Jayaque is known for its incredible sunsets, mountain climate, and exquisite coffee. Where quiet, colorful streets and adventure most attract domestic and foreign tourists.
This city is just an hour from San Salvador in the Department of La Libertad, right in the Cordillera del Balsamo. While coffee is one of its main attractions, so are its viewpoints, landscapes, and the native drink of El Salvador, the Chaparro.
JAYAQUE - Villages of El Salvador. Photo by Rmcmanus54. Wikimedia Commons.
So if you are looking for different tourist alternatives in El Salvador, Jayaque, you will feel like you are in another world. You can take a different tour, full of life and adventure.
Jayaque Data
| Country: | El Salvador |
|---|---|
| Category: | Villages |
| Department: | La Libertad |
| Elevation: | 998 m |
| Surface: | 47,5 km² |
| Festivities: | July 18 to 25 |
Location of Jayaque
What to see and visit in Jayaque
From the moment you enter the city, you can notice its fantastic scenery along with the streets and buildings over 100 years old. Jayaque is full of history and traditions reflected in the colorful and joyful atmosphere of the city.
An example of this is the museum in the Casa de la Cultura de Jayaque, where there is an open and permanent explosion so that everyone can learn about the roots of this town. Here you can find a collection of masks as a sample of the “Topa de Los Cumpas o Compadres festivities.”
This tradition originates from pre-Columbian times, a dance performed by the first inhabitants, and today is of great importance for Jayaque. To such an extent that the cultural show is presented during its patron saint festivities.
On the other hand, you must take advantage of the Jayaque Coffee Route, where you will know and enjoy the best coffee beans in the region. The tour consists of 8 points starting with El Pedregal, Cumbres de Jayaque, the farm’s El Carmel, La Esperanza, Santa Elena, and El Carmen.
You can also visit Los Pepes Crafts and buy different objects and original sculptures, all of which are made with recycled materials. Also, on the route, you can see the restaurant Jardin El Carmel, a monument and national heritage Jayaque.
Another place you should visit in Jayaque is the Wild Refuge Foundation, better known as FURESA, for the care of endangered animals, and this is the only park of its kind in El Salvador.
The best time to visit the park is after noon since most of the animals are asleep during the morning.
History and characteristics
Jayaque has deep-rooted pre-Columbian roots, so it has always sought to preserve its ancient appearance to show visitors its culture. On the other hand, it is located 980 meters above sea level in the Cordillera del Bálsamo.
It is home to some rivers, the most important of which are Shutia, Chantecuanes, San Cristóbal, and Talnique. Likewise, the highest points are Cerro Maguci at 929 meters above sea level and Cerro Del Macho at 906 meters above sea level.
Its name is Nahuatl, origin from “Xayacatepec, Shaycat and Jayaque,” meaning “Hills of the lovers or masked.” With the arrival of the colonizers, the town became an area belonging to San Juan de Opico, another municipality in the department of La Libertad.
Over the years, their lands were abandoned almost entirely, given the great variety of pests affecting their crops and inhabitants. By 1859 an earthquake destroyed many houses forcing the inhabitants to move again to safe lands.
Six years later, it ceased to belong to San Juan de Opico to become part of La Libertad. Established as an economically productive territory in 1906, it received the title of Villa and, 20 years later, the title of City.
Patron saint festivities and gastronomy
The patron saint festivities of Jayaque are celebrated from July 18 to 25 in honor of San Cristóbal. Cultural activities are carried out during these festivities, among them the “Topa de Los Cumpas.”
During these celebrations, it is a tradition to drink Chaparro, the typical drink of Jayaque, which is prohibited in other cities. Similarly, different dishes and desserts are prepared from coffee as a native product of the region, pupusas, and Indian chicken soup, among others.
Nearby places to visit
If during your visit to the city of Jayaque you want to know other tourist places in La Libertad, your first stop should be the Port of La Libertad. You will find San Diego Beach ideal for rest and enjoyment of the whole family.
On other beaches, you can also visit our El Palmarcito, Majahual, and El Zonte. Or, go hiking in El Boquerón, and why not visit the archaeological sites Joya de Cerén and San Andrés in the Archaeological Route of El Salvador.
Now you know, if you are looking for a different vacation experience in Jayaque, organize your itinerary, include the places you want to visit, and dare to live a weekend of adventure in the mountains.
