GOURMET COFFEE EXPERIENCE IN RUTA DE LAS FLORES

Depart from your hotel in the morning heading to the Western region, crossing busy urban areas and fertile valleys, always with some volcano at sight. Ruta de las Flores is 36 Km road that winds through the mountains between Sonsonate and Ahuachapán provinces. Set in the highlands of the Apaneca mountain range the area is a favorite among foreign and local tourists alike.

Sunday is market day in Nahuizalco, when farmers (mostly women) come from countryside to sell their fresh crops and products at the Tianguis, as their ancestors did for hundreds of years ago. Nahuizalco has one of the largest indigenous communities of El Salvador and at the market is common to see old ladies wearing colorful traditional costumes. Up the road we reach Salcoatitán, home of the god Quetzalcóatl, the Feathered Serpent which can be seen at the foot of the mighty ceiba. Off the main road we reach Juayúa -Place of Purple Orchids- Here we visit Santa Lucía's church (known as Black Christ's), the largest in Ruta de las Flores and the colorful Main Square. If you're traveling with kids, Juayúa is home of a cool Reptile House, with many different species of snakes, lizards, chameleons, iguanas and even tarantulas. Pretty cool. Along the road we stop on a mirador overlooking the coffee fields with the line of volcanoes on the distance. Welcome to the heart of coffee country. Minutes later we cross the village at the highest elevation of El Salvador, Apaneca. Not far we reach Bosque Tayúa, in the middle of some of the most fertile coffee farms and springs. Here you'll meet the star of the day, your barista who will take you on a journey for your senses around this wonderful cherry/bean. The next few hours you will be knowing details of the process: growing and roasting as well de origins and history of coffee. Know different brewing methods paired and served with savory treats cooked locally and fresh. At the end you will close your experience with a sweet dessert served with coffee, of course!

Driving down the road we reach one of the top tourist destinations of El Salvador: Ataco. A lovely mountain village with traditional cobblestone streets and colonial style architecture. Walk the charming streets watching the colorful murals and bright colored facades. You can get souvenirs and handcrafts here. There's plenty to choose from. End your day with a panoramic view of Ataco from Mirador Cielito Lindo.

Tour duration: 9h