Cuscatlán Department

Cuscatlán is an administrative department in central El Salvador comprising 16 municipalities spread across varied terrain. The region features rolling hills and mountains, with Cojutepeque serving as its administrative hub.

The department was established on May 22, 1835, with Suchitoto as its initial capital until Cojutepeque assumed this role in 1861. This shift in administrative seat reflected how the region developed throughout the 1800s.

The name comes from an indigenous language and means 'land of precious jewels', reflecting how local identity connects to pre-colonial roots and traditions that people still recognize today.

The area is well connected to San Salvador via the Pan-American Highway with regular bus services linking towns throughout the department. Expect hilly terrain and plan to use local transportation to get around between different communities.

Cojutepeque is known for producing special chorizo sausages made with a distinctive blend of pork, beef, and local spices. This specialty has deep roots in the town and remains a recognized product associated with the area.

Location: El Salvador

Inception: May 22, 1835

Capital city: Cojutepeque

Shares border with: Chalatenango Department, San Salvador Department, La Paz Department, San Vicente Department, Cabañas Department

GPS coordinates: 13.72171,-88.93454

Latest update: December 7, 2025 19:24