Suchitoto is a charming Pueblo Vivo that has been classified as “The colonial cradle of El Salvador” as it has beautiful old architecture and picturesque stone streets.
Dare to take a tour through its history, in a stunning natural setting, with dazzling views of Lake Suchitlán.
SUCHITOTO - Pueblos de El Salvador. Foto por ElSalvadorViajar.
Suchitoto Data
| Country: | El Salvador |
|---|---|
| Department: | Cuscatlán |
| Topic: | Villages |
| Elevation: | 331m |
| Population: | 24.786 |
| Indigenous People: | Nahua |
Location of Suchitoto
History and characteristics of Suchitoto
This Salvadoran city in the department of Cuscatlán is an obligatory stop. Located about 46 km from the country’s capital, San Salvador, at 380 meters above sea level.
Its first settlers called it Suchitoto, which in the Nahuatl language means “suchitoto”, “Flower Bird” a name that accurately represents this magnificent land, inhabited by a great diversity of birds and plants.
Its history is fascinating; it highlights the resilience of its people, a spirit that survives today. This tireless city was involved in severe social upheavals over the years, yet it has always managed to rise again.
Initially, the town of San Salvador was founded in this area in 1528. During the conquest, internal conflicts occurred, and part of the population fled to another region. It later acquired the title of the town of Suchitoto on March 22, 1836, and was recognized as a city on July 15, 1858.
It may seem incredible, but citizens abandoned this town due to the destruction caused by the Civil War in El Salvador in the 1980s. However, once again, it perseveres and achieves its reconstruction and preservation of the urban heritage and is currently one of the most outstanding tourist sites in the country.
Suchitoto is a quiet place you can get to know on foot, so you may prefer to visit it between December and early March when temperatures are fresher, and there is less risk of rain.
What to see and visit in Suchitoto?
One of the town’s main attractions is the beautiful Church of Santa Lucia, which was rebuilt in 1853. Declared a national monument in 1978, it stands out for its original facade with three towers: two lateral ones and a smaller one in the center.
If you come to visit it on a Sunday, you will find in the area of the Central Plaza a variety of stalls with delicious regional food and handicraft sales.
Next to the church, you will not miss La Casa de la Abuela, with its striking yellow color, wholly restored but always respecting the colonial style. It is a charming stop to appreciate art exhibitions or have a coffee.
In addition, on your route through the town, you can visit the specialized museums of the Mint, the 1000 plates and more, or the Art Center for Peace. There is a lot to see!
Continue discovering treasures at the Theater and House Museum of Alejandro Cotto, the Salvadoran filmmaker better known as the “Son of Suchitoto” who fully dedicated himself to preserving his country’s culture. You will have the opportunity to appreciate stagings and discover paintings, photographs, and objects from up to 400 years ago.
In addition, you will love to walk through the gardens of the house, from where you can see the Suchitlán lake. In this imposing artificial lake surrounded by small islands, nature lovers can enjoy beautiful landscapes, boat or kayak rides, bird watching, and fishing.
Patron saint festivities and gastronomy in Suchitoto
The people of this town are deeply embedded in their roots: it is normal for them to enjoy various popular festivals throughout the year. You’ll love feeling part of this happy environment!
In November, go to the fantastic indigo fair, but if you are looking for fun, the ideal month is December. From the 6th to the 13th, the festivities in honor of Santa Lucia are usually held, where you can witness fun traditional, religious, and celebratory activities such as the election of the queen of the festivities, dances, presentation of musical groups, commercial and livestock fairs and burning of gunpowder.
In the meantime, it is inevitable to be tempted by the variety of typical dishes offered in Suchitoto. Pupusas, a kind of corn tortillas regular in all of El Salvador, are always available, as well as atol shuco, a corn drink; tamales, pastries, fried yucca with chicharrón, and the traditional sopa de patas (soup made with fried potatoes).
Discover more of the original Salvadoran dishes at the Corn Festival, held in August to commemorate the Chapultepec Peace Accords, and don’t hesitate to purchase beautifully handcrafted souvenirs.
Nearby places to visit
Incredible adventures in unique natural environments await you in Suchitoto. You can not miss Los Tercios Waterfall, just 1 km from the city. It is a surprising vertical wall with hexagonal blocks carved in the stone, whose waterfall of approximately 10 meters reaches its most incredible majesty in the rainy season.
Go carefully, but take the risk to take the crumbling rocky paths that lead you to discover exceptional landscapes in this splendid place.
Not far from the city, you will find the Guazapa Volcano, an area of historical importance in the times of the Civil War, delight yourself with the best views of the entire valley or experience the freedom of a pleasant horseback ride through the area.
The Old City, about 12 km from the entity, is of historical and archaeological interest. Travel back in time by touring Hacienda Bermuda and the vestiges of what was once the town of San Salvador in the mid-sixteenth century.
Likewise, one of the best images of the colonial period is offered by La Hacienda Colima, about 20 km away. You will be surprised by its well-preserved architecture. Please get to know it, and do not miss the opportunity to relax by canoeing or traditional fishing. Of course, a visit to Lake Suchitlán, an artificial lake almost 45 kilometers long, is a must. Engineers created a beautiful lake formed after the Cerrón Grande Hydroelectric Power Plant.
On your next vacation, visit Suchitoto, the charm of this magical place, full of culture and tradition, will take you to ancient times with its colorful houses and cobblestone streets in a setting of spectacular scenery that will take your breath away.
