We are traveling through the department of Chalatenango in northern El Salvador. We invite you to visit the town of San Ignacio, a great destination with a delicious climate. Many surprises await us as we get to know its spectacular natural environment.
Here we can walk through picturesque streets, eat delicious pupusas and enjoy the famous El Pital hill. It is sure to be a visit that you will love.
SAN IGNACIO - Villages of El Salvador. Photo by ElSalvadorViajar.
San Ignacio Data
| Country: | El Salvador |
|---|---|
| Department: | Chalatenango |
| Category: | Villages |
| Elevation: | 1,010 meters |
| Surface: | 69,15 km² |
| Population: | 16,000 |
Location of San Ignacio
History and Characteristics of San Ignacio
San Ignacio was founded during the XVIII century by a group of neighbors of Citalá, a nearby town, initially calling it “El Rodeo.”
By 1807 it was a village that showed great prosperity and belonged to the district of Tejutla, in the department of Chalatenango; then, for various circumstances became part of the department of San Salvador until 1855 and was part of the department of Chalatenango.
In 1951 it was granted the rank of “villa,” and in December 2013, it was assigned the city category.
Geographically it is located just over an hour north of San Salvador, the capital of the Republic, and just 8 kilometers from the border with Honduras, also known as Frontera El Poy.
It is a town dedicated to agro-rural tourism, first for its excellent climate and then because in its entrails is the highest peak of El Salvador.
Its economic activity is based on agriculture, especially fruits and vegetables that aren’t in other regions of the country, precisely due to its mountainous climate, which has helped increase tourist visits to this fabulous town.
What to see and visit in San Ignacio
Before arriving at this attractive place, the access road already shows us the beauty and vitality of its landscapes. Trees and lots of greenery are on both sides of the road.
We enter this small town through an arch that welcomes us, and so we begin to walk through its streets, where we will see simple one-story houses, some painted in bright colors.
Some stores sell groceries and other items, including handicrafts typical of the area.
Numerous traffic vehicles will be seen with a specific frequency since it is an almost obligatory step to arrive at the border with the neighboring country, Honduras.
Between Avenida Principal and Calle El Calvario is Central Park, entirely wooded, where neighbors gather, and on one side, the church is in honor of San Ignacio.
San Ignacio’s Patron Saint Festivities and Gastronomy
San Ignacio celebrates its Patron Saint Festivities from July 23 to 31 in honor of this Saint who is its Patron Saint. They celebrate with concerts, music, parades, and even the election of the Queen.
Likewise, the main parade takes place, whose origin is ancient, in which a person acting as a “spokesman” leads the procession and delivers a parchment to the Mayor, who reads it to start the celebrations.
There are also floats, where the most colorful and funny characters are called “viejos de Agosto” (old men of August).
The church’s surroundings are generally closed to install stalls for selling typical sweets and food in El Salvador. Among these, we can see the “elotes locos” or “pupusas.”
Its gastronomy is full of flavors that you will only see in this town, starting with the zorrillo, a dish that consists of cooked beans with green mango. For the meat, it is suggested to try the bamboo curtido, which is made with these shoots preserved in vinegar.
The freshness of some fruits grown only in these areas makes jams such as strawberry, fig, or raspberry very popular.
Nearby places to visit
The importance of tourist affluence to San Ignacio is due to the spectacular freshness of its climate and the beauty of its natural environment.
Therefore, you can not miss El Pital Hill, located about 76 kilometers from the center of San Ignacio. It gives us the coldest climate in the country, as it rises to over 2700 meters high.
It offers impressive views of the flora and fauna that abound here amidst a great fog; you will enjoy cold water streams and the crops you will find on your way.
Do not miss Las Pilas, another beautiful natural scenery 2400 meters above sea level, recommended for mountain tourism. It is a special place where vegetables and fruits not found in other areas of El Salvador are grown.
You should go well wrapped up to this destination since its average temperature can be close to 13 degrees Celsius.
If you wish, know the trails that will take you to the Sumpul River, and do not miss the Cayaguanca Rock, ideal for long walks.
San Ignacio and its natural spaces are part of the most beautiful areas in El Salvador. The uniqueness of its beauty and pleasant climate make it the perfect tourist destination for those seeking to breathe the fresh air and the quietness that undoubtedly offers this fascinating place.
