By Lea Thin, freelance writer
The "Ruta de Paz" in El Salvador is more than just a tourist route: it stands as a symbol of hope and reconciliation. The project demonstrates how tourism can contribute to the rebuilding of a post-conflict society by combining historical reflection with economic development.
Winding through the mountains and villages of the Morazán region, the route tells the story of the Salvadoran Civil War, which lasted from 1980 to 1992: families were torn apart, communities destroyed, and trust in the state deeply shaken. However, out of the ruins of this dark period emerged the Ruta de Paz, launched as part of El Salvador’s recovery efforts. The project seeks to keep the memory of the civil war alive, educate future generations, and encourage reflection on the lessons learned from the conflict. At key historical sites along the route, such as the "Museo de la Revolución" in Perquín and the El Mozote Memorial, which honors the hundreds of civilians killed there, visitors learn more about the living conditions of the people in this area and the history of the war. Through dialogue between former enemies and collaborative projects, the initiative promotes national reconciliation and strengthens social cohesion. Cultural events and workshops along the route allow tourists to experience traditional arts, music, and crafts, which played a vital role in preserving the identity of communities during the war.
Xenia Ortiz, a lecturer and researcher on tourism and development, is herself Salvadoran and has analyzed tourism along the Ruta de Paz as a post-war opportunity. She underlines the importance of memory culture in post-conflict times: “All Salvadorans should know how deeply violence is rooted in our history. It’s crucial to understand the causes of this violence to prevent it from being normalized as a response, especially when it comes from the state. By reviewing history through tourism, we have the chance to recognize the conditions of the peace process, the key actors of this historical period, and the lingering wounds that still exist today."
From Soldier to Guide
At the same time, the Ruta de Paz contributes to economic development by bringing tourism to one of the poorest and most war-affected regions in El Salvador, creating new economic opportunities for the local population. "Back then, the region suffered from extreme poverty, lack of public infrastructure, and minimal state presence. Tourism provided a way to tap into these resources, though it was initially challenging due to underdeveloped infrastructure and the community’s lack of experience in the service sector. The Ruta de Paz emerged from these efforts, and with the support of international partnerships, the tourism offerings were improved," explains Xenia Ortiz.
In a unique form of community-based tourism, some guides and hosts are former guerrillerxs (Note: the letter "x" is often used in Spanish to include people of all genders). After the armed conflict for some of them tourism became a chance—a source of income that enabled them to transform places of pain and dehumanization into spaces of healing, testimony, and resilience. This allows visitors to listen to personal stories from the war and witness the direct impact of the peace process.
Between Potential and Challenges
Tourism in the region has evolved significantly. While interest once centered on the history of the armed conflict, today visitors come for a range of experiences like organised birdwatching tours. This shift requires a higher level of specialization and professionalism from guides and tourism providers. The local population is involved in tourism activities on various levels—from founding businesses to producing artisanal goods. However, a recent collection of socioeconomic data from the UNDP in El Salvador reveals significant inequalities between locals and tourists along the Ruta de Paz in Morazán Norte. According to the data, 90 percent of workers are employed in the precarious informal sector, with many likely involved in tourism-related jobs. Almost half of all households are affected by multidimensional poverty, which creates a challenging environment for tourism development. As Xenia Ortiz points out, the infrastructure is clearly not equipped to support travellers: "Only 14 percent of households have access to the internet, which is critical for tourism. Travellers need internet access, and tourism providers rely on it for online bookings, payments, and advertising. Additionally, two-thirds of households lack public waste collection services. If the local population is already struggling with waste management and the area is promoted as a tourist destination, the problem is likely to worsen. Tourism consumes far more resources and generates more waste, increasing the risk of environmental pollution and health issues, setting the stage for potential conflicts."
Tourism for Peace-Building?
In this context, Xenia Ortiz views tourism in El Salvador with some caution: "Tourism can offer many benefits for local communities. However, if not carefully regulated, it can also create tensions. Tourism relies on the same resources as the local population, and these resources are limited. If the growth of tourism alters or restricts local access to essential resources, such as water, conflicts may arise. In the Ruta de Paz region, it's crucial to plan and manage resources in a way that doesn’t disadvantage the community."
However, the Ruta de Paz has shown how tourism can serve as a tool to preserve a part of historical memory in El Salvador. Additionally, it has created economic opportunities for communities that have long been affected by poverty and marginalization. By preserving history and offering hope for the future, tourism along the Ruta de Paz can help ensure that Salvadoran society never forgets both the horrors of war and the power of reconciliation.
