A LUXURY HOLIDAY TO SUCHITOTO
Suchitoto sits in the hills northeast of San Salvador – a jewel of a colonial town set on Lake Suchitlán, and the heart of the country’s artistic and cultural life.
Its name comes from Nahuatl – ‘place of flowers and birds’. Founded in 1528 by Spanish settlers, its heyday was during the golden age of indigo production, and much of that legacy remains in its beautifully-preserved cobbled streets, whitewashed adobe buildings, red-tiled roofs and colourfully-painted houses.
Today, it’s a centre for the arts, dotted with galleries, small theatres, libraries and antiques shops, and an annual arts and music festival that draws independent artists from across the country.
WHAT TO SEE & DO IN SUCHITOTO & THE NORTH
The main square is anchored by Iglesia Santa Lucía, with cobbled streets leading off towards galleries, workshops and shaded courtyards.
Nearby, the former home of filmmaker Alejandro Cotto is now a museum. Long-established ‘cigar ladies’ still roll by hand, and you can sit with them and learn the craft as it’s been passed down through generations.
Set out by boat across Lake Suchitlán to explore its enchanting islands and birdlife, or head into the hills for a traditional indigo dying workshop. A short hike leads to Los Tercios waterfall, a striking wall of hexagonal basalt columns formed by ancient lava flow.
For more recent history, visit the former guerrilla camp at Montaña de Cinquera – hear their anecdotes of the Civil War, and learn how they used to hide on the mountain slopes and cook their food underground. Further north, Montecristo National Park marks the border with Honduras and Guatemala, with cloud forest, birdlife and cooler temperatures.
ELSEWHERE IN EL SALVADOR
Explore more of our favourite places across El Salvador, from the surf beaches of La Libertad to the brightly-coloured villages of the coffee region.
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Conde Nast Traveler Specialists every year since 2017
