El Salvador · Land of Geothermal Wonders
La Ruta de las Flores
El Salvador
120,000 (City)
Western El Salvador
UTC-6 (CST)
Ahuachapán is located in western El Salvador, 100km from San Salvador, at 780 meters above sea level in a valley north of the Apaneca-Ilamatepec mountain range. The name means "place of house of oak" in Nahuatl, reflecting the region's indigenous heritage.
The city is one of six towns on La Ruta de las Flores (the Flower Route), one of El Salvador's most popular tourist destinations. This scenic route takes visitors through colorful colonial towns: Nahuizalco, Salcoatitán, Juayúa, Apaneca, Concepción de Ataco, and Ahuachapán.
El Salvador is known as "The Land of Volcanoes," and Ahuachapán sits atop an active geological zone with several steam vents (fumaroles). The Ahuachapán Geothermal Field has been in continuous operation since 1975, making it the third geothermal plant commissioned in Latin America.
Features the Santa Teresa fumarole—Central America's largest hot water geyser. Visitors can explore trails, relax in thermal swimming pools, and admire the striking blue pond.
A publicly open park where visitors can see small geysers and several open fumaroles with clouds of billowing steam. Hot steam can reach temperatures up to 960°C!
Tours available of this pioneering facility that has operated for 50 years. Geothermal power represents 25% of El Salvador's total electricity production.
One of the most important natural parks in El Salvador, hosting diverse flora and fauna including endangered species. Excellent hiking through cloud forest ecosystems.
A colorful tradition celebrated on September 7th each year. The parade features lanterns illuminating the night, drawing tourists from across the region.
The famous Flower Route connects six charming colonial towns with coffee plantations, artisan markets, waterfalls, and stunning mountain scenery.
The Ahuachapán department's economy is driven by agriculture (especially coffee), geothermal energy production, and growing tourism. El Salvador ranks among the world's top ten geothermal energy producers, with the Ahuachapán plant playing a pioneering role since 1975.
The region preserves strong indigenous and colonial cultural traditions. Local artisans produce traditional crafts, textiles, and pottery. The cuisine features pupusas, tamales, and coffee from the surrounding highlands. Festivals like the Farolitos celebration and weekend markets in neighboring towns keep cultural traditions alive.
The region was inhabited by the Pipil people, who spoke Nahuatl and were part of the broader Mesoamerican civilization. The Spanish arrived in the 16th century, establishing colonial towns that would become the charming villages of today's Flower Route.
Coffee cultivation transformed the regional economy in the 19th and 20th centuries. The development of geothermal energy beginning in 1975 marked another economic milestone. Today, Ahuachapán balances its natural wonders, colonial heritage, and renewable energy leadership as it welcomes increasing numbers of domestic and international visitors.
Bureau Chief 지원자는 물론, Ahuachapan를 방문하시는 모든 분들을 위해
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