Simmer Down

Western El Salvador


Overlooking the cathedral, this busy bar serves ice-cold beer, pizza and pasta (mains US$8 to US$15) and has a festive atmosphere week-round. The natural wooden furniture belies the urban setting.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Western El Salvador attractions

1. Catedral de Santa Ana

0.04 MILES

The most notable sight in Santa Ana is its large neo-Gothic cathedral, which was completed in 1913. Exquisite ornate moldings cover the church's front,…

2. Teatro de Santa Ana

0.06 MILES

The Teatro de Santa Ana is an opulent Renaissance-style building constructed using funds from an export tax on coffee beans. The epitome of wealth, excess…

3. Iglesia El Carmen

0.25 MILES

Santa Ana's trifecta of Catholic churches is rounded out by El Carmen, which was damaged during the 2001 earthquake after nearly two centuries of…

4. Iglesia El Calvario

0.34 MILES

El Calvario has undergone numerous hardships and catastrophes since its initial construction in the early 19th century. Today it's an imposing place that…

5. Casa Blanca

7.74 MILES

Across the highway from Chalchuapa town center and the Tazumal site sits Casa Blanca, home to some Preclassic Maya ruins set in attractive woodland. An…

6. Tazumal

7.99 MILES

In the K’iche’ language Tazumal means ‘pyramid where the victims were burned.’ Archaeologists estimate that the verdant 10-sq-km Tazumal area – much of…

7. Parque Nacional Los Volcanes

12.42 MILES

Alongside volcanoes in triplicate, Parque Nacional Los Volcanes has hectares of lush forest that provide sanctuary for hundreds of migrating bird species,…

8. Ruinas de San Andrés

17.45 MILES

In 1977 a step pyramid and a large courtyard with a subterranean section were unearthed at this site, inhabited by Maya between AD 600 and 900. Experts…