A small town along the ruta de las flores in El Salvador, Ataco has it’s charms — just be sure to go on the weekend.

Like a more subdued version of its neighbor town Juayua, Ataco has food stands and performers to enjoy each weekend. But if you think you can avoid the festivities and see a local village in an everyday setting by coming during the week, you might be disappointed. Most of the shops, restaurants and hostels only open on weekends.

Hostel Segen located just off the main square is a modest but very comfortable hotel/hostel with beds for under $9usd a night. They offer free coffee and refrigerator use, but no kitchen.

And, if you do get stuck here during the week, don’t fret too much because come 6pm there are more than enough pupuserias to choose from.