El Salvador's Impossible National Park

Parque Nacional El Imposible protects El Salvador's largest remaining tract of tropical forest on the Pacific coastal mountain range. Named for a treacherous gorge that made coffee transport 'impossible,' this 3,800-hectare park preserves critical habitat in Central America's most deforested country. The park represents hope for ecosystem restoration and sustainable development. The park harbors over 500 plant species, 270 bird species, and mammals including pumas, ocelots, and king vultures. It protects important watersheds providing water to surrounding communities. The diverse elevations create multiple ecosystems from dry tropical forest to premontane wet forest, supporting exceptional biodiversity for its size. Conservation success stems from partnerships between park management, surrounding communities, and coffee cooperatives practicing sustainable agroforestry. Shade-grown coffee plantations in buffer zones provide habitat connectivity while supporting local livelihoods. The park demonstrates how protected areas can catalyze broader landscape conservation through community engagement.

Water Features

Rivers, waterfalls, natural pools

Ecosystem

This destination features a tropical rainforest ecosystem.