Usulután is a town in El Salvador that, despite the years, has remained the same since it received the city title. You can enjoy its extraordinary architectural and natural beauty in every corner.
Curiously, it is one of the cities that stands out for being entirely commercial. So in all its streets, it will be easy to know what an ordinary day is like for its inhabitants. In addition, it is located on a coastal plain, with high temperatures maintained throughout the year.
USULUTAN - Villages of El Salvador. Photo by HenryBonilla. Wikimedia Commons.
Do you want to visit the city of Usulután? Prepare your suitcases, wear fresh clothes and come to discover all the wonders that we share with you here.
Usulután Data
| Country: | El Salvador |
|---|---|
| Department: | Usulután |
| Category: | Villages |
| Superficie | 139,8 km² |
| Elevación: | 90 m |
| Población: | 73.064 |
Location of Usulután
What to see and visit in Usulután
If you like colonial history or period architecture, you will love the Historic Center of Usulután. As difficult as it may seem, the city has remained the same since 1865, and one of its most important buildings is the Iglesia Parroquial Santa Catarina.
You can visit the Municipal Mayor’s Office of Usulután, the Centennial Cinema, and the El Calvario Church. Each of these places reflects the peculiarity of its inhabitants and their traditions. In addition, walking through the streets, you can enjoy shops where you can buy many original handicrafts.
Now, if we talk about places surrounded by nature and where you can have the best vacation, there is nothing better than visiting the Jiquilisco Bay. In 2005, it was declared a Ramsar Site and is currently the second most important wetland in El Salvador.
It has approximately 55 km of pristine coastline that begins at the mouth of the Lempa River and leads to the Bocana de la Chepona. You can enjoy beautiful mangroves, a great animal and plant diversity, and a beach of clear sand and gentle waves.
As part of the bay, El Espino Beach stands out as one of the favorite tourist beaches due to its beautiful waves. Among the activities you can do are surfing, jogging, and beach football.
And since you are here, there is nothing better than a walk through Puerto Parado from where you can visit other beaches and islands. As if this were not enough, in the town of Usulután, you will also have the opportunity to visit one of the Salvadoran volcanoes.
We are referring to the Tecapa Volcano, which means “Lagoon of Stones.” This volcano is located at 1,593 meters above sea level and is one of the most important volcanoes of the Sierra Chinameca. If you climb the volcano, you can enjoy all the beauty of the Alegria Lagoon.
History and characteristics
Usulután has its roots in the pre-Columbian peoples that inhabited El Salvador. According to history, it is known to be the region where the most critical Lenca people settled at that time.
It lasted until the 15th century with the arrival of the Spaniards, who managed to subdue all the inhabitants. Of course, the battles of the indigenous people to preserve their freedom lasted until after 1550.
To such an extent that in 1553 Diego de Holgín was sent to act as an intermediary in the conflict. Finally, it achieved peace between the Spanish colonists and the natives. Almost 300 years later, after the independence processes began, on March 10, 1827, Usulután received the title of the villa.
It was unnecessary to wait so long for the town to be recognized again. In 1860 it was named a city, and in 1865 it was recognized as the head of the Department of Usulután.
Patron saint festivities and gastronomy
The patron saint festivities of the town of Usulután take place between November 18 and 25 of each year. During these dates, tribute is paid to its patron saint Santa Catarina de Alejandría. The celebration includes the election of a queen and the participation of national and international artists.
Of course, there is a parade of floats, fairs with mechanical games, and much more. It should note that although traditional dishes are served throughout the year in the region, unique recipes are prepared for these celebrations.
It leads to a gastronomic display for all tastes and ages. Among the traditional dishes and drinks you can enjoy are:
- Pupusas de curil.
- Stuffed shell with chimol, rice, and salad.
- Canoa usuluteca.
- Shrimp with tomato sauce.
- Empanadas.
- Tamales stuffed with shrimp.
- Fried yucca, among others.
Nearby places to visit
Do you want to know what other places you can visit? Usulután is the connection point to other departments and their tourist sites. For example, if you are in Puerto Parada, you can take a boat to the islands in Jiquilisco Bay.
Starting from San Sebastian to Rancho Viejo, you can visit La Pirraya Island if you still have time. Or, go to the Department of San Miguel and enjoy Las Flores and El Cuco Beach.
Suppose you want to stay in Usulután and go hiking to connect with nature. In that case, you can’t miss Cerro El Tigre, climb the Chinameca Volcano, better known as El Pacayal, and finish your vacation at Cerro El Taburete.
