El Salvador's Flower Route

The Ruta de las Flores is a scenic stretch of road in El Salvador that runs from Sonsonate to Ahuachapan, named for the blooming flowers that line the route from December to January. Traveling from south to north, you'll pass through several quaint towns, including Nahuizalco, Juayua, Apaneca, and Ataco. 🚌 Transportation: Buses from La Libertad, El Tunco, or El Zonte (Route 287) head to Sonsonate with two daily departures (at 6 am and 1:30 pm). Arrive a few minutes early to wait by the roadside. From Sonsonate, bus 249 goes to Ahuachapan, passing through several towns. For Nahuizalco, take the 53D directly; bus 249 only passes by the outskirts, requiring a transfer to the 53D. Notable Places: Juayua: 🌟 Siete Cascadas (Seven Waterfalls): Entry fees range from $10 to $20. This area is known for its beautiful scenery, and it's common to join a guided tour. The starting point is a 15-minute drive from town. Guides lead you up the waterfalls, sometimes intentionally passing through them, which is a lot of fun and feels like one of the best value tours. The hike is about 5 km long with a 200 m elevation gain. Wear water shoes, carry only water and your phone, as you will get completely wet. 🌟 La Feria Gastronomica: A weekend food festival offering many grilled meat sets, priced roughly between $3 to $10, and the flavors are quite good. Apaneca: 🌟 Laberinto de Apaneca: A maze that looks fun from the outside but can be regrettable once inside. Emergency exits are available. There are two entrances to the maze, one for $3 and another for $5, but it's unclear what the difference is. There are also activities like zip-lining and skybike, each costing around $10. They're not expensive, but the views aren't particularly scenic. Ataco: Street Art Graffiti Nahuizalco: Night Market, which is said to be very lively, but I didn't go because I was staying in Juayua. Each town has a central square and church, and along the way, there are Coffee Tours, hot springs, and Dune Buggy Tours that you can join based on your preferences. Overall, I liked Siete Cascadas the best; the other places didn't have much distinctive character, and the name "Flower Route" seems a bit exaggerated. Although there aren't breathtaking views, the journey was still very enjoyable, and the people of El Salvador are extremely friendly. It was the first time I realized that even without stunning scenery, encountering friendly people along the way can be a memorable experience. #ElSalvador #elsalvador #FlowerRoute #rutadelasflores #SieteCascadas