The charming and colorful town that is the colonial jewel of El Salvador

When planning a vacation outside of Spain, we often end up going to the destinations everyone else goes to, overlooking others that are truly worthwhile. This is the case of El Salvador, a small country that has long been on the fringes of global tourism and is now timidly opening up to foreign travelers, guaranteeing us an experience that takes us from one surprise to the next. If you're determined to cross the pond, in addition to an exotic stay among pristine beaches, volcanic landscapes, and tropical forests, we encourage you to include a little-known treasure in your itinerary: Suchitoto . In this beautiful town bordering Lake Suchitlán, you can immerse yourself in the colonial history of this interesting and hospitable Central American country.

The first colonial city in El Salvador

With a name that means "place of birds and flowers," Suchitoto is the first step toward falling in love with this Central American country, nestled between Honduras and Guatemala, with a picture-postcard atmosphere at every turn. Founded in the 18th century, this picturesque town and former capital of El Salvador stands out for its well-preserved colonial architecture. Its cobblestone streets, which retain their original cobblestones, reflect a rural lifestyle that remains grounded in time. Note the rectangular, Spanish-style urban layout dating back to 1528. The houses, with their colorful facades and barred windows, are filled with flowers, creating a unique atmosphere.

What to visit in Suchitoto

Wherever you go, you're sure to pass by the main square, the heart of Suchitoto. And here you'll find one of the most striking buildings with its imposing neoclassical façade: the Church of Santa Lucía. Dating back to the 17th century, it's dedicated to the city's patron saint, and its interior features a beautiful high altar. Afterward, we continue our walk through the cobblestone alleys filled with the aromas of pupusas, the traditional corn cake sold on every corner.

In Suchitoto, color is everywhere, from the flower-filled courtyards tucked away inside the houses, to the lush gardens, to the crowded buses. And don't be surprised to come across another everyday sight: locals on horseback, another common mode of transportation in this charming colonial town known for its authenticity.

The Municipal Market is our next stop. In addition to trying traditional dishes like the famous pupusas , you'll be able to immerse yourself in the local culture and engage in conversation with the locals, who are always ready to serve you with their best smiles.

Lake Suchitlán

This artificial lake, also known as the Cerrón Grande reservoir , is one of the area's tourist attractions. To enjoy its waters, its rich flora and fauna, and its emblematic birds, you can take one of the boats that depart from the San Juan Tourist Port or take the ferry that crosses from one side of the lake to the other.

And it's not the only natural site we recommend you visit. Less than two kilometers from the town of Suchitoto is Los Tercios Waterfall . Although it only floods during the winter months, it's also worth hiking during the dry season. The waterfall is impressive both for its 10-meter height and for its vertical wall of unusual stone columns.