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Paz River

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River
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Paz River (El Salvador)

Weather…

The Paz River (Río Paz) is a significant waterway in Central America, serving as the natural border between El Salvador and Guatemala for approximately 134 kilometers. It originates in the Quezaltepeque mountains of Guatemala and flows southward until it discharges into the Pacific Ocean. Its drainage basin covers about 2,600 square kilometers and is essential for the agricultural activities of both countries, particularly for sugarcane cultivation, grains, and livestock farming. However, the river is highly susceptible to flooding during the rainy season, which frequently leads to morphological changes in its lower course and mouth area. Ecologically, the river supports a variety of ecosystems along its path, ranging from mountain forests near the source to coastal estuaries at its terminus. International treaties govern the shared use and environmental protection of the water resources between the two neighboring states.

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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Getting there
Visitors normally access the area through established regional routes leading to riverside communities, where local guides or boat operators facilitate exploration.
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Best season
Planning a trip outside the peak rainy season is strongly recommended to avoid heavy downpours, ensuring a much more relaxed and thoroughly enjoyable excursion.
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Terrain & paths
Trails around the area are typically informal and unmaintained, requiring moderate physical agility to properly navigate exposed roots, loose stones, and damp mud.
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What to bring
It is highly recommended to bring a fully charged camera for wildlife observation, while wearing closed-toe shoes and carrying a basic first aid kit for safety.
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Parking
Travelers arriving by car should aim to park near established commercial centers in the closest town, ensuring their vehicles are left in a visible, secure area.
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Safety
Common sense dictates staying on the clearly visible paths, checking local weather forecasts to anticipate floods, and continuously monitoring your surroundings.
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Time needed
Depending on specific interests such as intensive birdwatching, a visit here typically lasts anywhere from a couple of hours to a deeply rewarding full afternoon.

Geography

Coordinates
13.75000, -90.13000

Facts

  • Total length of approximately 134 kilometers.
  • Forms the international border between El Salvador and Guatemala.
  • Originates in the Quezaltepeque mountain range in Guatemala.
  • The river basin covers an area of roughly 2,600 km².
  • Discharges into the Pacific Ocean near Barra de Santiago.
  • Crucial water source for large-scale agricultural irrigation.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Laguna de AyarzaLaguna de Ayarza<1 km · WExplore →
La Libertad (Petén)La Libertad (Petén)2 km · NWExplore →
Santa Rosa Cattle RanchesSanta Rosa Cattle Ranches6 km · SExplore →
Sierra de las NubesSierra de las Nubes8 km · SExplore →
Ceibal RuinsCeibal Ruins8 km · NExplore →
EdznáEdzná11 km · SExplore →
Quetzal BiotopeQuetzal Biotope12 km · SExplore →
GuastatoyaGuastatoya13 km · NExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

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

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Can one cross the river?
There are bridges, but you should use border crossings.
Is it safe in the region?
Check the current situation at the border in advance.
Are there fishing opportunities?
Yes, local fishing is widespread.
Is the river heavily polluted?
Water quality varies depending on proximity to settlements.
Can one hike there?
Only along simple farm roads.
Paz River: where is it located?
Paz River is located in El Salvador.
Paz River: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
Paz River: why is it worth visiting?
The Paz River (Río Paz) is a significant waterway in Central America, serving as the natural border between El Salvador and Guatemala for approximately 134 kilometers.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
North America
Explore with Plizio Discover more places in North America
More places in El Salvador →

Nearby cities

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

Nature

Salto de Malacatiupán Waterfall — Paz River (El Salvador)
Salto de Malacatiupán Waterfall
A geothermal waterfall with hot springs, forming a natural spa.

More places

Ataco Colonial Town — Paz River (El Salvador)
Ataco Colonial Town
A colorful village on the Ruta de las Flores, known for its murals, coffee farms, and handicrafts.
Apaneca Town — Paz River (El Salvador)
Apaneca Town
The highest town in El Salvador, a historic center for coffee cultivation.
Barra de Santiago — Paz River (El Salvador)
Barra de Santiago
An important wetland and mangrove reserve on the west coast.
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Port of Barra de Santiago
Natural port and fishing center.
El Imposible National Park — Paz River (El Salvador)
El Imposible National Park
A rugged protected forest with deep canyons and wildlife.
Concepcion de Ataco Coffee Hills — Paz River (El Salvador)
Concepcion de Ataco Coffee Hills
Coffee-covered hills above the colorful town of Ataco.
Ahuachapan Geothermal Plant — Paz River (El Salvador)
Ahuachapan Geothermal Plant
A significant power plant for renewable energy production.
Barra de Santiago Mangroves — Paz River (El Salvador)
Barra de Santiago Mangroves
An estuary and mangrove zone on the Ahuachapan coast.