La Palma
About La Palma
La Palma is an artisan city in the northern mountains of El Salvador. Here, art is found in the workshops, the facades, and the handcrafted objects painted by its residents. The style developed by Fernando Llort alongside local artisans has made the town a benchmark for Salvadoran craftsmanship. It is also a base for exploring the mountains of Chalatenango Norte, with San Ignacio and Miramundo among the nearby destinations.
Explore La Palma
Activities, restaurants and stays recommended by Experiences.
Where to eat
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Las Tilapias Hotel y Restaurante
Las Tilapias Hotel y Restaurante
Restaurant located at km 87, Carr. Troncal Del Nte. 1/2, San Ignacio, in La Palma. Its menu features local cuisine and à la carte dishes.
km 87, Carr. Troncal Del Nte. 1/2, San Ignacio
Capriccio Restaurante SV
Restaurante Rancho Escondido
Romeros Cocina y Café
Romeros Cocina y Café
entrada principal de san Ignacio Entrada Principal de, Carr. Troncal Del Nte. Km 88, San Ignacio
Bistro OhLaLa
Bistro OhLaLa
La Palma Restaurant, located on the main street in San Ignacio. Its menu features local cuisine and à la carte dishes.
Calle principal, San Ignacio
Cafés & Bars
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La Cafeta
Villa Café, San Ignacio
Olan Café
Despistados Café
Where to stay
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Hotel Entre Pinos Resort
Hotel Entre Pinos Resort
Mountain resort surrounded by a pine forest, in the area of San Ignacio and La Palma.
San Ignacio, Chalatenango
Hostal Posada Real
Casa Campo Loma Larga
Casa Villa Montaña
Casa Villa Montaña
Mountain lodging in the Río Chiquito canton, in the high area of La Palma, with a panoramic view of the mountain range.
Cantón Río Chiquito, La Palma, Chalatenango
Hotel La Palma
Highlights
Snapshots that tell the story of La Palma.
Nature01 / 08
Little River
High-altitude forest in San Ignacio, with pools and paths among pines and oaks.
Nature02 / 08
Cayaguanca Rock
Rock formation at 1,621 meters on the border with Honduras, featuring a 3-kilometer mountain trail.
Tourist Spot03 / 08
Patty's Workshop
Hand-painted crafts workshop, La Palma style.
Tourist Spot04 / 08
The Pergola of San Ignacio
Gardens and viewpoint in San Ignacio.
Tourist Attraction05 / 08
The Strawberry House
Strawberry farming and mountain family experience.
Tourist Spot06 / 08
Xtreme Park El Salvador
Extreme Sports and Adventure Park.
Nature07 / 08
Cerro El Pital
The highest point in El Salvador, amidst cloud forest.
Museum08 / 08
Fernando Llort Museum and Store
The art of La Palma, in the house of master Fernando Llort.
Plan your visit
Everything you need to know before you arrive.
Temperature
15–31°C
59–88°F
Altitude
995 msnm
History of La Palma
La Palma emerged as a town in 1815 under the name Dulce Nombre de La Palma. A flood from the Nunuapa River forced the settlement to relocate in 1882, shaping the current population. It was granted city status in 1959. Its most visible transformation began in the 1970s when Fernando Llort arrived in the area and experimented with drawings on copinol seeds. Together with local artisans, he promoted the workshop La Semilla de Dios and a language of colorful figures inspired by rural life, nature, and community scenes. Handicrafts became central to the economy and image of the city. On October 15, 1984, La Palma was the site of the first direct dialogue between the Government and representatives of the guerrilla during the civil war. Because of this event, it was declared the Cradle of Peace. In 2022, the iconic design of its handicrafts received the designation of Cultural Heritage.
Fun facts
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