Ahuachapán
About Ahuachapán
Ahuachapán is the capital of the department of the same name, located in the westernmost part of El Salvador, at 785 meters above sea level along the Pan-American Highway. The urban center retains colonial facades around the central park and the parish of Our Lady of the Assumption. The geothermal activity defines the landscape of its surroundings, with coffee farms coexisting alongside hot springs. The steam from the hot springs rises among the coffee plantations on the chilly mornings outside the city. The economy combines high-altitude coffee cultivation with thermal tourism, attracting visitors year-round. Every September 7th, the city celebrates the Day of the Farolitos, declared Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2014. The historic center can be explored on foot in less than an hour.
Explore Ahuachapán
Activities, restaurants and stays recommended by Experiences.
Where to eat4
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RestaurantNivel 4
Pupusería HousePupusería La Choza
Pupusería La Choza
Pupusería in Ahuachapán known for the Pupusa Loca, a large pupusa with 12 ingredients patented since 2000. Awarded in 2013 by the International Academy of Culinary Arts in Madrid.
CA-8W, Ahuachapán
RestaurantSan Agustín Gastropanaderia & Pizzería
RestaurantSr. Chicharrón
Cafés & Bars3
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Coffee shopArábica Coffee Shop
Arábica Coffee Shop
Café in Ahuachapán offers specialty coffee and pastries in a cozy space near the center.
Pasaje la Concordia, Ahuachapán
Coffee shopBistro Café Chasca
Bistro Café Chasca
Bistro café in Ahuachapán with over 100 posts on social media and a loyal clientele. It offers specialty coffee, pastries, and light dishes in a casual atmosphere.
1a Avenida Norte y 2a Calle Oriente, Ahuachapán
BarLa Caguama
Where to stay2
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HotelHotel y Restaurante Santa Maria
Hotel y Restaurante Santa Maria
Hotel with its own restaurant in Ahuachapán, with over 300 reviews on Google. It combines accommodation and traditional Salvadoran food in one location.
3a Avenida Sur, Ahuachapán
HotelHostal Sunset Town
Hostal Sunset Town
Hostal Sunset Town in Ahuachapán offers family rooms with private bathrooms, air conditioning, and free Wi-Fi. Each room includes a TV, desk, and dining area.
Highlights
Snapshots that tell the story of Ahuachapán.
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Parish of Our Lady of the Assumption
The historic temple of the city of waters.
02 / 06
Laguna El Espino
The silver lagoon of western Ahuachapan.
03 / 06
Malacatiupán Waterfall
The only hot spring waterfall in the country.
04 / 06
Menéndez Park
The green lung of central Ahuachapan.
05 / 06
The Ausoles
Geysers and boiling mud pots.
06 / 06
Santa Teresa Hot Springs
Hot springs spa in the heart of nature.
Plan your visit
Everything you need to know before you arrive.
Altitude
785 msnm
History of Ahuachapán
The department of Ahuachapán was created on February 9, 1869, by legislative decree during the administration of Francisco Dueñas, with Ahuachapán as the departmental capital. The name comes from Nahuatl and means "city of the house of oaks." The tradition of the Day of the Farolitos dates back to 1850, when the community gathered to pray the rosary in the face of a seismic swarm. Neighbors lit up their yards with pieces of ocote. The celebration was declared Intangible Cultural Heritage of El Salvador by the Legislative Assembly in 2014, through Decree 783.
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