Juayúa is a charming Pueblo Vivo of El Salvador, with colonial architecture steeped in history and traditions.
Located in a dazzling natural environment with mountains and waterfalls, a mandatory stop on the famous Route of the Flowers (Ruta de las Flores), offers various outdoor activities and excellent cuisine.
JUAYUA - Villages of El Salvador. Photo by ElSalvadorViajar.
Juayúa Data
| Country | El Salvador |
|---|---|
| Department: | Sonsonate |
| Topic: | Villages, Route of the Flowers |
| Surface: | 103,1km² |
| Population: | 24,465 |
| Indigenous community | Náhuas of Kuskatan |
Location of Juayúa
History and characteristics of Juayúa
Juayúa is located in the municipality of Sonsonate, 80 kilometers west of San Salvador, in the Apaneca-Ilamatepec mountain range, at an altitude of 1,040 meters above sea level, which gives it a pleasantly cool climate, perfect for hiking in the region.
It is a pre-Columbian city whose Nahuat name has several versions. It could derive from the voice Xuayúa, and its meaning would be “River of the purple orchids,” from the plural yua-yuat, “Deep waters” from the roots Cahuit and Hua “Where there are trees.” It was catechized by the Franciscans in 1577, who placed a hermitage on the site of the present church.
The attachment to the traditions in this region is interesting since it was granted the title of a village on February 13, 1877, calling it El Progreso. Still, its inhabitants asked to recover its original name, and that is how by decree of May 1, 1906, it is known again as Juayúa, also acquiring the rank of city.
This population was severely affected by the 1915 earthquake and the peasant uprising in the first half of the 20th century.
Due to the favorable conditions of its location, the cultivation of coffee, basic grains, vegetables, and fruits has always represented an essential part of the economic activities of the entity. Likewise, tourism is attracted by its beautiful landscapes and, more recently, by the magnificent culinary fairs organized on weekends.
What to see and visit in Juayúa?
If you want to enjoy a unique setting, the ideal destination is Juayúa, a land that combines urban heritage with spectacular natural attractions.
You can tour the city’s center to appreciate its colonial houses, handicraft stores, art galleries, and monuments, such as the railroad workers’ monument, with samples of some locomotives and wagons.
As mandatory stops are the temple of the Blessed Trinity, which keeps a beautiful image of the Virgin considered a work of art, and the Santa Lucia Parish. In which the miraculous Black Christ is venerated and which, for its magnificent architecture, is regarded as one of most beautiful in El Salvador.
Try to schedule your visit during the weekend, when the outstanding Gastronomic Festival takes place, which gives the city a festive and colorful atmosphere.
Tourists and residents come to the Central Plaza, a market with live music and where many locals offer a variety of delicacies for the delight of the palate, handicrafts, and typical objects at affordable prices.
As if that were not enough, there are tours of the town and its surroundings, on horseback, in little trains, carriages, or the amusing double-decker musical bus known as the Conga Bus.
Although it may seem incredible, very close to the center, about 2 kilometers away, you will find the Chorros de la Calera, rock formations with waterfalls in the form of stairs, and some natural pools where you can cool off. Do not miss the opportunity to hike; it is an unparalleled place to take pictures of panoramic views of this majestic mountainous area.
Did you know that most of the Pueblos Vivos have their legend?
In the imagination of the inhabitants of this place, there is the belief that if you approach the Chorros de la Calera at midnight, you can see Princess Juayúa appear in the shadows.
Patron saint festivities and gastronomy in Juayúa
The population celebrates from January 1 to 15 to honor its patron saint, the Black Christ. These are days of great joy where entertaining activities are organized, such as queen election, competitions, fairs, and amusement parks. The Black Christ is serenaded, gunpowder is set off in his honor, and mass and a dance festival are celebrated on the last day.
You will inevitably be attracted to the gastronomy fair for its rich aromas. Here you will find delicious traditional dishes such as meat, shrimp and grilled vegetables, chorizo, rabbit, yucca with pork and tanned cassava, or the famous pupusas of El Salvador.
Now, if you are looking for new experiences, you will have the unique opportunity to try exotic dishes such as roasted frogs, masacuata snake, cusuco, tacuacín, venison or peligüey.
For snacks, you can delight yourself with riguas in garden leaves, quesadillas, atol de elote, a drink made with corn, chicha, or chilate. And at your favorite time of the day, you have to taste the exquisite local coffee.
Nearby places to visit
The surroundings of Juayúa offer magical places where you can admire nature and get some fresh air. A journey of about 5 hours on foot takes you through the “Route of the seven waterfalls,” which will allow you to appreciate stunning vegetation and enjoy the singing of colorful birds such as Magpies, Chiltotas, Cenzontles, and Torogoces.
The more restless have the possibility of rappelling in two waterfalls of crystalline waters: Salto de la Lagunilla Azul and Salto del Papaluhate. There is also the option of camping and admiring the diversity of the local flora and fauna in paradises such as Laguna de las Ranas or the ecological park Portezuelo Park.
In addition, as part of the Ruta de las Flores we have towns like Salcoatitán, Apaneca, Ataco, and Nahuizalco, which are on the road that joins Juayúa from the Salvadoran capital, San Salvador.
Juayúa is a treasure to discover during your visit to El Salvador; surrounded by a majestic natural environment, this beautiful city invites you to contemplation as well as fun and adventure, offering a variety of leisure activities.
