Apastepeque is a small town about 20 minutes from San Vicente.
It is very safe. Our contact mentioned at one point, everyone knows anything that happens in Apastepeque.
Small town with friendly people.
LOG Editor- 4/16/2013
Safety in Apastepeque, El Salvador What do other Racers need to know in order to be safe? Current safety protocols/precautions in place? Any relevant issues/concerns? Any precautionary suggestions?
People’s Opinions
Apastepeque is extremely safe. Due to the culture of the town, be sensitive about going out at night not necessarily because of safety but because of your witness and reputation in the town. -every 13th of every month, a specific gang in El Salvador has free reign to do whatever. Even some of the locals didn’t go to school in San Salvador that day because of the danger. Just be aware of it and limit travel especially to San Salvador on the 13th. We witnessed the aftermath of a shooting of a bus driver between Apastepeque and San Vicente. That is why we recommend the pickup trucks.
Ministry Summary
Ministry Summary in Apastepeque, El Salvador Breakthroughs? Suggestions? Concerns? On a scale of 1-4 (1 being not at all, 4 being absolutely) how strongly would you recommend another World Race team go to this ministry location & why?
People’s Opinions
Comment
Lodging
Beautiful three bedroom house, built only few years ago.
Slept upstairs on the floor in our sleeping bags. (A hammock is a great idea.)
Two bathrooms with showers.
Water shortage was often an issue. Bucket showers were mainly the norm to save water. Regular showers when water was available.
Didn’t do any laundry in the house. But, our other contact’s family, washed our clothes in their laundry machines.
Kitchen has all the basic kitchen items (no kettle or coffee maker)
Two comfy sofa chairs in the living room (yeah, that is true!)
Two comfy sofa chairs in the living room (yeah, that is true!)
LOG Editor- 4/16/2013
Lodging in Apastepeque, El Salvador Where did you stay? What were the accommodations (sleeping arrangements, toilets, showers, etc.)? Cost (per person per night in USD), Contact info.
People’s Opinions
Comment
Food / Meals
Food purchased and prepared by our awesome ministry host, Victor, who is also a great chef!!
Drinking water is purchased and available in the house, at all times.
The neighborhood has:
-Small stores
-Ice-cream shops (smile)
-small market to buy fruits/produce
-sandwich, pupusas, or local meals for purchase
LOG Editor- 4/16/2013
Food / Meals in Apastepeque, El Salvador What did you eat? Where did you get the food? Cost (per person per day in USD)? Contact info (if applicable).
People’s Opinions
EAT PUPUSAS!!!!!! They are AMAZING! Eat the 50cent ones because they are better and safer.There is a smoothie/juice place, across the street kitty-corner to the park where you can buy fresh made juices and smoothies for $1!
Transportation
Used a truck for transportation to ministry sites, church and a few other reasons.
We were able to walk to two ministry sites
When the owner was wasn’t able to give us the truck, we used public transportation to go to the nearest big city, San Vicente.
On off days, we all contributed personal cash and rented a van. Victor drove us to different tourist attraction sites (as listed below).
LOG Editor- 4/16/2013
Transportation in Apastepeque, El Salvador What transportation did you use to enter the country? Where were you coming from? What transportation was used to move throughout the country? Be sure to include the cost per person in USD and contact info if applicable.
People’s Opinions
Use the pick-ups for transportation. It is the safest option. 25cents per person.
Medical
Medical in Apastepeque, El Salvador Information on local hospitals / doctors / pharmacies. Where would someone go in a medical emergency? (addresses and contact info).
People’s Opinions
Comments
Communication
Communication in Apastepeque, El Salvador Did you have cell reception / Internet service? Where? Carrier / Provider, where did you get phones / SIM cards, cost? Country code?
People’s Opinions
Comment
Financial
Financial in Apastepeque, El Salvador Location of banks or ATMs, notes about transaction fees, best places to exchange money, and other money related advice.
People’s Opinions
Comment
Translators
Translators in Apastepeque, El Salvador List any local translators – name and contact information, languages spoken
People’s Opinions
Use the pick-ups for transportation. It is the safest option. 25cents per person.
Off Days / Fun Activities
On off days, we all contributed personal cash and rented a van.
Went to:
Great waterfalls located at Juayua (about 3 hours drive)
El Boquerón park to see a crater of a volcano that last erupted in 1917
La Gran Via Mall in San Salvador (very beautiful and relaxing mall with outdoor kiosks)
Puerta del Diablo (great hiking place)
Fun at the nearest big city, San Vicente.
LOG Editor- 4/16/2013
Off Days / Fun Activities in Apastepeque, El Salvador What activities did your team experience? Recommendations? List locations/contact info. Any locations to be avoided? Any extra safety tips for off days?
People’s Opinions
We went to a small water park in SanVicente called Mapalapa. There are 3 pools and the upper one has small fish in it that like to nibble at your feet. It is a fun relaxing place to hang out.-entry fee is $3– They have the best chocobananos for 50cents!-To be respectful and culturally sensitive, we recommend for girls to wear shorts with tankinis, one-pieces or a shirt when swimming.
Other Important Contacts
Other Important Contacts in Apastepeque, El Salvador Additional ministry opportunities, local pastors, etc. Relationship & follow up suggestions
People’s Opinions
Comment
Tips
People’s Opinions
Comment
Additional Info
Additional Info in Apastepeque, El Salvador Anything we’ve left out? Any additional suggestions to make travel easier for others?