Our adventure through El Salvador took us to the picturesque town of Concepción de Ataco in the western part of the country and considered one of the most attractive destinations in the department of Ahuachapán.
Visitors will enjoy a charming stay in one of the Pueblos Vivos of El Salvador, offering a beautiful town where its inhabitants carefully maintain the customs and traditions amid spectacular nature.
CONCEPCIÓN DE ATACO - Villages of El Salvador. Photo by Jose Quintanilla. Wikimedia Commons.
Ataco Data
| Country: | El Salvador |
|---|---|
| Category: | Villages, Route of Flowers |
| Elevation: | 1.240 meters |
| Surface: | 61,06km² |
| Population: | 18.101 |
| Advice: | Ideal to go with the family, good weather and good food. |
Location of Ataco
What to see and visit in Concepción de Ataco
When you arrive in Concepción de Ataco, you will be surprised by the cool climate enjoyed by the people of Ataco.
Its streets are mostly cobblestone, so we go to Central Park, a large square where neighbors gather to feel the atmosphere.
There we will see a large fountain decorated with a statue of the Virgin of the Immaculate Conception, the town’s Patroness, which at night is more beautiful by the lights illuminating it.
On one side is the church, an imposing temple dedicated to this Virgin, which had to be rebuilt after the severe damage it suffered after an earthquake in 2001. It is the center of the devotion of all the villagers.
We went out to walk the surrounding streets and were pleased with what we saw. Most of the houses house small businesses dedicated to selling many things. For example, the excellent local handicrafts are the clothes displayed in bright colors.
Another peculiarity that you will see is the paintings on the facades of this town, which give it more charm, showing typical scenes of the life of the Ataquenses.
As you walk through the streets, you will see some of the colonial-style houses that still exist here. But maintain their old grace of offering tourists hotel and lodging services.
History and Characteristics of Concepción de Ataco
Popularly known as Ataco, it is known for its existence since pre-Columbian times when it was inhabited by the Pipils in the Apaneca Mountain Range.
Its name comes from the Nahuatl language and means “place of high springs.” It is located more than 1200 meters above sea level and is almost 106 kilometers from San Salvador, the country’s capital.
In 1911 it was granted the title of a village, while in 1999, it enjoyed the qualification of a city.
Its economy is based on the cultivation of coffee. Still, it has also developed some exciting enterprises related to handicrafts and tourism to enhance the knowledge of its fantastic natural landscapes.
In addition, being an essential part of the Route of the Flowers, the city of Concepción de Ataco allows you to have more direct contact with nature.
Local Festivities and Gastronomy in Concepción de Ataco
If you travel to Concepción de Ataco on September 7, you will see a unique celebration in this town, which is the celebration of the “Dia del Farolito,” according to Catholic beliefs; on that day, the Virgin Mary was born.
During that night, the houses and streets of the city are illuminated with lanterns made of bamboo and paper, creating a rustic atmosphere. In 2014, the National Assembly of the country declared this festival an Intangible Cultural Heritage of El Salvador.
The Patron Saint Festivities, in honor of the Virgin of the Immaculate Conception, Patroness of the village, are held between December 11 and 14, days in which the Ataquenses take to the streets with parties, music, and traditional Creole food stalls.
Another attraction of this town is its wide gastronomy, with dishes ranging from the famous pupusas, also the consommé de garrobo, rabbit with garlic or beef tenderloin.
Try the traditional sorbets in blackberry, tamarind, or pineapple flavors. As it is a producing area, do not forget to try the delicious coffee of the town.
Nearby places to visit
The surroundings of Concepción de Ataco offer alternatives to enjoy nature. A little more than 1 kilometer from the town is the pools of Atzumpa, spaces formed by river waters, surrounded by lush forests.
Fifteen minutes from the Plaza, we arrive at the Mirador de la Cruz del Cielito Lindo, from which you will see the dimension of the whole town and have fabulous views.
Approximately 12 kilometers from the city center are the Santa Teresa Thermals, where you can bathe in one of its pools with healing properties of different minerals. The place also has a restaurant and hotel.
On the other hand, just 20 minutes from Concepción de Ataco, on the road to Jujutla, are the Don Juan Waterfalls, a paradisiacal place where the forests of coffee plantations and the murmur of the rushing waters will take you to absolute rest.
The hidden paradise of El Salvador is undoubtedly in Concepción de Ataco. This small town gives you the relaxation you are looking for, in the middle of unspoiled nature, and where the people of Ataco offer you hospitality and make you feel at home.
