Chalatenango

Chalatenango is a town in Western El Salvador.

Understand

Chalatenango is a few kilometers at the north of Suchitlan Lake.

Its name comes from Nahuatl: chal, shal (sand); at, (water); tenango (valley). "Valley of waters and sand".

It was created at pre-Columbian period by Lenca tribes, then later occupied by Pipils, before the Spanish conquered the area at the 16th century. During the colonial period, it was an important center for the production of indigo. It was heavily impacted during the El Salvador Civil War (1979–92). Many people had to move away, then many returned at the end of the war.

Today, it has become a nice and safe town in an agricultural plain.

See

The center of the town is nice to wander.

Do

• 1 San Luis del Carmen. This nearby village celebrates festivities in the second week of December in honor of the Virgin del Carmen. It also has one of the best places for bullfights. (updated Oct 2021)

Sleep

• 1 Hotel La Ceiba (western Primera calle). Well located in the center. Provides free parking. Double $12. (updated Feb 2015)
• 2 La Posada del Jefe. Provides free parking and noisy AC. Double $17. (updated Feb 2015)

Go next

• El Pital : the highest mountain in El Salvador. (~2 hours away with a car)
• Suchitoto : Colonial town and artisanal center, on the other side of the lake. (There's a "ferry" leaving from San Franscisco de Lempa, 15 km SW from Chalatenango. Does it cross to Suchitoto?)