Suchitoto is a town of about 7,700 people in El Salvador. It has become an important tourist destination partly due to its well-conserved colonial architecture and cobblestone roads that provide a sense of Spanish colonial living.
Understand
The rise in tourism has attracted service sector businesses to open up in the small city including hostels, restaurants, and picturesque cafes. As a result of tourism, many arts and cultural spaces have opened up in Suchitoto that are also providing positive alternative opportunities for youth in the community.
History
Suchitoto had continuous human habitation long before Spanish colonization. Within its municipal territory, Suchitoto holds the site of the original founding of the Villa of San Salvador in 1528 that existed for a short time before the site was abandoned.
Get in
There is a frequent bus service from San Martín, on the Panamericana to Suchitoto. To get to San Martín take any eastbound bus from San Salvador por any westbound bus from San Miguel.
Get around
The town is very small. You should be able to cover all distances on foot.
See
- Los Tercios waterfall (on the road south towards San Martín, turn left at the gas station, following the signs for Los Tercios; after about 2 km, there is a small sign and parking space on the left; a short trail leaves from there; go straight for a viewpoint for the lake; keep right to climb down some rocks to the waterfall). A waterfall made of a formation of hexagonal rocks. Even during the rainy season, the waterfall is usually dry; the hexagonal rocks are fascinating nevertheless. The tourism office recommends to visit Los Tercios only accompanied by tourism police who might join you there in the afternoon. The road to Los Tercios is relatively busy and there are also often tourists at the waterfall.
Do
Buy
Eat
Drink
Sleep
Budget
- Camping in public spaces does not seem to be an option, at least the tourism office and police are not excited about the idea. The charges for camping on private grounds make camping unattractive; the cheapest option is Hotel La Barranca which charges $10 per person but offers no services.
- Hotel Luna Blanca (one block south from the parque on 1a Ave Sur), ☏ 503 7922 0427. The cheapest option in town. Has dormitorios which are actually private rooms with a fan and a shared bathroom. Some rooms are windowless Spacious terrace. From $12 for a private dorm, $8 dorm.
Mid-range
- Los Almendros de San Lorenzo, ☏ 503 2-335 1200. Historical hotel with suites with air conditioning, gourmet restaurant & bar, tropical gardens & pool.
- La Posada de Suchitlán, ☏ 503 2335-1064, fax: 503 2335-1277. Colonial - like hotel made of adobe and wood.