In the Department of La Unión, you can choose from several highlights for your trip: tours to the islands of the Gulf of Fonseca, a visit to Isla Zacatillo, excursions to Volcán de Conchagua, or activities at Playa El Tamarindo. For your planning, it’s worth deciding first which theme you want to shape your stay.

Islands in the Gulf of Fonseca

Tours to the islands of the Gulf of Fonseca are among the activities available in the department. Visitors can choose Isla Zacatillo as a specific destination; Playa Playona is especially highlighted for a visit there. This gives you the choice of tours around the wider island region or a named island destination with a particular connection to Playa Playona.

The Gulf is home to a volcanic archipelago with islands such as Meanguera, Meanguerita, Conchaguita, Martín Pérez, Zacate Grande, El Tigre, Exposición, Rocas Desnudas, and Los Farallones. The Gulf of Fonseca extends across El Salvador, Honduras, and Nicaragua. This cross-border context gives tours to the islands of the gulf a broader geographic setting, while Isla Zacatillo remains a specific destination to visit in the Department of La Unión.

Volcán de Conchagua and views

Another type of excursion leads to Volcán de Conchagua: tours there are among the options for visitors to the department. The volcano is located in the Distrito de Conchagua and has two peaks, El cerro Ocotal and el Banderas. From there, you can enjoy views of Honduras, Nicaragua, and the Gulf of Fonseca. The volcano thus combines a named natural attraction with sweeping views of the gulf and the two countries.

The department also has various viewpoints offering panoramic views of the Gulf of Fonseca. So, in addition to an excursion to Volcán de Conchagua, you can focus more generally on views across the gulf. If you’re mainly looking for scenery and volcanic landscapes, you can consider these two aspects side by side when choosing excursions.

Coastal activities at Playa El Tamarindo

There are several activities to choose from at Playa El Tamarindo: visitors can scuba dive, swim, go horseback riding, and sport fish. From there, you can also take boat trips to mangroves and other beaches on the country’s east coast. The activities vary by location: some take place at the beach, while others take you by boat to mangroves or other beaches. You can focus your coastal experience either on activities at the beach or on excursions along the coast.

Depending on the time of year, many tourists take part in the release of sea turtles at Playa El Tamarindo. If this experience is important to you, factor the season into your choice of dates and check in advance which dates fit your trip. This seasonal feature may be a deciding factor in your plans, while scuba diving, swimming, horseback riding, and sport fishing offer further options at the beach.

Search for hotels based on your interests

When searching for hotels in La Unión, you can use the different highlights to help you decide: Would you like your trip to center on a tour to the islands, Volcán de Conchagua, or Playa El Tamarindo? The island and volcano visits offer a different focus from the activities and boat trips available at the beach. Decide which theme matters most to you, and if you’re interested in the turtle release, also factor the time of year into your plans.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Conchagua, Loma Larga, La Union, Usulután, Ahuachapán, San Miguel, San Vicente, San Salvador

For the main travel overview: El Salvador.