Arcatao
The town of Arcatao is located 32 kilometers from the city of Chalatenango and 135 kilometers from the Salvadoran capital.
Its name comes from the quetchuat language and it means “house of the serpents” (Arca, meaning snake or serpent and Tau, meaning home).
This remote town of Chalatenango was founded in 1922, and its patron is to St. Bartholomew the Apostle and Our Lady of Candelaria. Festivities take place every 2nd February and 22nd to 24th of August each year.
This corner of Chalatenango enjoys a warm climate and the area is surrounded by mountains that border the land of Honduras, that its 30 minutes away.
Cerro La Cañada is a major tourist destination for the locals. It has a height of 1200 meters above sea level. Here there is ample wildlife including armadillos that shelter themselves in abandoned tunnels made during the armed conflict to the 1980’s.
You can also see beautiful natural pictures of rivers, like the Mango Seco creek found inside the Training Centre Sumpul Martyrs.
Arcatao history
This town has an important historical legacy especially since it was a major scene of battles during the Salvadoran civil war.
It was considered one of the many ghost towns of Chalatenango during the 1980’s villagers are still working to restore the town to its former glory.
Part of the efforts is focused on education with the aim of guarding the historical heritage for the people of Chalatenango. Such is the case of Maria Guardado Leandro School Centre that has been operational since 1972 and which receives students from preschool through high school.
Where to stay
You can also stay at “Estancia Las Golondrinas,” a modest hostel with comfortable facilities. More information at (503) 2354-8079 or (503) 7890-1313 with Claudia Morales Dubon.
At the Training Centre for Sumpul Martyrs there are single rooms where you can rest from US$ 5.00 per person (not including food). If you need more information, call (503) 2354-8006 with Lita Lopez.
Where to eat
In the village of Arcatao find small dining rooms where you will find typical food of our country at very affordable prices.
How to get there
From San Salvador drive north along “Troncal del Norte Road” Road (4N) towards Apopa and Aguilares.
At the diversion known as “Amayo” turn right to Chalatenango City. From Chalatenango City continue along the road that is clearly signposted. Or ask locals if you need help. Four-wheel vehicle is recommended since the road is irregular.
By Bus:
Route 125: taken at eastern terminal (Terminal de Oriente) from San Salvador to Chalatenango. Ticket cost from US$ 1.00 to US$ 1.75.
At Chalatenango take route 508 at the district El Calvario. The bus leads to Las Flores and Nueva Trinidad. The trip takes about 2 hours.
More
- Travel Services: Arcatour (503) 7924-1977 / (503) 7251-3497
Email: arca_tour@hotmail.com
- Municipality of Arcatao
Phone: (503) 2354-8034 / (503) 2354-8017
Satellite location
Altitude 1709 feet
N 14 ° 05,623 ‘
W 88 ° 44,952 ‘
AVISO
La información presentada en esta Ficha de Promoción de Servicios y Destinos Turísticos de El Salvador es una guía de referencia. Los precios, tarifas, promociones o detalles como el número de personas, horarios de atención, horarios de entrada o salida, tiempos de comida, ingredientes de platillos, duración de tours, sitios incluidos en tour etc. así como números de teléfono, sitios web o direcciones de correo electrónico y físicas, y otros datos pueden variar sin previo aviso de los hoteles, restaurantes, tour operadores, hostales y otros negocios de la industria turística contenidas en este catálogo digital. El Ministerio de Turismo y la Coorporación Salvadoreña de Turismo, así como su agencia de publicidad y cualquier otra empresa o persona natural subcontratada para el levantamiento y recolección de esta información no tiene responsabilidad por ninguna variación en los datos. Se sugiere siempre hacer las consultas respectivas para verificar.
