In the department of La Libertad, we came across the city of Comasagua, where you can breathe peace and fresh mountain air. Its natural magic is composed of mountains and large hills where you can observe native and migratory birds of all species.
Its main attraction is its viewpoints, from which you can see the municipalities of La Libertad, Santa Tecla, Tamanique, and Talnique. Do you want to know what other attractions Comasagua offers? Join us to discover it on a high-altitude tour.
COMASAGUA - Villages of El Salvador. Photo by Joaqui1975. Wikimedia Commons.
Comasagua Data
| País: | El Salvador |
|---|---|
| Category: | Villages |
| Department: | La Libertad |
| Elevation: | 1,008 m |
| Surface: | 75,05 km² |
| Festivities: | September 14 to 21 |
Location of Comasagua
What to see and visit in Comasagua
If you are ready to immerse yourself in the best ecotourism adventure of your life, your first stop should be at the site known as La Llama del Bosque or El Bosque. Located in the Pontresina condominium, you will be dazzled by its streets and Swiss-style buildings.
Similarly, you can not miss the canton El Peñón, a symbolic place where you can see two stones with pre-Hispanic petroglyphs. These archaeological pieces are known as Roca Norte and Roca Sur, one built in the shape of an indigenous calendar.
The most exciting thing is that both have 7 meters of height and have been aligned at a distance of 100 meters. Their discovery occurred in 1926 when the first studies were carried out to determine the type of carving, forms, and figures that compose them.
It is time to climb to the city’s highest points, stopping at El Peñon de Comasagua at 900 meters above sea level. Given its size and height, it can be seen from afar as a perfect destination for hiking and enjoying nature.
It is worth mentioning that it is also called “Quepis Salvadoreño” and “Piedra de Santiago,” a denomination given by its inhabitants. The best time to climb to the summit is at sunset or shortly before sunrise to enjoy the colors that emerge in the landscape.
This point is the perfect place to enjoy the Cordillera del Bálsamo, the dividing line between the mountains and coasts in the departments of Sonsonate and La Libertad.
Next and at 1,200 m.a.s.l. We find the Finca San Ernesto, where you can see the Pacific Ocean. And not only that, but on this farm, you will find outdoor areas where you can enjoy an excellent barbecue and taste the dishes served in its restaurant.
The structure dates back to the 19th century, and you can recognize the Victorian style of its design from the entrance to the place. Finally, we reach the highest point of Comasagua at the Mirador de la Giralda.
It is located 1,250 meters above sea level and is part of the restaurant of the same name. You can easily observe the Cerro Montecristo, situated in the Montecristo National Park, as well as the San Salvador Volcano and the Zapotitán valley.
History and characteristics
The village of Comasagua has important pre-Columbian bases since it was the Nahua tribes who inhabited the region for centuries. By this time, the indigenous people had been dedicated to breeding white-tailed deer, hence its name.
According to historical data, Comasagua comes from Cutmatzahuat or Comatzahua, which means “Plateau where deer abound.” Unlike other Salvadoran towns, the tribes did not have to move from the region due to territorial disputes.
Even in 1740, many native inhabitants contributed to the Spanish government after the conquest. On the other hand, during the December 1859 earthquake, important buildings suffered severe damage, and the parish seat and the town hall were the most affected among them.
By 1865 Comasagua became part of Santa Tecla, known as Nueva San Salvador. However, it was not until 1924 that it received the title of Villa in a presidential decree by Dr. Alfonso Quiñones Molina.
Patron saint festivities and gastronomy
In Comasagua, the patron saint festivities begin on September 13 and end on the 21st in honor of the San Mateo Apostle. Among the activities that take place during these days are music festivals, ribbon races, equestrian shows, and more.
However, since it is a civic month, alternate activities are held on the first day to open the festivities. The civic parade is the most important, and for the close, a parade is held in charge of the peace bands of all the city’s institutions.
At the same time, there is an exhibition of them accompanied by the cachiporristas contest. The three best presentations are awarded and recognized by a qualified jury. Likewise, during all the activities, you will have the opportunity to enjoy the gastronomy of Comasagua.
Being a culturally diverse town, you can taste international and national dishes. The most traditional are pupusas, atole shuco, empanadas with beans and sopa de pata.
Nearby places to visit
If, after enjoying the tourist attractions of Comasagua, you want to know other nearby places in the department of La Libertad, these are the destinations you should include in your visit:
- Archaeological Route: Joya de Ceren Archaeological Site and San Andres are the pre-Columbian settlements found in La Libertad.
- Sun and beach route: Puerto La Libertad, El Sunzal, La Libertad Beach, El Tunco, and El Zonte are examples of the tremendous coastal variety you can find.
