Explore the Heart of Coffee Country and Ruta de las Flores. A day full of fun!

Ruta de las Flores is a series of colorful villages sitting across the Apaneca mountain range, a belt formed by 14 volcanoes and the heart of COFFEE COUNTRY in El Salvador. This was the first tourist circuit developed here after the Peace Agreements of 1992. Nowadays is one of the top tourist destinations and must-go in our country.
The perfect mix of volcanic minerals, elevation and climate makes this mountain range the most important coffee growing region in El Salvador. Around this crop many traditions, stories and history had been loomed over the years to offer a very special and interesting destination.
Dare to talk with the locals, eat what they eat. You'll explore, taste, learn and discover... El Salvador is so diverse that will make your day.

There's plenty of optional activities (upon request):
- Zipline
- ATVs rides
- Coffee Cupping (plus a supplement to your Coffee Experience)
- Hot springs and thermal pools
- Reptile House

NOTE: some attractions may run on weekends only.

Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product

Stop At: Nahuizalco, Nahuizalco, Sonsonate Department

Nahuizalco has some of the largest indigenous populations in the Western region and is home of ancient traditions as the colorful weekends street market when farmers come to sell their fresh products: flowers, greens, seasonal fruits, cooked goods and handcrafts. Interesting fact, despite there's an indoor market, the street market is a women business.
The John the Baptist church is one of the best preserved colonial churches of El Salvador.
Don't forget to check the the diverse handcrafts, locally made. The signature crafts are weaved products (such as baskets, table mats, lamp shades, etc). Many of this are made by single mothers at home, so they can care their children and make a living.

Duration: 45 minutes

Pass By: Salcoatitan, Salcoatitan, Sonsonate Department

According the pre-hispanic tradition Salcoatitán was The Sacred Place of Quetzacoatl, the mythical Feathered Serpent deity.
An ancient ceiba tree (also sacred for the Mesoamerican cultures) grows magnificent by the road and the mosaic to Quetzalcóatl

Stop At: Juayua, Juayua, Sonsonate Department

Juayúa is famous for the high quality coffee and for the weekends FOOD FEST, the ultimate street food experience in El Salvador!
In the ancient Nahua language, Juayúa stands for "Place of Purple Orchids" and is a small city, surrounded by volcanic slopes where grows world-class quality coffee.
Yes, yes... you heard about the Food Fest (Festival Gastronómico) and want to know about. This runs every weekend (and major holidays) when locals set food stalls along the streets around main square, cooking fresh, local and exotic delicacies. From fresh seafood ceviches, mix khababs, smoked pork ribs, garlic prawns... all selections served with different sides (cheese, avocado, pickled vegetables, rice and beans, etc) to desserts for a great value. Here you eat what locals eat!

Upon request:
- Walk to Chorros de la Calera springs.
- FOR THE KIDS: come and visit the Reptile House with tens of species such as snakes, lizards, dragons, tarantulas and other creepy creatures. Very cool!


Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

Stop At: Apaneca, Apaneca, Ahuachapan Department

Apaneca is the village at the highest elevation in El Salvador ( ~ 1700 mt / 5580 ft) and sits in between two (volcanic) peaks. This is the origin of its ancient name: "River of Winds".
On the slopes of this hills, surrounded by vast coffee fields, runs a state of the art coffee mill. Here you'll learn about the milling process and the complexity and human impact that takes to turn a cherry into part of your morning ritual. Taste a cup of fresh ground, locally grown coffee with the expert, the 5th generation of a family of farmers and traders.
And, yes, you can get coffee -ground or whole bean- packed and ready to take home.

Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

Stop At: Concepcion de Ataco, Concepcion de Ataco, Ahuachapan Department

One of the most charming mountain villages in the country. Cobblestoned streets, bright colored facades, colorful murals makes Ataco a must go for any traveler.
Explore for yourself this top destination: the Inmaculate Concpetion church, Cielito Lindo lookout, traditional looms or the diverse handcraft and coffee shops.

Duration: 1 hour