El Salvador - The Volcan Coatepeque Ride And The Final Night

Saturday morning, was a little gloomy but still rideable, after a quick chat with Mario we put the trip back one hour and it was improving by the minute.

We rode a combo of beatutiful main roads and some interesting back roads that looked like patchwork in corn paddocks





Destination and half way point was Lago de Coatepeque, a crater lake, this was decided because I had an urge for #2’s and they had great coffee so that was that.



This is a bit fluffy sorry guys



Part of the lake from the view point



We bought coffees and a small cake each shouting Mario for his kindness and generosity.

Two fine young gentlemen 





The lake is absolutely stunning, although the sun wasn’t out the views were outstanding and the water very calm.



A short day out with a nice amount of riding in and another nice look around El Salvador.

The previous afternoon we did some photos with the kids and we had two printed out for the family which was cool...plenty of room on Maya for more 



Thanks again to Mario, local knowledge is something you can’t buy with maps and GPS.

Now ..... The Final Night

That evening Mario had organized with the family to come up to Finca Tepeyac which is Marios plantation and we were going to have a feed and drinks.



It started off with a round of Sushi washed down with Rum and various treats





Sunday lunch was treat with Mario cooking up a storm with tacos, here he is masterchef San Salvador.



Mario took us up to his other coffee block which was a 4WD expedition in itself.

We all went for a short walk and looked at the coffee trees so a relaxing day all round.





That was our final night and day to spend it with Mario and his family was great.

Now Mario owns and runs Motorider in San Salvador, he has most things RTW travellers need and want including Heidenau tyres, Touratech gear, oils, filters, brake pads, chains and sprockets etc and large workshop area. He got the 15 - 50 Motul in for us no problem at all and allowed me to do the change (cos I like doing it).

So this is a shameless plug for a truly great guy who has helped out hundreds of travellers / bikers, if in El Salvador and needing stuff contact him and he can sort you out in a land where things are hard to find, again local knowledge is not something you can buy on maps and GPS. 

Here are Motorider's coordinates to find the shop directly.
13°41'43.49"N
89°15'0.28"O

Next day was our trip to San Miguel to get close to the border in prep for our double border day which has seen me stressed over the reports and info coming back with people getting hammered. 

The final descent down Mario hill ... unscathed 



A waterfall, not the usual type 



Horrible roads



KTM bridge 

 

Adios to El Salvador, a fantastic place with fantastic people and thoroughly recommended to RTW travellers ... don't just ride straight through as you will miss a lot.