
Department of El Salvador
Photo: House1090, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Morazan is one of the fourteen departments (sometimes translated as "provinces") of El Salvador. It is located in the northeastern part of the country, and its departmental seat is San Francisco Gotera. Much of the area is mountainous and cool most of the year, but downhill in Gotera, the temperature can reach into and beyond 100°F or 37°C. During the civil war of the 1980s, this department saw much of the heaviest fighting, including the famed El Mozote massacre. Fifteen years after the peace accords, the area is recovering and rebuilding.
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This museum, whose name in the Kakawira language means "that of our people" (or "our town"), contains exhibits on the traditions of the Cacaopera people, via cultural and religious objects, photographs, and crafts.
The main plaza includes a colonial church, constructed in 1660 and restored at various times. Its structure is surprising, with very thick walls. Next to this building is a bell tower with three bronze bells dating back to 1721. There are dance groups that perform upon the sound of the bells, such dances as "The feathered ones" and "The 'negritos'," both within and outside the church walls as well as in private homes and on festival occasions.
Hosts a library and a museum about traditional culture.
Museum of the Revolution
This Perquín-based museum houses a collection of objects, images, information and testimonies of historic moments related to the Salvadoran Civil War that took place during the 1980s and early 1990s.
This lovely village was the site of a major massacre (at least 900 villagers assassinated by the National Army), during the Civil War, in 1981. There is not much to see about these events, but local guides will provide you with information on what happened, for a few dollars.
La Gruta del Espíritu Santo
This cave area contains ancient paintings and etchings that archaeologists date back to the pre-Classic period of Mesoamerican culture. The site is part of the "Peace Route" (Ruta de la Paz) tourism program. There is a Concultura guide on-site, though you generally are let to explore the site on your own. If you were to ask the guide to show you around, your request would probably be granted.
Between Joateca and Arambala is a large wilderness area, characterized by its forests of chaparral, oak, black oak and pine, protecting Toad River Basin, which has an amazing clean channel turquoise waters. Here, you can enjoy the splendid scenery, the fresh water, many types of birds singing, and a glimpse of a deer.
It is possible to camp in the park of the Gruta. However you have to get the permission from the institutions in San Salvador first (tel: +503 7364 9748), a couple of days in advance. The site is lovely, and offers a drinkable water spring, but that's it for the accommodations.
Camping on the ground of the museum. 2$/person. Bring your own tent. They provide nothing more than the ground and WC, but the people working there are lovely, and it's cheap.
Camping in a mini country club. 5$/person. Provides dining room, WC and outdoors shower. The place also has a swimming pool (probably accessible for an extra fee).
Not great, but it's cheap, fairly clean, and there is not much choice in Corinto.
This location provides a few hotels and campgrounds in country clubs. It feels a bit sad during the dry season, but otherwise it is well reputed.
This is a mountain hotel that has seven air-conditioned cabañas, all hygienic and finely decorated. It offers restaurant service and a pleasant atmosphere.
You can find buses running to Gotera, Sociedad, Corinto and other towns in the department, as well as to San Miguel or La Unión. "Kilometer 18" stop is a major center for changing routes.
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Palmerola · International · XPL
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