The Sumpul River, is located in the upper town of Chalatenango, is considered one of the largest rivers in El Salvador and one of the least contaminated. With a length of 77 km, it serves as a geographical boundary between the republics of El Salvador and Honduras.
The Sumpul River, begins in the municipality of San Ignacio, department of Chalatenango, El Salvador, and flows into the reservoir of the Hydroelectric Power Plant 5 de Noviembre, with a northwest-southwest route. It crosses the municipalities of La Palma, San Fernando, Dulce Nombre de María, La Laguna, El Carrizal, Ojos de Agua, Nueva Trinidad and Las Flores.
The word “Sumpul”, is of Chorti origin and means “In the great peaks of the water”. According to historians, it is given because it crosses the high mountains of Chalatenango. The cool waters of the Sumpul River reach 10 degrees of temperature, allowing locals and tourists to enjoy its refreshing waters.
The Sumpul River, receives the flow or water from six rivers and four broken uptown, is a natural and attractive tourist paradise Ruta Fresca of Chalatenango. In holiday season is very visited by domestic and foreign tourists. In the winter it can reach approximately 75 meters deep in some areas, forming large pools. The water level stays almost the same during the summer.