Laguna de Olomega is a large volcanic crater lake about 45 km southeast of San Miguel, near the border with the La Unión department. It is one of the largest lakes in El Salvador, surrounded by small fishing villages whose residents have worked the lake for generations. The water is calm and clear, the surrounding hills are green even in the dry season, and the pace of life on the shore is entirely unhurried.
Boat trips across the lake can be arranged with local fishermen from the village of Olomega. The lake holds good populations of guapote (rainbow bass) and is popular with local anglers. The surrounding area has good birdwatching, with kingfishers, herons, and various waterbirds visible along the shore. There are simple comedores in the village serving fried fish and rice — straightforward and good.
Getting here requires your own transport or a taxi from San Miguel, as public bus connections are infrequent. The drive through the eastern lowlands is pleasant, passing through small towns that see almost no foreign visitors.