The Ruta de las Flores is a picturesque area in El Salvador, popular for spending a few days exploring the small towns and villages that make up the route, hiking, visiting markets and generally having a nice laid back time. Below you’ll find some top suggestions for what to do in the area.
My suggestion for a company that offers tours in El Salvador that are well priced fun hitting up all the main spots is Tunco Life.
- Learn about the local artists and weavers in Ataco
Ataco is full of great craft shops selling locally made items. You can see some of the traditional looms used to make the brightly coloured cloths you’ll see around, as well as shops selling ceramic designs by/inspired by Fernando Llort the famous artist from El Salvador.
- Get lost in the Albania el Laberinto
The maze is a fun activity for all ages. Surprisingly difficult for a small maze it completely defeated me. I’d like to think that with a bit more time I would have found the middle but I did escape to the pleasant cafe on site serving up tasty cakes.
- Take a tour of the El Carmen estate on an Ataco coffee tour
El Salvador has fantastic coffee and the El Carmen Estate is a great place to learn about the process as well as try some of their quality gourmet coffees. - Visit the Thermal pools of Santa Teresa
There are a number thermal pools to try out, of varying temperatures. It’s a pleasant place with pan pipe music replicating Western hits whilst you swim around. There’s a bar/restaurant on site and at weekends it gets very busy so best to visit on a weekday if you want the place pretty much to yourself.
- Eat at the Food market in Juayua
Every weekend Juayua comes alive with it’s famous food festival. A great number of stalls pop up all over the town especially near the main square and church. If you’re a foodie and want to try local specialities then this is the place, with vendors selling cheap and freshly prepared food right into the night. - Check out the vegetable markets in Nahuizalco
Nahuizalco is fairly low key but has some great vegetable markets with colourfully dressed market traders and a whole range of local fruits and vegetables as well as other snacks and treats. - Admire the murals in Ataco
Ataco is one of the prettiest towns in the area and it’s ever so colourful. It’s covered in beautiful wall art and murals all over town. As well as some of the major pieces of work there are also smaller pieces to be found on the sides of cafes and shops, so it’s worth having a good wander round to find your favourites.
- Take in the views of Santa Ana Volcano
Santa Ana volcano can be seen from miles around and on the Ruta de las Flores is one of the top places to view it from afar. On a clear day you’re able to see the coffee plantations running up the side of the hills and the rolling clouds make for wonderful time lapses for those interested.
http://www.tuncolife.com (not sponsored)
