Welcome to rural, colonial, and artistic El Salvador. The Ruta de las Flores can be explored from village to village, along a path that is adorned with white flowers in May. Along the way, you will find a Feria Gastronomica packed with flavors and entertainment, beautiful waterfalls to cool off in, a well-hidden pupuseria, a visit to a coffee finca, an adrenaline-pumping cable car ride, and a well-deserved rest in rustic cabañas. This journey offers visitors a rich mix of history, culture, and adventure, making it one of the best things to do in El Salvador for anyone looking to experience the country’s charm.
Here are our six favorites, if we had to choose. Because El Salvador is also about volcano hiking, surfing like no other, and absolutely irresistible villages.
Whether you’re staying a few days or making a short stop along your travels, the Ruta de las Flores offers something special at every turn.
What is La Ruta de Las Flores itinerary in El Salvador?
The Ruta de Las Flores is Spanish for “Route of Flowers.” It’s a unique tourist trail that stretches for approximately 35 kilometers and passes through some of the most popular places and beautiful villages in El Salvador. The journey takes you through scenic routes filled with blooming coffee trees, and the main road connecting these villages is a treat in itself, dotted with roadside market stalls and views of the countryside.
- Sonsonate, the starting point
- Nahuizalco
- Salcoatitán
- Juayuá
- Apaneca
- Ataco
- Ahuachapán, the arrival point
These stops are connected by a scenic route that is one of the most beautiful in El Salvador. The name of the route comes from the coffee plantations that flourish here. In May, the entire route is blanketed in white, thanks to the blooming coffee trees. The people along the Ruta de las Flores are welcoming and eager to share their culture, whether it’s through food, art, or conversation. This journey is a great way to dive into local life.
To visit the Ruta de las Flores, you can rent a car for a few days and travel at your own pace, or join a group tour with a specialized local guide who can offer insights into the region’s history and culture. The local guide will help you navigate the smaller, hidden treasures that make this route so special, like the tucked-away restaurants or the lesser-known hiking trails. There are also hikes, colonial towns, street art, quaint churches, and other fascinating stops along the way that are worth exploring.
Things to do in the village of Apaneca
El Jardín de Celeste: a paradise on earth
You could almost smell the entire village of Apaneca from El Jardín de Celeste Hotel and Restaurant. Ten private cabañas with all modern conveniences overlook a fragrant garden and a mini-farm with geese, chickens, and sheep. The restaurant, which you reach through a maze of flowers and tropical plants, serves delicious specialties from El Salvador, such as sopa de tortilla and perfectly grilled meats. Even the lunch offerings are delectable, and the ambiance makes this stop one of the highlights of the Ruta de las Flores.
This charming hideaway is not only a feast for the senses but also offers visitors a chance to relax and rejuvenate in a serene setting. You’ll find that spending a few days in Apaneca allows you to fully appreciate the slower pace of life and immerse yourself in the local culture.
Adrenaline on the zip line
For those seeking a rush of adrenaline, the Apaneca Zipline is a must-do activity. This exhilarating experience features 14 routes, each offering stunning views of the hilly landscapes and impressive gaps between the treetops. With the proper equipment and under expert guidance, you can safely soar through the rainforest canopy, feeling the thrill of flying high above the ground. It’s an unforgettable way to experience the beauty of El Salvador from a completely different perspective.
Things to do in the village of Juayùa
Gastronomic fair
The Gastronomic Fair in Juayúa is one of the best things to experience on La Ruta de las Flores. Pupusas, cocteles de camarones, chicharron a la plancha—every weekend, this small village welcomes locals and tourists alike to the heart of a vibrant weekly food festival Feria Gastronomica, filled with flavors, music, and colorful sights. The market stalls set up around the village square offer generous portions of local food at incredibly affordable prices. You can enjoy your meal while sitting on a bench or sharing a table with the locals, savoring the authentic flavors of El Salvador.
This event is not just about the food but also about connecting with the local people. The Feria provides an opportunity to mingle with vendors and other travelers, learning about their culture and their way of life in this charming village. It’s a great way to experience El Salvador’s culinary traditions.
A cool dip in Los Chorros de la Calera
Just a short walk or a quick 10-minute tuk-tuk ride from Juayúa, you’ll find Los Chorros de la Calera, a beautiful waterfall where locals and visitors alike gather for a refreshing dip. The water is crystal-clear and invigorating, providing the perfect break from the warmth of the day. It’s also a spot that feels remote and tranquil, offering a peaceful retreat from the more bustling parts of the Ruta.
For the more adventurous, you can hike the six-kilometer trail that leads to the falls. The trail is dotted with fruit trees, such as mango and avocado, which adds an extra layer of interest to the walk. It’s one of the best things to do along the Ruta if you want to connect with the natural side of El Salvador.
Things to do in the village of Ataco
The best pupusas restaurant en La Ruta de las Flores
No trip on La Ruta or to El Salvador for that matter is complete without trying pupusas, and the best ones on the Ruta can be found in Concepcion de Ataco at La Tortilleria y Pupuseria Lilian. This authentic, family-run restaurant is tucked away at the back of the local fruit market, where friendly local people will gladly point you in the right direction. The pupusas here are made fresh to order and filled with a variety of ingredients such as cheese, vegetables, or meat, and they are incredibly affordable.
Having a meal here is not just about the food—it’s about the atmosphere, too. Sharing a meal with the locals at Lilian’s is one of the most authentic highlights of the Ruta de las Flores.
El Carmen Estate: behind the scenes of a coffee finca
El Carmen Estate is one of the most famous coffee fincas along the Ruta. For over four generations, this estate has been producing coffee using traditional methods. A local guide will walk you through the process of harvesting and roasting the beans, giving you insight into how the finest coffee is produced. The tour ends with a tasting of freshly brewed Ataco coffee, enjoyed on the beautiful patio of La Casona, the farm’s original 1930 building.
Learning about El Salvador’s coffee culture and seeing firsthand how the beans are grown and processed is one of the best things you can do to truly understand the country’s agricultural roots. It’s an experience that will leave a lasting impression and give you a new appreciation for the people who work in this industry.
This concludes our journey through the Ruta de las Flores, where every village offers something unique, from gorgeous waterfalls to delicious food and adrenaline-pumping activities.
All photo credits: Laure Juilliard
