Jardin Botanico Laguna (Lagoon Botanical Garden), San Salvador (must see)

The Lagoon Botanical Garden is a captivating park spread over three hectares of land. Nestled in a volcanic crater, this unique location houses an impressive collection of plants and flowers from around the world. The plants are meticulously arranged according to their types, including medicinal plants, desert plants, ferns, orchids, and more. Each plant collection is carefully labeled with family, common, and scientific names, as well as their distribution, providing an educational experience for visitors.

Historically, the crater at the garden's location once held a lagoon for many centuries. However, a volcanic eruption at the end of the 18th century transformed it into a semi-marshy area. An earthquake in 1873 drained most of the area, turning it into fertile land, which was later used for livestock farming and eventually became part of a private garden featuring centuries-old trees and exotic plants.

In the 1960s and 1970s, an industrial complex was constructed on part of the area, and the private garden was handed over to a private association for management and conservation. The La Laguna Botanical Garden was officially opened to the public on December 22, 1978. The garden covers a total area of 30 hectares, with 3.15 hectares allocated for public use featuring flat topography, while the remaining area is a primary forest under strict reserve conditions.

The garden is divided into 32 zones, each showcasing diverse plant collections. Notable sections include ferns, desert plants, medicinal plants, home gardens, orchids, bromeliads, and wooded areas with native vegetation. Additionally, the garden boasts a library and a play area for children, complete with swings and climbing frames, making it an ideal destination for families to explore and enjoy nature. The garden's open-air cafeteria offers a tranquil spot where visitors can relax, enjoy a drink, and take in the natural beauty surrounding them.