Ahuachapán

Ahuachapán is a department located in the western part of El Salvador. Its capital is the city of Ahuachapán. The department forms part of the country’s western highlands and is known for coffee production, mountainous terrain, and growing tourism centered on colonial towns along the Ruta de las Flores.

Geography and climate: The landscape consists of hills and valleys with elevations favorable to coffee. The climate is temperate at higher elevations, with distinct wet and dry seasons.

Economy: Agriculture is predominant, especially coffee, fruits, and livestock. The Ahuachapán Geothermal Field, near the capital, is the oldest geothermal resource in El Salvador and contributes to the national grid. The Ruta de las Flores attracts visitors to towns such as Apaneca and Concepción de Ataco for colorful architecture, markets, and artisan crafts.

Administrative divisions: The department is subdivided into municipalities, including the capital Ahuachapán, Apaneca, Concepción de Ataco, San Francisco Menéndez, and others.

History: The area has pre-Columbian roots with Pipil settlements before Spanish colonization. It became a department of El Salvador in the 19th century as part of the country’s administrative organization.