El Salvador is preparing to unveil a renewed version of Apulo Recreational Park in Ilopango, a lakeside destination long known for its natural beauty and panoramic views near San Salvador. Authorities say the comprehensive renovation aims to elevate the visitor experience, positioning the park as a modern, family-friendly attraction ahead of the 2026 Easter holiday season.
Eny Aguiñada, president of the Salvadoran Tourism Institute (ISTU), confirmed that while the original reopening date was rescheduled to finalize key details, the park will be fully operational in time for Semana Santa, which runs from March 29 to April 5, 2026. “We are going to be ready for Holy Week,” she said, emphasizing that the goal is to deliver a high-quality space for both local and international visitors.
Among the most notable upgrades is the reopening of the restaurant area, where longtime vendors will continue serving traditional Salvadoran dishes in newly improved, comfortable spaces. In addition, the park is incorporating features designed to obtain a Family Friendly certification, including a nursing room and on-site medical assistance, reinforcing its appeal to parents traveling with children.
Security and accessibility have also been central to the renovation. Enhanced lighting and strengthened safety measures will allow the park to extend its operating hours from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. According to Aguiñada, the transformation reflects broader national progress. “Our park was once affected by gang activity and was not a safe place for family recreation, but that reality has changed,” she noted.
The project, led in coordination with the Ministry of Public Works, forms part of a wider strategy under President Nayib Bukele’s administration to modernize tourism infrastructure across El Salvador. Recent improvements at destinations such as Puerta del Diablo and Costa del Sol underscore the government’s effort to reintroduce iconic sites to international travelers, including visitors from the United States seeking new cultural and leisure experiences in Central America.