Following the Ruta Artesanal in Ilobasco, El Salvador

Whenever I travel to a destination, I make sure I do some proper research and create a list of places I want to visit because they have historical, cultural or artistic value that I want to experience and share later.

Last time I went back to my roots, to my home country of El Salvador, I discovered that it truly has so much for to offer and it is well worth exploring!

There are so many attractions like wonders of nature, mountain ranges and cloud forests, impressive and breathtaking lakes, spectacular black and golden sand beaches, historical towns, frequently visited religious sites, Mayan Temples and also towns dedicated to creating beautiful and colorful art.

One particular area in the country drew my attention and it is the city of Ilobasco. Located about 55 km away from the capital, San Salvador, Ilobasco is renowned for its ceramic production and creation of handcrafts made from clay.

As the locals told us, their history goes back to the Spanish colonization era in the 1700’s.

The knowledge of pottery making, ceramic painting and clay handling has been passed on from generation to generation and family businesses have been around for many years!

All kinds of unique crafts are created such as pots, flower vases, wall décor, coffee mugs, religious statues and images molded after local inhabitants and many more.

I was there with my family and since they know that I am obsessed (I really am) with art in all its forms, they allowed me to take some time away from them and went into one of the family businesses and trust me I felt like a kid in a candy store! Wow, just wow.

Allow me to take you on a photographic tour and enjoy these colorful clay creations!

Ilobasco, El Salvador, travel, photography, ruta artesanal, ES impressive, TS76

Ilobasco, El Salvador, travel, photography, ruta artesanal, ES impressive, TS76

Ilobasco, El Salvador, travel, photography, ruta artesanal, ES impressive, TS76

Ilobasco, El Salvador, travel, photography, ruta artesanal, ES impressive, TS76

Ilobasco, El Salvador, travel, photography, ruta artesanal, ES impressive, TS76

Ilobasco, El Salvador, travel, photography, ruta artesanal, ES impressive, TS76

Ilobasco, El Salvador, travel, photography, ruta artesanal, ES impressive, TS76

Ilobasco, El Salvador, travel, photography, ruta artesanal, ES impressive, TS76

Ilobasco, El Salvador, travel, photography, ruta artesanal, ES impressive, TS76

Ilobasco, El Salvador, travel, photography, ruta artesanal, ES impressive, TS76

Ilobasco, El Salvador, travel, photography, ruta artesanal, ES impressive, TS76

Ilobasco, El Salvador, travel, photography, ruta artesanal, ES impressive, TS76

I really wish I had bought many pieces but hence I had to remember the space & weight of my carry on and also how fragile they are.  Try to guess which ones I got 🙂

I hoped you enjoyed this artistic tour of Ilobasco in El Salvador!

Now it’s your turn.

Tell me something…

Have you visited a town or city just to buy art?

If so where was it and what did you purchase?

I want to read all about it…better yet see it!

Hasta la proxima, until next time.

Felices viajes, Happy Travels

Karla 🙂

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