Cerro de las Pavas
Cerro de Las Pavas is a landmark at the town of Cojutepeque, this site is a great tourist attraction and a place where Catholic pilgrims visit the shrine of Virgin Fatima.
Every May 13th thousands of parishioners walk to this place in remembrance of the apparition that took place in Portugal in 1917. Another important date is November 25th where the “enthronement” is held. This commemorates the inauguration of the sanctuary in 1949 with the support of renowned poet Raul Contreras, who was a big promoter of tourism in the country.
The story says that during the Marian Congress of 1949, there was a contest where different cities participated with the purpose of selecting a holy place for the image. The winner was Cojutepeque municipality in that year and Monteñor Luis Chávez y González endorsement the competition. It should be noted that this city won for the second time. Construction work began started to make a small cave where the image now lies. Since then, during the months of May and November there are large pilgrimage to this site.
The original Fatima image was brought from Portugal but was affected by the earthquakes of 2001. In November 2004, the image was replaced by another brought from Spain.
Today you may see many signs placed by parishioners thanking for miracles granted to the Virgin. They are placed at the grotto that stands at the center of the sanctuary and which is covered by vegetation growing naturally.
You may also purchase religious items and crafts at various prices starting at US$ 1.00, they are sold by small shops located on the side of the entrance to the sanctuary.
What to do
Cojutepeque is also known as “The City of Mists”, due to the regular clouds of mist coming down from the hills. It is also said that the name “Cerro de las Pavas” comes from the many wild turkeys you could find on this site.
Currently this mountain enjoys cool climate due to the small forest that covers the area and that sometimes hides the stunning views of Lake Ilopango or the imposing San Vicente Volcano, popularly known as “Chinchontepec” that you may see along the trails.
The Cerro de Las Pavas has three roads: the paved main access road, the “Zigzag” road and the third option is called “cat’s way,” a hidden track on the left side of the zigzag rod that its sometimes covered with vegetation.
There are also sports facilities and rest areas where you can share quality time with friends and family.
Where to eat
EL Cerro de Las Pavas has food festivals every weekend where you will find local dishes at reasonable prices.
You may also dine at El Soñador Restaurant, which has a variety of grilled dishes including chicken, pork ribs, rabbit and also pupusas at affordable prices, from US$ 3.99 to US$ 6.00 USD. For inquiries, call (503) 2372-6382.
How to get there
If driving from San Salvador drive along the Pan-American Highway towards Cojutepeque. You may start the journey from the Constitution Boulevard or go through San Salvador using Boulevard del Ejercito. Continue from the San Martin and Suchitoto overpass. A few kilometers from there you will find the diversion to Cojutepeque.
Bus routes from San Salvador to Cojutepeque: Route 113. Taken at Zurita Park, downtown San Salvador. Ticket from US$ 0.50.
At downtown Cojute should walk from the 2nd West Street towards Central Park Rafael Cabrera, then you take Raul Contreras Avenue towards Cerro de Las Pavas.
More
- Cerro de Las Pavas Phone: (503) 2372-4023
- Parish San Jose (manager of the Sanctuary): (503) 2312-6353
- Contact email: ernesto_b07@yahoo.com
- Fan Page on Facebook:
Satellite location
Height 3232 feet
N 13 ° 42,849 ‘
In 89 ° 56,203 ‘
NOTICE
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