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Devil's Door

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Landmark
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Devil's Door (El Salvador)

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The Puerta del Diablo (Devil's Door) is a prominent rock formation in the San Salvador Department, near the town of Panchimalco. It consists of two massive, vertically rising boulders separated by a narrow cleft, creating a natural gateway. The formation was created in 1762 during a severe storm that triggered massive landslides, uncovering the previously buried rocks. From the summits, visitors enjoy an impressive panoramic view encompassing the Pacific coast, the San Vicente Volcano, and the city of San Salvador. The name originates from local legends suggesting that the devil broke through the rock here while fleeing from the inhabitants of Panchimalco. The site is situated at an elevation of approximately 1,130 meters and is known for its pleasantly cool climate. Following an extensive modernization period, the area was reopened in 2023 with new observation platforms, trails, and tourist facilities to ensure a safer experience for visitors.

Best time to visit & climate

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

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C272829292827282726262626
Rain mm346321691931551982342044110

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
Devil's Door is a natural rock formation and viewpoint that is freely accessible at any time. Visitors can climb the rocks and enjoy the panoramic views.
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Typical hours
As a natural monument, there are no fixed visiting hours. The best time to visit is early morning or late afternoon for the best light.
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Photography
Photography is free and unrestricted. The rock formation and sweeping landscape offer great wide-angle shots.
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Time needed
Climbing and exploring takes about 30 to 45 minutes. If you want to linger and enjoy the view, you can easily spend an hour.
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Combine with
Devil's Door is near San Salvador and can be combined with a visit to El Boquerón National Park. The town of Panchimalco is also worth a detour.
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Getting there
The rock formation is about 15 kilometers south of San Salvador. You can reach it by car on the road to Panchimalco; a short trail leads to the top.
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Insider tip
Wear sturdy footwear as the climb is over rocky terrain. Avoid going in rainy weather as the stones can become slippery.

Geography

Elevation
1131 m
Coordinates
13.62000, -89.18000

Facts

  • The rocks were uncovered by a major storm in September 1762.
  • The site is located at an altitude of 1,130 meters above sea level.
  • Panchimalco, the nearby village, preserves strong indigenous traditions.
  • Following a renovation, the park reopened to the public in December 2023.
  • On clear days, the Pacific Ocean is visible from the viewpoints.
  • The rock formation is primarily composed of volcanic stone.

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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 in the town Devil's Door (1)

Panchimalco📍 landmark

Panchimalco is a town in El Salvador, known for its traditional architecture and culture.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is Puerta del Diablo?
An impressive rock formation with panoramic views.
Is the path there dangerous?
The path is secured now, but sure-footedness is needed.
Is there parking?
Yes, there is parking right in front of the entrance.
When is the view best?
On clear days you can see as far as the sea.
Is it suitable for families?
Yes, but children should always be supervised.
Devil's Door: where is it located?
Devil's Door is located in El Salvador.
Devil's Door: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Nov, Dec.
Devil's Door: why is it worth visiting?
The Puerta del Diablo (Devil's Door) is a prominent rock formation in the San Salvador Department, near the town of Panchimalco.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Nearby cities

San Salvador — Devil's Door (El Salvador)
San Salvador
The populous capital city and political center.
San Miguel — Devil's Door (El Salvador)
San Miguel
Important city in the east, famous for its November carnival.
Santa Ana — Devil's Door (El Salvador)
Santa Ana
Second largest city, known for its gothic cathedral.
Santa Tecla — Devil's Door (El Salvador)
Santa Tecla
Lively city near San Salvador, known for the Paseo El Carmen district.
La Libertad — Devil's Door (El Salvador)
La Libertad
Coastal town famous for its fish market and surfing.
Playa San Diego — Devil's Door (El Salvador)
Playa San Diego
Playa San Diego is a long, straightforward beach known for its proximity to San Salvador and uncrowded, wide sands.

History & landmarks

Monumento al Divino Salvador del Mundo — Devil's Door (El Salvador)
Monumento al Divino Salvador del Mundo
A major landmark and symbol of the capital and the country.
El Boquerón National Park — Devil's Door (El Salvador)
El Boquerón National Park
A park located on the crater of the San Salvador Volcano with cool weather.
El Tunco Beach — Devil's Door (El Salvador)
El Tunco Beach
Famous beach with distinct rocks and excellent surfing conditions.
Cathedral of Santa Ana — Devil's Door (El Salvador)
Cathedral of Santa Ana
A beautiful neo-Gothic cathedral located in the city of Santa Ana.

Nature

Lake Ilopango — Devil's Door (El Salvador)
Lake Ilopango
A large volcanic crater lake located near the capital city.
Cerron Grande Reservoir — Devil's Door (El Salvador)
Cerron Grande Reservoir
The largest body of water in El Salvador, crucial for hydroelectric power.
Lempa River — Devil's Door (El Salvador)
Lempa River
The longest and most important river in El Salvador.

More places

Cihuatan — Devil's Door (El Salvador)
Cihuatan
One of the largest archaeological sites in El Salvador.
San Salvador Cathedral — Devil's Door (El Salvador)
San Salvador Cathedral
The main cathedral, resting place of Óscar Romero.
Cerro El Pital — Devil's Door (El Salvador)
Cerro El Pital
The highest point in El Salvador, located on the border with Honduras.
Alotepeque — Devil's Door (El Salvador)
Alotepeque
A mountain region in the north.
🗺️
Cerro Las Pavas
A viewpoint overlooking the valley.
Cerro de Oro — Devil's Door (El Salvador)
Cerro de Oro
A distinct hill near Lake Ilopango.
Montecristo Cloud Forest — Devil's Door (El Salvador)
Montecristo Cloud Forest
A lush cloud forest reserve where El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras meet.
Joya de Cerén — Devil's Door (El Salvador)
Joya de Cerén
The 'Pompeii of the Americas', a Maya village buried by volcanic ash.