El Salvador offers the opportunity to explore the idyllic destination of Lake Coatepeque, a paradise for tourists. This stunning lake not only flaunts its natural beauty but also offers a vast expanse where visitors can practice a variety of sporting activities. Additionally, the icing on the cake is the impressive panoramic view it offers, showing the majestic Santa Ana volcano and Cerro Verde.
In this article we are going to tell you everything you need to know about Lake Coatepeque, its characteristics and importance.
Formation of Lake Coatepeque
A few thousand years ago, the craters of a group of volcanic cones collapsed, resulting in the creation of Lake Coatepeque. Today, this impressive body of water offers an idyllic setting for various water activities, including fishing and a variety of water sports.
Surrounded by hills, this destination is a beloved place for tourists due to its attractive waters that offer a multitude of activities such as skiing, swimming, boating, fishing and diving.
Approximately 50.000 years ago, a period of intense volcanic activity occurred at the Coatepeque volcano, which today is known as Lake Coatepeque. This volcano, considered the older brother of the current Santa Ana volcano and progenitor of the surrounding volcanoes, suffered a massive eruption that resulted in the creation of a vast crater that It covers more than 20 kilometers in radius and sinks approximately two kilometers deep.
Over time, this cavity accumulated rainwater and groundwater, transforming into a magnificent lake. Located in the vicinity of Santa Ana, El Congo and Izalco, and located about 50 kilometers from San Salvador, Lake Coatepeque is located within the Subtropical Humid Forest Life Zone.
Geological features
It is a volcanic caldera that covers an estimated area of 6.500 hectares, and the mass of water represents around 2.500 hectares (equivalent to approximately 25 square kilometers). The basin surrounding the lake is home to more than 20.000 people and the lake attracts an average of 5.000 visitors each month.
With an elevation of 740 meters above sea level and an area of 24,8 km2, this body of water has a basin that resembles an inverted truncated cone, covering an area of 70,25 km2. A unique characteristic of this water formation is its lack of surface drainage. Its depths reach a maximum of 115 meters, while the walls that surround it are at different heights of 250 to 300 meters.
Located inside a crater, The lake basin spans an impressive 40,6 km2, and the water surface covers an estimated area of 24,5 km2.. This volcanic lake, which reaches a maximum depth of 80 m, is located at an elevation of 740 meters above sea level. It should be noted that certain sections of the lake have hot springs, a direct result of its volcanic origin.
Curiosities of Lake Coatepeque
The website Virtual Tourist held an international contest to determine the “Eighth Wonder of the World” in 2013, and the Santa Ana volcano and Lake Coatepeque took second place in the ranking of tourist destinations.
According to locals, there is a haunted house near the lake. According to local folklore, fishermen claim to have encountered a spirit known as El Tabudo, which initially appears small but gradually grows in size as they spend more time with it. Next to the lake lived Tabudo, a man of considerable wealth but with less than admirable behavior. He lived with his family in a magnificent estate nestled in a picturesque environment.
As he ventured out on his modest handmade raft, Tabudo was found near Teopan Island, famous for being the Home of Snakes, when a strong current unexpectedly took over his raft and carried him to the kingdom of the revered goddess of fresh water, Itzqueye. After her disappearance, rumors circulated that her tormented soul wandered the shores of the lake, lost forever and never seen again. According to local stories, the brave fisherman who fearlessly encountered the Tabudo and decided to stay in the area was rewarded with an abundant catch.
There are those who claim to have witnessed the presence of a colossal snake that resides in the depths of the lake, with one horn and only one eye. Another enigma is hidden in this lake: when individuals are swept away by the powerful currents of water, they disappear without a trace, leaving their bodies lost forever. This unfortunate fate befell a Venezuelan rowing athlete during the 2002 Central American and Caribbean Games, as he mysteriously disappeared while practicing rowing.
Change the color
Throughout the years 1998, 2006, 2012, 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018, Lake Coatepeque It has undergone various transformations in its physical, biological, volcanic, geological and chemical aspects., resulting in a noticeable change in its natural water color to a captivating turquoise shade.
For the past four years, the Marine Toxin Laboratory at the University of El Salvador has diligently examined and observed this fact. According to Oscar Amaya, director of the laboratory, there are several factors that can contribute to this phenomenon, including geological factors related to the lake bed, biological factors derived from microbial activity, physical-chemical factors such as water temperature and density, as well as volcanic influences. In previous cases, this color change phenomenon persisted for up to three weeks.
Lake Coatepeque tourism
The waters are incredibly pleasant, making it the perfect place for various water activities such as diving, sailing, canoeing, swimming and water skiing.
When it comes to visiting El Salvador, Lake Coatepeque stands out as a truly impressive tourist destination. Not only does it boast stunning natural beauty, but it also offers a vast expanse where visitors can practice a wide range of sporting activities. Besides, the lake offers an exceptional viewpoint from which to admire the majestic Santa Ana volcano and Cerro Verde. Adding to its appeal, the lake features a charming island that can only be reached by ferry, further enhancing its mystique.
I hope that with this information you can learn more about Lake Coatepeque and its characteristics.