Things to do & places to visit in Sonsonate Department, El Salvador

Sonsonate Department #5 destination in El Salvador 2023. The average rating score is 4.41 based on 306 traveler reviews, of 17 attractions. Timezone: America/El_Salvador, current date and time: Saturday, May 11, 2024, 21:18.

Top things to do (13)

Top places to visit (17 attractions)

5.0 Lechuza Cafe (4 reviews)
- Great morning tasting the finest coffee of El Salvador
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM Coffee & Tea Tours

We had a great time on the coffeetour! Javier showed us around the properties of the coffeefarm and introduced us to the different varieties. The coffee tasting was the pinnacle of this day though including all the explanations of the different flavours that came with it. This is definitely a to-do when you are in Juayua. See more..
5.0 Cascada El Escuco (2 reviews)
- Cascada El Escuco
Spent 2-3 hours Waterfalls

This is a lovely public park with a fantastic waterfall. The short hike in is beautiful with lush flora and the stream from the waterfall. The area can be wet and slippery so wear sneakers or good water shoes. You can swim in the pool beneath the falls. On the weekends you can hike to the top and repel down dropping the last 30 feet into the water. The drive in can be tricky as the road goes directly through the river, so pick your time to go when there has not been a significant rain. Worth the trip. See more..
5.0 Cacao Tour El Salvador (1 review)
- Amazing nature experience!
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Farms

What a lovely experience learning the process of on of the most delightful things in the world, the Chocolate, from its origins trough the end product. The place is a small and beautiful farm, the staff is lovely, polite and very nice. You should bring comfy shoes and fresh clothing and don't forget your camera so you can take back with you that beautiful landscape. See more..
5.0 Mercado Municipal (1 review)
- Authentic Local Experience
Flea & Street Markets

We were brought to Nahuizalco Night Market on a Saturday night by our hostel hosts. There were lots of people out for dinner and entertainment and the plaza had a great vibe to it. There were so many food and drink options to choose from and also various performers throughout the evening. We saw a Michael Jackson impersonator and even a drag performance in the time we were there! This was a great experience and we are glad we got the chance to see it. See more..
5.0 Avistamiento De Ballenas (1 review)
Reefs

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5.0 Party Bike (1 review)
- ¡Excelente!
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM City Tours

Muy buen ambiente, deliciosas bebidas y la forma más divertida de recorrer la linda ciudad de Juayua! See more..
4.5 Chorros de la Calera (125 reviews)
- Lovely spot but not big
Waterfalls

The waterfalls here are lovely and a few people were able to swim in the modest concreted enclosure when we visited. It’s a very rough track down which can only be accessed either on foot or by tuk tuk (driver will wait for your return journey) - no cars. It is set in a lush forested valley just outside Juayua. The area is wonderful and the falls themselves are lovely but not very big - whst you see in the photos is what you get See more..
4.5 Feria Gastronomica (35 reviews)
- Spoiled for choice
Flea & Street Markets

We went to this food market on a Saturday afternoon and the hardest thing was to choose what meals to eat! Most dishes are between $5-$6, generous portions and consisted of either beef, pork, chicken , shrimp or some combination of each. The dishes also came with salad, rice and tortillas. There were plenty of drinks stalls to choose from as well. We couldn't go past the pineapple licuardo that you drink out of the actual pineapple for $2.50. The stalls closed promptly around 5pm, so something to keep in mind if you want an early dinner here too. See more..
4.5 Seven Waterfalls Tour (34 reviews)
- Great experience for a great price
Saturday: 6:00 AM - 10:00 AM Nature & Wildlife Tours

This was an amazing excursion to see the nature or Juayúa! Elizabeth’s brother Elmer led the tour and he was very knowledgeable and showed us all the best photo spots and places to cool off and swim along the hike. This trip is also very fairly priced and includes transportation from the main square to the start of the hike. See more..
4.5 Templo del Senor Juayua (20 reviews)
- safe fun fresh
Points of Interest & Landmarks

this is a church that has not change with the times it takes you back so many centuries they have done an amazing job restoring it clean surroundings and the park in front of it super tourist friendly See more..
4.5 Catedral de Sonsonate (11 reviews)
- Good place to visit
Churches & Cathedrals

This church is beautiful and well worth the time it takes to drive over and visit it. Sonsonate is easily reached by car. See more..
4.5 Portezuelo (8 reviews)
- A complete travel experience
Saturday: 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM Sightseeing Tours

One of the most complete experiences in the country. They have grown quite a bit in the last four years. They have more than 50 adventures for you to choose from, half of them are free. The entrance fee is $5 per person. These $5 can be deducted when you buy one of the paid activities. The cost of these paid activities ranges from $6. Parking is free. If you like hikes, they have a mountain you can climb with some spectacular views. See more..
4.0 Parque Central de Juayua (54 reviews)
- Wonderful at Weekends
Points of Interest & Landmarks

Juayua is a lovely town, with a positive vibe, which emanates from this central square and which is alive with locals, talking, singing, eating, and generally enjoying themselves. The music and extra food stalls are here every weekend so plan your visit accordingly and you won’t be disappointed. See more..
4.0 Ruta de Las Flores (6 reviews)
- Beautiful part of the country; a bit touristy
Hiking Trails

We were staying in Santa Ana and spent a full day driving the Ruta de las Flores (starting in Sonsonate). We were most looking forward to the coffee tours, but unfortunately, they were few and far between. We ended up going on two - one was at Carmen Estate near Ataco and the other was Cafe Nubes, both great in their own ways (I would recommend both). I would say the downside was Juayua. We stopped there first and found parking. We walked around the little town, but it felt so touristy. Every shop was geared to the tourist with your typical souvenirs, where you're not sure if they're made locally or across the ocean. We did go inside the local market, which was a neat experience, and we grabbed a horchata in the square while walking around. The cathedral was very interesting, mostly due to the striking red-on-white paint job. I will say one thing we really enjoyed were all the murals everywhere. That alone is reason enough to stop here and look around for an hour. See more..
4.0 Museo de la Imprenta (1 review)
- A realy nice topical museum
Speciality Museums

We enjoyed a short visit here on our tour of El Salvador's Route of Flowers. The museum has an excellent collection of printing presses and old computers, and has something to interest all ages. See more..
4.0 Nahuizalco Park (1 review)
- Nice gathering spot
Parks

This is a nice park in the centre of Nahuizalco. There's some restaurants and a church opposite the park. The main drawcard of the area is the night market, when the place really comes alive. See more..
3.0 Salcoatitan Central Park (1 review)
- Quiet and pleasant
Parks

This is a gathering spot for locals. It is a nice shady park with plenty of seating. There was a trampoline set up when we were there and a few kids riding around in small electric cars. It's quiet and peaceful during the day. See more..