THE ROUTE OF FLOWERS

This enchanting trip from Sonsonate to Ahuachapán includes 5 stops:Salcoatitán, Nahuizalco, Juayúa, Apaneca and Concepción de Ataco.All are known for their incomparable natural beauty, cultural traditionsand a variety of architechture, food and crafts. This is an area to dooutdoor activities such as rappelling and canopy.churches still keep their colonial-period charm.NAHUIZALCO A town of indigenous traditions, it is 70 km from San Salvador.In the náhuatl language its name means “The Four Izalcoes” and it is saidthat it was founded by four families that came from the town of Izalco. Oneof its attractions is the nocturnal market, in the center of town, held by candlelight.Here you can shop for crafts and traditional items, as well as taste the local cuisineand beverages.In Nahuizalco, you also find workshops where artisans work natural fibers such aswicker and tulle, as well as local wood and cotton. The Crafts Development Center andcolonial church are also places not to miss.SALCOATITÁN Its name in the náhuatl language means “City of Quetzalcoatl”, the god of thewind and the dawn star.Salcoatitán is a small coffee-growing town. The principal attractions are the colonial church, located in frontof the picturesque central park, and its weekly Sunday Food Festival, where you can try a variety of local dishes.Also, a small locomotive takes visitors around the park, the church and through the main streets.JUAYÚA Its náhuatl name means “River of Purple Orchids”. Juayúa has fine weather, a wealth of stories and legends, places withincomparable natural beauty, as well as a famous weekend Food Fair that is set up in front of the church. At the church, thefaithful worship the Black Christ. One of its main natural attractions is the “Los Chorros de la Calera” Falls, 2 km outside the city.“Las Ranas” Lagoon is another precious natural spot.APANECA A bar-none coffee growing region, where the highest grade of coffee is harvested and exported worldwide.Besides the beautiful natural landscapes, this region is home of a 2,600-year-old archaeological site.In Apaneca do not miss“LAS NINFAS” LAGOON Located 2.5 km from Apaneca, it was given this name because its waters are decoratedwith “ninfas”, which is Spanish for water-lilies. There is abundant vegetation and the weather is very pleasant.SANTA LETICIA ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE Located inside the eponymous plantation, its most outstandingattractions are three large sculptures that are 25,000 years old, and weigh 7 to 12 tons each.CONCEPCIÓN DE ATACO Founded by Pipil tribes, it is 5 km from Apaneca, towardsAhuachapán. Principal economic activity includes coffee farming, textile production onhand-looms, and manufacturing religious images.

When in Concepción de Ataco visit ATZUMPA POOL Only 1.5 km from Ataco, on the Route of Flowers. There are adult and kiddy-size pools. The schedules are flexible and entrance is free of charge. “CIELITO LINDO” CROSS This lookout site overlooks the Ataco skyline and surrounding areas. “EL CHICO” CROSS This lookout site is 30 minutes from Ataco. It is in neighboring “Los Naranjos” Township. It overlooks Ahuachapán City and the surrounding areas.