Tucked away in the northern hills of El Salvador, near the Honduran border, lies a colorful little town that bursts with creativity: La Palma, Chalatenango.
La Palma in Chalatenango is a small town known for its handcrafted objects made of wood or Copinol Seeds. It is also known for its vibrant murals, handmade art, Naif art, and cool mountain air; La Palma is more than just a town—it’s an experience.
This town is also the starting point for various tourist destinations in the upper Chalatenango area, such as El Pital and Miramundo, where you can enjoy agrotourism, ecotourism, and much more.
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A Town Painted in Art
What makes La Palma truly unique is its artistic identity. The town is widely recognized as the birthplace of a distinct Salvadoran folk art style—bright, whimsical, and deeply rooted in nature and daily rural life.
This art movement began in the 1970s when Fernando Llort, one of El Salvador’s most beloved artists, settled in La Palma.
He began teaching local artisans to paint using bold colors and simplified forms, often drawing inspiration from the local landscape and indigenous symbolism.
His influence transformed the town into a living canvas. Today, you’ll see his legacy everywhere—on shop walls, street signs, houses, and even schools. La Palma feels like a gallery under the open sky.
Fernando Llort and Naif Art
In the early 1960s, renowned Salvadoran artist Fernando Llort settled in the mountain town of La Palma, unknowingly setting the stage for a vibrant artistic movement that would capture the heart of a nation.
Llort is widely credited with creating and popularizing Salvadoran Naif art—a colorful, joyful style now recognized throughout the country.
Also known as palmeño art, this genre is characterized by its simple, almost childlike perspective, bright and bold color palettes, flattened shapes, and a strong emphasis on visual storytelling.
Often created by self-taught artists, Naif’s art reflects scenes of everyday rural life, family, community, and the beauty of nature—all rendered in an idealized, uplifting way.
A distinctive feature of this artistic tradition is using natural materials like wood and Copinol seeds as canvases.
These hand-painted crafts have become cultural symbols, primarily associated with La Palma, where local workshops continue to produce them today.
The Naif art movement took root in the 1970s, deeply influenced by Llort’s vision and teachings. His work sparked a wave of creativity, transforming La Palma into a center for folk art and artisan expression.
Naif’s art remains a powerful reminder of how beauty can emerge from simplicity—and how one artist’s dream can inspire an entire community.
Things to Do in La Palma
La Palma in Chalatenango offers a rich cultural experience to visitors: explore artisan workshops, visit the Fernando Llort Museum, admire colorful murals throughout the town, and immerse yourself in its local culture.
Explore Artisan Workshops
As you stroll through town, you’ll discover charming shops and studios filled with hand-painted wood crafts, pottery, textiles, and jewelry.
Most artisans are happy to show you how the pieces are made, and every purchase supports a local family. Some shops will also allow you to participate and create your own crafts.
Visit the Fernando Llort Center
Depending on availability, you can visit places that honor Llort’s legacy and learn more about the town’s artistic development. Some locations offer short workshops where you can paint your own souvenirs.
Take a Walking Tour of the Murals
La Palma is a small town that can be explored by foot. Strolling through town and seeing the colorful murals is a fun way to learn about the town’s culture.
Also, don’t miss the painted church façade, local schools, the community center, and the homes; they showcase stunning murals celebrating Salvadoran life and traditions.
Things to Do Near La Palma in Chalatenango
Many visitors use La Palma as the starting point for nearby tourist destinations, such as Miramundo, El Pital, San Ignacio, and Las Pilas. These places are great for ecotourism and agrotourism.
Miramundo and El Pital
La Palma is a gateway to the El Pital and Miramundo mountain areas—two of the highest points in El Salvador—they sit at over 2,300 feet above sea level.
El Pital, at 2,730 meters above sea level, is El Salvador’s highest point and a premier ecotourism destination. Located about 12 kilometers from La Palma, it offers a cool climate and panoramic views of both El Salvador and neighboring Honduras.
Miramundo sits at an altitude of 2,400 meters and is another notable ecotourism spot in Chalatenango. It is known for its cool temperatures and dense landscapes.
El Pital and Miramundo are ideal for nature enthusiasts seeking tranquility and adventure. Visitors can enjoy activities such as hiking, camping, and observing diverse flora and fauna in its cloud forest environment.
Their high elevations contribute to unique ecosystems, making them perfect for bird-watching and exploring diverse plant species.
The cooler climates offer a refreshing escape from the country’s typical heat. So, whether you’re looking to immerse yourself in nature or relax in a peaceful setting, El Pital and Miramundo provide memorable experiences for all visitors.
San Ignacio and Las Pilas
San Ignacio and Las Pilas, in the highlands of Chalatenango, are premier destinations for eco and agrotourism tourism. San Ignacio, located about 5 kilometers from La Palma, serves as a gateway to the region’s natural wonders.
Las Pilas is a rural area within San Ignacio and is located near the Honduran border; this area offers visitors a unique cross-border cultural experience.
San Ignacio and Las Pilas rural areas are renowned for their agrotourism, with numerous farms cultivating fruits and vegetables.
Tourists can tour the farms to learn about sustainable agricultural practices and even participate in harvesting activities.
The region’s fertile lands and favorable climate make it ideal for growing strawberries, peaches, and lettuce.
San Ignacio and Las Pilas offer many outdoor activities for adventure seekers. The mountainous terrain is perfect for hiking, camping, and mountaineering, with trails that meander through lush forests teeming with diverse flora and fauna.
For those seeking outdoor experiences, the local communities in San Ignacio and Las Pilas are welcoming and eager to share their land with visitors.
La Palma and the 1980s Civil War
La Palma in Chalatenango gained national importance during El Salvador’s Civil War because, in 1984, it became the historic site of the First Dialogue for Peace between the government and guerrilla forces.
The meeting marked a turning point, as it was the first formal attempt to negotiate peace during the violent conflict.
The peace meeting of La Palma was the first of its kind; both sides agreed to get together and discuss how to end the armed conflict.
The historic meeting would take place with strong opposition. Some argued that getting together with guerilla fighters would give them legitimacy.
No peace agreement was reached during Las Palma’s negotiations, and the war continued for several years; however, the La Palma talks represented hope for ending the violent conflict.
Later on, a Legislative Decree from the Salvadoran Legislative Assembly proclaimed La Palma the Cradle of Peace or La Cuna de La Paz in Spanish.
Community and Culture
What stands out most in La Palma—aside from the art—is the warmth of its people. The town has a strong sense of community, and many of the artisan families have passed down their craft through generations.
There’s also a growing focus on sustainability and ecotourism, with several cooperatives and organizations working to preserve the area’s artistic heritage and natural beauty.
Getting to La Palma
La Palma is located about 85 kilometers (roughly 2.5 hours by car) north of San Salvador. The drive itself is scenic, winding through the mountains of Chalatenango.
If you’re not driving, buses from the Terminal de Oriente in San Salvador head to Chalatenango regularly, with connections onward to La Palma.
For adventurous travelers or weekenders, it’s a leisurely road trip that makes for a perfect getaway.
Where to Stay
Accommodations in La Palma are primarily small and locally owned. You’ll find simple but comfortable hotels, hostels, and a few eco-lodges in the nearby areas.
It’s a good idea to book ahead during festival weekends or holidays, especially if you’re traveling with a group.
Explore La Palma in Chalatenango
The colorful town of La Palma is a fantastic place to get away from the hustle of city life or hot weather.
Here, you will find a relaxed atmosphere with plenty of character, great handmade crafts, and a fantastic cup of coffee to keep you warm. Additionally, the views from this area high up in the mountains are just astonishing.
So, whether you’re hunting for unique gifts, interested in folk art, or just looking for a quiet mountain town to unwind in, this little town in Chalatenango has something special to offer.
