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Ahuachapan Geothermal Plant

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Ahuachapan Geothermal Plant (El Salvador)

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The Ahuachapán Geothermal Power Plant is a pioneering renewable energy project in Central America, located in the far west of El Salvador. Commissioned in 1975, the facility harnesses the immense heat of the Ahuachapán geothermal field, which is linked to the country's volcanic chain. It was the first plant of its kind in the region and currently supplies a significant portion of the national electricity demand. The technology is based on extracting high-temperature steam from deep wells, which drives turbines to generate electricity. Beyond energy production, the facility has made Ahuachapán a hub for geological research and technological innovation. The use of geothermal energy reduces El Salvador's dependence on fossil fuels and contributes to carbon mitigation. The plant is operated by the state-owned LaGeo and undergoes continuous modernization to enhance heat recovery efficiency. The site also encompasses protected areas that preserve local flora and fauna amidst industrial operations.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C232526272625252524242323
Rain mm688341592071782182271714511

📋 Practical info

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What is this place?
The Ahuachapán Geothermal Plant in El Salvador is a major facility for generating renewable energy from earth heat. It supplies part of the country with clean electricity and is a flagship project for sustainable energy in Central America.
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Visiting
The plant is not open to the public for safety reasons, but the surrounding hot springs and steam vents along the roads are visible. Occasionally, educational tours for student groups are arranged.
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Where to view it
The best viewpoint is the Mirador on Cerro Los Naranjos, overlooking the entire plant with its cooling towers and steam pipes. The CA-8 highway also features several pull-offs with good views.
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Local products
The Ahuachapán region is known for its coffee grown on volcanic soils. At local markets, one can find honey, fresh fruit, and artisanal products inspired by the geothermal tradition.
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Active season
The geothermal plant operates continuously throughout the year. The highest electricity demand and thus the most intense operational period is during the dry season from November to April.
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Nearby
The city of Ahuachapán provides the central Parque Menéndez and the thermal park Parque Termales de Agua Fría. Nearby El Imposible National Park, with cloud forests and waterfalls, is a well-suited hiking destination.

Geography

Coordinates
13.92000, -89.84000

Facts

  • Commissioning of the first unit took place in 1975.
  • The plant has an installed capacity of approximately 95 megawatts (MW).
  • The first geothermal power plant in all of Central America.
  • Utilizes steam from the Ahuachapán volcanic field.
  • Contributes about 15-20% to the country's total electricity generation.
  • Operated by LaGeo, a subsidiary of the state-owned CEL.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Concepcion de Ataco Coffee HillsConcepcion de Ataco Coffee Hills<1 km · SExplore →
Port of AcajutlaPort of Acajutla1 km · NExplore →
JujutlaJujutla2 km · SExplore →
ApanecaApaneca3 km · NExplore →
CalakmulCalakmul4 km · NExplore →
Laberinto de AlbaniaLaberinto de Albania4 km · NExplore →
Conquest of TayasalConquest of Tayasal6 km · SExplore →
Salto de Malacatiupán WaterfallSalto de Malacatiupán Waterfall7 km · NExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Ahuachapan Geothermal Plant (3)

Ahuachapán📍 landmark

Ahuachapán is a city in western El Salvador, known for its geothermal power generation and hot springs.

Simeón Magaña Stadium📍 landmark

Simeón Magaña Stadium in Ahuachapán is a football stadium used for local matches and events.

Los Ausoles📍 landmark

Los Ausoles is an area with active fumaroles and hot mud pools near Ahuachapán.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What does the Ahuachapán geothermal power plant represent?
It is one of the most significant projects for renewable energy in the country.
Is the power plant visitable?
Only with advance notice and special permission, usually not for general tourists.
What is the city of Ahuachapán known for?
It is famous for its hot springs and colonial streets.
How to get to Ahuachapán?
The city is easily accessible by bus or private car.
Best travel time?
Anytime, but the dry season (Nov, Apr) is most comfortable for excursions.
Ahuachapan Geothermal Plant: where is it located?
Ahuachapan Geothermal Plant is located in El Salvador.
Ahuachapan Geothermal Plant: what is there to see?
Highlights include Ahuachapán, Simeón Magaña Stadium, Los Ausoles.
Ahuachapan Geothermal Plant: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
Ahuachapan Geothermal Plant: why is it worth visiting?
The Ahuachapán Geothermal Power Plant is a pioneering renewable energy project in Central America, located in the far west of El Salvador.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
North America
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Nearby cities

Concepción de Ataco — Ahuachapan Geothermal Plant (El Salvador)
Concepción de Ataco
A colorful village on the Ruta de las Flores, famous for its murals.
Apaneca — Ahuachapan Geothermal Plant (El Salvador)
Apaneca
A town on the Ruta de las Flores, known for its cool climate and coffee plantations.
Tacuba — Ahuachapan Geothermal Plant (El Salvador)
Tacuba
A city in the Ahuachapán department that serves as a gateway to El Imposible National Park.
Jujutla — Ahuachapan Geothermal Plant (El Salvador)
Jujutla
A city in the Ahuachapán department, near the Pacific coast.
Guaymango — Ahuachapan Geothermal Plant (El Salvador)
Guaymango
An indigenous community in the Ahuachapán department.
El Imposible National Park — Ahuachapan Geothermal Plant (El Salvador)
El Imposible National Park
El Imposible is El Salvador's largest national park, home to incredible biodiversity and dense tropical forests.
Barra de Santiago — Ahuachapan Geothermal Plant (El Salvador)
Barra de Santiago
Barra de Santiago is a serene coastal village framed by a beautiful estuary, rich in biodiversity and tranquil beaches.

Nature

Salto de Malacatiupán Waterfall — Ahuachapan Geothermal Plant (El Salvador)
Salto de Malacatiupán Waterfall
A geothermal waterfall with hot springs, forming a natural spa.
Paz River — Ahuachapan Geothermal Plant (El Salvador)
Paz River
A river that forms a large part of the border between El Salvador and Guatemala.

More places

Ataco Colonial Town — Ahuachapan Geothermal Plant (El Salvador)
Ataco Colonial Town
A colorful village on the Ruta de las Flores, known for its murals, coffee farms, and handicrafts.
Apaneca Town — Ahuachapan Geothermal Plant (El Salvador)
Apaneca Town
The highest town in El Salvador, a historic center for coffee cultivation.
Concepcion de Ataco Coffee Hills — Ahuachapan Geothermal Plant (El Salvador)
Concepcion de Ataco Coffee Hills
Coffee-covered hills above the colorful town of Ataco.
Barra de Santiago Mangroves — Ahuachapan Geothermal Plant (El Salvador)
Barra de Santiago Mangroves
An estuary and mangrove zone on the Ahuachapan coast.
Port of Acajutla — Ahuachapan Geothermal Plant (El Salvador)
Port of Acajutla
The most important port in El Salvador for international trade.
🗺️
Coffee Farms Ruta de las Flores
Coffee Farms Ruta de las Flores
Laberinto de Albania — Ahuachapan Geothermal Plant (El Salvador)
Laberinto de Albania
A large eco-labyrinth and family attraction in Apaneca.
El Imposible National Park — Ahuachapan Geothermal Plant (El Salvador)
El Imposible National Park
A rugged protected forest with deep canyons and wildlife.