San Juan Nonualco: Explore the places in El Salvador
Explore the places in El Salvador in 2024……
San Juan Nonualco is a municipality situated in the central area of El Salvador in the Department of La Paz, which was formed as a part of the Nonualcos Confederation, along with San Pedro and Santiago.
San Juan Nonualco:
San Juan Nonualco is known for its agriculture, especially the production of sugar cane and coffee, and has a population of approximately 20,000. Throughout the year, the town organizes a number of religious festivals such as the June feast of San Juan Bautista. Also, this place is well known for several important landmarks, including the colonial-style San Juan Bautista Church and the historic Central Park.
Things to do while in San Juan Nonualco:
San Juan Nonualco is located in El Salvador’s La Paz department. While in San Juan there are some tourist attractions you can visit nearby. They are listed below:
1. Iglesia de San Juan Nonualco –
Iglesia de San Juan Nonualco is the city’s main church which is a famous spot for gathering. Anticede to the 18th century, it is an old colonial-style church which is dedicated to the patron saint of the town.
2. Parque Central-
Parque Central is the city’s central public square which is a great place to relax, people-watch, and enjoy the atmosphere. Also, there are a few street stalls and souvenirs nearby.
3. Museo de Antropología e Historia de San Juan Nonualco-
Museo de Antropología e Historia de San Juan Nonualco is a museum in San Juan that reflects the history and culture of the town and the surrounding area. Also, this museum has a variety of artifacts and exhibits relevant to the pre-Spanish indigenous population, the colonial era, and modern times,
4. Mercado Municipal –
Mercado Municipal is the local market where you can buy handicrafts and gifts, as well as fresh meats and other foods. However, it is a great location to experience the local culture and traditional foods.
5. Mirador La Cruz –
Mirador La Cruz is a viewpoint situated on a hill outside of the town, which is also a great place for hiking and birdwatching.
6. Selva Negra Nature Reserve-
A variety of flora and fauna are kept in this reserve, which is also a great place to hike or go birdwatching where you can find some restaurants and eco-lodges.
What is the best time to visit San Juan Nonualco?
During the dry season, i.e. the month of November-April would be the best time to visit San Juan Nonualco, El Salvador. Due to the hot and dry season, visitors can enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, beach trips, and exploring the city. As it is a popular time for traveling, you might face heavy crowds and more expensive lodging activities.
How can you reach San Juan Nonualco?
You can take the bus from San Salvador, where you can get to the bus from the “Terminal de Occidente” bus station situated in the western part of the city, which takes approx two hours to reach. But, if you prefer to drive, you can take the Pan-American Highway toward the Pacific coast.
Traditional Foods to Enjoy in San Juan Nonualco
Traditional Foods to enjoy in San Juan Nonualco, El Salvador. They are listed below:
1. Pupusa: It is a thick grilled cake, a handmade corn tortilla filled with beans, cheese, and or pork.
2. Sopa de Res: a traditional beef soup made with rice, corn, and vegetables like onions, carrots, and potatoes.
3. Tamales: a dish made of masa, filled with meat, beans, or vegetables steamed and wrapped in a banana leaf.
4. Carnitas – a dish of slow-cooked pork that is often served with rice, beans, and tortillas.
5. Empanadas– a pastry that is baked or fried after being filled with cheese, meat, or vegetables.
6. Enchiladas- a baked dish prepared from soft corn tortillas stuffed with ingredients like cheese, beans, or chicken, rolled up, and baked with cheese and sauce on top.
What to see around San Juan Nonualco
1. San Salvador:
San Salvador, the capital city of El Salvador, is around an hour’s drive away from San Juan Nonualco. Here, you can explore museums and historical places like the National Palace and the Museum of the Revolution, which also, offers you the opportunity to shop and taste local cuisine.
2. Izalco:
Izalco is a municipality in El Salvador’s Sonsonate department. Volcan Izzalco, is a very young volcano on the side of Santa Ana volcano, a national symbol of El Salvador. This place is about 35 minutes away from San Juan.
3. Apaneca:
Apaneca is a beautiful mountain that is about an hour’s drive from San Juan, also it is popular for hot springs, nature reserves, and coffee plantations.
- Area: 45.13 square kilometers
- Population: 8,597 inhabitants (Estimated 2006)
4. Tazumal:
Tazuml is an architectural Comubian place located in Chalchuapa, El Salvador, located in the southern part of the Chalchuapa archaeological zone. You can explore sculptures, Metal artifacts, temples of columns, and many more.
5. Lake Coatepeque:
Lake Coatepeque is located in western El Salvador surrounded by wooded hills, and also a gateway village near El Congo. It is a great place for swimming, boating, and picnics. Views across the lake are provided by the conical Izalco Volcano and the imposing Santa Ana Volcano.
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Hi, I’m Sandika Rijal, and I have been working as a Content Creator for the last 2 years. I will be writing about my beautiful country Nepal, and its famous places, and people. Hope you will enjoy reading my articles!