Conchagua (volcano)
Conchagua (also known as Cochague) is a stratovolcano in southeastern El Salvador, overlooking the Gulf of Fonseca. Cerro del Ocote and Cerro de la Bandera are the two main summits, with Bandera appearing younger and more conical (see photo). There are active fumarolic areas on both peaks, but no confirmed historical eruptions. It is surrounded by forest called Bosque Conchagua. Conchagua, in Native American indigenous Salvadoran Lenca language, means (Flying Jaguar). According to historians, the volcano was settled by the Lenca civilization, who worshipped the goddess Comizahual, an indigenous Jaguar Princess. Lenca legends say that Conchagua was Comizahual's favorite volcano, and upon her death she was taken on top on Conchagua where her body turned into many golden Chiltota birds that took off from Conchagua volcano.
- On top on Conchagua volcano, on a lookout called (Mirador Espiritu de la Montana), which overlooks the Gulf of Fonseca
Conchagua | |
---|---|
Conchagua volcano towers above sandy beaches along the Gulf of Fonseca at the SE tip of El Salvador. | |
Highest point | |
Elevation | 1,225 m (4,019 ft) |
Coordinates | 13°16′30″N 87°50′42″W |
Geography | |
Conchagua Location in El Salvador | |
Location | La Unión Department, El Salvador |
Geology | |
Mountain type | Stratovolcano |
Last eruption | Unknown |