.:: Eldorado Surf Resort ::.

ELDORADO :
Vegetarian/Vegan:	If you are vegetarian or vegan, please inform us when you make your reservation.
Allergies:	It is important that you inform us of any food related or other types of allergies. (We are 40 minutes away from the hospital.)
Safe depot:	Eldorado can lend you a safety deposit box at no extra charge. Ask about it upon your arrival.
Bathroom:	Toilet paper, sanitary napkins and tampons in the wastebasket please!
Transportation:	Eldorado offers a taxi service (with a charge) for all your transportation needs: Moyo Taxi! (More info on site)
Power outages:	Eldorado has a generator in case of a power outage.
Drinking water:	Running water is not fit for consumption so you will have to get water bottles. We also have gallons of drinking water for filling. Eldorado has a well to compensate for low water pressure during the dry season.
Young children:	Eldorado Surf Resort is not destined nor equipped to host young children. You can still bring them along put please note that we are not equipped to answer your specific needs (no high chairs, changing tables, etc) For more information, contact an Eldorado representative.
Parking:	There is parking for personnel vehicles for those who want to drive down.
GENERAL :
Other activities in the area:	Canopy, climbing, rafting, kite, fishing, motocross, horseback riding, mountain bike, hiking, volcanoes and ruins tour, national park, nature reserve, museum, kayak, scuba diving & snorkeling, etc. >>>See tourist guides.
What you need to bring:	Insects repellent, waterproof sunscreen, long sleeves, rash guards, water shoes (rocks), zinc cream...
Internet:	We have a satellite dish, wireless everywhere on the resort. You only have to bring your laptop! See the "price" section for the various rates.
Cellular phones:	Cellular phone services are not reliable. Travelers should do appropriate verifications with their distributor prior to their departure.
Calling code:	503
Time zone:	There is a 2h time difference with Quebec (1h during daylight savings!) UTC of Salvador is GMT/UTC - 6. http://www.theuds.com/timezone.php?lang=EN
Electricity:	115V 60Hz - USA plug
Units:	Metric
Money/Bank:	The U.S. dollar (USD) is the official currency of El Salvador. Canadian dollars (cash or traveler's checks) cannot be exchanged in El Salvador. El Zonte is a small fishing village with no banking services. You will have to go to La Labertad, which is a 15 minute car ride away. Most ATMs will accept PLUS and INTERAC cards. (If you are hesitant, ask us for the most reliable ABMs and for Spanish translations of terms used when doing withdrawals.) ScotiaBank is present across the country. Small denominations are advisable, since $50 and $100 bills are not accepted. In general, travelers don't spend more money than Salvadorians.
Currency calculator:	http://www.x-rates.com/
Restaurant:	Our kitchen is closed one day a week... it is time to discover El Zonte's restaurants...
Tips:	10% (cabs, restaurants, etc).
Nightlife:	There is no nightlife per say in El Zonte... Eldorado has a well stocked bar... the bal is in your camp!
Haggling:	Contrary to practices in other Latin American countries, haggling is not frequent in Salvador and can be perceived as impolite.
Driving:	Right side driving. Although a regular drivers license is sufficient, we recommend that you have in your possession an international drivers license.
Language:	The official language in El Salvador is Spanish. Salvadorian Spanish does not use the "tu", only the "Usted" and the "Vos". There are a lot of local words, often of nahuatl (Nuhuatismo) origin. Ex: "Sepocti" in nahuatl became "Cipote" which is used in place of "Nino" to say "child". English is only spoken by a small percentage of the population, despite campaigns to promote it. French is spoken even less. Your hosts at Eldorado Surf Resort speak French, English and Spanish.
Common Salvadoran dish:	You have to try the pupuserias. Pupusas are made of grilled corn flour dough stuffed with red bean purée and cheese, or with beef... eaten with tomato sauce and a cabbage based salad. They are delicious!
Airport:	San Salvador Comalapa (SAL) Airport, 45 km south of the capital and about 40 minutes from the Eldorado Resort. www.aeropuertoelsalvador.gob.sv
Airlines:	Plane ticket prices are cheaper with American companies (which means a layover in the States). Some companies have their layovers in Mexico. Remember to ask if the company will allow surfboards during the period in which you will be traveling! From MTL: Air Transat is the only charter with a direct flight from Montreal to Salvador, once a week from November to April. The day of the flight changes so contact the company to find out when it is. Also, look out for last minute deals... you can sometimes get really good prices. Average flight time is 6 hours.
Passport:	A valid Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to visit El Salvador. The passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your expected departure from the country.
Visa:	European Union, US and Canadian residents do not need visas, but a courtesy visa will be given to you upon arrival. Travelers from New Zeeland and Australia require visas.
Tourist Card:	A USD $10 per person fee is charged for a tourist card, valid for the length of time permitted by local officials (from 30 to 90 days). Upon payment of this fee, tourists are provided with a receipt to be kept with their passport. If you plan to stay for more than 3 months, know that you will have to exit the country and re-enter to get a new tourist card.
Departure tax:	An exit tax (30 us$) must be paid at the airport upon departure from El Salvador. This tax is included in the price of the plane ticket but we recommend that you ask about it so as not to get a surprise.
Embassy:	The Canadian Embassy in El Salvador Adress: Centro Financiero Gigante 63 Av. Sur y Alameda Roosevelt, Local 6, Nivel Lobby II San Salvador, Salvador Phone: (503) 2279-4655 Fax: (503) 2279-0765 Email: ssal@dfait-maeci.gc.ca The Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy Adress: Final Boulevard Santa Elena Sur, Urbanizacion Santa Elena, Antiguo Cuscatlan, La Libertad Phone: 011-503-2278-4444 Fax: 011-503-2278-6020 E-mail: ACSSANSAL@state.gov.
Safe Travel:	Eldorado is a safe place. The village of El Zonte is very peaceful and is located far from the « at risk » zones. There have been no recent reports of violence and/or theft in the area. After a 10 year civil war in the 80s, the country is now facing gang problems which is tarnishing it's reputation in terms of security, regardless of the population's efforts to curb the problem and increase tourism As in most Latin-American countries, you should follow basic safety rules and try to avoid using public transportation on your own. Be vigilant when traveling alone or by night. Local police can be contacted by dialing 911.
Beaches:	El Zonte and other area beaches are covered in volcanic sand (black sand) and therefore the ground gets very hot. Plan for proper footwear. On the other hand, volcanic sand has strong therapeutic virtues for the skin: it's an excellent exfoliator, purifies toxins, stimulates capillary circulation and has a high mineral content. Don't hesitate to roll yourself in the sand. Swimming in the Pacific Ocean is risky due to strong currents and undertow. Avoid isolated beaches and going out on your own without any one watching out for you. Do not underestimate the sea. Eldorado strongly recommends that you get insurance for the duration of your trip. The beach and underwater landscape is constantly changing do to currents and undertow. Rocks not previously seen can appear seemingly out of nowhere. Be vigilant when you go out. There are no corals or sharks. The water is very warm.
Respect the locals:	Surf ethic is mandatory in order to maintain harmony with the locals.
Respect of public places:	Recycling is only just starting in the area, please contribute to it's development. Eldorado respects nature and the environment. We do not tolerate travelers who do not respect basic salubrity rules.
Stay healthy:	No specific vaccinations are required for entry into El Salvador. Recommended vaccines: updated DTPolio, typhoid fever, hepatitis A & B, cholera, BCG, rabies. (Get more information at your local Travelers-clinic or CLSC.) The local healthcare system is suitable for standard treatments and is free, even for tourists. There are also many private hospitals that accept credit cards and insurance Note: Doctors and nurses at the San Rafael public hospital in San Salvador speak many languages and service is very courteous and professional.
Sanitary advise:	-Try to consume cooked foods and beverages in capsulated bottles. -Bring anti-mosquito lotion (mainly for the evenings). -Take out insurance that covers healthcare and repatriation in case of an accident.
Natural disasters and climate:	El Salvador is located in a highly active seismic zone. Tremors occur on a regular basis, with major earthquakes occurring more intermittently. Two major quakes occurred in 2001, causing severe structural damage and loss of life. The rainy season (including the occasional hurricane like "Mitch" in October '98) extends from May to November, often resulting in flash floods and landslides. The level of volcanic activity continues to increase above normal levels. The Ilamatepec volcano, also known as Volcán Santa Ana, erupted in October 2005 For a prolonged stay, keep an easy to carry bag handy, containing clothes for at least 2 days, water, a first aid kit, water purifying tablets, an electric lamp and spare batteries Inside: Stay away from windows and object that could fall (paintings, lamps, shelves that are not securely fastened to the wall, etc.) Take cover under a strongly built table or a doorframe, if possible, under a support wall. Do not use elevators. Advanced location spotting can be done so that you and your family members know where to take cover in case of a violent seism. Outside: Look for an open space far from electrical poles, walls or structures. A secure distance from a wall is equivalent to its height. If driving, stop on the side of the road, at a safe distance from buildings, until the shocks stop. Be careful when you get back on the road, many accidents happen when people are in hurry to get home. In any case, try to stay calm regardless of the spectacular effects of an earthquake. Hotels, modern buildings and shopping centers are built observing antisysmic norms. Follow instructions given by security personnel. Try to get in touch with your close ones to reassure them (but remember that phone lines are often saturated after seismic activity.) Beware of aftershocks which often occur after a major earthquake.
Salvadorian laws:	-Driving under the influence will lead to confiscation of your vehicle and drivers license, which will be returned only upon presentation of an attestation of attendance to a alcoholism risks consciousness-raising conference. -Consumption of narcotics is outlawed. Salvadorian legislation sanctions drug possession, trafficking and consumption with heavy fines and/or prison sanctions (1 to 15 years), even for small quantities. -Law reprimands sexual tourism and infantile prostitution is forbidden.