Ahuachapán

Ahuachapán, city, western El Salvador, on the small Molino River (with a hydroelectric station) at the foot of La Lagunita Volcano. Originally called Güeciapam by the Indians, it was renamed Agüecha before becoming the town (1823) and the city (1862) of Ahuachapán. A manufacturing and distributing centre (the most important product being coffee), it is also noted for its mineral baths, drawn from thermal springs, notably below the nearby Malacatiupán Falls. A geothermal power plant, using heat from the springs, began operation in 1975. Pop. (2005 est.) urban area, 38,100.