Arcatao facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Arcatao
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Municipality
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 Arcatao
Location in El Salvador
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| Country |  El Salvador |
| Department | Chalatenango Department |
| Area | |
| • Total | 25.8 sq mi (66.8 km2) |
| Elevation | 2,126 ft (648 m) |
Arcatao is a small town and a special area (called a municipality) in El Salvador. It is located in the Chalatenango Department.
Contents
Where is Arcatao?
Arcatao is about 32 kilometers (20 miles) east of Chalatenango. It sits right on the border with Honduras. The town is in a small valley between two mountains, La Cañada and Caracol.
Rivers and Villages
Several rivers flow near Arcatao. These include the Sumpul River, Lempa River, Zazalapa River, and Guayampoque River. Arcatao also has several small villages nearby. Some of these are Cerro Grande, Eramon, Las Vegas, Los Sitios, Teosinte, and Los Filos.
How Many People Live Here?
The number of people living in Arcatao has grown over the years.
- In 1992, there were about 800 people.
- By 2004, the population grew to 2,895.
- In 2007, there were about 2,990 people living in Arcatao.
What Does Arcatao Do for Money?
Most people in Arcatao earn money from farming. The area has a mild climate most of the year. It also gets a lot of rain in winter. This makes the soil very good for growing many different crops.
Main Crops and Products
Farmers grow white corn, different kinds of beans, rice, and sugar cane. They also grow vegetables like tomatoes, watermelons, squash, chayotes, and cucumbers. For fruits, they grow mangoes, cashews, jocotes, bananas, coconuts, and paternas.
Besides farming, some people make things from iron. They create tools like knives, machetes, and shovels. Others make handmade artistic souvenirs. Money also comes from family members who work outside El Salvador and send money home.
Getting Around Arcatao
Arcatao has roads that connect it to other places.
Local Roads
One road goes northwest and is partly paved. It links Arcatao with villages like Nueva Trinidad, San Jose Las Flores, and Los Ranchos. This road will soon be part of a bigger route (CA-3). This new route will help many towns along the border with Honduras. It will start in Metapan and end in La Union.
Another road goes southeast and connects to the city of Nombre de Jesus. There is also a road that links to Guarita in Honduras. Another road goes east, connecting to La Virtud in Honduras. Buses travel daily from Arcatao to Chalatenango and San Salvador.
Learning in Arcatao
Arcatao has good educational opportunities for young people. There is a kindergarten for younger children. There is also a public school that teaches students from 1st to 12th grade. Students can also get computer training. A public library is available for everyone to use.
Cool Places to Visit
Arcatao has some interesting natural spots to explore.
- Gualsinga River: This river is known for its clear water. It is one of the last rivers in the country with such clean, crystal-clear water.
- Eramon Mount: This mountain is about 3,000 feet (914 meters) above sea level. Arcatao was first settled here about 300 years ago.
- Las Ventanas Mount (The Windows): This natural wonder is about 2,600 feet (792 meters) above sea level. From here, you can see beautiful parts of Honduras. You can also see lakes and volcanoes in other areas of El Salvador.
Special Celebration Days
Arcatao celebrates two main yearly festivals called Patronal festivities.
- The first is on February 2nd, called "Dia de la Candelaria."
- The second is on August 24th, called "Dia de San Bartolome Apostol."
For about three or four days before each of these special days, the community celebrates. They have different activities, like "El Correo," where people wear costumes. There are also fireworks. "Tianguis," or swap-meets, happen in the main town square. You can find typical local food served everywhere.
Is Arcatao Safe?
Arcatao is a very peaceful and quiet place. There is no violence or gangs that bother the people. The PNC, which is the Civil National Police, works 24 hours a day. They are there to protect and serve everyone in the town.
Sister Cities
Arcatao has a special connection with another city:
Images for kids
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A panoramic view of Arcatao.
See also
In Spanish: Arcatao para niños
