{"id":8828,"date":"2022-01-26T08:08:00","date_gmt":"2022-01-26T08:08:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/elsalvadorviajar.com\/en\/?p=8828"},"modified":"2022-11-23T00:54:46","modified_gmt":"2022-11-23T00:54:46","slug":"usulutan","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/elsalvadorviajar.com\/en\/departments\/usulutan\/","title":{"rendered":"\u25b7 USULUT\u00c1N DEPARTMENT \u00bb What to See and Do."},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Just east of El Salvador<\/strong>, we find the most colorful department with the largest territorial extension, Usulut\u00e1n<\/strong>. A region where history, culture, and the most emblematic traditions of the country abound.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But it is not only this that makes the Usulut\u00e1n Department<\/strong> one of the favorite tourist destinations in Central America. But the number of landscapes, beaches, mountains, and volcanoes invite the traveler to live an experience full of adventures and activities for all tastes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If your plans include visiting and getting to know this fantastic department, here are all the places you will find.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
\n

Usulut\u00e1n Data<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Country:<\/th>El Salvador<\/a><\/td><\/tr>
Category:<\/th>Departments<\/a><\/td><\/tr>
Elevation:<\/th>90m<\/td><\/tr>
Surface:<\/th>139,8km\u00b2<\/td><\/tr>
Population:<\/th>73.064<\/td><\/tr>
Meaning:<\/th>Among the Jaguars<\/td><\/tr>
<\/th><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n

Location of Usulut\u00e1n<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Location<\/a>
Location of the Usulut\u00e1n Department<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

What to see and do in Usulut\u00e1n Department<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Are you looking for a place to rest and enjoy an incredible view? Do you prefer ecotourism, long walks, or just enjoying the beach<\/strong>? In Usulut\u00e1n Department<\/strong>, you will find this and much more.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Santa
Santa Elena Park. Photo by Chito gaitan. Wikimedia Commons.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Best of all, this is a destination you can visit with your family and friends. You will find spaces specially designed for the enjoyment of all ages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Such is the case of the Santa Elena Swimming Pools<\/strong>, where you can enjoy a wonderful day. Here there are areas for services, games, and barbecues. If you prefer a more natural environment, you can visit the Palo Gal\u00e1n Lagoon,<\/strong> where you will find natural pools and a dreamlike landscape.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Views
Views from the town of Alegria, Usulut\u00e1n. Photo by ElSalvadorViajar.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

In addition to these destinations, there is also the El Molino River<\/strong>, where the La Pe\u00f1a and Julio Martinez pools are the favorites of tourists. But this is not the only thing you can see and do in Usulut\u00e1n Department<\/strong>, and we show it to you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Monuments and sites of interest<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Suppose you want to know in depth the history of Usulut\u00e1n Department. In that case, you can not miss visiting its most important monuments and starting with the Santa Catalina Parish Church,<\/strong> built in honor of its patron saint, whose festivity dates back 120 years.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"What
What to see in Usulut\u00e1n. Santa Catalina Parish Church. Photo by HenryBonilla. Wikimedia Commons.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

It is near Ra\u00fal Francisco Mungu\u00eda Park<\/strong>, another city monument. In addition, we find the Historic Center of Usulut\u00e1n, which preserves the originality of its streets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Since its founding in 1865, each space has been maintained, taking the tourist on a journey back in time through truly colonial streets. But, if a monument references the city’s history, that is the Church of El Calvario<\/strong>. For it was here that many clashes took place during the war.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Attractive places to visit<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

As we have mentioned, Usulut\u00e1n<\/strong> is a destination where landscapes abound and, therefore, the options you can choose. So if you are looking for ecotourism and love hiking, you should visit the Chahuantique Forest.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"What
What to visit in Usulut\u00e1n. Town of Alegria. Photo by Zero changes. Wikimedia Commons.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

It has a highly diverse flora and fauna you can enjoy during your tour. In addition, if you reach the highest part of the forest and it is the flowering season, you will see its trees dressed in unique and magical colors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A very prominent place in Usulut\u00e1n Department<\/strong> is the town of Alegr\u00eda<\/a><\/strong>, with cobblestone streets fresh and colorful atmosphere, a place that will undoubtedly make you fall in love. But that’s not all. You can also visit the Tecapa volcano, better known as Alegria Lagoon<\/a><\/strong>. Gabriela Mistral baptized it as the Emerald of America<\/em><\/strong>, a dormant volcano with a beautiful lagoon with a high concentration of sulfur that has no life in its waters but impressive views to those who visit it.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"What
What to see and visit in Usulut\u00e1n. Alegria Lagoon. Photo by ElSalvadorViajar.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

But if you visit during the winter season, we recommend a walk through the Nancuchiname Forest. You can enjoy a landscape<\/strong> like something out of the movies, in its best version, full of mystery and mysticism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, if you prefer the tranquility of the beach and want to soak up some sun, then the best places to visit are El Espino beach<\/a><\/strong> and Jiquilisco Bay<\/a><\/strong>. Or if you prefer, you can go to the San Juan del Gozo Peninsula. All are perfect places to have an incredible vacation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nearby destinations in Usulut\u00e1n Department<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Near Usulut\u00e1n, we also have the departments of San Miguel<\/a> and San Vicente<\/a><\/strong>. You can find adventure and places you can not miss in them.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Places
Places to visit near Usulut\u00e1n. Olomega Lagoon. Photo by Luciana Bettega. Flickr.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Therefore, if you want to know more about the archaeological attractions of El Salvador<\/strong>, the Quelepa de San Miguel Ruins<\/strong> are the best option. Here you will find 40 platforms between mounds used for ceremonies, most of which have not yet been excavated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the same department, we find the Olomega Lagoon<\/a><\/strong>, where you can perform various water activities. Now, if you want to pass through San Vicente, here awaits an imposing landscape worthy of capturing with your camera.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For example, the Chinchontepec Volcano<\/a><\/strong> or the Collado de Jiboa is adorned with a nature never seen before. In short, the most emblematic natural places of the Vicentino people and preferred by foreigners and nationals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

History of Usulut\u00e1n Department<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Usulut\u00e1n, the name of Nahuatl origin that means “among the ocelots.”<\/strong> Its people date back centuries before the conquest. According to historical data, the first communities in the department were formed by Lenca tribes until the fifteenth century when they were forced to abandon their lands by the Pipil.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Ereguayqu\u00edn
Ereguayqu\u00edn Church in Usulut\u00e1n. Photo by Stvn87. Wikimedia Commons.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

They lived in complete peace until the middle of 1539 because, with the arrival of the Spaniards, battles broke out over the territory<\/strong>. A few years later, in 1553, Diego de Holgu\u00edn<\/strong> quenched the thirst for war.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With the independence of El Salvador<\/strong>, Usulut\u00e1n received the title of a villa in 1827. In the following years, it became a region of great importance for the country, thus gaining the city title in 1860.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Mayor's
Mayor’s Office of Usulut\u00e1n. Photo by HenryBonilla. Wikimedia Commons.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

But, five years later and as a mandate of the Executive Power, it receives the name Usulut\u00e1n Department. The territory was formally divided from San Miguel.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Geography and municipalities of Usulut\u00e1n Department<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Usulut\u00e1n is located east of El Salvador and has an average area of 2,130 km2. It is bordered north and east by San Miguel, while San Vicente Department<\/a><\/strong> is to the northeast and west.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"What
What to see in Usulut\u00e1n. Jiquilisco Bay. Photo by Diego Brito. Flickr.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Towards the southern part of Usulut\u00e1n is the Pacific Ocean<\/strong>, an area where the San Juan del Gozo <\/strong>Peninsula and the most important tourist attraction, the Bay of Jiquilisco<\/strong>, are located. Given its location and extension, it has a population of more than 330 thousand inhabitants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These are distributed in a territory divided into 23 municipalities where agricultural practice abounds. These are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  1. Usulut\u00e1n:<\/strong> with 14 cantons.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Alegr\u00eda: <\/strong>with 8 cantons.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Berl\u00edn: with 17 cantons.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. California: with one canton.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  5. Concepci\u00f3n Batres: with 10 cantons.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  6. El Triunfo: with 5 cantons.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  7. Ereguayqu\u00edn: with 4 cantons.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  8. Estanzuelas: with 9 cantons.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  9. Jiquilisco: with more than 40 cantons.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  10. Jucuapa: with nine cantons.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  11. Jucuar\u00e1n: with 7 cantons.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  12. Mercedes Uma\u00f1a: with 9 cantons.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  13. Nueva Granada: with 11 cantons.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  14. Ozatl\u00e1n: with 6 cantons.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  15. Puerto El Triunfo: with 2 cantons.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  16. San Agust\u00edn: with 20 cantons.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  17. San Buenaventura: with 6 cantons.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  18. San Dionisio: with three cantons.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  19. San Francisco Javier: with nine cantons.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  20. Santa Elena: with nine cantons.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  21. Santa Mar\u00eda: with 2 cantons.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  22. Santiago de Mar\u00eda: with seven cantons.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  23. Tecap\u00e1n: with 5 cantons.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    Climate, flora and fauna<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Usulut\u00e1n Department<\/strong> comprises an extensive plain, forests, and coasts. Therefore, the climate that characterizes the region is Tropical Hot Savannah. The average annual rainfall is estimated at 1949 mm, the most frequent during May, June, July, August, September, and October.<\/p>\n\n\n

    \n
    \"Puerto
    Puerto el Triunfo in Usulut\u00e1n. Photo by Jorge Colindres. Flickr.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

    The average temperature in Usulut\u00e1n<\/strong> is between 26\u00b0C and 28\u00b0C. But we can find a variation that can reach 36\u00b0C in the year’s first half. At the same time, the coldest temperature occurs in December, with a minimum drop to 19\u00b0C.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    In terms of flora, Usulut\u00e1n Department<\/strong> has 16 protected areas. One of these is the Nancuchiname Forest, where you can find the region’s iconic species. Here the river almond, chilacate, ojushte, and conacaste abound, in addition to the cedar and walnut trees that represent a danger to the ecosystem due to their excessive logging.<\/p>\n\n\n

    \n
    \"Road
    Road to Alegria Lagoon. Photo by ElSalvadorViajar.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

    Finally, we find a fauna mainly characterized by the Central American<\/strong> spider monkey, the pezote, and the white-tailed deer, including endangered species causing it to be cataloged as a protected area for environmental recovery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Culture and customs in Usulut\u00e1n Department<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    In Usulut\u00e1n, if anything stands out, are the indigenous traditions and customs that, over the years, were adapted to other aspects. We can find a prosperous city<\/strong> that has developed in favor of the work of its inhabitants.<\/p>\n\n\n

    \n
    \"Views
    Views in Playa el Espino. Photo by Victor Castro. Flickr.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

    That said, among the most ingrained customs of its people is the celebration of the Cruz de Mayo<\/strong> (May Cross). A moment in which the locals decorate their crosses with flowers in gratitude or to make a request.<\/p>\n\n\n

    \n
    \"Visit
    Visit Alegr\u00eda in Usulut\u00e1n. Photo by ElSalvadorViajar.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

    Another custom is celebrating the Passion and Death of Jesus Christ during Holy Week, a feast also of great importance for the whole country. In the same way, we have the Independence Day of Central America<\/strong> in which the Dance of the Old Men with Masks is presented<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Festivities and gastronomy<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Of all the festivities, the most important is that of Santa Catalina de Alejandr\u00eda, the patron saint of Usulut\u00e1n Department<\/strong>. It takes place between November 19 and 25 in a truly colorful celebration.<\/p>\n\n\n

    \n
    \"Seafood
    Seafood in Puerto el Triunfo. Photo by Aespinozao. Wikimedia Commons.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

    Cultural activities, parades, fairs, and even a queen are elected during these dates. It is the perfect time to enjoy all the gastronomy of Usulut\u00e1n<\/strong>. They start with the famous pupusas and pescaditas, as well as fried beans, plantains, and pork meatballs.<\/p>\n\n\n

    \n
    \"What
    What to see in Usulut\u00e1n. Alegria Lagoon. Photo by ElSalvadorViajar.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

    In short, a delight in every sense of the word that you can not miss if you come during their patron saint festivities. But do not worry<\/strong>. Visit at any other time of the year. You will find restaurants throughout the city where you can enjoy the typical and traditional recipes of Usulut\u00e1n Department<\/strong>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    Just east of El Salvador, we find the most colorful department with the largest territorial extension, Usulut\u00e1n. A region where history, culture, and the most emblematic traditions of the country abound. But it is not only this that makes the Usulut\u00e1n Department one of the favorite tourist destinations in Central America. But the number of … Leer m\u00e1s<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":8885,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_glsr_average":0,"_glsr_ranking":0,"_glsr_reviews":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-8828","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-departments","infinite-scroll-item","generate-columns","tablet-grid-50","mobile-grid-100","grid-parent","grid-33","no-featured-image-padding"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/elsalvadorviajar.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8828","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/elsalvadorviajar.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/elsalvadorviajar.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/elsalvadorviajar.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/elsalvadorviajar.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=8828"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/elsalvadorviajar.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8828\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/elsalvadorviajar.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/8885"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/elsalvadorviajar.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=8828"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/elsalvadorviajar.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=8828"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/elsalvadorviajar.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=8828"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}