{"row_id":0,"name":"Tacuba","description":"Tacuba is located in the department of Ahuachapán. Its capital town is Villa de Tacuba, located at the top of a mountain between the rivers of Chilapa and Tacuba or Guayapa, at 16 km west of the city of Ahuachapán; at 700 m ASL. Its population is Pipil descendant and its name means \\\"place of the ball game\\\" in Pipil language. Tacuba is still home to some indigenous people, considered to be valuable holders of cultural traditions. These towns share their legacy from one generation to the other through their handcrafts, music, dance, language and others.","copyrightholder":"Tourism in El Salvador","copyrightyear":2005,"page_url":"https:\/\/tourism.com.sv\/destinations\/tacuba.php"}
{"row_id":1,"name":"Nejapa","description":"The main attraction of Nejapa is the festival of \\\"Las Bolas de Fuego\\\" (Fire Balls). The tradition is more than 100 years old; and began after the eruption of the volcano El Playon in November 1658, which forced the town to move to its current location. During the eruption the volcano threw incandescent balls of fire (or bombs) into the air which then led to the celebration and tradition of the \\\"bolas de fuego\\\". The bombs and lava flow from the volcano forced Spaniards and Indigenous people to leave their belongings and run to a safe area. They took the image of their patron saint \\\"San Jerónimo\\\" and named a new church in its honor, but as a punishment left the image facing the wall, since he had not protected them from the eruption of the volcano. The celebration is held every August 31st. The balls are made of rags and tied up with wire and sunk into kerosene for a month. In 2004 heavy rain almost caused the celebration to be cancelled, but it just made it more colorful since even in the rain, young people were burning the balls and dancing. Come and enjoy this one of a","copyrightholder":"Tourism in El Salvador","copyrightyear":2005,"page_url":"https:\/\/tourism.com.sv\/destinations\/nejapa.php"}
{"row_id":2,"name":"Jayaque","description":"The city of Jayaque is located in the department of La Libertad, 42 km west of San Salvador. Jayaque celebrates its patron saint festivities from 22 to 25 of July in honor of the \\\"Cumpas or Compadres\\\" (Godfathers). Jayaque is one of the last places where these kind of ritual-dances and colorful celebrations are held. During the celebration people drink \\\"Chicha\\\" a popular alcoholic drink made from fermented corn; forbidden in El Salvador except for Jayaque or Panchimalco. Much coffee and grains are produced in the surroundings of the city. Around Jayaque you'll see many houses from the beginning of the XX century, made of tin sheets and wood. The \\\"finca\\\" houses remain the same as if time had stood still, transforming them into comfortable places to rest and enjoy nature. During a walk you can also enjoy butterfly and bird watching and the view of the San Andres valley.","copyrightholder":"Tourism in El Salvador","copyrightyear":2005,"page_url":"https:\/\/tourism.com.sv\/destinations\/jayaque.php"}
{"row_id":3,"name":"Ilobasco","description":"Ilobasco is located in the department of Cabañas, on top of a hill at 780 m above sea level. Ilobasco is at 54 km to the east of San Salvador on the Pan-American road. The former name of the town given by the Spaniards was \\\"San Miguel de Ilobasco\\\". Its population from Lenca origin first settled in Sitio Viejo, 6 km from its current location. Ilobasco is very famous for its ceramic; one of the oldest artisan towns in the country and Central America. Some say its ceramic activity began sometime in the 1700s. Ilobasco receives many tourists every year because of the ceramic. Four kinds of ceramic can be found: Traditional (comales, pots, pans, cantaros, flower pots, etc); Popular (Christmas gifts such as catholic images: Saint Joseph, the virgin Maria, mules, ox, and the 3 magic kings); Decorative (all sort of original designs) and Typical Ceramic (the kind that represents small human figures and their daily work, also known as miniatures). Ms. Dominga Herrera, daughter of two pottery artisans, was one of the first artisans in town. At the early age of 15 and after leaving school due to the lack of resources, she began creating the small mud","copyrightholder":"Tourism in El Salvador","copyrightyear":2005,"page_url":"https:\/\/www.tourism.com.sv\/destinations\/ilobasco.php"}
{"row_id":4,"name":"San Francisco Menéndez","description":"San Francisco Menendez is located in the department of Ahuachapán, which borders with Guatemala; at 210 m ASL and an area of 226 square km. San Francisco Menéndez is at 110 km from San Salvador on the road CA-2. Among some beaches in San Francisco Menendez we can name: Bola de Monte, El Zapote, Garita Palmera, estuary Santa Palmera; and the mountain range Apaneca- Ilamatepec to the north. Here is were the only tropical dry forest is found National Park El Imposible and which since 1989, became a natural protected area. Some archaeological sites are: Cara Sucia, San Benito and Mojicalpa (where the sun calendar on a jaguar face was found). Some iron, titanium, kaolin and zinc mines are also found in the area. Its main agricultural products include: coffee, cocoa, cotton, bananas, coconuts, sugar cane, etc.","copyrightholder":"Tourism in El Salvador","copyrightyear":2005,"page_url":"https:\/\/tourism.com.sv\/destinations\/san-francisco-menendez.php"}
{"row_id":5,"name":"Citalá","description":"The village of Citala is located at 715 m above sea level, and 93 km from San Salvador. Geographically it is located in the department of Chalatenango. Citala is the farthest municipality to the north and borders with the neighboring country of Honduras. Cacique Copan Galel fought his last battle in Citala, right after leaving his city of \\\"Copan\\\" in Honduras. Citala in mayan language - chorti means \\\"place of abundant stars\\\" or \\\"river of stars\\\". The day of San Francisco de Asis is one of its major festivities, October 3rd and 4th; and the day of Virgin Concepcion celebrated every December 8th. The Peñon of Cayaguanca, is a popular spot for trekking.","copyrightholder":"Tourism in El Salvador","copyrightyear":2005,"page_url":"https:\/\/tourism.com.sv\/destinations\/citala.php"}
{"row_id":6,"name":"Armenia","description":"Armenia is located on the northern skirts of the hill Nanahuatzin, at 515 meters above sea level, and 41 km from San Salvador. Armenia belongs to the department of Sonsonate. Armenia is hometown to the poet Carmen Branon, known as Claudia Lars; the author of \\\"El Carbonero\\\" Pancho Lara; Rosa de Saint Exuperi, wife of the famous French writer and pilot Antoinne de Saint Exuperi who wrote \\\"The Little Prince\\\". Armenia is very famous for its artisan bricks. The raw material puzolama, mud or clay is cooked in artisan furnaces, but the industry is formerly being transformed by the increase of ecological awareness.","copyrightholder":"Tourism in El Salvador","copyrightyear":2005,"page_url":"https:\/\/tourism.com.sv\/destinations\/armenia.php"}
{"row_id":7,"name":"San Salvador","description":"San Salvador, the capital of El Salvador, is one of the cities with more commercial movement in Central America. Its population reached 2 million by 2004, which is in the \\\"Big San Salvador\\\" as it is known and which also includes the neighboring municipalities of Soyapango (most populated one), Ilopango and Mejicanos, among others. San Salvador is growing at a very fast pace; there are many new buildings, one of the biggest malls in Central America, a convention center where the international fair is held every other year, etc. You can visit the museums of Anthropology, Children's Museum \\\"Tin Marin\\\", aviation, military, science, natural history and zoo, among others. You can also visit the historic center downtown (preferably during the day), botanical garden, etc. After having seen the San Salvador during the day, we suggest you go out for dinner to any of its many restaurants that offer a wide variety of cuisine from typical meals to International, gourmet food. The nightlife includes dancing at discos or simply enjoying live music performances, specially around the \\\"Zona Rosa\\\" and at the recently inaugurated malls. In Downtown San Salvador, you'll find the main square \\\"Morazan\\\", across from the Cathedral, The National Palace,","copyrightholder":"Tourism in El Salvador","copyrightyear":2005,"page_url":"https:\/\/tourism.com.sv\/destinations\/san-salvador.php"}
{"row_id":8,"name":"La Libertad","description":"La Libertad is located in the department of La Libertad, only 34 km from San Salvador. This port city offers touristic infrastructure: small hotels and restaurants, as well as some recently built fancier hotels. La Libertad first served as a port for merchandise and passengers as stated in a federal Central American mandate back in 1824. In 1835 it became the major port of the Federal Republic. A steel pier was built in 1869 which was still being used until the second half of the XX century. Since then the port has served for artisan fishing, commerce and tourism. La Libertad proudly owned the first telegraph communication system in El Salvador. Its beaches are some of the most famous among tourists and locals. You can enjoy the amazing varieties of seafood prepared at its many restaurants. The beaches of La Libertad offer world class waves for practicing surf; and \\\"Punta Roca\\\", located just a few minutes west to the pier, is probably the most famous one of them all.","copyrightholder":"Tourism in El Salvador","copyrightyear":2005,"page_url":"https:\/\/tourism.com.sv\/destinations\/la-libertad.php"}
{"row_id":9,"name":"Santa Ana","description":"Santa Ana is located in the western department of Santa Ana; it is the second most important city of El Salvador. Santa Ana lies in a valley at 650 m ASL. Sihuatehuacán used to be the name of the city, which in Nahuatl means \\\"Place of witch crafters, or sacerdotisas\\\" On July 26th 1569 the Guatemalan priest Bernandino de Villalpando built a church in honor of Our Lady of Santa Ana, and later changed the name \\\"Sihuatehuacan\\\" to \\\"Santa Ana the Greatest\\\". The city first belonged to the department of San Salvador and later to Sonsonate. During the government of the Coronel José María San Martín, the department of Santa Ana was created and Santa Ana became its capital. The National Western University was inaugurated in 1874, during the administration of Santiago González. Santa Ana is also known as \\\"The Heroic City\\\" since 1894, when defeated during the battle of the \\\"44s\\\" against the brothers Antonio & Carlos Ezeta from Guatemala. Santa Ana holds one of the best preserved historic centers in the country. Its main buildings are: The Cathedral, The National Theater, and The Municipal Palace. The Facade of the cathedral was damaged by a lightning (It served as","copyrightholder":"Tourism in El Salvador","copyrightyear":2005,"page_url":"https:\/\/tourism.com.sv\/destinations\/santa-ana.php"}
{"row_id":10,"name":"Panchimalco","description":"Panchimalco is the closest colonial city to San Salvador at only 15 km to the South East and at 575 m ASL. The church is a jewel of architecture, built more than 200 years ago. Panchimalco's population is pre-Columbian and its name means place of \\\"flags and shields\\\". The town celebrates its patron saint festivities in honor of Señor de la Santa Cruz de Roma on September 13 - 14th. The Casa de Cultura (house of culture) is doing an excellent job in rescuing the traditions and local handcrafts, such as folkloric dances and the typical clothes of the \\\"Panchas\\\" (local women of Panchimalco), Procession of Palms (during the first week of May). The procession is one of the main attractions of Panchimalco. During the celebration, indigenous people offer goods to the god \\\"xipe-totec\\\" in order to get good crops\/harvest. Then the drink \\\"chicha\\\" is offered to the crowd, (chicha is a fermented alcoholic drink made of corn and dulce de panela); and also the \\\"historiantes\\\" dance. One of the main reasons why Panchimalco doesn't have any archaeological remains is the amount of catastrophes it's seen; such as: earthquakes and hurricanes (which have actually caused most of the damage). The","copyrightholder":"Tourism in El Salvador","copyrightyear":2005,"page_url":"https:\/\/tourism.com.sv\/destinations\/panchimalco.php"}
{"row_id":11,"name":"Izalco","description":"Izalco belongs to the department of Sonsonate. Izalco is located on the road CA 8 from San Salvador to Sonsonate, at a distance of 58 km. The capital of the municipality of Izalco is located at 430 m ASL on the southwest skirts of the volcano Izalco. According to the monk Juan de Torquemada \\\"Tecpan Izalco\\\" was founded in 1054 by Topiltzin-Acxil. Since the colony, Izalco was part of the municipality of Sonsonate. In 1770 it was divided into the churches of Asuncion Izalco and Dolores Izalco, where the divisions between Indians and Spaniards was remarkable; the latter ones were forbidden to interact with the people from conquered towns. Spaniards had to live near the cocoa plantations since they knew Indians were not going to cultivate it unless forced to, because they knew they were not going to make any profit out of it. This situation caused many Spaniards to move from Sonsonate to Izalco, which later led to the mestizoes (union between Spaniards and Indians). After the Independence was gained from Spain, Izalco became part of the state of Guatemala. Among the many famous people born here we can recall: General Francisco Malespin (Founder of the National University), Writers:","copyrightholder":"Tourism in El Salvador","copyrightyear":2005,"page_url":"https:\/\/tourism.com.sv\/destinations\/izalco.php"}
{"row_id":12,"name":"La Palma","description":"La Palma is located in the western part of the department of Chalatenango at 82 km from San Salvador and 8 km from the border El Poy which separates El Salvador and Honduras. Everybody refers to La Palma as being the town where art Naif was born. Naif is a kind of colorful painting on wood, creation of Fernando Llort (He also designed the ceramic tiles on the facade of the Cathedral in San Salvador). There are many workshops where wood, leather, ceramic, seeds, and cotton ware handicrafts are made using his same style. Besides being well known because of its handicrafts, La Palma became center of attention in 1984, when the former president José Napoleón Duarte met with guerilla leaders, in the very first attempt to end the civil war, which had started four years earlier. La Palma is a very popular touristic destination; there are many hotels and restaurants, as well as trekking areas. La Palma used to be part of the route called \\\"Caminos Reales\\\" (Royal Paths), which could only be reached through Honduras. Ever since La Palma gained its independence it's been place of numerous national battles, when the municipality and governmental armies fought the rebellious","copyrightholder":"Tourism in El Salvador","copyrightyear":2005,"page_url":"https:\/\/tourism.com.sv\/destinations\/la-palma.php"}
{"row_id":13,"name":"Los Planes de Renderos","description":"Los Planes de Renderos offers one of the nicest views of the south of the city of San Salvador. Los Planes (as everybody refers to the area) is one of the favorite hangouts for both foreigners and locals, especially during the weekend, because of its nice cool climate. Los Planes de Renderos is a place where lots of activities are held. It is very famous for the many \\\"pupuserias\\\" small diners that make pupusas, Salvadorian typical snack. The \\\"Casa de la Cultura\\\", have artistic activities and expositions every now and then; as well as folk dances such as \\\"Los Historiantes\\\" which is a dance - drama. The most famous of these dances is called \\\"Moros y Cristianos\\\" and tells the story of Spaniards and Indigenous people during the conquest and colonization of America. During the presentation, every dancer wears big painted masks, and old coins hang from them. Some blindfold using handkerchiefs. Their costumes are made of silk and colorful colors. La Puerta del Diablo (Devil's doorway) La Puerta del Diablo is located at approximately 6 km from the National Park Balboa in Los Planes de Renderos. La Puerta del Diablo is the highest point in San Salvador at 1250","copyrightholder":"Tourism in El Salvador","copyrightyear":2005,"page_url":"https:\/\/tourism.com.sv\/destinations\/los-planes-de-renderos.php"}
{"row_id":14,"name":"Ciudad Arce","description":"Ciudad Arce is located in the department of La Libertad at 575 m above sea level and 36 km from the capital city of San Salvador. The archaeological site of San Andres is located in this county. Ciudad Arce got its name to honor Manuel José Arce one of the most important leaders in the independence of Central America from Spain. To get to Ciudad Arce take the Pan-American road (CA 1) which connects from San Salvador to Santa Ana. Ciudad Arce was formerly known as \\\"El Chilamatal\\\" due to the amount of chilamate trees found there.","copyrightholder":"Tourism in El Salvador","copyrightyear":2005,"page_url":"https:\/\/tourism.com.sv\/destinations\/ciudad-arce.php"}
{"row_id":15,"name":"Apastepeque","description":"Apastepeque is located at 6 km North West from the city of San Vicente and at 58 km from San Salvador; at 590 m. above sea level. Some of the most important touristic sites of Apastepeque include: \\\"La Barranca del Zisimico\\\", where some prehistoric fossils have been discovered, the lagoon of \\\"Apastepeque\\\" and \\\"Ciega\\\". Apastepeque is a small pre-Columbian town founded by pipiles and its name means \\\"Cerro de los Alabastros\\\". In some old texts the town is referred to as Santiago Apastepeque. Apastepeque became a city in 1916. Every year a fair \\\"Ee la Panela\\\" is held where people make all sorts of candies and related products from sugar cane.","copyrightholder":"Tourism in El Salvador","copyrightyear":2005,"page_url":"https:\/\/tourism.com.sv\/destinations\/apastepeque.php"}
{"row_id":16,"name":"Juayúa","description":"\\\"The Flowers Trail\\\" takes you to some of the most charming towns and cities in northwestern El Salvador. Juayua is one of them at 16 km North West of Sonsonate and at 1040 m above sea level. Juayua is most known for its gastronomical festivals each weekend. Its patron saint festivities which honor the Black Christ are also very famous, January 8 - 15th. One of the touristic attractions nearby is the coffee mills where you can watch the whole process of coffee production. In 1577 the town belonged to the Seráfico convent of Sonsonate, a little time later it formed part of the province of los Izalcos, and finally on February 13th 1877 it was declared Villa and got the name of El Progreso (progress) due to its agricultural richness and improvements. Juayua also became very powerful because of the coffee commerce, eventhough it was never consumed by its inhabitants. The city changed its name once again to its current one, when it became a city in 1906. Many indigenous people lost their properties to the abolition of communitarian land in 1881, which in the long run led to their uprising and creation of the revolutionary movement in 1932,","copyrightholder":"Tourism in El Salvador","copyrightyear":2005,"page_url":"https:\/\/tourism.com.sv\/destinations\/juayua.php"}
{"row_id":17,"name":"Cacaopera","description":"Cacaopera is a small town in the department of Morazan located in the rainy valley of the Torola River at 520 m above sea level. Among its main touristic places are: the Torola river, where a new energy power plant is planned to be built; and the cave \\\"La Labranza\\\".","copyrightholder":"Tourism in El Salvador","copyrightyear":2005,"page_url":"https:\/\/tourism.com.sv\/destinations\/cacaopera.php"}
{"row_id":18,"name":"Metapán","description":"The city of Metapan used to be occupied by Pipiles, descendant from pre-Columbian Chortis. Its name means \\\"River of Magueyes\\\". Metapan has the biggest territorial extension in El Salvador: 668 km2. There are many important touristic places, such as a cloud forest, lakes and lagoons. In the city surroundings is one of the best colonial churches in the country: the Temple of San Pedro Apostle, which began to be built in 1736 and finished in 1743; it was just recently restored. Metapan celebrates its patron saint festivities June 26 - 29. There are also many mines of steel, copper, gold, silver and zinc, but most important of them all is their production of limestone used for making cement. Geologically, Metapan is located in the oldest area of El Salvador, which makes up for its three types of rock formations: sedimentary Mesozoic: oldest rocks of the Jurassic era, cretaceous quartz conglomerates, limestone, etc.; formation intrusive oligo-miocénico where metamorphic contact occurred. Here is where the northern volcanic chain tertiary inferior meets the Pleistocene medio which have remained inactive. This range holds the highest mountains in the country: Montecristo, the only cloud forest in El Salvador. The Jurist doctor Isidro Menéndez was born","copyrightholder":"Tourism in El Salvador","copyrightyear":2005,"page_url":"https:\/\/tourism.com.sv\/destinations\/metapan.php"}
{"row_id":19,"name":"Jiquilisco","description":"Jiquilisco is located in the department of Usulutan at 100 kms from San Salvador. Jiquilisco was founded by tribes Lencas and its name means \\\"men of xiquilite\\\". Between 1536 & 1540 some ships were built here, which later were captained by Rodriguez Cabrillo and led to the discovery of what now is the state of California in the USA. CESTA (environmental NGO) owns a property in the area, where you can observe sea turtles lay their eggs. Turtle eggs are nested for around 7 to 8 weeks until hatch and then are helped back into the ocean. The whole process is worth observing for both adults and children in order to build environmental conscience and to teach kids not to repeat the same mistakes adults have made, regarding conservation of these species.","copyrightholder":"Tourism in El Salvador","copyrightyear":2005,"page_url":"https:\/\/tourism.com.sv\/destinations\/jiquilisco.php"}
{"row_id":20,"name":"Alegria","description":"Alegria is a small city in the department of Usulután, at 122 km east of San Salvador. Its population is 15,000 inhabitants, and holds a territorial extension of 40.4 km².The weather is very typical of high altitudes, since Alegria is located at a little more than 1,240 meters above sea level. It is surrounded by coffee plantations, which constitute its main source of income, followed by a diversity of ornamental plants. Many plant nurseries are located in this area. One of the major attractions is the Laguna de Alegria, on the outskirts of the city. The lake has hot springs and fumaroles. Until 1891 Tecapa was the original name of this city (which in Nahuat means: Lagoon or Rocky River) but then the city was named after a former catholic bishop who worked for the development of the community. Every year this beautiful place in El Salvador becomes more and more touristic among both locals and foreigners.","copyrightholder":"Tourism in El Salvador","copyrightyear":2005,"page_url":"https:\/\/tourism.com.sv\/destinations\/alegria.php"}
{"row_id":21,"name":"Concepción de Ataco","description":"Concepcion de Ataco is located at 105 km west of San Salvador, in the department of Ahuachapán. The town offers the peacefulness of the mountains, surrounded by hills and offers beautiful sightings. Locals elaborate colorful weavings in traditional pedal weaving machines and musical instruments. Many artisans still subsist from their products along the 2nd South Avenue - in Barrio el Centro. Ataco in Nahuat means \\\"place of elevated water springs\\\". The population is direct descendant of pre-Columbian and the city was founded by Pipiles in the heart of the Apaneca mountain range. Some of the handcrafts you can find in Ataco are: knits, carpentry, ebonite, and tins. Ataco celebrates its patron saint festivities December 11 - 15 in honor of the Virgin of the Inmaculate Conception.","copyrightholder":"Tourism in El Salvador","copyrightyear":2005,"page_url":"https:\/\/tourism.com.sv\/destinations\/concepcion-de-ataco.php"}
{"row_id":22,"name":"Ahuachapán","description":"Ahuachapan is a city located in the department of Ahuachapán, in the western region of El Salvador, at 100 km from the capital city of San Salvador. The city is located at 780 m over sea level in a valley north to the Apaneca-Ilamatepec mountain range. El Salvador is a pioneer in geothermal energy production. In the department of Ahuachapan (as well as in the city of Berlin, in the eastern department of Usulutan) geothermal power plants have been installed. Geothermal plants produce energy from the steam coming from the earth, this due to the numerous hot steam fumes (geysers) in the area. These power plants provide for 23% of the energy consumed in El Salvador. Ahuachapan is famous for its hot steam fumes, which can reach up to 960o C. and while there you can visit the geothermal plant LaGeo. The name Ahuachapán in Nahuatl means \\\"place of house of oak or encino\\\". The town was founded by tribes Pok`omames around the V or VI century. In the XV century, Ahuachapan was conquered by rebellious Nahuas tribes. On September 15th 1821 Ahuachapan became annexed to the former state of Guatemala, and later in February 1824 became part of El","copyrightholder":"Tourism in El Salvador","copyrightyear":2005,"page_url":"https:\/\/tourism.com.sv\/destinations\/ahuachapan.php"}
{"row_id":23,"name":"Perquín","description":"The town of Perquin is located in the department of Morazan. Founded by Lenca tribes, its name means \\\"path of hot coal\\\". Perquin is surrounded by pristine rivers, and mountains with an amazing weather. Some of the activities to be enjoyed include: hiking, bird watching, rock-climbing etc. When in Perquin, make sure to visit the \\\"Museo de la Revolucion\\\" which houses artifacts from the Salvadorian civil war 1980-1992. The town of Perquin is a quaint little village. From here you can visit other nearby places of interest including the villages of Cacaopera (rich in traditions), Guatajiagua (black pottery - beautiful and inexpensive), La Cueva del Espiritu Santo, a cave with petroglyphs that are over 10,000 years old.","copyrightholder":"Tourism in El Salvador","copyrightyear":2005,"page_url":"https:\/\/tourism.com.sv\/destinations\/perquin.php"}