Ruta de las Flores is one of the most famous and visited destinations in El Salvador. Hidden along the Apaneca hills in the west side of the country, includes a group of picturesque towns where is possible appreciate the local and peaceful life of salvadorean people and each one with particularities which make it special and providing different flavors during the visits.
The climate of this region is fresh being this one of the main reasons that both national and international travelers seek this destination.
Local traditions, an important coffee culture, adventure activities, delicious restaurants and local markets are some of the attractions you can enjoy in the area.
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Which are the towns part of Ruta de las Flores?
Nahuizalco
People of Indian tradition, located 70 km. From San Salvador. Its name in Nahuatl language means “The 4 Izalcos” as it is said, it was founded by four families from the town of Izalco. One of its attractions is the night market, located in the center of town, and is lit with candles. Here you can buy handicrafts and traditional items as well as food and drinks own place. Also in Nahuizalco are workshops where wicker, tule (natural fibers), wood and cotton work. Artisan Development Center and its colonial church are other sites worth visiting.
Salcoatitán
Its name in Nahuatl language means “The City of Quetzalcoatl”, god of wind and star of the dawn. Salcoatitán is a small coffee town, whose main attractions are its colonial church, located opposite the picturesque central park and its gastronomic festival that takes place on Sundays, where you can taste variety of typical dishes. It also has a small train which gives a tour of the park, the church and its main streets.
Juayúa
Its name in Nahuatl means “River of Purple Orchids”. Juayúa has a pleasant climate, diversity of stories and legends, sites of incomparable natural beauty. It is also a famous gastronomic festival that takes place every weekend in front of his church, where they worship the Black Christ. One of its greatest natural attractions is the Los Chorros waterfall of La Calera, 2 Km. From the city. The lagoon of Las Ranas is another beautiful landscape.
Apaneca
Apaneca means ‘river of the wind’ in Nahuatl. It is the Coffee-growing area per Excellence of El Salvador, where coffee of the highest quality is grown. It is one of the country’s prettiest places to visit. Its cobbled streets and colorful adobe houses are largely untouched by tourism, while its cottage craft industry is highly revered. If you visit this town, be sure to also discover the “Ninfa’s Lagoon”, located 2.5 km. from Apaneca, so called because it is covered by these flowers. It is a place with abundant vegetation and a pleasant climate also, the archaelogical site Santa Leticia its most outstanding feature are 3 large sculptures dating back 25,000 years and weigh between 7 and 12 tons each.
Concepción de Ataco
Known as “Place of elevated water springs” in Nahuatl, the town of “Concepcion de Ataco” is located at 105 km west of San Salvador, in the department of Ahuachapán. The town is famous for its peaceful atmosphere and its famous colorful walls surrounded by the mountains of this enchanting destination. Locals elaborate colorful weavings in traditional pedal weaving machines and musical instruments. The population is direct descendant of pre-Columbian and the city was founded by Pipiles in the heart of the mountain range.
Ahuachapán
Founded by Pipil tribes, its most important economic activities are the cultivation of coffee, making handloom textiles and the manufacture of religious imagery.
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How to get by bus to the Flower´s route
– From San Salvador –
You will first need to get to Sonsonate taking the bus number 205. From here, you will need to take a second bus number 53 D to Nahuizalco or bus number 249 to Juayúa and Concepción de Ataco.
Average rates local buses: USD$0.50-0.90 and Interdepartamental: USD$1.00 – $1.50
– From Santa Ana –
You will first need to get to Ahuachapán taking the bus number 210. From here, you will need to take a second bus number 20AH to Concepción de Ataco and Apaneca.
Average rates local buses: usd $0.50-0.90 and Interdepartamental: usd $1.00 – $1.50