In the Central America’s Republic of El Salvador, there is a charming place you can visit at any time of the year. It is Antiguo Cuscatlán, a fantastic tourist destination, where you can see ancient and modern buildings.
As if that were not enough, this municipality is part of the Pueblos Vivos of El Salvador group, making known in this way all that the Cuscatlán town offers us when we visit it.
ANTIGUO CUSCATLAN - Towns of El Salvador. Photo by ElSalvadorViajar.
Data from Antiguo Cuscatlán
| Country: | El Salvador |
|---|---|
| Department: | La Libertad |
| Category: | Villages |
| Elevation: | 849m |
| Surface: | 19,41km² |
| Population: | 48,027 |
Location of Antiguo Cuscatlán
History and Characteristics of Antiguo Cuscatlán
It is just 20 minutes from the capital, San Salvador, in the department of La Libertad, part of the metropolitan area of El Salvador.
This village was founded in 1054 when there was already an indigenous settlement; the recent essential discoveries corroborate this in some city residential areas.
Antiguo Cuscatlán means “place of jewels” in the Nahuatl language, and its rich natural environment proves it.
The climate is pleasant most of the year since it has two defined seasons: the rainy and dry periods, so you can plan your vacation in advance.
It seems incredible, but you will find a natural oasis in the urban area, where the green and fresh climate will surround you. At the same time, you walk through the nurseries or the spectacular botanical garden, authentic vegetable lung for the locality.
The diversity of activities found here gives the economic development of Antiguo Cuscatlán. At the agricultural level, coffee, vegetables, and grains are planted, and the relevant manufacturing companies make life here.
Likewise, we find in this beautiful city a diversity of renowned hotel chains, radio and television stations, the headquarters of the Embassy of the United States of America, and renowned shopping malls.
On the other hand, it can be said that it is well connected to other national destinations, through a good network of roads for motor traffic.
What to see and visit in Antiguo Cuscatlán
To the south of this impressive Salvadoran city is the La Laguna Botanical Garden, an extensive area for the conservation and study of national and foreign plants.
It is located at the bottom of an extinct volcano and is considered the natural lung for Antiguo Cuscatlán and nearby cities.
It was part of the idea of a German family who settled in the vicinity and began importing various plant species from around the world. Then, due to multiple circumstances, they decided to protect this immense area until reaching what we see today.
It has different areas for the enjoyment of visitors, such as ponds with fish and turtles, a children’s room, as well as exhibits of more than 3,500 specimens of medicinal, aquatic, and exotic plants, among others; as well as centennial trees, along with various types of birds, and a varied fauna, ranging from squirrels, anteaters and armadillos, to different kinds of reptiles.
Another place that offers fantastic views of this metropolis is the Ecoparque El Espino, located on the slope of a volcano, with hiking trails and various fauna.
Among the religious temples, the most significant we can visit is the Basilica of Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, whose construction was completed in 1953 and is considered one of the most famous churches in the country.
We can go for a walk in Antiguo’s Central Park and visit the Church of the Holy Innocent Children.
Patron Saint Festivities and Gastronomy of Antiguo Cuscatlán
In the village, different festivities are celebrated, but the most outstanding is the one dedicated to the Holy Innocent Children on December 28th.
The whole month of December is a month of celebration since, on the 12th, the Virgin of Guadalupe is honored; however, the Patron Saint Festivities on the 28th welcome a multitude of believers, recreating themselves between fairs and parades, together with tempting food stalls.
In the cuisine of Antiguo Cuscatlán, a pupusa is the typical national dish. Although the city does not have its plate, it has become a gastronomic reference quite striking for those who like to try this kind of corn flour tortilla with various fillings.
It is also customary to eat delicious bread with turkey and even atol de elote, cakes, and tamales, among other corn derivatives that delight the palate of Salvadorans.
Nearby places to visit
In addition to walking the streets, squares, and parks of Antiguo Cuscatlán, there are places nearby that allow you to enjoy outdoor activities, interact respectfully with nature, and delight in the extensive flora and fauna.
You can also visit the nearby cities of Santa Tecla and San Salvador, each with its unique charm.
But if we talk about nature, we have the El Boqueron National Park, in the crater of the San Salvador Volcano, where we can hike or entertain ourselves with the environment of this protected area during a delightful and cool climate.
On the other hand, to the south is the Puerta del Diablo, a rock formation from where you can see the Pacific Ocean and even some views of the capital, and the San Vicente Volcano, if you manage to reach the top.
That is one of the highest places in the country, and it is beautiful because of the crevice between two rocks, which has given rise to different legends.
Here you can practice rappelling or go on a zip line, but above all, you have beautiful views all around you while you walk through some fantastic trails.
If you want to know an idyllic paradise with extraordinary outdoor spaces and wild but well-cared-for nature, come to the Salvadoran town of Antiguo Cuscatlán, which will surely leave unforgettable images in your memory and heart.
