The Salvadoran Institute of Tourism (ISTU) has announced extended operating hours for several popular destinations, including La Puerta del Diablo and Balboa Natural Park, during the Holy Week vacation period.
Typically open from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., La Puerta del Diablo, located in Panchimalco, will now remain open until midnight. ISTU President Eny Aguiñada explained the extension is due to high visitor demand. “Even if it’s hard to believe, some people show up at 11 at night just to enjoy the weather and the viewpoints. Normally, the park closes at 10, but we’re allowing an extra two hours,” she said in an interview with Fuego radio.
Since its reopening in December 2023, access to the iconic rock formations El Chulo and El Chulón at La Puerta del Diablo comes with a fee of $1.50 for Salvadorans and $3 for foreigners. However, pedestrian entry to the main area remains free.
Balboa Park will also stay open until midnight. “People often hike down from Puerta del Diablo and stop by for pupusas at Balboa,” Aguiñada added. The park, which is public and pet-friendly, is the only government-run site allowing pets, although officials admit it’s challenging to ensure owners clean up after their animals.
Additionally, Cerro Verde National Park will extend its hours to 9:30 p.m., compared to its usual 8:00 p.m. closure. This does not apply to internal hikes or routes to the Ilamatepec and Izalco volcanoes, where early cutoffs are enforced due to safety concerns.
All ISTU-managed parks charge a general entry fee of $1.50 for nationals and $3 for foreigners. Children under 12 and seniors over 60 enter for free. Out of the 17 parks overseen by ISTU, 16 will be operational during the holiday period, with only Costa del Sol closed for renovations.