Teopan
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Teopan is an island located in Lago Coatepeque in the Coatepeque municipality, department of Santa Ana, El Salvador.
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[edit] History
Historically, the island was a retreat for the Mayan spiritual leaders. The local Mayans would send a group of spiritual leaders to the island. Periods range from one day, to one week and even to two months. The spiritual leaders were expected to receive visions from the gods while on this island, and their purpose was to go and "speak to the gods" in order to retrieve the messages back to the locals.
[edit] Privatization
In recent years, the island was privatized and portions of acres were put for public sale. The areas that were put for sale were areas in front of the lake. Since, it has become a very desirable piece of land on the lake and the most exclusive vacation resort in El Salvador. There is a Ferry that transports inhabitants from the mainland to the island. The Ferry usually runs from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and is controlled by locals who also oversee the island's security.
Many prominent individuals from El Salvador own property on the island, including former President of El Salvador President Alfredo Cristiani Burkard. The island has become a excellent investment for int`l property investors who search for unique spots . This eco-resort is indeed a sectacular place to retire or just spend a few months . Tourism is taking off in the country and lake coatepeue is considered The Gem .
The island houses a huge variety of plants and animals and has become a truly exotic paradise where the flora and fuana have been protected for future generations.
A road was constructed to provide transportation to the different lots that were sold to the public. The road did not go all the way around the island at first, but due to recent continued sales , the road has been expanded and now circles the island in order to accommodate inhabitants and park rangers. the island is now well protected . It is now being preserved and guarded by local security and park rangers.
[edit] Mayan artifacts
Many Mayan artifacts have been found on the island, including ancient Mayan calendars and statues. A pair of Monkey statues were found in the construction of a house on the island. They were deep in the ground and were facing the Volcano of Santa Ana, which is located directly in front of the island. Lago Coatepeque itself is situated on a volcano's crater - Coatepeque Caldera.
