La Unión Department an excellent locality that offers multiple alternatives to enjoy our stay when visiting El Salvador entirely.
It keeps the most beautiful beach corners of the small but captivating Central American country without leaving aside other extraordinary attractions, such as the archipelago Gulf of Fonseca and its group of islands of volcanic origin or the Conchagua Volcano, offering unique experiences for visitors.
LA UNIÓN - DEPARTMENTS OF EL SALVADOR. Photo by ElSalvadorViajar.
Data from La Unión
| Country: | El Salvador |
|---|---|
| Category: | Departments |
| Fundation: | 1865 |
| Surface: | 2.074 km² |
| Capital: | La Unión |
| Most populated city: | Conchagua |
Location of La Unión
What to see and do in La Unión Departmetn
The different municipalities that make up La Unión Department show beautiful locations for all tastes, starting with the Gulf of Fonseca, one of the most attractive tourist destinations in El Salvador, where sunsets are painted in multiple colors.
Also, in the head and port of its capital, we can contemplate fantastic seascapes on the bay’s shores while tasting fresh fish and seafood from local fisheries.
Also, the department’s towns represent its most incredible charm in the city of Conchagua, ideal for nature lovers who will not yield to the temptation to visit its volcano, the colossus Conchagua, one of the most impressive volcanoes of El Salvador.
Along the way, you will also find small merchants, who, as guides, will lead you to unimaginable destinations, where you can also take the opportunity to buy some typical handicrafts as a souvenir of your visit.
Not to mention its beaches, El Tamarindo, La Flor, and Las Tunas, all magical and fascinating, to fully enjoy the sun and the breeze of the quoted Salvadoran coast.
Monuments and sites of interest
In La Unión, the department’s capital, you will enjoy the pleasant marine atmosphere the municipality offers you as you walk through its streets and promenades along the seashore.
Visit the Bay Pier and the Family Park, an ideal place to relax and rest or perhaps enjoy the typical dishes of the site, including fabulous views of the sea from the lighthouse located in this town.
Attractive places to visit
Las Playitas beach is located 9 kilometers from the head of La Unión Department, a beach of dark sands and rocky formations, creating the ideal environment to enjoy a swim in its calm waters without leaving aside the unbeatable gastronomic offer that is offered in the place.
Leaving San Salvador, just 190 kilometers away, we arrive at the Mirador Espíritu de la Montaña. In this magical place, you will feel the energy of nature while observing the Conchagua Volcano.
And from the same starting point, a 4.5-hour drive away is the Gulf of Fonseca, a true paradise of relaxation full of exotic beaches of national and international tourist interest.
Destinations near La Union that you can visit
The magic that awakens La Unión Department is experienced in each municipality you visit, where you will even see the cultivated lands and the practice of cattle raising.
We suggest you visit Lislique, a land of waters where the Torola River flows through the area. Walk through its colonial-style streets, and see the handmade mills to taste the sweetness of atados.
Also, take the opportunity to visit the Bolivar municipality, where the most visited natural areas are the Cuevitas and the Piedra del Diablo, where petroglyphs were found.
But if you want to walk around Yucuaiquín, visit the Church of San Francisco de Asís with its beautiful architecture; visit the archaeological site El Chagüite or the Las Marías dam.
On the other hand, in San Alejo, we recommend visiting El Oasis and La Montañita, tourist centers, to spend the day with the family.
History of La Unión Department
Before the arrival of the Spaniards to colonize these new lands, they knew that the Lenca tribe lived here.
After centuries of struggles between the natives and the conquerors, it was designated with the name of Puerto de San Carlos at the end of the XVIII century. In the Bay of Fonseca and in honor of King Carlos III of Spain, but within the limits of the district of San Alejo.
Between 1824 and 1850, there were a series of attacks against the Port due to its strategic location, until in 1854, through a decree signed by the then President José María San Martín, the Port of San Carlos of La Unión was granted the title of “City.”
In June 1865, the former San Miguel department was officially divided into three large areas, thus creating La Unión Department, with the capital city initially called San Carlos de La Unión.
Geography and Municipalities of La Unión Department
La Unión Department is located in the southeastern part of El Salvador, bordering to the north and east with Honduras, its neighboring country. In contrast, to the west, it connects the departments of San Miguel and Morazán, and to the south, it opens towards the Pacific Ocean.
Towards the southeastern part, the Gulf of Fonseca is shared similarly with Nicaragua and Honduras.
It has a territorial area that occupies 2,074.34 Km2 of Salvadoran territory, making it one of the departments with the largest surface area, with a population of close to 380 thousand people.
Under its jurisdiction is the insular zone with islands such as Meanguera, Zacatillo, and Perico, which make it the tourist destination par excellence of the entire Republic.
The orography shows us, besides the coastal zone, a varied terrain that can go from plains to mountains, the Cerro Ocotal, the highest peak with 1225 meters of height.
Other peaks include the Conchagua Volcano and the San Cristóbal or La Ventana hills, located in the Nahuaterique mountain range.
The capital of La Unión Department bears the same name and is located 10 meters above sea level, holding the title of City since 1854. It is located 184 kilometers from the country’s capital, San Salvador.
La Unión Department is divided into two districts and 18 municipalities:
- La Unión
- San Alejo
- Yucuaiquín
- Conchagua
- Intipucá
- San José
- El Carmen
- Yayantique
- Bolivar
- Meanguera del Golfo
- Santa Rosa de Lima
- Pasaquina
- Anamoros
- Nueva Esparta
- El Sauce
- Concepción de Oriente
- Polorós
- Lislique
All the municipalities of La Unión Department have their own very personal charm; be sure to stop by their churches, some small but timid and with a certain autumnal air.
But if you are looking for specific areas, visit Pasaquina, to visit the archaeological site of Pueblo de Niquimonquiya, and take the opportunity to include a walk through the El Robalito or El Resbaladero marshes.
If you pass through San José, enjoy a hike to Cerro La Cruz. Lose yourself in the colonial streets of Polorós and breathe its air of peace and tranquility, and in El Carmen, go to the Olomega Lagoon. Although this belongs to San Migueldepartment, they are very close.
Climate, flora and fauna
The climate of La Unión Department is generally hot and ranges on average between 25 and 35°C (77 and 95°F). It is pretty hot during the two annual seasons of rain or drought, but in the coastal zone, it is much more relaxed, thanks to the sea breezes.
The existence of rivers, lakes, and wetlands favors the presence of diverse ecosystems; for example, in the coastal areas with mangroves, migratory or local birds such as herons make life.
Similarly, the pine forests are home to white-tailed deer and spider monkeys.
Fruits such as melons, watermelons, coffee, sugar cane, and garden produce are grown on the land; chickens and poultry are raised, as well as cattle.
Culture and customs in La Unión Department
Cultural manifestations in La Unión Department revolve around religious events or national holidays.
It is customary to celebrate Holy Week, and for the processions, they make carpets in the streets dyed with sawdust or salt for the devotees to pass with the images; they also go to the churches for the masses.
Also, the Baile de viejos with masks is present in the festivities, when people wear colorful costumes and dance in the streets. In all the celebrations, it is typical to find stalls where they sell handicrafts.
Festivities and Gastronomy in La Unión Department
The Patronal Festival dedicated to the Immaculate Virgin of the Conception is the one that attracts more public and tourists to La Unión Department every December 7. Queen is elected, and there are parades of floats and events. It is the preferred date to “baptize” the little ones.
On May 2 and 3, they enjoy the dance of the negritos- The characters dance through the streets to the sound of music disguised as demons.
The tourist experience in the tour of this Salvadoran department is only complete if we talk about its diverse and exquisite cuisine.
So that on its coasts, it is traditional to taste super fresh fish and seafood. On the shore of the beach, it is customary to eat fried or battered “picaditas” (small fried or battered fish).
The typical pupusas, accompanied by chicharrón, are always present in the rest of the municipalities.
Try the fried yucca with chicharrón, another trendy dish. Everything is accompanied by atol or beer.
Undoubtedly, touring La Union department should be part of your vacation destination. Live every moment enjoying its spectacular natural areas, walking through forests and rivers, tanning on the shores of the Pacific, recharging energy, and even taking a handicraft to make your stay unforgettable in these beautiful and welcoming Salvadoran lands.
