Ciudad Merliot, a small “city” between Antiguo Cuscatlán and Santa Tecla

ciudad merliot
This image is somewhat old, but it illustrates certain details we want to show. It was taken near the El Platillo roundabout, and based on what can be seen, it was likely taken from inside the Mister Donut restaurant. In the background, you can see the San Salvador volcano, which is very close. Additionally, this spot could be considered a central point, or even the central point, in Ciudad Merliot.

Ciudad Merliot is a vibrant urban hub in La Libertad Department, blending residential neighborhoods with commercial activity. Known for its mix of local businesses, banks, restaurants, and some shopping centers, it serves as a key area connecting Santa Tecla and Antiguo Cuscatlán.

Municipal Jurisdiction: A Unique Administrative Split

Ciudad Merliot’s boundaries straddle two municipalities, creating occasional confusion:

  • Santa Tecla (La Libertad Sur): The northern and central parts of Merliot.
  • Antiguo Cuscatlán (La Libertad Este): Southern areas, including the Mercadito de Merliot (now managed by La Libertad Este).

Recent Changes:

  • Administrative restructuring has shifted governance of certain landmarks. For example, the municipal market was previously managed by Antiguo Cuscatlán but is now under La Libertad Este.
  • A Catholic parish near the market once displayed signage from Antiguo Cuscatlán’s local government, reflecting its historical jurisdiction.
ciudad merliot
This satellite image shows the outlined area of Ciudad Merliot. It’s important to clarify that this is not a professional demarcation but rather an approximate one and should not be considered the full extent of the area. It is only meant to give a clearer idea of Ciudad Merliot’s size.

Boundaries and Key Landmarks

Ciudad Merliot’s limits are informally defined but include:

  • Pan-American Highway: A major artery separating Merliot from neighboring zones.
  • 17th North Avenue (Santa Tecla): Marks the northern edge.
  • Multiplaza/La Gran Vía: High-end shopping centers near its western boundary.
  • El Platillo Roundabout: A central hub connecting key streets like Calle El Pedregal and Calle Chiltiupán.

Commercial and Residential Zones

  • Commercial Hotspots:
    • Calle El Pedregal: Lined with shops, cafes, and services.
    • Plaza Merliot: A shopping plaza with supermarkets, pharmacies, and eateries.
    • Mercadito de Merliot: A local market offering fresh produce and goods.
  • Residential Areas:
    • A mix of standalone homes, gated communities (residenciales), and apartment complexes.
    • Quiet side streets (pasajes) contrast with bustling main roads.

To get a clearer view of what Ciudad Merliot looks like (at least what can be seen when driving along the main road), you can watch the following video, which shows a drive through Ciudad Merliot from the area around La Gran Vía (shopping plaza) towards Santa Tecla.

Transportation: Navigating to Ciudad Merliot

From San Salvador by Bus (Route 101-D):

  1. Board at La Despensa de Don Juan (near Metrosur).
  2. The route passes through:
    • Colonia Escalón: An upscale neighborhood.
    • Avenida Jerusalén: Prone to heavy traffic during rush hours (5 PM onward).
    • UN Stepover Bridge: Near Multiplaza shopping center.
  3. Key stops:
    • La Gran Vía: A commercial complex.
    • Plaza Merliot: Central drop-off point.

Driving:

  • The Pan-American Highway offers direct access but can be congested.
  • Parking is available near shopping centers.

Local Insights

  • Resident Perspective:
    • Merliot’s blend of convenience and accessibility makes it popular with families and professionals.
    • Debate persists among locals about its exact municipal boundaries, though most agree it spans Santa Tecla and Antiguo Cuscatlán.
  • Visitor Tips:
    • Weekday mornings are ideal for avoiding traffic.
    • Explore side streets for hidden cafes and local eateries.

Why Ciudad Merliot Stands Out

  • Strategic Location: Proximity to San Salvador (15-20 minutes) and Santa Tecla’s cultural attractions.
  • Diverse Amenities: From banks (BAC Credomatic, Davivienda) to international chains (Pizza Hut, Starbucks).
  • Growth Potential: Ongoing development projects aim to enhance infrastructure and connectivity.

Ciudad Merliot is not a luxury area. Some houses are much better than others. Additionally, along the main road (Calle El Pedregal and Calle Chiltiupán), you can find many shops, businesses, and even the occasional workshop. It’s a fairly large area, so you could say there’s a bit of everything.