CHINAMECA INTERACTIVE MAGAZINE

EXPLORING TOURISM
Discover The Town of
CHINAMECA
The Athens of El Salvador
HISTORY
+
ADVENTURE
The perfect plan for
a trip!
1

Phone number 503 2665 2526
Web: www.exploringchinameca.com
Email: exploringtourism@gmail.com.sv
From The Editors
Travel and tourism has become the world’s largest and
fastest growing industry, and its growth shows a consistent
year to year increase. The magazine Discover The
Town of Chinameca, has documentaries and oral
sources (testimonies of people born in this city in the
last century and present.) The aim to this magazine is to
present the cultural and spiritual wealth that owns and
represents the city of Chinameca and also, that serves as
a source of reference for the present and future generations.
Its proximity to the international Panamericana road and
its paved streets and modern and rapid transportation
makes Chinameca a prosperous city, the birthplace of
professional, industrious, hardworking and hospitable
people that identify with the rest of the world.
The magazine presents different stages and cultural
prints of its inhabitants, histories, gastronomy, wealth,
religion, etc. It also makes highlights of its hydrology,
landscapes, tourism, and recreational places. You will
find a number of traditions and customs, religious festivals
and social events.
We hope that by reading this magazine, you learn the
wonders and richness of this neat city.
Find us
Facebook @ /exploringtourismchinameca
Twitter @ exploringtourismchinameca
Printerest @exploringchinameca
YouTube @exploringtourismchinameca
Carretera Panamerica Km 215
San Miguel, El sSalvador
EDITOR
Xiomara L. Azucena Ortiz
CONTRIBUTORS
Nathaly Marcela Bonilla Portillo
Daysi Karina Quintanilla Chávez
Jose Roberto Santiago Hernández
Sergio Rodríguez
COVER PHOTO
J.P.S
2

The Town of Chinameca
EXPLORING TOURISM
WELCOME TO CHINAMECA
View of the city of
chinameca
Chinameca is a city located
27 kilometers from the
department of San Miguel.
It is characterized and recognized
for its typical food
and its pleasant cool climate,
the opposite of San
Miguel.
This ancient village, founded
and inhabited by Lenca
Indians, was conquered by
the Yaquis or Pipil towards
the end of the fifteenth
century of The Christian
era, marking the core of
Pre-Columbian civilization
maximum penetration into
the eastern towns of Nahuatl
language.
Its current vernacular name
in Pipil-Nahuatl language,
means "Place of Chinamas",
i.e., "the city", etymology
explains its great
importance in the Gentile
times. The toponimico
comes from the chinamet
roots, chinamit, Chinamas,
farms, ranches, and ca,
locative suffix.
We ignore which has been
the Lenca name of this
town, but is very likely to
be Yusique, which still retains
one of its neighborhoods
name whose etymology
is"Cerro de Los Pinos"
or "Hill of Pines", coming
from YUX, pine, pitch pine,
andique, of tique, hill, ending
place.
Chinameca has been reconigzed
by the ministry of
tourism as one of the Pueblos
Vivos of the country.
(see page 28)
CITY FACTS
Inside this
issue:
History 5
Tourism 14
Extention
77.3 km2
Population Approx. 22,311
Temperature
30C-32C
Tourism
Ecoturism
Gastronomy
Tustacas and Totopostes
Country
El Salvador
Customs and
Traditions
6
Festivities 8
Wealth of Chinameca
10
Religion 11
Tour & Packages 16
Recommendations
19
Local Gastronomy 20
Restaurants 21
Arts and Crafts 12
Food Fest 24
Accommodations 26
3

CHINAMECA IN THE EASTER REGION OF EL SALVADOR
Tired of visiting the same cities all the time?
Come and enjoy the natural wonder and beautiful people
in Chinameca!
Start road tripping and enjoy these majestic
attractions! We’ll show you how...
HOW TO REACH CHINAMECA?
Chinameca it is located in the East of the country, in the Department of
San Miguel, 25 kilometers from departmental capital and 129 kilometers
from the capital of San Salvador.
4

THE TOWN OF CHINAMECA
Page 5
There is an History in Every Town
CHINAMECA AND ITS
MOUNTAINS
HISTORY
The conquest of Chinameca and
indigenous people it was conducted by
settlers from the village of San Salvador,
in early 1529, according to eyewitness
Pedro Cerón, "They went to conquer
the province and land they called
Popocatépetl, which now they call
province of San Miguel, that was
raised in war ".
That name, Popocatépetl, which the
Spaniards gave to that Salvadoran
region, means in Pipil-Nahuatl language
"Cerro que Humea" or in English
Smocking Hill, or popoca,
"hechar humo" (fuming), and tepec,
Cerro ; the etymology refers undoubtedly
to Los Ausoles, Infiernillos or
Fumaroles of La Sierra de Chinameca,
that are in constant activity
of which the main ones are those of
Chambolo, Loma Alta, El Hervidero,
Water Tibiae, Lemongrass,
Choyo and others.
In 1770, this town is annexed to the
parish of Usulutan and with a population
of 252 people in 40 families.
Years earlier had resided in this
population, in respect of curate, the
priest Jose Simon Severino de
Zepeda, who had obtained license
from the former archbishop
Figueredo.
In 1786 Chinameca entered as party
town of San Miguel, in the Municipality
of San Salvador.
How Chinameca gets its Town Tittle?
In the media of the second half of
the last century the town of Chinameca
was already one of the
most important of the Republic.
Located in the pleasant valley
formed by the hills called Las
Mesas and El Boqueron, divided
into four quarters of Ladino, called
San Juan, Dolores, San Sebastian
and Blood of Christ, and other
indigenous, Yusique, he had
reached "advances and progress in
the sense of civilization and social
and material improvement ", since
by own efforts had managed "to
promote the expansion of the lights,
establishing schools of education
for the youth of both sexes" and
"the rise of agriculture and trade;
making public works and private
ornamental", etc.
In view of this the Legislature, during
the administration of Field Marshal
Don Santiago Gonzalez issued,
dated March 2, 1874, the decree by
which this town was granted the
title of city .
Shield of Chinameca
The jagged circle represents the
work and the relationship with the
industry.
The legend "March 2, 1874" date
when Chinameca won the city
title.
The 5 stars at the top represents 5
districts of the city.
Under the 5-star is the highlight
"El Limbo".
In the center is an architectural
figure of the mayor, surrounded
by two leafy branches of coffee
stands; each branch has 10 leaves
on each side for a total of 20
representing the 20 cantons of
the Jurisdiction.
This shield was approved by
Municipal Agreement No. IV
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THE TOWN OF CHINAMECA
SOME OF THE CUSTOMS
Page 6
AT THE HEART OF
EVERY FAMILY TRADI-
TION IS A MEANING-
FUL EXPERIENCE
BAPTISM
Previously, they practiced
pouring water on the head of
the newborn without the presence
of a priest, at that time
anyone could act as a priest in
the Sacrament.
At present, it takes the newborn
to the Catholic Church. For this
rite, godparents for the child to
be baptized are sought.
People seek to do this event on
holidays or Sundays.
FUNERALS
It is said that when a child dies,
relatives or companions sing the
compliments that are sentimental
and joy songs accompanied by one
or more musicians that are original
from the same canton.
In the past, in the cantons, if the
deceased was too poor, they built a
tapesco of maicillo sticks that
served as a mortuary for burial
deposit. If people who died had a
better economic situation, but not
buried in boxes, they did so in a
tank of better quality to common
tapescos.
There was also the custom of preparing
food, not only for the deceased,
but also for everyone who
attended the wake. During the vigil,
some people were engaged in a
whimper, others to pray, to care for
family members who had health
ailments for the loss of his being or
loved ones;
also there were groups of people
doing sleight of hand, such horn
playing cards, dice or goats, taba,
face and number, play dominoes,
checkers; others devote the time
to comment on events concerning
the deceased, others commented
popular anecdotes, sayings, stories,
legends and fables.
FAMILY AND MARRIAGE
In Chinameca, according to data
of the last century, the family was
a customary marriage with an
economic stability.
Couples lasted from two to twelve
years to know each other better
(during that time they did not
touch or kiss) and sometimes, the
father chose the groom or bride
for their child; sometimes they
were related to each other, as their
goal was to increase their economic
power.
Currently, household responsibilities
are shared between spouses.
General family consists of grandparents,
parents, children, grandchildren,
uncles, nephews, cousins
first, second and third degree of
consanguinity and different degrees
of affinity.
6

TRADITIONS
THE TOWN OF CHINAMECA
Page 7
DIA DE ESQUIPULITAS
The Chévez family, lives in a place known
as Esquipulitas (in the neighborhood of San
Juan), and they has been in charge of this
celebration for years.
Maria de la Cruz Chévez, inherited from
their ancestors and keeps alive this tradition
of celebrating with a solemn procession The
Esquipulitas Day.
On the property of the Chévez family, it is
built a chapel where it remains the Lord of
Esquipulas. Devout people of the Black
Christ make promises, for example, they
make the arrangement of the procession,
buy Fireworks and whistles and spread to
the people in the procession.
Easter Week, starts on Palm
Sunday and ends on Easter
Sunday and commemorates
the Passion, Death and
Resurrection of Jesus
Christ. Holy Thursday (the
Thursday before Easter
Sunday) is the day to celebrate
the Eucharist.
Good Friday commemorates
the crucifixion of Jesus,
and the parades of huge
wooden platforms that depict
scenes from Holy Week
are carried through the
streets by dozens of men
working together to carry
and move them from one
church to another.
Children and adults dress as Indians and
some carry a matata (typical bag) where they
put inside dried fish, onions, sweet tied, tortillas,
kites and tomatoes.
The costume consists of trousers made of
blankets, long sleeve shirts and sandals.
The Indian women wear braids, long
blanket dresses and they carried a basket
with fruits and flowers without missing
sandals.
The procession starts at about four in the
afternoon, on their way Chinese gunpowder
fireworks burst and the procession is
accompanied by the local band.
The procession take place through the
main streets of the city, and on its return,
missing about five blocks to get to their
There is an History in Every Town!
CHINAMECA AND ITS
MOUNTAINS
In the media of the second half of and material improvement ", since
the last century the town of Chinameca
was already one of the promote the expansion of the lights,
by own efforts had managed "to
most important of the Republic. establishing schools of education
for the youth of both sexes" and
Located in the pleasant valley
"the rise of agriculture and trade;
formed by the hills called Las
making public works and private
On Saturday, Mesas and Christ El Boqueron, is entombed
into and four the quarters Easter of Vigil Ladino, enous called heritage right into the
divided and beliefs from their indig-
ornamental", etc.
is held San that Juan, night Dolores, until San Easter
Sunday, and Blood when of Jesus Christ, is and other you’ll find ing unique the administration proces-
of Field Mar-
Sebastian Easter celebrations. In view of this Here the Legislature, dur-
resurrected. indigenous, Yusique, he had sions and shal carpets. Don Santiago Gonzalez issued,
reached "advances and progress The in signs dated and symbolism March 2, 1874, the decree by
You the need sense no religious of civilization background
to participate in the -hidden from ignorant
and of social the indigenous which this are town well was granted the
festivities; we highly recommend
getting to the nearest of the locals they will
eyes, but if you ask some
town on Friday to watch point out the significance
the making of the of certain flowers and
“alfombras” (carpets) in the plants, and the symbology
streets and possibly even and numerology among
helping the kids out. other things.
SEMANA SANTA-EASTER WEEK
Chinamaca indigenous
strongholds managed to
outsmart the colonial Spaniards
and incorporated ideas
destination, people who have offered penance
walk on their knees or elbows, most
people do this after the procession, taking as
its starting point the Cross Pennant, until
they reach the chapel.
“Our culture, our
tradditions, our
title of city .
language are the
foundations upon
which we build
our identify.”
7

THE TOWN OF CHINAMECA
Page 8
FESTIVITIES
FESTIVITIES
Festivities in honor of
the Divine Savior of the
World
Currently, the August holidays are
celebrated from July 28th to August
6th, in honor of the Divine
Savior of the World.
This festivity begins with the general
mail parade, where they present
the candidates (one per suburb),
through the main streets of
the city.
The floats are decorated, each
representing a district or organization;
there are fireworks, lights and
clowns making old people laugh
and youngest cry. Then, they elect
the queen of the festivities in a
dance with music by the best orchestras.
After the general mail parade, the
following days, every neighborhood
draws its floats, where they
are accompanied by a person that
recites a poem according to what
the float means.
On August 5th the procession of
The Savior of The World, they
perform a transfiguration in front
of the church, at that moment they
burst Chinese fireworks.
On August 6th is out the last carriage,
and with this the celebrations
of the August festivities are over.
.
The most important
holidays in Chinameca
are held in honor of:
1– To Divino Salvador
del Mundo, from July
28th to August 6th
2-To The Virgin of
Guadalupe, from
December 10th to 12th.
December 12th Festivities
The celebrations of December
12th are dedicated to the Virgin of
Guadalupe. On this date, the Virgin
is taken out in procession on
the main streets accompanied by
the Regimental or Municipal Band.
Traditionally, some religious people
dress their children as Indians
to accompany the procession
through the main streets of the
city where there are fireworks
burns.
In this holiday season, there are
rides or mechanic games like carrousels,
horses and flying chairs.
Opposite the church and the market,
people sell quesadillas of San
Buena Ventura, chips, candies in
different flavors such as sweet potato,
canned silly, coconut, tamarind,
milk and jellies without missing
cotton candy and minutas for
children.
The Day of San Juan
Since ancient times, when there was
drought, people made a procession
to San Juan, with the belief that it
would serve as a sacrifice to start
to rain, and farmers began to
plant.
The procession was brought forth
at noon, and at night the great
storms were falling.
San Juan's day is on June 24 and is
celebrated with ribbon races,
dance festival and dawns.
In the past, in the ribbon racing
were involved the best riders wearing
appropriate costumes and
spirited horses.. This activity took
place in the Sixth Street East.
Half a block was settled a tie,
which hung rings of metal, each
ring was supported by a ribbon of
color. each color was equivalent to
a present and was represented by a
lady with their respective color
band batten
The gentleman who got the pen in
the ring and tore tie, was entitled
to the prize and a hug from the
lady, followed by great applause
from the audience, and a piece of
music of the municipal band; while
burning gunpowder were standing
Chinese fireworks and gunpowder.
In the evening they performed a
dance party where parading different
ladies and gentlemen to the beat
of their favorite song; and in the
morning it was dawn (alborada)
Today, this tradition is still maintained,
though not with the same
enthusiasm of yesteryear.
8

DIA DE SAN JUAN, RIBBON´S RACE
DIFFERENT ACTIVITIES HELD DURING THE YEAR
9

THE TOWN OF CHINAMECA
Page 10
WEALTH OF CHINAMECA
Coffee plantations
There is an History in Every Town!
CHINAMECA AND ITS
MOUNTAINS
“The greatest
wealth in the
world is its
hard-working
people.”
In the media of the second half of
the last century the town of Chinameca
was already one of the
most important of the Republic.
Located in the pleasant valley
formed by the hills called Las
Mesas and El Boqueron, divided
into four quarters of Ladino, called
San Juan, Dolores, San Sebastian
and Blood of Christ, and other
indigenous, Yusique, he had
reached "advances and progress in
the sense of civilization and social
The rural areas in Chinameca are full of
coffee plantations up in the Tecapa
mountain range.
Chinameca has a fertile land, facilitating
their agriculture diversified:
The coffee growing: planting coffee
stands Bourbon, Paca and other varieties.
Horticulture: (vegetables) tomatoes, onion,
cucumber, cassava, beans, pipianes,
cabbage, etc. is grown
Grains: corn, beans, rice, etc.
Coffee Blossom
and material improvement ", since title of city .
by own efforts had managed "to
promote the expansion of the lights,
establishing schools of education
for the youth of both
Workers
sexes"
having
and
their crops weight for payment
"the rise of agriculture and trade;
making public works and private
ornamental", etc.
The flowers: roses, jasmines, carnations,
hydrangeas, etc.
In view of this the Legislature, during
the administration of Field Marshal
Don Santiago Gonzalez issued,
dated March 2, 1874, the decree by
which this town was granted the
Source of geothermal energy: Chinameca
has geysers and fumaroles as:
The Viejona, El Infiernillo, etc.
The greatest wealth of Chinameca are
its people: most are academic professionals,
there are teachers, doctors, nurses,
lawyers, engineers, etc. and abundant
skilled labor; They are distinguished by
being industrious and hospitable.
Fruit plantations: banana, mamey, soursop,
pineapple. guava, father, etc.
10

Page 11
RELIGION
Most population of Chinameca
is religious, and old fondly
remembers some Catholic
priests who left their mark on
this city.
Currently there are in this city
some Catholic Churches but
the one that stands out the
most is:
The Church of San Juan Bautista,
located opposite the Federal
Park in the neighborhood
of El Centro and El Calvario
There is only
one religion,
though there
are a hundred
versions of it.
~George Ber-
church, located in the neighborhood
of the same name.
There are also churches of
different Christian denominations.
EXPLORING TOURISM
Proccession
Guadalupe Pacheco tells her stories
Smiling and with a photographic
mind, Guadalupe tells some
stories of Father Pedro Fernandez
Moreira; and comments:
When Father came to the parish
of Chinameca, was received by
the faithful with rose petals
thrown in their path, they burst
fireworks, allegorical songs and
the sound of bells ringing that
did not stop; then the father
said, "God willing and the Virgin
Mary, these rose petals running
down my face now, will not be
tears out of my eyes, when I
leave this town"
When he decided to leave, they
came to pick him up from Jucuapa,
but before he leaves Mr.
Cayetano Castillo sent him to
make his cassock.
Different religious activities in Chinameca
Processions
Bautism
Masses
11

Page 12
ARTS AND CRAFTS
EXPLORING TOURISM
Arts and crafts demonstrate
the creativity of the
human spirit. Painting,
sculpture, photography, literature
or architecture define
the different cultures in
the country.
Handicrafts and paintings
are well respected in El Sal-
vador; many towns become
famous for a particular craft
that they have available for
selling.
There are many things that
can be bought in Chinameca.
Everything made by
hand is called "Artesanal".
The town of Chinameca and its crafts people
are famous for their work in wood,
including exotically carved cofres (adorned
wooden chest), and traditional Christmas
handcrafts, muñecas de barro (clay dolls)
and ornamental angels. All are designed
by Salvadoran hands and are exported to
the rest of El Salvador and worldwide.
12

A rt and craft represent
the hon-
or, joy, work
and hapiness of
this country, El Salvador.
This type of art represent
the culture, traditions and
the morals of the Salvado-
rian and its creativity.
13

THE TOWN OF CHINAMECA
Page 14
“Discovering this
idyllic places, we
find ourselves filled
with a yearning to
linger here, where
time stands still and
beauty
overwhelms.”
PLACES TO VISIT
La viejona hot springs
EL PACAYAL HILL
El Pacayal it is located in one of the greatest
mountains of Chinameca.
Don Carlos Garcia, a historian of Chinameca
says: "His name was given by the
ancestors, since in that natural forest
abounded a palm called Pacaya that is
harvested once a year." The Pacayal had
never been a lagoon for being a stratovolcano
crater dating back thousands of
years ago. It is characterized as a coffee
forest with hundreds of blocks from this
crop, where the Pacaya palm tree it is
LA VIEJONA
It is located west of the central
park of Chinameca, about 2 km
away. It is a kind of mountain
containing pools of hot springs
that serve as drug therapy for
many diseases.
It presents series of fumaroles
with hot springs, which abound
the mud of different colors; It is
also a source of geothermal energy.
This place is visited by hundreds
of students from different
universities and lovers of nature.
located in the far south and in
the mountains, says the historian.
It has a very rich biodiversity,
as well as animal and plant
species. The flora presents trees
with species threatened or endangered.
According to Garcia
"fauna found in the Pacayal is a
natural refuge, where you can
watch birds, reptiles, gophers,
armadillos, rabbits, and occasionally
hear the singing of"
To reach this place it takes between
15 to 20 minutes. Tourist
walk on a slippery path through
the clay. Along the way, the trill of
the birds combined with the chirping
of the flora are heard.
As you progress down the slope,
the sulfur smell becomes more
intense, emanations of water vapor
and whitish color of the earth are
seen, people tend to dig holes to
see how quickly they fill with boiling
water while tasting corn, bananas
or steamed chayote.
guides "a Creole hawk". The
crater The Pacayal is approximately
7 kilometers from the city
and is suitable for ecotourism.
Because it is far from the city the
mayor provides free transportation
and security by the metropolitan
police to travel to El Pacayal.
WELLS IN CHINAMECA
Chinameca tourism is very special
and recognized specially La Viejona,
Wells of San Juan, The Wells of El
Castano, El Choyo, Wells "El Pioresnada",
Wells of The
Lemongrass, Geothermal Wells en
canton San Antonio, The Cerro El
Limbo, El Pacayal, Cerro El
Guehuecho.etc
In the background, El Pacayal Hill.
14

Central Park of Chinameca
The Central Park of
the city is the most
visited place by
people living outside
of Chinameca
due to the good
weather that is perceived
in that place
where you can relax
and enjoy the
hospitality of the
Chinamequenses.
DIFFERENT ACTIVITIES HELD DURING THE YEAR
15

CHINAMECA ROUTE TOUR TOUR
ROUTE
FIRST STOP AT THE CENTRAL PARK AND CHURCH
The first stop start at the Central Park in the downtown of Chinameca
here we will show you the place and we will give you historical details
about the central park and the Iglesia Parroquial San Juan Bautista.
This stop takes about 20 minutes. After the tour in this place we will
have a snack in the Food Fest at the Central park.
SECOND STOP, LA VIEJONA
La Viejona it is located 10 minutes from the Central Park, to get in
this place we will walk 5 minutes through the city and we will drive
you during 5 minutes to get at La Viejona. This place It is a kind of
mountain that containing pools of hot springs. This tour will take
about 25 minutes to show you around and to enjoy the cool climate
and panoramic views in this place.
THIRD STOP, EL PACAYAL HILL
El Pacayal it is located 20 minutes walking from La Viejona and 15
minutes from the city. In this stop you will enjoy the rich biodiversity
of animals and plants species while climbing the hill. Also, you will
enjoy he beautiful view of San Miguel when you get to the top of the
hill. This tour will take about 30 minutes.
FOURTH STOP, LOS POZOS DE SAN JUAN
This place it is located in the suburbs of San Juan neighborhood, 20
minutes from El Pacayal. In this tour you will learn the history and
you will see the cave that has two doors that exudes freshwater. Also,
we will have a tour around the place and after that we will have a
snack of typical food. This tours takes 30 minutes.
THE LAST STOP, MIS TRES ANGELES TOTOPOSTERIA
This place it is located at the downtown of Chinameca, 25 minutes
from Los Pozos de San Juan, this one is one of the places that still
retains the tradition of making these corn crackers. In this stop we
will learn how to make totopostes and tustacas and also we will enjoy
them with a cup of coffee. This tour takes 30 minutes.
16

TOUR PACKAGES
Friendly Exploring Tourism has specialized in tours & group travel
since 2010. If you are ready to travel and tour with family, friends,
school, organization, church or club, we have the knowledge and experience
to help. If you can dream it, we can probably arrange it!
Private Group Packages
8 or more tourist: Love our tour, but want to travel with your friends and family? Select any
of our existing Tours & Packages and make it your own. We’ll arrange a private coach and
guides for your group tour package. We can even arrange for bilingual guides. (For example,
if your group is made up of Spanish speakers, we’ll arrange a Spanish-speaking guide.)
You’ll get the benefit of our carefully developed itineraries as well as our low negotiated
rates. (Prices are based on the number of travelers in your group and your travel dates.)
Custom Packages for Groups & Individuals
2 or more tourist: Take advantage of our competitive prices and personalized service to plan
a tour to Chinameca. Many of our clients select one of our existing Tours & Packages and
modify it according to their interests and budget. Other clients have their own ideas about
what to see and do, or even a specific itinerary in mind. However you envision your tour,
you can count on us to provide exceptional service for exceptional pricing. To get the very
best rates, a minimum of 15 tourist is recommended (though we can accommodate smaller
parties at slightly higher rates).
All our packages include bottled water, snacks of typical food, transportation, bilingual
guides, a special gift from the town and security.
17
EL PACAYAL VIEW

FINCA
PO
OTHER PLACES TO
VISIT
FLOR DEL RIO
CUCO BEACH
SPORT CENTER
“POLIDEPORTIVO”
18

R
ECOMENDATIONS
SAN ISIDRO
Enjoy A pleasant, safe and memorable trip. These are
our recommendations for the travelers visiting Chinameca.
Plan your flights, so you can start your tour in the morning,
we recommend to start your tours at 8 or 9 am.
If you need someone to pick you up at airport at any time,
please let us know.
Respect all laws and regulations of the place you visit.
Please do not drink alcohol in the vehicle or buses during
transportation.
We know the most delicious places to eat, ask for recommendations.
If you have special dietary needs, please let us know
as soon as possible.
ZOS DE SAN JUAN
During the group rides, please respect other tourists by being
on time. Once we're all together, the tour will starts.
Always have an ID. If you are a foreigner, keep your passport
and documents.
The gratuities are not included in the prices of the rides, so if
you wish, you can leave your tips with the tourist servers that
serve you.
Please do not separate from the group and if it does, return
to the agreed time and place.
Avoid touching animals and plants found during the trip.
Bring your camera with enough memory and batteries.
Our vehicles do not have bathrooms (except buses), it is suggested
to take every stop that it is on the way.
Bring sunscreen, insect repellent and comfortable clothes.
We suggest only carrying small amounts of cash and no valuable
items.
19

THE TOWN OF CHINAMECA
Page 20
LOCAL GASTRONOMY
In El Salavador and Chinameca
traditional cuisine consist of food
from Indigenous Pipil culture and
Spanish gastronomy.
Many of the dishes are made
with corn like any other place in
the country, you can get pupusas
around every corner.
The pupusa is a thick handmade
corn flour or rice
flour tortilla stuffed with
cheese, chicharrón (cooked pork
meat ground to a paste consistency),
refried beans, and/
or loroco (a vine flower bud native
to Central America).
Let’s take a look at the traditional
food in this city, the variety of
restaurants they have, and the
famous Food Feasts they celebrate
last Sunday of each month.
There is certain type of food you
won’t find in other locations. For
example, the famous Corn Crackers
from the Eastern region.
They are basically unique to this
towns in San Miguel and Usulutan.
Its native names are Totopostes,
Tustacas and Rosquetes. They are
There is an History in Every Town!
very alike but differ in their flavor,
shape CHINAMECA and some AND ingredients. ITS You
MOUNTAINS
have to try them all!
Cooking Tustacas in an artesanal oven In the media of the second half of
the last century the town of Chinameca
was already one of the
most important of the Republic.
Located in the pleasant valley
formed by the hills called Las
Mesas and El Boqueron, divided
into four quarters of Ladino, called
San Juan, Dolores, San Sebastian
and Blood of Christ, and other
indigenous, Yusique, he had
reached "advances and progress in
the sense of civilization and social
and material improvement ", since
by own efforts had managed "to
promote the expansion of the lights,
establishing schools of education
for the youth of both sexes" and
"the rise of agriculture and trade;
making public works and private
ornamental", etc.
In view of this the Legislature, during
the administration of Field Marshal
Don Santiago Gonzalez issued,
dated March 2, 1874, the decree by
which this town was granted the
title of city .
Chinameca it is recognized
for its typical regional
food as are their
Totopostes and Tustacas
which has special ingredients,
they are made from
corn and its taste is exquisite
and solid.
Their are also made of
black corn, cheese, chili as
the choice of the customer.
Laborious woman selling Tustatacas and totopostes
20

Page 21
EXPLORING TOURISM
BEST RESTAURANTS IN THE TOWN
There are some good
options for restaurants
in Chinameca. They have
menus for all the tastes
that include every day
food and some typical
food from the region.
EL VAQUERO
RESTAURANT
The restaurant it is located
in the downtown of Chinameca
and offers a rustic
atmosphere that is good for
spending time with friends
and family. Also, the prices
are very accessible for the
public. The open air in the
restaurant allows visiting
guests to enjoy a fine dining
and relaxing experience
while enjoying live music.
MIS TRES ANGELES BAKERY
“Mis Tres Angeles” is one of the special bakeries that
sell corn crackers, also called totopostes, tustacas and
rosquetes.
You can even visit their website and get the code
with your cellphone and get information about their
location and products!
This is possible because this company in Chinameca
belongs to the project called: Pueblos Vivos, Ministerio
de Turismo and CONSATUR.
21

THE TOWN OF CHINAMECA
Page 22
YOU DON’T HAVE TO MISS IT!
There is an History in Every Town!
CHINAMECA AND ITS
MOUNTAINS
Food Fest
FOOD FEST IN DOWNTOWN CHINAMECA
In the media of the second half of
the last century the town of Chinameca
was already one of the
most important of the Republic.
At the initiative of Mayor of Chinameca, Mr. Francisco
Cubías, Gastronomic Festival is celebrated in the Federal
Park, the last Sunday of each month.
Located in the pleasant valley
formed by the hills called Las
Mesas and El Boqueron, divided
into four quarters of Ladino, called
San Juan, Dolores, San Sebastian
and Blood of Christ, and other
indigenous, Yusique, he had
reached "advances and progress in
the sense of civilization and social
In this gastronomic festival, there are different dishes of
Creole, exotic, typical and traditional food accompanied by
music from different sets, chanchona, street musicians, trios
and soloists.
This event was attended by people from neighboring
towns, and other departments and has become a tradition
over the town of Chinameca.
and material improvement ", since
by own efforts had managed "to
promote the expansion of the lights,
establishing schools of education
for the youth of both sexes" and
"the rise of agriculture and trade;
making public works and private
ornamental", etc.
In view of this the Legislature, during
the administration of Field Marshal
Don Santiago Gonzalez issued,
dated March 2, 1874, the decree by
which this town was granted the
title of city .
CENTRAL PARK
22

Typical
ATOLE
Food
NUEGADOS
BREAD
TAMALES DE ELOTE
PLATNOS RELLENOS
PUPUSAS, YUCA, PASTELES
GREEN MANGO
QUESADILLAS
VARIETY OF TYPICAL FOOD
ELOTES LOCOS, EMPANADAS, ATOLES,
RIGUAS.
23

FINCA
LA JOYA VERDE
T
he next time you are
heading to Chinameca,
you will not be disappointed if
you decide to add this splendid
Inn to your itinerary.
24

25

La Joya Verde it is Located in Conacastal, 37 km from
El Cuco and 7 km from Chinameca. La Joya Verde
features free Wi-Fi access and free private parking.
Guests can enjoy the on-site restaurant.
Inside, the finca effortlessly combines the comfort of
a traditional “locals” with all of the luxuries expected
by the discerning modern day traveller.
IF YOU ARE A NATURE
AFICIONADO
THIS MAY BE THE
RIGHT PLACE
FOR YOU
If you are looking for nature and a quiet place, La
Joya Verde is the right place to stay. The inn boasts 14
bedrooms, styled like a house. The deluxe and balcony
room options with their outside areas, are perfect
for a nightcap whilst staring at the starry sky.
La Joya Verde also includes a one-site restaurant that
serves local and international food and offers a variety
of selected wines.
In summary, La Joya Verde provides the perfect escape,
a relaxed country house where you can enjoy
the nature.
26

With a tropical garden, a hammock-strewn
landing, a tasteful maroon-and-mustard
color scheme and neat, affordable prices
and security, La Joya Verde is the standout
midrange option in San Miguel and 7km
from Chinameca City.
LA JOYA VERDE INN
WHERE
San Miguel, El Salvador. 7 Km from Chinameca
City
CALL
503-2665-5963
EMAIL
lajoyaverdae@gmail.com
27

WHAT ARE LOS PUEBLOS VIVOS?
El Salvador does not stop thinking ideas to promote tourism. From now on, they
want to promote tourism through the project Pueblos Vivos, a good idea for tourists
to discover the cultural development of each town and the most visited places, this is
an interesting aspect that is so wanted by tourists. This project it is a way to publicize
the cultural aspects of the towns and cities of El Salvador.
It is a good project to promote tourism in different parts of El Salvador, some places
which unfortunately do not get sufficient amount of tourists, besides being places of
great interest and therefore, wants to introduce these points and promote tourism in
these interesting places showing its cultural side. Surely, this is a good idea to promote
tourism and get very attractive results, and tourists can learn much more about
the culture of different cities and towns, which tend to like a lot to tourists.
It is a really attractive program that is called Pueblos Vivos, because it is a way to offer
tourists everything that interests to them, so they can enjoy the cultural part of El
Salvador and in particular, the different cities and very tourist towns that is worth
knowing at any time. El Salvador is sure to be greatly benefited with this good idea.
MORE THAT 200 TOWNS IN ONE PLACE.
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