A holiday with nature at the El Imposible National Park

The El Imposible National Park is a tropical rain forest in the country of El Salvador. The Park houses one of the most if not the most threatened ecosystems in the whole world. The park is considered as the only rain forests of the country in the present day.

The Park came into existence in 1989 and is spread over a huge 3,794 hectares of green lands. With 400 flora species, the Park is undoubtedly the richest in the entire nation of El Salvador. Add to this, there are some 53 different amphibious and reptile species along with 100 mammal and 279 different kinds of birds along with 500 different types of butterflies.

A reservation needs to be made in advance for permission to visit the Park. One needs to contact Salva Nutura for permission to visit the Park.

There is an interesting story behind the naming of the park. The high altitudes of the area are in the range of 300 to 1,450 meters and, add to that the rugged topography, which makes the place a breathtaking sight to visit.

During the early 20th century, the native coffee makers used to transport their produce via mule-train using a trail that traveled via the current El Imposible pass. There used to be a narrow valley between mountains that used to interfere with their progress. In order to rectify the situation, the drivers constructed an unsafe bridge, which crumbled with the weight of the mule and the drivers, and as a result several lives were lost in the process.

Later in the century in 1968 the government commissioned a bridge to the Pass and in the process the place became safely accessible. In order to commemorate the event, a plaque which read “The year 1968, no longer is it impossible” was also left.

Some of the major attractions and activities in the park are bird watching, walking, swimming and camping.

Some of the main species of animals found in the Park include collared anteater, Margay cat, Jaguarundi and Mountain Lion. On the other hand, the birds include King Vulture, Great Curassow and Spectacled Owl.

The conservation of the Park is possible thanks to the efforts of an organization known as Salva Natura. Some of the initiatives taken by this organization are environment education wherein the organization has been educating the nearby villages about the general aspects of environment and development of communities. The main objective via these initiatives is to cut down the use of the precious forest reserves by the locals in their day to day lives. Currently, the organization runs some 40 community schools.

The organization also provides community assistance and has started a land purchase program since 1992 to acquire the adjoining land of the Park. The locals have also been provided with stoves that run on other sources of energy rather than fire wood.

The conservation efforts have more or less yielded positive results. In recent years, conservationists have foiled a bid to build an illegal road in the area and the success in controlling unlawful firewood gathering and hunting is also a success. The only main areas of concern are coffee farms at the Parks borders. The current methods used by the farmers are destroying the environment, unlike the traditional growing methods; the farmers are cutting the forest to have new sunny plantations.

The authorities and Salva Natura in particular needs to take immediate positive action in this regard. The El Imposible National Park remains the last hope to save the country’s wildlife from extinction. Hence, the authorities needs to purchase more land, in other words, the El Imposible National Park holds the key to the future of the nation’s wildlife.

Listed below are some of the questions which may be on your mind.

How do I reach the El Imposible National Park?

The entire country of El Salvador is served with only one international airport in the Comalapa International Airport. Located some 50 km southeast of the capital of San Salvador, this airport connects the nation to the US and other major nations. Once in the country, you can hire a cab to enjoy the El Imposible National Park and the trek is also a wonderful experience.

Besides, the expensive air travel option, you may also enter the El Salvador via road or sea through the neighboring countries of Honduras, Panama and Mexico.

Where do I stay during my El Imposible National Park adventure?

It is recommended you stay at the Hostel Imposible. The place is all about promoting eco tourism and the hotels tries to go green as much as possible. The electricity in the entire structure is solar powered and location of the hostel is also adequate at just 1 kilometer from the entrance of the Park.

When is the best time to visit the El Imposible National Park adventure?

The El Salvador region has two main seasons and it is actually possible to visit the place anytime during the year.  As regards to the weather seasons, the dry season runs from the months of November through April.  These months see hotel rates and other general rates at their peak. On the other hand, the rainy season is from May to October. It is recommended you avoid the rainy season and your visit should be at either the beginning or the end of the dry season. However, if you are looking to save costs, then the off-season rainy months may suit your budget.

In conclusion, The El Imposible National Park is a wonderful place to be in. After the construction of the “Impossible” bridge in the last century, the place has become simply accessible and possible rather than impossible. The Park has all the features for a perfect holiday with nature. So, what are you waiting for, just go ahead and plan that all important date with nature at the Impossible National Park.