Suchitoto is a small, peaceful town in the north of El Salvador. It was already inhabited in pre-Columbian times, and became the first site where the city of San Salvador was established while the Spanish advanced through the territory.
The city is surrounded by dense vegetation and Lake Suchitlán, an artificial lake created after the construction of a dam (Embalse Cerrón Grande). However, the main draw to the city are its colonial-era colourful buildings and cobblestone streets.
We saw Suchitoto in one day, which we consider enough to see the highlights, and spent one night here at the hotel “Raíces de Mi Pueblo” (double room, shared toilet, breakfast included – 38€).
1. Los Tercios waterfall
This is a small but different waterfall. It was actually completely dry when we visited, but the main reason not to miss it are the towering basalt columns secondary to a geological phenomenon known as prismatic disjunction.
The waterfall is a short drive from the city centre (3min, 2km). There’s a parking lot near the main road (if you’re on a rental car) from which there’s a nice view to Lake Suchitlan. Taking a cab or even a walk to the waterfalls is possible as well.
The trail is not very long but has some steep bits. Although we did not see anything suspicious, some other blogs advise for caution as there are robbery reports on this trail.
- Parking lot: 2$
- Entrance fee: 1$
2. The Main Plaza and the central cobblestone streets
Life in Suchitoto revolves around the main square and nearby streets. The plaza is often crowded, mainly around lunch time and afternoon. Besides the imposing and whiter than white Church of Santa Lucia, there may be small handcraft stalls selling their traditional products here, if you fancy a souvenir from the city. Some of the bustling restaurants of Suchitoto sit around the plaza: we had our lunch at “La Lupita del Portal” (main dishes around 6-8€) and can definitely recommend this place.
Cobblestone streets leave the main square in every direction. In just a few meters we can awe at many photo-worthy, quirky-coloured residential buildings.
- Santa Lucia church: free
3. Museo de la Moneda (Currency Museum)
A museum where we can observe different coins and paper notes from different countries. We can also understand the evolution of El Salvador’s currency and the adoption of the US dollar as a currency in 2001. Two other rooms are filled with antiques. Oddly enough, there’s also a collection of classic cars in the backyard.
- Entrance fee: 2$
4. Don Alejandro Cotto House/Museum
A house of a deceased famous Salvadorean actor, now turned a museum. While many foreigners will not be familiar with the history of this artist, the gardens of this house/museum arguably yield the best views to Lake Suchitlán.
- Entrance fee: 3$
These were the places we’ve selected to see in Suchitoto. However, there’s more to it if you want to deepen your knowledge of this region. Here’s a list of other suitable things to see and do around here:
- Cinquera Civil War tour: visit guerrilla basecamps from the Salvadorean Civil War near the small village of Cinquera (±30min away from Suchitoto)
- Relaxing/birdwatching by the shores of Lake Suchitlán
- Ciudad Vieja: the ruins of the original projected site of San Salvador, the country’s capital
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