La Palma's appeal is divided between the folk art workshops that line the streets and the mountain landscape that surrounds the town. The two make a natural combination: browse studios in the morning, hike into the cool highlands in the afternoon.
Cerro El Pital, the highest point in El Salvador at 2,730 metres, lies 12 kilometres from town on the Honduran border. The approach road climbs through cloud forest and the summit, on a clear day, gives views into both countries. The drive alone is rewarding.