The best place to share a family vacation in El Salvador is in the town of Apaneca, located in the department of Ahuachapán.
It is an extraordinary tourist destination, with a climate ranging from cool to cold, since the village is considered the highest in Salvadoran lands, which greatly favors the cultivation and production of coffee.
APANECA - Villages of El Salvador. Photo by Lexdjelectronic2013. Wikimedia Commons.
Apaneca Data
| Country: | El Salvador |
|---|---|
| Department: | Ahuachapán |
| Category: | Villages |
| Route: | Route of the Flowers |
| Surface: | 45,13km² |
| Population: | 8.597 |
Location of Apaneca
History and Characteristics of Apaneca
The first references to Apaneca appeared in 1550. For years its location changed from one department to another. Since 1869 it has belonged to the department of Ahuachapán.
Although it was formerly known as San Andrés de Apaneca, in the Nahuatl language, its name means river of winds, and in 1893 it received the title of the village.
Due to its geographic location, more than 1400 meters above sea level, it is the highest town in the country. It is located 100 kilometers from the Salvadoran capital, and approximately 8000 souls populate these places.
Its inhabitants, the Apanecos, are dedicated to cultivating coffee, considered one of the best in Central America. There is even an exciting production of handicrafts, represented by toys and valuable artifacts, either in wood or clay.
What to see and visit in Apaneca
Walking through the few streets that make up the town of Apaneca, we are surprised by the silence and tranquility breathed here.
It is a beautiful place with cobblestone streets, white one-story houses, and tile roofs in most of them; the climate is delightful, even if it is sunny.
In the center of this charming town is the Church of San Andrés Apóstol.
The old building was built in 1798 and remained standing until 2001 when a powerful earthquake caused severe damage. Since that date, it has been under reconstruction. However, today it shows us its beautiful façade in impeccable white, with colonial details.
A few steps away is the recently inaugurated Plaza Río de Viento, which leads to commercial spaces where you can eat or have a snack and buy typical souvenirs made in Apaneca.
Apaneca’s Patron Saint Festivities and Gastronomy
The celebration of the patron saint festivities, in honor of San Andrés Apostol, takes place between November 21 and 30 and begins with the traditional parade of the mail.
The election of the queen takes place, but also an old tradition, the meeting of the three patron saints.
It happens when the neighbors carry the images of their patron San Andrés, who goes to meet San Pedro Apóstol and Santiago in the middle of the processions. It is the moment for the apanecos to thank for the favors received.
The delicious gastronomy invites tourists to taste simple but delicious dishes such as Indian chicken soup, roasted chicken, fried beans with curd, and divine pupusas. Remember that we are in coffee lands, so it is impossible not to taste tasty coffee.
Nearby places to visit
Among the charms that Apaneca offers is the Route of Flowers, of which this town is part for its scenic beauty. Therefore, there are many options for ecological and natural tourism.
The Albanian Labyrinth is very close to the historic center, formed by thousands of cypress trees; the goal is to enter and look for the exit or the way to get to the center.
Let’s go inland, approximately 4 kilometers. We arrive at Laguna Verde, the crater of an ancient volcano, surrounded by a misty forest full of cypress trees, apart from the varied fauna and coffee crops.
Likewise, the archaeological findings of Finca Santa Leticia, part of the Mayan Route of El Salvador, have been fascinating since they consist of 3 fragments called Los Tres Gordiflones, formed by pieces of round stone where human characteristics have been sculpted.
They are less than 3 km from Apaneca, and it is believed that they belonged to some Mayan rite.
Also, 3 km from the town center, it is located in the crater of an extinct volcano, the Hoyo de Cuajusto, from which you have great views of the country’s west.
We can also hike to Tunco de Monte to observe the wildlife in its splendor.
And 10 kilometers from the town are the Don Juan Waterfalls, spectacular waterfalls up to 35m high and hidden in the municipality of Jujutla. A relaxing place for the sound emitted by the waterfalls, where we can also take a refreshing bath.
As you have already seen, Apaneca is a paradise worth visiting, especially for those interested in bio-tourism or taking a few days to rest from everyday life and reconnect with life.
