Are you looking for things to do on the Ruta de Flores in El Salvador? There are so many attractions to choose from!
The Ruta de las Flores is a scenic route through El Salvador’s western highlands, named for the wildflowers that bloom along the road during the dry season.
It winds through a series of colorful colonial towns surrounded by coffee farms, mountains, and waterfalls. The region is known for its cool climate, vibrant weekend food festivals, and rich local culture.
With its blend of nature, history, and small-town charm, the Ruta de las Flores is one of El Salvador’s most popular and picturesque destinations.
Whether taking a day trip or spending a few days on the route, these things to do will help guide you as you make the best plan for yourself along the flower route.
Some of the most popular things to do along the Ruta de Flores include: 7 waterfalls hike, Churros de la Cholera Waterfall, Juayua town, Juayua weekend market, Nahuizalco Night Market, Apaneca town, Apaneca Rainbow Slide, Ataco town, Casa 1800 Ataco, Hot Spring, Hot Spring, and Laguna Verde.
12 Things to Do on Ruta de Flores
1. 7 Waterfalls Hike
The 7 waterfalls hike is one of the most famous things to do for tourists in particular while traveling in El Salvador.
Choorros de la Cholera Waterfall is the final waterfall at the end of the 7 waterfalls hike.
It’s easiest to access both the 7 waterfalls hike and Chorros de la Cholera Waterfall from Juayua.
2. Chorros de La Cholera Waterfall
La Cholera Waterfall is one of the most famous things to do on the Ruta de Flores, for both locals and tourists.
It’s the final waterfall on the famous 7 Waterfalls hike. It’s considered a better alternative if you aren’t looking for something as aggressive as what the 7 waterfalls require.
(I had my fill of waterfall hiking in Banos, Ecuador, and felt very satiated in this regard. I have decided no more waterfall hikes for me!)
3. Juayua Town
Juayua is going to be your starting point for the waterfall hike. But it’s worthy of a visit in its own right! This is the second most famous town along the waterfall route.
Like most of the towns, it is small and quaint. There are cobblestone roads, colorful buildings, and a beautiful plaza in the center of town overlooking the beautiful Iglesia Santa Lucia church.
The fountain in the middle of the plaza makes for some great photography!
⭐Popular Hotels on Ruta de Flores
4. Juayua Weekend Market
Perhaps the most popular reason to visit Juayua is for its incredible weekend market. I am so bummed I missed this during my El Salvador itinerary! My Ruta de Flores trip did not line up with the weekend.
It is held in the town’s central plaza and features a variety of local and international dishes. Operating primarily on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 am to 5 pm, the festival offers generous portions of beef, pork, chicken, and shrimp, typically priced between $5 and $6.
Visitors can also enjoy traditional beverages like pineapple licuado, served directly in a pineapple for about $2.50.
5. Nahuizalco Night Market
The Nahuizalco Night Market is the only night market in El Salvador. It runs every night of the week!
I was unfortunately not able to make it during my trip because Ubers were unavailable, and the cost of a private driver from my hotel was too expensive.
6. Apaneca Town
Apaneca is a small mountain town known for its cool climate, cobblestone streets, and coffee farms. It’s a great place to wander, grab a local coffee, or take in the colorful murals around town.
Visitors also come for outdoor activities like zip-lining and buggy rides through the surrounding hills and farmland. It’s a quiet but charming stop along the Ruta de Flores.
7. Apaneca Rainbow Slide
If you are familiar with the famous El Salvador slide on Instagram, you will find it in Apaneca on the Ruta de Flores!
The Apaneca Rainbow Slide is a fun, colorful attraction tucked into the hills just outside town at Cafe Albania.
Visitors ride down a long artificial slope on a rubber tube, with sweeping views of the coffee fields and mountains all around.
It’s a quick but playful stop, popular for photos and a bit of lighthearted fun, especially if you’re already exploring nearby trails or attractions.
8. Ataco Town
Ataco is known as one of the most famous towns along the Ruta de Flores thanks to its vibrant murals and cobblestone roads.
The town’s cobblestone streets are dotted with local cafes, craft shops, and artisan markets where you can find unique handmade goods.
Don’t miss trying pupusas from one of the local street vendors or stopping by a coffee shop to taste the region’s famous coffee.
Ataco is also a great spot to take in panoramic views from the Mirador de la Cruz, a lookout point offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
⭐Ruta de Flores Day Tours
9. Casa 1800 Ataco
Casa 1800 is famous in many towns around El Salvador for its incredible views. While most Casa 1800 locations serve as a hotel, they all have restaurants attached as well!
Most Casa 1800 boutique hotels are out of my budget as a solo traveler in El Salvador, but grabbing a coffee or lunch among the amazing views is the perfect way to experience it.
There is a second Casa 1800 on the Ruta de Flores in Los Naranjos. The views in online photos were so stunning, I had to see it for myself!
But truth be told, I did not have luck with the weather and my views were entirely covered by clouds.
10. Santa Teresa Hot Spring
Santa Teresa Hot Springs is a relaxing destination near Ahuachapán known for its therapeutic thermal pools. To get there, it’s about a 45-minute drive from Juayúa or Apaneca, making it an easy addition to your Ruta de Flores adventure.
The hot springs feature multiple pools with varying temperatures set in a lush, tranquil environment. It’s a perfect spot to unwind and enjoy nature after a day of exploring the region.
⭐Tour: Cafe Albania, Ataco, and Santa Teresa Hot Springs
11. Termales de Ahuachapán Hot Spring
Located near Ahuachapán, these hot springs are known for their therapeutic properties and natural geothermal pools.
It’s a great place to relax and soak in the warm waters, surrounded by beautiful mountain views, making it a popular stop after exploring the Ruta de Flores.
12. Laguna Verde
Laguna Verde is a tranquil lake surrounded by lush greenery and mountains. It’s not far from Apaneca or Ataco.
Accessible by car, bicycle, or a 20-minute buggy tour from Apaneca, you can enjoy scenic views along the Ruta de Flores on the way. Laguna Verde is a significant wetland area, home to tons of different bird species.
⭐Tour: Laguna Verde Tour
Conclusion
The Ruta de Flores is the perfect mix of nature, culture, and small-town charm. Each town has its own vibe, but together, they offer a laid-back way to see a different side of El Salvador.
It’s an easy, beautiful trip that’s well worth a few days on your itinerary.
