This route goes thru one of the most beautiful areas of El Salvador, going thru coffee forests and enjoying a pleasant climate. Visit this unique route where culture, history and gastronomy blend to create a wonderful combination all this is enhanced by the impressive natural scenery.

 

Resume: Beautiful town located 70 km from the capital with a strong presence of indigenous people and a colonial church built in the seventeenth century. Its economic importance lies in handcrafts and woodworking cottage industry where natural fibers, like wicker, tule and others are used. Visit the Artisan Development Center to learn about the creativity of this industrious town that expresses their heritage thru their products.

 

Salcoatitan: a town of Artists with art galleries and permanent exhibitions, Located 1,045 meters above sea level. Stop for a meal at the central square and admire the recently restored colonial-style church. This town it’s where the first plant of coffee was grown and started the development of coffee plantations in the area.

 

Juayua: the name means “River of Purple Orchids “; it is located at 1,025 meters above sea level. It was founded in 1877 with that name. Its economy is based on coffee farms and the production of ornamental plants. You may enjoy the traditional food festival that takes place on weekends. Do not miss the impressive waterfalls of crystal clear water and the beautiful natural surroundings. Try the high altitude gourmet coffee produced locally.

 

Apaneca: It is the highest town at El Salvador. It is located at 1,477 meters above sea level and it was founded in 1577. It is the birthplace of one of the best coffees in the world at the jurisdiction of Santa Leticia, where important archaeological remains have been discovered including pre-Columbian stone carvings. Apaneca is also synonymous with exciting activities including: canopy tours, bike tours, buggies, hiking, camping, and paragliding among others.

 

I attack: At 1,275 meters this charming colonial city with cobblestone streets and a colonial church was first part of the Izalco jurisdiction, then became part of Sonsonate and later part of Ahuachapán. Coffee plantations surround it and it is constantly visited by fog. Here you will appreciate the making of traditional textiles, you may also enjoy folk music at the main square on weekends afternoons where you may also try delicious local food and drinks.

 

Nearby Attractions

 

Abroad: This important city has been rethought in order to make it more appealing to tourists coming from all over the world. Here you may appreciate local culture and taste premium coffee in one of their many restaurants around the historic center. There are also eco-tourism activities and thermal springs or “ausoles” where you may appreciate the stunning force of nature or just relax in natural occurring pools.

 

Tacuba: Its archaeological gem where you may see the remains of the local colonial church destroyed by the earthquake of Santa Marta in 1773. Walk through its quiet streets, Visit El Imposible National Park, enjoy its lookouts and the quiet lifestyle of this town located at the Ilamatepeq Apaneca mountain range, It is connected by an excellent highway driving form Ahuachapán.

 

Los Naranjos: an interesting spot in western El Salvador, 75 km from the capital city it has a cool climate due to its altitude. There is eco and rural tourism and many mountain lodges offering excellent dining and impressive views looking towards the nearby complex of the volcanoes and Las Flores route. Learn about high altitude coffee processing and later taste it, enjoy the rich biodiversity and unique flora of the area. Travel to the mountain “El Aguila” and “Los Naranjos” and observe native and migratory birds. It is important to mention that Sonsonate and Santa Ana are close by, as well as other tourist attractions like the western beaches of El Salvador.