The Ruta de las Flores (Route of the Flowers) ★★ is a scenic 36-kilometer stretch of winding road in western El Salvador, connecting several charming colonial towns including Juayúa, Ataco, Apaneca, and Salcoatitán. Known for vibrant wildflowers that bloom along the route, especially during the dry season from November to February, this picturesque road offers stunning views of coffee plantations, rolling hills, and volcanic landscapes. Each town along the route has its own unique appeal, featuring colorful murals, artisanal markets, local cuisine (including Juayúa’s famous food festivals).
Although we’ve spent time in El Salvador on two separate occasions, we haven’t been during the best months for flowers on the Ruta de las Flores. But we have three favorite stops along the route! These are: Termales de Santa Teresa (thermal baths), El Carmen Estate (coffee plantation), and El Jardin de Celeste (restaurant). All three offer overnight accommodations. See below for details.
We’ve arranged the stops from north to south in line with our How to Spend a Perfect Week in El Salvador. They are all within 15 km of one another, or less than 30 minutes driving. At the center of the drive is the town of Ataco, allowing you to visit a picturesque town on the Ruta de las Flores without driving the entire route.
Termales de Santa Teresa (Thermal Baths)
The Termales de Santa Teresa is a large facility with hot springs and thermal baths near the start of the Rutas de las Flores and about 1.5 hours by car from San Salvador or 45 minutes from Santa Ana.
Planning Your Time at Termales de Santa Teresa
Bring your swimsuit and get ready for a day of relaxation and fun! At the entrance to the Termales de Santa Teresa is a geyser with steam constantly rising. Get some photos and a short video here before driving in. The driveway up to the parking area is rocky and a bit rough but can easily be driven in a car. After parking, walk up to the top pool and make your way down, spending time in the pools that interest you.
For more information, reach them at +503 7293 6666 or check out their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/TermalesDeSantaTeresa/?locale=es_LA.
Spend a half-day to a full day here, relaxing and exploring the pools, some scalding hot (we didn’t get in those!), some very warm, some cool, and several large, warm swimming-sized pools. The color of the water ranges from emerald-green to vivid blue in the various pools. The beautiful grounds showcase flowering plants and tropical trees. Swing in a hammock, sit and relax on deck chairs, and have coffee or lunch.
You will climb some stairs and a hilly path on your way back up to the top if you visit all the pools, but this is easily doable for a reasonably fit person.
The staff seemed adequate and were busy cleaning the pool decks and grounds when we arrived. The restaurants and bars were not yet open, but there are several outdoor dining areas. We arrived early (at the 9 AM opening) and had the place to ourselves for the first hour or so.
Entrance Fee: $10 entry fee. Sauna with eucalyptus and mud bath: $10 extra. Couples massage: $35. Outdoor cold-water showers and changing rooms are provided free of charge.
Hotel Resort
Termales de Santa Teresa offers adequate rooms from $80 per person/night. Package deals including breakfast and dinner are available.
El Carmen Estate – Coffee Plantation
El Carmen Estate has produced coffee for almost 100 years. Shorter ($7) and longer ($28) tours are offered. The shorter option is 1.5 hours and includes a guided tour of the coffee processing facilities, a short video, and a complimentary cup of coffee. The longer option – at 3 hours – adds a visit to La Casona, the traditional home of the estate, with gourmet coffee and pastry, education on coffee tasting, lunch, and a pound of Ataco Gourmet coffee to take home. Tours are offered daily – complete this Contact Form to ensure availability on the day of your visit.
The address is: km 97 highway Ahuachapan- Sonsonate V573+7CP, 503, Concepción de Ataco
El Carmen Hotel
The El Carmen Hotel also offers reasonably-priced rooms in the historic La Casona house, or next door at Quinta el Carmen in the picturesque town of Concepción de Ataco. To book, click here.
El Jardin de Celeste
After spending the morning at Termales de Santa Teresa – or anytime, head to El Jardin de Celeste for lunch or dinner. This is an outstanding restaurant in a luxurious garden setting. Located about 3.5 km south of El Carmen Estate, this restaurant is often touted as the most prestigious in all of El Salvador. Connect on WhatsApp: +503 7853 6663 or Facebook Messenger: El Jardin de Celeste. Click here for a map and driving directions.
El Jardin de Celeste has a tasty, extensive menu. The grilled steak kebobs entree is enough for two people! Lunch, including Aguas Frescas, coffee and dessert, was about $25 per person. Fresh drinking water is provided at no cost.
Local artisans at stands just inside the restaurant sell coffee from the plantation, handmade textiles, and other gifts.
After dining, walk around the grounds to see the many varieties of trees and other flowering plants. Great photo opportunities!
Accommodations at El Jardin de Celeste
There are also highly rated cabins in garden settings for rent. Book through TripAdvisor by clicking this link.
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