Is a town with Pre-Hispanic origins, the name meaning in Nahuatl “mountain of the quetzal.” This town at Chalatenango was founded in 1543 under the name of “Our Lady of Conception Quezaltepeque Sierra”. The first settlers were Spanish, natives and mulattos.

The town has managed to retain its essence despite being badly hit during the civil war of the 1980’s.

Among its architectural treasures is the church dedicated to Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception who is celebrated every December 8^th. Inside the temple you will appreciate Catholic imagery, which reflects the devotion of the locals.

The legacy of the hammocks

This town is famous for its handcrafted hammocks. The popular story says that the Iberian conquerors taught the locals how to make fabrics and other items like clay pots with the intention of helping the local economy. However, given the distance to the capital and transportation difficulties at that time, only the making of hammocks remained as the major source of income for the town.

Initially, the artisans worked with maguey (agave). However, since 1989 priest Eduardo Alas organized the first Festival of the Hammocks, event that prompted weavers to use other materials like cotton thread, nylon and other synthetic fabrics, a tradition that continues to this date.

Through this initiative, every second Sunday of November there is a festival dedicated to hammocks.

Many families support themselves thanks to this handcraft. Usually their workshop is located right on their homes, or even outside their homes where you may appreciate their colorful creations.

During your visit to Concepcion Quezaltepeque you will find not only hammocks, but also some other items like bags, blankets, hats at prices varying from US$ 5.00 to US$ 40.00.

What to do

Concepción is a warm and quiet town. If you are visiting Chalatenango you may choose the following activities:

1. Tours with guides to workshops where visitors can take part of the development of handicrafts.

2. A visit to the petrified forest. 10 acres of land with petrified trees. This site is intact and provides a unique eco-tourism experience.

3. Hike to Cabrera hill where you may enjoy a forest and maybe take a dip at the Guastena River.

4. A visit the tourist center Rancho Coquitos where you may use the pools. They have a mini soccer field and a basic restaurant.

5. Visit to Paraiso Water Park, which has facilities that include swimming pools.

6. Walk to La Montañona, a historic settlement of civil war veterans where you’ll find cabins, hiking trails, viewpoints, mini war museum, tunnels, panoramic views, horseback riding and tours to the various hills.

Contact: Juan Antonio Santos, municipal tourism promoter. Phone (503) 2378-1600 and (503) 7951-1994.

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. Then drive to the diversion known as “El Limón”.

Bus routes:

From San Salvador to Chalatenango take route 125 or Route 126, for US$ 1.00 to US$ 1.75 USD at the East Terminal (East Terminal) bound by to El Limón, Chalatenango.

More

- Contact: Juan Antonio Santos, tourism promoter.

- E-mail: alcaldiamunicipaldeconcepcionquezaltepeque@hotmail.com

Phone: (503) 2378-1600 / (503) 7957-1994.

- Design Resume: http://www.enchalate.com/2011/05/concepcion-quezaltepeque.html

- Hammocks Festival: http://www.enchalate.com/2011/07/el-festival-de-las-hamacas.html

Satellite location

Altitude 1690 feet

N 14°05.373´

W 88°57.347´

Photogallery

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