Salcoatitán, Coffee town in Sonsonate, El Salvador
Salcoatitán is a coffee town in Sonsonate situated at about 1045 meters (3430 feet) on the Apaneca Ilamatepec mountain range. The elevation provides a moderate climate year-round, keeping the landscape green and productive for agriculture.
The settlement originally bore the name Quetzalcoatitlán, rooted in Nahuatl and referring to a pre-Columbian deity. The community gained official village status in 1824 under its current name.
The San Miguel Arcángel Church shapes the town's appearance with its unusual design of two temples standing side by side, rebuilt this way after earthquake damage. This layout tells of the community's resilience and remains a place where the town's life unfolds.
The town's central plaza is the best place to explore and spend time, especially on weekends when traditional foods like pupusas and tamales are served. The compact layout makes it easy to walk around, and the mountain setting opens opportunities for walks through the surrounding area.
At the town entrance stands a Ceiba tree roughly 400 years old that holds meaning for local people. Local tradition suggests that embracing its trunk while speaking Nahuatl brings blessings.
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