Today we travel to a beautiful tourist destination in El Salvador, the municipality of Alegría, north of the department of Usulután, known for its impressive Laguna de Alegría, at the summit of the Tecapa volcano, in addition to its extensive coffee plantations and the undisputed friendliness of its people.
As its name suggests, a tour through this picturesque scenery will not fail to please you, among so much natural beauty, the freshness of the environment, and different tremendous and exciting places to visit.
ALEGRÍA - Villages of El Salvador. Photo by ElSalvadorViajar.
Alegría Data
| Country: | El Salvador |
|---|---|
| Department: | Usulután |
| Category: | Villages |
| Surface: | 40,41km² |
| Population: | 11,712 |
| Indigenous community: | Pipil |
Alegría Location
History and characteristics of Alegria
The municipality of Alegría is recognized for its beautiful lagoon, which is why it was formerly called Tecapa, which in the Nahuatl language means “lagoon of stones.”
On the other hand, its twin town, one street away, was known as Zapotitán, the “city of zapotes.”
The Pipil Indians founded both populations in the mountains of Chinameca in the mid-seventeenth century. They later belonged to the department of San Miguel, when it was created in 1824, and finally to Usulután in 1848.
However, other significant findings indicate that Tecapa obtained the title of town in 1874 and the city in 1879.
Then, the old Tecapa was renamed by the Legislative Assembly as Alegría, on February 17, 1891, in recognition of the teacher and religious leader José Miguel Alegría, a year after his death. A notable character highly admired by all the locals, imparting his wisdom to young people since his arrival to the town around 1837, where he founded a school of Philosophy.
This Usulutecan city has an area of 40.41 km², at about 1250 m above sea level, providing a pleasant temperature, usually around 20° and reaching up to 15° during December.
And its altitude and mild climate make Alegria an excellent coffee producer, an activity on which its economy depends, along with tourism.
What to see and visit in Alegria?
If we want to know the tourist attractions of this Pueblo Vivo of El Salvador, we can start with its coffee plantations and more than 200 home nurseries of ornamental and floral plants.
Similarly, you can enjoy the environment by hiking, camping, or regular walking along the trails 3 kilometers from the village.
In the urban center stands out the Cartagena Ecological Park, a spectacular space that has an old chapel, among beautiful plant species and the possibility of ecological tourism. At the same time, we take exquisite coffee and enjoy the local cuisine in its cafes and restaurants.
We can also take advantage of this walk to visit the kiosks that are located in the surroundings of this magical place, buying some plants and tecapeña handicrafts.
On the way, we find the San Pedro Apostle Church, also known as the Catholic Church of Alegría. One of the oldest temples in Usulután, built in 1972 and neoclassical style,
This city is known for its incredible views that you can see from fantastic viewpoints. The best known is the Mirador de las Cien Gradas, which gives us a great panoramic view of both the mountains and the Lempa River, and when climbing, the very colorful steps of its steps will surely surprise you.
We cannot miss a stop at the dazzling Laguna de Alegria, a true beauty. Easily accessible and only 2 km from the city, it shows us its emerald green waters, surrounded by rocky walls, among humid forests, over the crater of the imposing Tecapa volcano.
A whole context full of legends, and those who visit it do not usually bathe in its mystical waters. The natives speak of the seductive mermaid that takes bathers to the lake’s depths.
Patron saint festivities and gastronomy in Alegría
Our getaway to this charming city should include traditional celebrations, such as the patron saint festivities in honor of San Miguel Arcángel, from September 26 to 29. Not to be missed are the festivals held during Holy Week, when the locals decorate the streets with flowers and carpets of sawdust.
Also, throughout the year, you can taste one of the best coffees in El Salvador, freshly brewed and grown by excellence in the area.
There are cozy places to warm up during the day’s activities and various restaurants with viewpoints according to our tastes and budget.
Among the typical dishes, many are made from corn, which is common throughout El Salvador. One of them is the popular pupusa and the well-known sweet corn, as well as quesadillas and alfajores. Not to mention the fish, poultry, meats roasted or cooked on firewood, and the Indian chicken soup, which is so delicious that it has become famous in the locality.
Nearby places to visit
The city is 120 kilometers from San Salvador, the Salvadoran capital. In its vicinity, we find Mercedes Umaña to the north, Santiago de María and Tecapán to the south, Jucuapa to the east, and Berlín to the west. These equally exciting and attractive cities are worth discovering. Besides, we can not miss the trip to Alegria Lagoon, which is undoubtedly one of this place’s most critical natural beauties.
And if you are a nature lover, you will undoubtedly want to complete the route of the thousand summits in the Tecapa-Chinameca mountain range, which includes this city and its neighbors Santiago de María and Berlín.
Undoubtedly, coming on vacation to the city of Alegria is a unique and stimulating experience, to relax among lively people in a pure environment full of lush vegetation. Perfect for eco-tourism, and spend a few unforgettable days in this privileged enclave that gives life to the “Emerald of America.”
