The history behind the Ruta de las Flores 

El Salvador, a breathtaking country located in Central America, enjoys a pleasant tropical climate, with temperatures ranging from 12 degrees in the mountains to 38 degrees on its lowest points. Two climatic stations are experienced throughout the year; dry season from November to May and the rainy season from June to October.

To the South, we find 317 km of beautiful beaches, lapped by the warm waters of the Pacific Ocean, which generate lots of tourist influx from visitors seeking leisure, sports, and recreation. In the western part of the country, mountains and significant elevations are present, including the Apaneca-Ilamaepec Mountain range, whose highest point reaches 2,381 meters and where we find six beautiful municipalities which make Ruta de Las Flores.

Ahuachapán

the capital of E Salvador’s westernmost departments is located 100 km from the Salvadoran capital and 799 meters above sea level. Its name in Nahuat means “City of The House of Oaks ” and among its attractions are the Church of our Lady of the Assumption in the historic city of Alfredo Espino Center for Culture and Arts (Named after the young poet whose poetry alluded customs, facts, and the area’s characteristic nature).

You’ll also find the outskirts of the city, Los Ausoles, a group of hot springs that throw fumes of vapor rising from the bowels of the earth. Los Ausoles and Berlin (Located in the east of the country), generate 23% of El Salvador’s energy demand. Here, you’ll also find El Impossible National Reserve Forest, a large forest with great ecological interest.

Concepción de Ataco

One of the top places of Ruta de las Flores.

Towards the mountains, at 1,260 meters above sea levels, we find Concepción de Ataco, which on Nahuat means “Place of high springs”. In 1770, Concepción de Ataco belonged to the parish of Ahuachapán and had a population of 303 families with 784 indigenous people who, besides Spanish, spoke the Nahuat of Pipiles.

In the colonial period, Ataco belonged to the administration of Izalco; On June 12, 1824, it became part of the municipality of Sonsonate; in 1832, this population came under the jurisdiction of the Department of Santa Ana. In 1869, it became part of the district and Department of Ahuachapán; and in 1999, it was finally declared a city.

Traces of human presence linked to the Olmec culture have been found in the area. Throughout the years, its population has worked on lever looms and also as woodcraft artisans.

This town has numerous restaurants specialized in gourmet gastronomy and traditional cuisine. Here, you’ll also enjoy beautiful viewpoints, such as Cielito Lindo, Helvetica and Pio Pietrolcina, from where the city can be observed and appreciated.

Concepcion de Ataco is surrounded by coffee plantations where you can witness every stage of the coffee-making process and finish your tour with a delicious cup of gourmet coffee.

Apaneca

In 1824, during the Republican era, the town became part of the Department of Sonsonate and in 1859 it was annexed to Santa Ana; by this time, Apaneca counted with a music school and had 1,448 inhabitants, according to a municipal report. The same document highlighted strong winds from November to March, which forced villagers to rebuild their homes.

In this area, world-class coffee of the highest quality is produced. Here, we also find the sculptures known as the “Gordinflones (chubbies)”. Its famous restaurant – hotels, the “Laguna Verde” and “Las Ninfas” are also part of the attractions of this pre-Hispanic city.

Here you can also experience adventure on buggies, canopy, hiking or you can practice enduring, and other extreme sports.

Juayúa

Juayúa is a pre-Columbian town, whose name is Nahuat means “River of Purple Orchids”. In 1550, it had an estimated population of 300 inhabitants. In 1577 it became a catechizing village for the Franciscans living in Sonsonate, who planted an image similar to the Black Christ of Esquipulas and erected the first chapel of what would later become the Church of Santa Lucia. In 1770, Juayúa belonged to the parish of Apaneca and its population grew to be about 526 people. The town was part of the Sonsonate Mayoralty during the Spanish Colonization and after the Central American proclamation of independence in 1821, its inhabitants declared themselves on a favor for the town’s incorporation into the state of El Salvador. Between 1838 and 1839, some of the town’s families started cultivating coffee.

In the early twentieth century, the inhabitants of El Progreso (Name obtained in 1877) requested a name change for the town and in May 1, 1906, the town became known as Juayúa and attained the rank of city through a Legislative Decree.

Located at 1,025 meters above sea level, the city has ornamental nurseries, coffee farms, and a delicious gastronomy as some of its unique attributes.  Since 1997, a food fair with delicious, cuisine is conducted in the city park every weekend. This wonderful town is also home to numerous natural jewels like Monterrey river, the Blue Lagoon Leap, Los Chorros de la Calera, El Tequezal, the tour of the 7 waterfalls, Las Ranas Lagoon, El Aguila Hil and el Pilón.

Salcoatitán

Salcoatitán, which in Nahuat means “Places between snakes and Quetzales”, was inhabited by 100 people from Jujutla and other neighboring towns settled in the area after fleeing from a plague of bats. In 1770, the town was annexed to the convent of San Francisco in Sonsonate and since 1824 became part of the Department. By 1890, its population was estimated at 1,280 people.

Located at 1,045 meters above sea level, its main tourist attractions are its traditional gastronomy in the town’s plaza, its beautiful mosaic murals, its crafts, and its regional art galleries where you’ll find home décor objects made from wicker and clothing dyed in indigo and cochineal natural dyes.

Nahuizalco

Nahuizalco, a pre-Hispanic town with a Nahuat name that means “Four Izalcos”, was originally inhabited by Pipiles and in colonial times belonged to the Province of the Izalcos.

Between 1821 and 1823, it was part of Guatemala and in 1824, it became part of the Department of Sonsonate. Located at 560 meters above sea level. Nahuizalco has been a city since 1955 and counts with an exceptional plan system in its central plaza.

Taken from Ruta De Las Flores book, El Salvador Travel.