FLOWER ROUTE

DESCRIPTION

Big cat eyes will be watching you as you walk thecobblestone streets of Ataco town. In this town, the walls of houses are painted with a peculiar art style that usually involves cats. Similarly, the electric posts are beautifully decorated not only within the town but along the road that connects the four main charming towns of The Flower Route: Nauhizalco, Juayua, Apaneca and Ataco.

Apaneca is the highest city in the country at 1,477 meters above sea level and it was founded in 1577. Near Apaneca we can find Santa Leticia archaeological site dating back to 600BC. The most significant landmarks of this area are three monuments called  “Las Gordinflonas” or “The Potbellies” which resembles the face of a woman. The smallest one weighs 14,000 pounds and the biggest one weighs 21,000 pounds.

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Charming towns with cob blestone streets and colorful paintings on houses.

  • Coffee plantations and mills.

  • Adventure options.

  • Colorful crafts and traditions.

ACTIVITIES

  • Trekking and Hiking.

  • Camping.

  • Adventure such as horseback riding, zip-line tours, buggy tours.

  • Coffee Tours.

DISTANCE

  • From San Salvador City: West; 85 Kilometers.

RECOMMENDS

  • Fresh clothing for activities and light jacket for afternoon/ evening, sunscreen, sunglasses.

The altitude of the area contributes to a worldwide top quality coffee. The Flower Route offers many coffee plantations that feature educational tours about all the plantation process. During season (November to March), you can join locals collecting coffee. This is an activity that is usually enjoyed as a family and it is a very important element of the history and traditions of El Salvador. After the coffee is collected, it goes to the mill, where you will learn how the coffee beans are processed until they are ready for consumption.

If you are looking for adventure, The Flower Route is also a great option. The area offers zip line tours, horseback riding through coffee plantations, and you can even ride your own buggy through the charming towns, plantations up to a beautiful lagoon. 

For the late afternoon and evening, Ataco offers great ambiance with coffee houses, bars, restaurants or simply walk its streets towards the central park.