Suppose you are planning to visit the Republic of El Salvador. In that case, an essential stop is Salcoatitán, a town included in the list of the most beautiful in the country and part of the Pueblos Vivos and Route of the Flowers, charming places that stand out for their picturesque streets, exciting legends, traditions, unique local stories and variety of stores.
Salcoatitán is a living town you cannot miss on your tour of El Salvador. Discover all its natural and architectural beauty.
SALCOATITÁN - Pueblos de El Salvador. Foto por ElSalvadorViajar.
Salcoatitán Data
| Country: | El Salvador |
|---|---|
| Department: | Sonsonate |
| Category: | Villages, Route of the Flowers |
| Surface: | 18,61km² |
| Elevation: | 973 m |
| Population: | 5,484 |
Location of Salcoatitán
History and characteristics of Salcoatitán
Located in the department of Sonsonate, approximately 81 km from San Salvador, Salcoatitán is situated on a plateau of the Apaneca Ilamatepec mountain range. It enjoys an excellent climate ideal for pleasant walks at a privileged altitude of 1045 m above sea level.
Its essential cultural and historical tradition is fascinating; its name dates back to the second half of the eleventh century when it was called Quetzalcoatitlán, whose meaning in the Nahuatl language is “the city where they worshiped the God of the Wind and the Star.”
Even more remarkable is that, in a municipal report of October 1859, it is textually stated that “vulgarly it is known.” It was attributed to a family of aborigines from Jujutla. This family settled in that mountainous area at the beginning of the XVIII century—fleeing from a plague of vampires that plagued the coast.
Officially, it is recognized in the list of villages of the department in 1824. By that time, the elegant San Miguel Arcangel Church was built, dedicated to this saint. Unfortunately, this church was greatly affected by strong earthquakes. Although it seems incredible, a replica was built next to it, in yellow color, resulting that, currently, you can see the two temples standing, one next to the other.
Its economic development revolves around the cultivation of coffee, a tradition dating from the nineteenth century, and tourism. It is attracted by the various proposal of typical dishes, art galleries with permanent exhibitions, beautiful handicrafts made of wicker, textiles, clothes dyed with vegetable dyes, and impressive mosaic murals.
What to see and visit in Salcoatitán?
Did you know that legends begin at the entrance to Salcoatitán?
You will see a majestic tree known as La Ceiba, witness, to more than 400 years of history and considered sacred to the pre-Hispanic culture.
Since ancient times, they have de belief that in La Ceiba dwell the souls of the indigenous people, and in the local folklore, there is a ritual in which, if you embrace its trunk, thanking it in the Nahuat language, you receive a gift from those souls, so why not try it?
At the village gates, you will also find the Maquilishuat nursery; if you are a plant lover, you can appreciate beautiful flowers and see a mini zoo there.
One emblematic place that invites you to travel to the past is the San Miguel Arcángel Church, which maintains its colonial essence, with its calicanto walls and tile roof, despite having suffered the ravages of time and natural disasters. You can also visit the Printing Museum, where learning about history will be the most exciting thing.
Salcoatitán is small and is usually considered a place to pass through. You have to take your time to walk through the center and go to the recently remodeled Quetzalcóatl square, where you can taste tasty regional dishes and buy some original pieces in the stores and craft stores.
Patron saint festivities and gastronomy in Salcoatitán
When it comes to fun, there is nothing better than attending the festivities in honor of San Miguel Arcángel on the second Sunday of November. Undoubtedly you will have a great time with parades, the election of the queen, the presentation of musical groups and the much-awaited dance carnival. Another festivity is that of San Jorge, which is celebrated on August 29th.
As the main event, Salcoatitán has renowned gastronomic festivals, which take place in Central Park, in front of the church.
You will find diverse options to satisfy your appetite even during the week. On the weekends, the culinary offer changes, and it will be challenging to choose among the diversity of delicious delicacies, such as delightful corn or chicken tamales, pisques, riguas with cheese, atoles, elotes locos, chilate and the inevitable bread, sweets, sweet waters and the gourmet coffee of the area.
When it comes to main dishes, an unparalleled option is Indian chicken soup, as well as churrasco, marinated ribs, or roasted rabbit.
Now, one of the biggest culinary attractions is the traditional yucca sancochada. You have to try it accompanied by chicharrón or pepesca; a fried fish served in leaves of a plant called bijou.
Nearby places to visit
Nature lovers will love rural tours of coffee plantations such as Santa Erlinda and Santa Elena or take the detour to Santa Catarina Masahuat, witness the processing of honey, sesame, and coffee in the area, and go horseback riding and bird watching.
An energizing walk to the limits between the entity and the town of Juayúa can be done in about half an hour, and refresh yourself in the crystalline spring of the Monte Rey River.
Route of the Flowers is the most famous road in the country, a beautiful road between coffee plantations of unparalleled greenery, which leads through nearby Pueblos Vivos, of which Salcoatitán is usually the second stop and among which you will find cozy accommodations for your stay in the region.
There are plenty of reasons to discover the picturesque Salcoatitán, the friendliness of its people, its customs and history, its exceptional cuisine, and its natural environment will leave an indelible memory of your trip to El Salvador.
