Laguna El Jocotal

El Jocotal lies at the foot of the San Miguel volcano, a shallow freshwater lagoon fringed with reed, water hyacinth and flooded forest, designated a Ramsar wetland and among the most important bird sites in El Salvador, with a list running past a hundred and thirty species: whistling ducks, jacanas, herons, egrets, cormorants, kingfishers and large numbers of migratory waterfowl in winter. A long-running local programme puts up nest boxes for black-bellied whistling ducks, which the community manages. Boats are poled through the channels by local guides. The lagoon's level rises and falls sharply with the season, expanding into the surrounding land in the rains.

What you actually see

• Waterfowl - whistling ducks, herons and wintering migrants.
• The reed and hyacinth - the vegetation covering much of the water.
• Nest boxes - the duck breeding programme run by the community.
• The volcano - San Miguel rising directly behind the lagoon.

When to go

November to March for the wintering waterfowl and the driest access. Early morning is best for birds. The lagoon expands in the rains and access points change.

Honest expectations

There is no visitor centre or hide; boats and guides are arranged informally at the shore. Water hyacinth covers large areas and limits boat movement. Mosquitoes are severe. A telescope or binoculars are needed.

Nearby

San Miguel lies north; Playa El Cuco is southeast.