The increasing popularity of the region around Comasagua
In the search for new destinations for nature and outdoor lovers within El Salvador, the name Comasagua has become popular in recent years. The name belongs to a municipality southwest of the metropolitan area of San Salvador, in the department of La Libertad. Although worth discovering in its own right, most people associate this name with the whole region that is gradually becoming populated with cafes and accommodations.
Connected to San Salvador through a long single-lane road, just a few minutes driving through it are enough to understand where the charm of this region is. The road reveals some striking views of the valley of San Salvador and its majestic centerpiece, the Quezaltepeque volcano overlooking the capital city to the east. To the west, a mountain range that seems to extend endlessly towards the horizon. I would not judge any driver for pulling over just to admire the views.
Here is a map pointing where this place is relative to one well-known mall in San Salvador City, and the route to get there:
A race against the sunset to get to El Peñón de Comasagua
With very limited time available, I just passed through the municipality and drove some extra 20 minutes southwards to catch the sunset views from the famous “Peñón de Comasagua”. A massive rock that rises above the hilly terrain and some neighboring farmlands. By no means this climb can be considered a hike. It would be more accurate to describe this visit as a walk through hills that end with a stony staircase to the summit. On a good day, the top of this rock offers views of the Pacific Ocean, the Quezaltepeque volcano and endless mountains to the west where the sun sets majestically.
Upon arrival, the mellow light of the sun setting was already shining gently over the land. I squeezed every minute of that golden hour making my way up to the summit of this rock while capturing scenes of fast-changing colors near and far: a continuous mountain range as the backdrop, the light peeking through tree branches and crops, the distant coastline, and the majestic Comasagua craig like a calm giant witnessing the quasi ethereal dusk from that place, at that time.
Here is a short video of this afternoon trip as well:
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