For a bit of family fun in El Salvador, why not take a trip to the National Zoo? The official Spanish name is Parque Zoologico Nacional El Salvador, although even the most Spanish-challenged of Gringos are sure to be able to figure out that it means National Zoo.

The Zoo Nacional (I am practicing my Spanish!) is basically south of the city center and can be reached by public transportation or by taxi. If you are using the bus system, take the bus 2C that runs through Calle Modelo.

The rectangular shaped Zoo has a variety of exhibits that contain over 144 different species, one of the most impressive being the aviario, which contains only birds. There are a great variety of birds of prey, parrots and macaws from Latin America. It seems that most of the attention in the Zoo is given to this exhibit, making it the nicest and most complete.

When you first enter the zoo the majority of the exhibits are mammals, although there is an alligator pond near the entrance as well. Along one of the short sides of the rectangles there is a series of lakes with several monkey islands that run from one side of the zoo to the other. Monkey island is one of the favorites as well.

Kids are sure to love the Lion exhibit; of all the big cats they have the most space. There is also a fairly decent reptile and amphibian house and a variety of hoofed animals. Oh, and make sure you say high to Manyula, the Zoo’s only current elephant resident is this 58 year old female Asian elephant.

While the El Salvador National Zoo… err…. I mean the Parque Zoologico Nacional El Salvador doesn’t have a ton of green grassy areas, it does have some pretty impressive bamboos that add an exotic sort of feel to the experience.

The Zoo covers a total of 10 blocks, and is just outside the city limits, making it worth even a short visit. It is open Wednesday to Sunday, from 10 am – 4 pm and costs under 1 dollar to enter.

Related posts:

• Botanical Garden La Laguna – Just Outside of San Salvador
• El Salvador's National Symphony Orchestra
• Water Parks for the Whole Family in El Salvador
• Cultural Center and Popular Art Museum in Santa Ana