Ruta de las Flores Full-Day Tour: Ataco, Café Albania & Santa Teresa Hot Springs
Spend a full day on El Salvador’s Ruta de las Flores: choose a zipline or slide at Café Albania, wander colorful Ataco, then sink into Santa Teresa’s hot springs. This practical guide covers what to expect and how to prepare.
The Experience
Before You Go
Bring swimwear and a towel
Santa Teresa Hot Springs are included—pack quick-dry swimwear and a towel to enjoy the pools without delay.
Wear grippy shoes
Cobblestone streets in Ataco and wet edges at hot springs can be slick—choose shoes with traction.
Carry small cash
Local coffee shops and market stalls often prefer colones or dollars for small purchases and tips.
Start early for cooler temps
A morning departure avoids midday heat and gives better light for murals and overlooks.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •A quiet viewpoint just outside Ataco where local farmers dry coffee beans on patios
- •Small family-run coffee roasters in town that offer curt, hands-on demos and bags to buy directly
Wildlife
- •hummingbirds near flowering coffee shrubs
- •green iguanas sunning on stone walls
Conservation Note
Support local growers by buying roasted beans directly and stick to marked paths at hot springs; treating water and disposing of waste properly protects fragile spring ecosystems.
Ruta de las Flores grew around coffee cultivation in the 19th and 20th centuries; towns like Ataco became cultural hubs for smallholder coffee production and artisan craft.
What to Bring
Sturdy walking shoesEssential
Provides traction on cobbles, dirt paths, and wet pool edges.
Swimwear and quick-dry towelEssential
Needed for the Santa Teresa thermal pools included in the tour.
Reusable water bottleEssential
Staying hydrated during a nine–hour day in variable mountain sun is important.
Light rain jacket or wind layer
Mountain weather can shift; a packable layer keeps you comfortable in mist or wind.
Common Questions
How long is the tour and what does it include?
The tour is approximately nine hours and includes one activity ticket at Café Albania, time in Concepción de Ataco to explore, entrance to Santa Teresa Hot Springs, transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, and a bilingual guide.
Are the Café Albania activities suitable for children?
Many activities like the rainbow slide and maze are family-friendly, but age/height limits apply for ziplines—confirm specifics with the operator when booking.
Is food or drinks included?
Meals are not included—there will be opportunities to buy local food and coffee in Ataco; bring cash for market purchases.
Can I be picked up from my hotel?
Pickup options are available; the booking process asks for a pickup point and can accommodate many nearby hotels—confirm during reservation.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
9 hours
Location
Concepción de Ataco, Ahuachapán
Difficulty
easy
Fitness Level
Light activity level; suitable for most fitness levels with short standing and walking segments
Ready to Explore Concepción de Ataco?
Book your guided walking tour and discover the hidden stories of this historic mountain city.
Check Availability & Book Now