About seven kilometers out of Suchitoto on the paved road, la Ruta Turistica Sitio Guazapa is a beautiful route through the jungle. The office which greets tourists is adorned with a mural that the youth of the town have painted. Along the route are important points of guerrilla resistance in the civil war, as well as historic indigo-making equipment and impressive giant mango trees. From the tree-house-like lookout point, one can see the lake Suchitlan and the church at Suchitoto amidst the surrounding mountains. The route is part of an ecotourism business plan that the youth of El Sitio are organizing to preserve their cultural heritage and to create employment. Their skill as guides, both in knowledge of history and as naturalists, is phenomenal. I wholeheartedly recommend the route.
The route can be done on foot or on horseback. A guided tour may not seem "off the path" but the rugged trails and the fact that the guides are youth inventing livelihood for themselves make it much more appealing. To arrange a visit, have someone who speaks Spanish call 01172943990 or 01123000972. You should probably provide your own translation.
Written Aug 19, 2007
Just outside of Suchitoto is an area called Tenango. This was a battle zone during the Civil war. The church, as you can see, was destroyed by mortar fire. If you go to this area, I recommend a guide.
Written Feb 25, 2003
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