Suchitoto

Introducing Suchitoto

Suchitoto, 47km north of San Salvador, is a great little town, with colonial buildings and cobblestone streets. A cultural capital during the heyday of the indigo trade, it is now experiencing something of an arts revival. An art and food festival is held every weekend, a February arts and culture festival brings in world-class music and dance groups, and there's a concert, performance or art exhibit practically every week.

Suchitoto overlooks the Embalse Cerrón Grande, also known as Lago de Suchitlán, which visitors often enjoy for its boat rides. A bird migration zone, as many as 200 species have been spotted around the lake. Thousands of hawks and falcons fill the skies as the seasons change, and birds of all sorts nest in the relative safety of its islands.

Southwest of Suchitoto stands the massive Volcán Guazapa, also known as Cerro Guazapa, a dormant volcano whose steep, forested flanks protected an FMLN stronghold during the war years. Bomb craters and rebel field camps are still visible, not to mention terrific views of the San Vicente and San Salvador volcanoes. Walking and horseback tours can be arranged in Suchitoto or through Reyna Tours in San Salvador.

Indigenous Yaqui and Pipil groups settled the surrounding river region about a thousand years ago. Spanish explorers arrived in the 16th century, establishing their nascent colony's first capital in 1528, just outside of present-day Suchitoto. More recently some of the earliest fighting of the civil war began in Suchitoto, accompanied by much destruction and emigration. Visitors today will find the town has rebounded very well.

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009