Things to do in Perquín
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Prodetur
Perquín's tourism and environmental-protection organization, Prodetur, operates the eco-hostel, Eco Albergue de Río Sapo, in the Río Sapo protected area, and offers guided hikes there and around Perquín. Guides are local residents, many of them former guerrilla members, and have ample information on the area as well as fascinating accounts of the war years; most speak Spanish only.
The longer hikes are best begun early in the morning to avoid the heat and (more importantly) afternoon rains. Stop by the Prodetur office when you arrive to arrange a tour for the following day; or call ahead if you're only visiting for a day. If you stay at the eco-hostel, the guide will …
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Museo de la Revolución Salvadoreña
Just west of the parque central, the Museo de la Revolución Salvadoreña is an excellent museum that charts the causes and course of the armed struggle with photos, posters, weapons and histories of those who served and died in action. Weapons range from high-tech hardware to homemade bombs and mines. Behind the main building are the remains of the downed helicopter that carried Lieutenant Colonel Domingo Monterrosa, head of the notorious Atlacatl Battalion, to his death.
The studios of the FMLN's clandestine station Radio Venceremos (We Shall Prevail Radio) are also here; an elaborate hoax involving a radio transmitter rigged with explosives was what brought Monterrosa…
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Cerro el Pericón-El Mozote
This three-hour hike is the most popular of Prodetur's tours. It starts in Perquín and climbs Cerro el Pericón, the summit of which affords fine views of the Río Sapo and the surrounding valley. Descending the other side, you reach the Río Sapo protected area and eco-hostal. After stopping for a snack and possibly a swim - it's cold! - continue to El Mozote to see the monument to the 1981 massacre.
From there it's possible to walk to the highway (about 10km along a dirt road, through the town of Arambala) or you can wait for bus, which passes at 12:45. At the highway, hop on one of the frequent pickup trucks for the last 3km back to Perquín.
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Walking Tour, Cerro Gigante
A 6km loop starts behind the Gigante Casa de Huepedes El Gigante and passes a number of historical and war-related sights. You pass the Pueblo Viejo (Old Town), where Perquín was originally located, and a Lenca cemetery where stones are used to mark graves instead of crosses. Doubling back you pass a container used by the UN to store weapons following the signing of the Peace Accords.
The trail climbs Cerro Perón, in the shadow of Cerro Gigante, then returns to the starting point, passing a guerrilla hospital on the way. Though this can all be done solo, but a guide helps bring the history to life.
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La Cocina de Ma'Anita
Perquín's best hotel also has its most formal restaurant, though the huge A-frame dining area is more ski-lodge than mountain bistro. Tables along the front windows get nice morning light and have overhead lamps on henequen cords for nighttime. The owner may install booths, which would class it up a bit.
The food is reliable and good, but not spectacular, ranging from taco salad to chicken with mango chutney to a four-person parrillada (platter of grilled meat, sausage and chicken). Afterward, head up to the much cozier bar for drinks.
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Antojitos Marisol
On the south side of the parque central, this is a classic greasy spoon. Handwritten menus and a few printed addendums are taped to the wall at the head of each of the long wooden tables, which have benches and tablecloths.
The walls are aqua-green and the florescent lights are about as unflattering as light can be, yet it's somehow appealing - anyway, it's one of only two places in town open late. Beers come with small glasses and simple botanas (appetizers).
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Cocina de Mama Toya y Mama Juana
Nothing fancy here, just good fresh típica (regional specialities) served in a clean comfortable setting at decent prices. It's part of the Hotel Perquín Real - or rather the hotel is part of the restaurant, as the latter was open first - and its rooms open onto a dining room with rows of wood tables and benches. It's an open-air setting, so be sure to bundle up in the winter months. It's at the south entrance to town.
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City Tour
This walking tour of Perquín focusses on events that took place here during the war. Most of the sights are right around the parque central, including the Casa de la Cultura (formerly a military barracks) and the church. You'll also visit the Museo de la Revolución Salvadoreña and Cerro de Perquín (entrance fees not included). A nice option following lunch and a longer tour in the morning.
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Cerro de Perquín
This is the small hill that rises behind town, with a pretty view from the top. Prodetur is planning to install interpretive signs along the easy 1km trail to the summit, explaining some of the natural and historical significance of the area. There is also talk of charging an entry fee. Look for the trail opposite the entrance to the Museo de la Revolución Salvadoreña, near a public parking lot.
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Area Natural Protegida Río Sapo
Southeast of Perquín, the Río Guaco and Río Talchiga tumble over several picturesque waterfalls before meeting southeast of Perquín to form the Río Sapo, considered the cleanest river in El Salvador. An agreement between landowners and the local environmental organization has set aside 6000 hectares (about 14,826 acres) to create the Area Natural Protegida Río Sapo .
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Walking Tour, Quebrada de Perquín
Walking Tour, Quebrada de Perquín A small natural swimming hole with a modest waterfall. It's right at the intersection of two dirt roads that see very little traffic but still detract from the scene. It's a pleasant, if steep, descent and a long climb back up. Follow the road past Perquín's cemetery just south of town. May be dry February through April.
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Pollo Camperkin
Pollo Camperkin Comida a la vista (meal served buffet) is prepared daily at this modest cafeteria - there is typically a chicken dish (as the name suggests), vegetables and beans. Arrive early for each meal to get the best pickin's. Around sunset pupusas are served up hot and fresh.
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Proarmo
This cooperative specializes in artesanías made in Morazán. You'll find a wide assortment of crocheted items (hats, belts, bags, jewelry); there is also a smattering of wood, clay and henequen crafts. It's all kind of kitschy but it's got a lot of heart.
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Supermercado Palmera
Supermercado Palmera is a modest grocery store, good for stocking up on fruit and dried goods for long hikes.
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