMC (Johnson/Evinrude) outboard motors.
Also see the information provided under Hardware Store.(vidri)

MEDICAL CLINIC
There is a clinic at km 71. Maybe 10 minutes by bus. Cost is free, nice to give a donation..
MOVIE THEATER
Metro Centro and Galleria’s Mall are never expensive any day of the week, but Wednesday are the least
expensive day to see a movie. Be sure to ask if it is subtitled (“subtitulo”) or in Spanish.
MUSIC STORE
There are many in San Salvador and most are named Electronica 2001. Our favorite:
Calle Arce y 11a Ave Sur
San Salvador, El Salvador
2221-0493, 2271-2975
e mail: [email protected]
(GPS:13*41’964;89*11’.941)
Office Supplies
Office Depot next to Metrocentro and Multiplaza
PHARMACY and Medical Supplies
Pharmacies are all over, and similar to Mexico, you don’t need a prescription except for narcotics and
other controlled medications.

IV’s-For IV saline-
Laboratorio Teramed
Av.Lamaleipec Calle
Chappanastipuc #6
Calle Industrial
St.Eleina
Tel# 22784100
IV tubing,general medical equipment(coldpacks,sutures,etc-
Electrolab Medic
Calle a San Antonio Abad No2123,frente al Colegio Cristobal
SanSalvador 239-9999;fax 226-9360

Rx
Farmacias Virgen de Guadalupe(GPS 13*42’.492;89*12’.089)
Sucursal Zona Medica
Pje. Juan Llort y Diagonal
Dr. Luis E Vasquez No. 104
Colonia Medica ,San Salvador, Tel 2226-2536,fax 2226-2535
VS.
Farmacias San Nicolas Farmacia.com.sv
Call center#2211-7000 (several locations)
Medical center area(GPS 13*42’.652;89*12’.154)-
ColoniaMedica
2a Diagonal Y23a Calle PTE
Edificio Zavaleta local #7,Col.Medica
Centro:Hula-Hula-
1a AV SUR #117,SanSalvador
tel 2222-9946)
POST OFFICE
You can find post offices in Zacatecaluca and San Salvador. If you want to send out mail, you must go
to the post office and buy the stamps, have it stamped and send it out. There are no mail boxes as we
know them. The hotel receives mail, but there is no process for sending out mail from there. Currently, it
is $.59 to send a letter to the US or Mexico.
9/2005-post office in Metrocentro
PORT CAPTAIN
This is done by the Portuario (Port Authority) You can expect them to meet you at the dock at Bahia del
Sol along with immigration. Be sure to check out with them the day before or the day you leave!! to get
your International or National Zarpe. You need one even to go to Barrilas.
PROPANE
2010 Ask about Martin doing a run for the cruisers. It is in San Salvador.
PROPELLERS
See Hardware Store above.
PUPUSAS
There are numerous Pupuseria’s all over and any one of them will serve you an incredibly inexpensive,
tasty local meal. Two can eat a delicious meal for under $4.00. They are also sold on most buses.
Typically they start with a corn flour based paste (masa) rolled into a ball,then stuff it with a filling, flatten
it out and cook it like a tortilla. In addition to cheese and beans there are many kinds of fillings, including
pescado, camarrones or vegetables. Everyone has their own recipe. They are the “national food” of El
Salvador. Don’t miss out! They are also made with rice flour. Vegetarians can get the cheese, bean and
vegetable pupusas and vegans can get the same minus the cheese. There are no eggs, dairy or lard
(most places use vegetable oil) used in making pupusas.
RADIO PARTS
Ask the local cruisers.
In metrosur(across/connected to metrocentro) is Casa Rivas/elcorazon electronica
There is a RadioShack there also.
REFRIGERATION
There is an excellent refrigeration store in San Salvador. However, there are NO 12 volt systems
available. “Possibly in Panama”. There are places to buy the needed gasses and some systems may be
repairable locally. R134 and R12 are available in Zacate, be sure you have the correct valves and
connections for your unit. They may not be available down here.

RESTAURANTS In the local area:

Bahia del Sol has food all day. Check the menu.$$$ 30% discount if credit card is registered.
Pupuseria Kenny is just past Emily’s. Hours are 7AM-6PM with food served 4-8PM. She has c-o-l-d
cervesa anytime!
Jessica pupuseria is just past Kenny. Hours are 8AM-8PM. Food served all day.
Hotel Pacific Paradise is across and a little further down on the Pacific side. They have restaurant
service all day near the pool. Entertainment on weekends.
Mar y Sol Open daily, b,l,d. Breakfast(2 eggs,bacon,beans, 2 cups coffee) is about $3 per person.
Dinner about $5-$6 plus drinks. Open around 8AM and closes between 6 and 9PM
Acajutla Across from the end of Isla Cordoncillo and has a dinghy dock. More upscale like a Chili’s
restaurant.

SCHOOL
In 2005,Desiderata and AquaMarine sent their children to the school on the island, Cordoncillo. After two
weeks, they were still enjoying the experience. You can offer to assist at the schools.
Jan of Quantum Leap teaches English at the island school on Mon and Thurs and appreciates the
assistance of cruisers. It’s an opportunity for you to meet the locals and practice your Spanish.
RIGGING
Not yet available.
SEAMSTRESS
Anna Milagro at tienda El Milagra does sewing. (See tiendas for directions) She is highly recommended
by s/vAlaskason.
STAINLESS STEEL FABRICATION, NUTS, BOLTS
See Hardware Store above.
Giovanni Recinos
Barrio San Miguelito
Juan Pablo II Avenue
2222-2382
He works with stainless steel fabrication and soldering. Call him for info . You need to go to
him. Entelecheia was happy with a radar arch he made.

SUPER-MERCADO
See GROCERIES
TIENDAS
See GROCERIES
TELEPHONES
You can purchase pay as you call cell phones and get new chips in San Salvador at the TIGO offices.
TIGO is the company most common.The TIGO cards are available everywhere. The closest is at Kenny
pupuseria and at the liquor store in La Puntilla. Currently the phones are $25 and up including a chip and
30 min of time. The cost is $.10/minute to the US. Ask before you buy as some companies charge much
more out of the country.
Some cruisers bought phones in Guatemala and then bought a new chip in El Salvador. You can get
chips for phones in Panama and Ecuador as well as other countries. They are $4-$5 in El Salvador and
Guatemala. Your old cell phone might be useable, bring it along and ask. It must be “unlocked”.
After the earthquake in 2001, the country rebuilt the phone system to be a cell based system with
functioning towers everywhere. Not so in Nicaragua.
CLARO is another phone company. Their phones work in the neighboring countries as well.
For either company, buy your card with time in the country you purchased the chip. You cannot fill the
time with another country card.
3G is available but you must have a resident sign for you at this time.(4/2010)

TOOLS
The best store is Almacenes Vidri, S.A. De C.V., (which is a Super Ace Hardware store), is located at:
(GPS:13*41’.75;89*12’.34)
(near interesection of Venezuela and 25 ave) San Salvador
21 Av. Sur Entre 12 Y 14 C.Pte. S.S. 3371-4033
TOURS and EXCURSIONS
Jorge Martinez Tours - TourIn
Jorge is well known for his variety of tour packages. He is bilingual and has a 10 passenger air
conditioned van as well as a bus. He will also do custom tours for you within El Salvador as well as
neighboring countries.
Jorge Martinez
(503) 2284-6405
cell (503) 7268-3621
e-mail: [email protected] [email protected]
www.tourinelsalvador.com
Cruisers have shared trips to the coffee plantation(where Starbuck’s comes from!) and a local Mayan
ruin/volcanic remains of a town(like pompei). Also several have gone to Copan, Honduras. One group
did a huge trip ending in Antigua, Guatemala. This last trip was-Copan, Rio Dulce, Tikal, Coban, Antigua.

The hotel has a party boat you can book for your group that will take you to the Rio Lempa and other
areas of the lagoon. Contact the Recepcion office at Bahia del Sol.

You can also rent a panga! Just ask around.

TRAVEL AGENT
Daniel Menendez at Aviles Tours in San Salvador. 2233-2220, or e-mail him at:
[email protected]
Francisco Garcia at 887-5788, or email him at: [email protected] for information on flights
and other travel information. He has been very responsive.

U Travel in San Salvador is associated with Carlson-Wagonlit Travel. (503)2505-0566

Located at Avenue la Revolucion #3 Col. San. Benito, San Salvador Ask for someone who speaks
English.
JIMENR is a travel agency in Zacate, in the strip mall. (503)2334-0629. No English, but helpful.

VETERINARIAN
Dr. Jose Orlando Infantozzi at Colonia Escolar can be reached at 2263-7088 or 2263-7201
Office staff speaks English. Jose speaks some English. Office consultation $9.
WATER
You can make water on the high incoming tide. You can also purchase 5-gallon containers of purified
drinking water for $2.00 each from the bar at the hotel or at most Pupuserias. Water is available at the
dock if you are desperate BUT it is not drinkable and contains some salt water. Most people wouldn’t put
it in their tanks. During the rainy season, it is very easy to collect water. Some people filter it, others do
not. The locals also buy drinking water.
WATER FILTERS
Available at ACE Hardware.
Western Union Office
(GPS :13.42’.012;89*12’.813)take bus42 from centro or back to centro from Marinsa.

GUATEMALA
Currency is the Quetzales. $ exchange at the border, but expensive. Get a few and then hit up the ATM.
You may take a regular first class bus from San Salvador to Guatemala City. Departure times are 7:00
a.m. and 3:30 p.m. from the main bus station. The top level of the bus is Coach for $45 roundtrip; first
class is on the lower level for $75 roundtrip. For a rental car to Guatemala, see Auto Rentals.
Directions to Puerto Bus International: This is the bus terminal for Comfort and King Quality Lines.
Take the 495 to San Salvador. Get off in San Marcos (Terminal Sur). Take the #26 to Alameda Juan
Pablo II. Get off and take the #29 or Route 7 bus (toward downtown) and get off at Puerto Bus
International. The cross street is 19a Ave.Nte.
Tica bus leaves from another station. Both have a hotel associated with them. It is best to stay there
overnight as the bus leaves very early in the AM.

Hotels in Costa del Sol

Bahia del Sol 4/2010 cruiser rates are $60 + tax per room.
Comfort Inn is an all-inclusive hotel 5/08 rates: $50/person + tax. This includes 3 meals, drinks, pool,
etc. 4/2010 it is not open
 ZACATECALUCA
PLACES TO VISIT – THINGS TO DO

THE BUSES
There are two buses you can take from Bahia del Sol.
♦ Bus 495 — to San Salvador and points along the way. You may need to transfer at a location
called Arco — tell the driver your destination and he will let you know where to get off to
transfer.
♦ Bus 193 — to Zacatecaluca without any transfer.
BANK
You will find a Bank and ATM on the left –hand side of the shopping center. There are 3 more in town.

INTERNET CAFE
You will find an Internet Café in the shopping center on the left-hand side, that is open 6 days a week,
closed on Saturday for classes. $1/hour. Another is after the top of the hill, the bus turns left and there is
an internet on the right(Chino’s cyber café(clean bathrooms)

LOCAL MARKET
Take a left at the first intersection past the shopping center and go up about 6 blocks to the local street
market. Here you can find most anything. The fruits and vegetables are much better than what you’ll
find at the grocery store.

SHOPPING CENTER
As the bus enters the town of Zacatecaluca, you will see a small modern looking strip-mall type of
shopping center on the Right. It contains a very nice grocery store, Don Juan, an Internet Café, a Bank,
a shoe store, travel agent, Neveria as well as other stores of interest.

Don Juan Dispensa (gps:13*30’.175;088*52’.344)

Super Selectos is located next to the market, ATM and the church
 SAN SALVADOR
PLACES TO VISIT – THINGS TO DO

San Salvador, the capital city of El Salvador, is a modern city with huge and elegant shopping malls, US-
based businesses, art galleries, theaters, museums, historical centers, restaurants of every specialty,
comfortable hotels, and exciting nightlife. It provides a stark contrast to the primitive life seen in villages
throughout the country. Some of what is available in San Salvador has been listed under the SERVICES
section above. A few additional highlights of the city are mentioned here.

ARCHEOLOGICAL SIGHTS
The David Guzman Archeological Museum is a Must See. (2008) Entry fee is $3.00. and
$5.00 if you take a camera in.
Don’t miss the ruins at San Andreas and Joya de Ceren, both less than 35 kilometers
northwest of San Salvador, easily reached by bus.

ART MUSEUMS : Many!

DRIVING TRIPS:
A drive on the coast road from La Libertad to Puerto Acajulta on the way to Guatamala is scenic

BUS
To San Salvador:
Bus 495A goes direct to San Salvador, turning at Arco to travel the Autopista (freeway). Leaves
LaPuntilla at 0500 hrs and 1110 hrs. Cost is $1.15, 1hr 30min
Bus 495 goes to San Salvador the long way. Or you can change buses at Arco (see Bus 193 below)
Bus 193 to Zacatecoluca stops at Arco where the Autopista crosses over the road. To go to San
Salvador, get off at Arco (N13º27’.908 W89º01’.051), go up the path, cross the road and catch a bus
going toward San Salvador. This is faster than the local 495.

Buses to San Salvador drop people off at Terminal Sur (N13º39’.696 W89º11’.419). Grab a #26 bus or
microbus to Centro or take a $5 taxi to any destination. At the end of the day, take the #26 bus from San
Salvador Centro to Terminal Sur for the 495 bus back to Costa del Sol. There is an Autopista 495A back
to Costa del Sol that leaves at 1550 hrs PROMPTLY (last bus of the day returning).

SHOPPING
Metro Center Mall
Galleria Mall
Las Cascascadas
Artisan Center

GROCERIES:PriceSmart, SuperSelect, Europa, Hiper-Max

Mercado ex-Cuartel
INTERNET CAFE
You will find an Internet Café in the shopping center on the left-hand side, that is open 6 days a week,
closed on Saturday for classes. $1/hour. Another is after the top of the hill, the bus turns left and there is
an internet cafe on the right.

HOTELS
Arbol de Fuego Bed & Breakfast
www.arboldefuega.com
e mail: hotel@arboldefuega .com
Phone: (503)2275-7065 contact Carolina (she is also a tour guide)
Colonia La Sultana
Av. Antiguo Cuscatlan N 11 C.
San Salvador, El Salvador C.A.
About $40/night

Hotel La Posada del Angel

www.laposadadelangel-sv.com
e mail: [email protected]
Phone (503) 2237-7171 contact Ana Stella de Echeverria
Cell phone: 7886-7101
85 Ave. Norte 321
Colonia Escalon
San Salvador, El Salvador C.A.
About $45/night with full breakfast “not just toast”

Hotel Grecia Real

Near Metro Centro in Zona Real
www.greciareal.com
e mail: [email protected]
Phone (503) 2260-1820, 2261-0577, 2261-0566
Calle Sisimiles 2922
Colonia Miramonte
San Salvador, El Salvador C.A.
Around $40-50/ night with desayuno
Some rooms w/ A/C

Be sure to pick up a tourist map of El Salvador at the front desk at the hotel. Pick up Central America
guide books in the US. There are very few English ones here. Lonely Planet on a Shoestring is great.

Places to Visit – Things to Do

LA HERRADURA

La Herradura offers not only the closest fresh veggie market but a glimpse into the real El Salvador. You
will think you have time-traveled back fifty years. Market days are Wednesday and Saturday, although
the public Mercado is open every day. Go early in the morning for the best selection of fresh produce,
fish and chicken. Tienda Elsy carries basic grocery supplies like flour and soap. This little village also
offers La Neveria ice cream, an internet café, pharmacy, lumber store, etc. There is good food and cold
beer dockside.

Directions to La Herradura: You can take the bus, but it’s a long way around and only 20-30 minutes
by dinghy up the interesting and scenic estero. It’s about 4 miles, so be sure you have enough fuel for
roundtrip! Be aware it can get shallow at low tide. It’s best to go with an incoming or flood tide.
From Bahia del Sol
Turn Right at N13º19.51 W88º56.29
Left at N13º19.69 W88º56.31
Bear Right at N 13º19.79 W88º56.58
Head west up the estuary staying along the peninsula shore for depth until you have come to the third
channel leading to the right. The main estuary route will seem to be ending with small buildings and
boats ahead of you. Turn right (north), staying very close to the right-hand shore; it shoals out most of
the way across the channel from the left. In about 50 to 100 yards turn left. It is VERY shallow here. Pass
close to a many-branched tree stump in the water, leaving it to your left, and continue along the left
shore. At the next channel turn right (northwest) and you should be able to see the top of the white
church tower above the trees. Stay in the middle of this channel until reaching La Herradura. The docks
will be a little further up toward the right. Go to the concrete steps on the right. Ask one child to look after
your dinghy and tip him 50 cents when you return.

NOTES TO CRUISERS

1. Anchoring at Bahia del Sol is free but please keep in mind that Bahia del Sol is a business and
needs your support. There is a $2/day dinghy dock fee which allows you to use the hotel
services.Most cruisers find it easy to spend an average of $5.00 per day on the hotel’s food,
beverages, and/or laundry services, which makes the hotel pleased to have you anchored at no
charge.
2. Mooring buoys are $8.00 per day. 2008- Marina: $20/day special for cruisers.
3. Cruisers will receive a 30% discount on food and beverages when you register your credit card
with Recepcion upon your arrival. You will be permitted to run a tab which you should pay
monthly.
4. Finally, please feel free to update this cruiser guide and pass it along to anyone who may be
interested in El Salvador. You can also provide updates or corrections via
http://www.sailsarana.com/feedback.htm -- please state that the updates are for the Bahia del Sol
Cruiser’s Guide. Or you can go to http://groups.yahoo.com/southbound and find the document in
the files section and make the updates yourself.

Updated 6/2010, 9/2007, Sarana

Updated 4/2010 , 5/2008, 7/02/05 s/v Mita Kuuluu
Updated 9/2005&11/2005 s/v Entelecheia with a Special Thanks to the donation of a handheld GPS and
an enthusiastic GPS operator from Mita Kuuluu for help in obtaining waypoints
 #30B from
MetroCentro to
Galleria or
Paseo Escalon Hipermall MetroCentro

#29 or #30 to
MetroCentro
Galleria #42;
Paseo Escalon #101

Goldtree/Vidri

#52
Marinsa

#26 to/from Term.

#27
#42 Sur / San Marcos
to/from The BIG /main
#101 Term. VIDRI
Occidente