Walter Thilo Deininger National Park
El Salvador's premier adventure park in Surf City, offering thrilling zip-lining, rappelling, and scenic nature trails with ocean views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temperatures
Walter Thilo Deininger National Park
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temperatures
Highlights
Must-see attractions
El Salvador's premier adventure park in Surf City, offering thrilling zip-lining, rappelling, and scenic nature trails with ocean views.
"A great mix of adrenaline-pumping activities and beautiful nature, perfect for an adventurous day out!"
👟 Sturdy Footwear is Key
Essential for uneven, rocky trails like the Butterfly Trail. Don't risk it with sandals!
💧 Hydration is Crucial
Temperatures can exceed 32°C. Bring ample water, especially for hikes.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Butterfly Trail
Nature trails
Embark on an intermediate hike through lush nature, spotting butterflies and enjoying ocean views.
Adventure Sports
Adventure park area
Experience adrenaline-pumping activities like zip-lining, rappelling, and canopy tours.
Pacific Ocean Viewpoint
Family trail
Enjoy a scenic vista of the Pacific Ocean, perfect for a relaxing moment after your hike.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Plan Your Adventure
Trail Preparedness
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Sturdy Footwear is Key
Essential for uneven, rocky trails like the Butterfly Trail. Don't risk it with sandals!
💧 Hydration is Crucial
Temperatures can exceed 32°C. Bring ample water, especially for hikes.
🗺️ Guided Trails Recommended
For safety and navigation on less-defined paths, a tour guide is highly advised.
⏰ Plan Activity Times
Sports activities have set start times and a lunch closure (12-1 PM).
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Sturdy Footwear is Key
Essential for uneven, rocky trails like the Butterfly Trail. Don't risk it with sandals!
💧 Hydration is Crucial
Temperatures can exceed 32°C. Bring ample water, especially for hikes.
🗺️ Guided Trails Recommended
For safety and navigation on less-defined paths, a tour guide is highly advised.
⏰ Plan Activity Times
Sports activities have set start times and a lunch closure (12-1 PM).
💰 Entry Fees Vary
Locals pay $5, foreigners $10. Sports activities are extra.
🏕️ Camping Available
Overnight camping is an option for $20/night, offering a unique experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Walter Thilo Deininger National Park for its exciting adventure activities and beautiful natural setting, with the Butterfly Trail and ocean views being highlights. While the park offers a good experience, some find the pricing steep for younger children and note that adventure activities have specific schedules and age restrictions.
"Place has a great selection of outdoor activities!
I did the butterfly trail and can only but recommend it, however I'll share some tips:
Only do the trail if you have a good health condition and stamina, because the difficulty of the road is indeed high.
Please bring good shoes and plenty water, the road is uneven and rocky, plus the temperature rounds about 32 °C or beyond with a strong Sun.
Never do the trail without a tour guide, because many areas of the trail there's no a proper road.
Finally, my personal mark to walk the road is 1 hour and 28 min, so feel free to break it record ;)
Viel Spaß!"
Mario G.H.
"This is a beautiful and amazing nature site to visit. They have a walk path tour and sports activity. These activities all have designated start times, so it's advise to plan ahead. They have a variety of purchase options, 1. being entry ticket, $5 for locals and $10 for foreigners, and a small parking fee. If you would like to just walk around there was not a charge however the sports activities do depending which one you want to do solo or as a bundle. The walk tour has 4 different trails and my group did easy (Pacific Ocean View) and intermediate (Butterfly Trail). This concluded the walk tour to be 45-60 mins. Once you're done with your tour/activity they have a large and spacious renovated park area in the nature park perserve. They have picnic tables, bathrooms, food station and kid's area. Absolutely worth adding on to your itinerary!"
Elizabeth
"Entry fee is $10/person for non-Salvadorans including children ages 6+. The family trail takes about an hour and is included with entry. It entails a small cave and viewpoint of the pacific.
The other activities (biking, zip lining, climbing, etc) are not included with entry and have a minimum age of 12 which is not clear or noted at the entrance. Overall it is a nice outdoor space perfect for adults and older kids. We enjoyed the playground and picnic area, but felt the price was steep considering there is not much to do for kids under 12. Also note that the additional activities are closed from 12-1, so plan accordingly."
April H
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The park is located in the canton San Diego, La Libertad, as part of Surf City, El Salvador.
You can reach it by car or local transportation. Parking is available for a small fee. Many visitors combine a trip here with other Surf City attractions.Yes, Walter Thilo Deininger National Park is a key attraction within the Surf City initiative in La Libertad, El Salvador, offering adventure and nature experiences.
Driving is convenient, with parking available. Public transport options might be available from La Libertad town, but check local schedules. Many visitors use ride-sharing services.
Absolutely! Being part of Surf City means you're close to beaches, surfing spots, and other recreational areas in La Libertad.
While specific activity times are staggered, the park generally opens in the morning and closes in the late afternoon. It's best to check for specific activity schedules.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry is $5 for locals and $10 for foreigners, including children aged 6 and above. This fee covers access to certain trails like the family trail.
No, adventure activities like zip-lining, rappelling, and climbing are not included in the general entry fee and come with additional costs.
It is highly recommended to plan ahead as adventure activities have designated start times and can have limited availability.
Yes, there is a small parking fee in addition to the entry ticket.
Information on group discounts is not widely available, but the entry fee structure is per person. Family-friendly amenities are present.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Don't miss the Butterfly Trail for a scenic hike, and for thrill-seekers, try zip-lining, rappelling, or canopy tours.
The Pacific Ocean viewpoint is also a great spot.This intermediate trail is rocky and uneven, requiring good stamina and sturdy shoes. It's recommended to hike it with a guide and takes about 1 hour and 28 minutes for some visitors.
While the park has a playground and picnic area, some adventure activities have a minimum age of 12. The family trail is suitable for younger children.
Yes, camping is available for $20 per night, offering a unique way to experience the park's natural surroundings.
The park features picnic tables, bathrooms, a food station, and a children's play area, making it suitable for a day trip or longer stay.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture stunning shots from the Pacific Ocean viewpoint,
along the scenic trails, and during the adventure activities like zip-lining. The natural landscapes offer great photographic opportunities.Drone usage policies can vary. It's advisable to check with park management beforehand to ensure compliance with any regulations.
Sunrise and sunset often provide the best lighting for landscape photography. However, the park's natural beauty is photogenic throughout the day.
The designated Pacific Ocean viewpoint offers a clear and expansive panorama, ideal for capturing the coastal scenery.
A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes, while a telephoto lens can be useful for capturing wildlife. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for accessing different photo spots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
🧗♀️ Adventure Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Adventure Activities Galore
It's important to note that these adventure sports have designated start times and are not included in the general park entry fee. Some activities also have a minimum age requirement, typically 12 years old, which is crucial information for families planning their visit. To make the most of your adventure, it's advisable to book your preferred activities in advance and be aware of any scheduled breaks, such as the common lunch closure between 12 PM and 1 PM.
Exploring the Trails
For a more accessible experience, the Family Trail offers a shorter duration, typically around 45-60 minutes, and includes a small cave and a viewpoint overlooking the Pacific Ocean. This trail is a great option for those who want to enjoy the park's natural scenery without the strenuous demands of the Butterfly Trail. Remember to bring plenty of water and wear appropriate clothing, as the Salvadoran climate can be quite warm and sunny.
Family-Friendly Amenities
However, it's worth noting that some visitors feel the park's pricing might be steep for families with very young children, as the more adventurous activities have age restrictions. Despite this, the combination of accessible trails, recreational spaces, and the overall natural beauty makes it a worthwhile destination for a family outing, especially if older siblings or parents can partake in the adventure sports.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit