Linguistic evidence suggests that this group originated in lower Central America, and at some point in time (but shortly before the conquest) established an enclave within the territory of eastern El Salvador.

Some of the traits which continue to identify members of the community with this ethnic group are architecture, subsistence patterns, religious practices, myths, legends, and clothing styles.

The marked traditionalism of Cacaopera can be attributed, in part, to its isolation within the very mountainous terrain of northern Morazan department.

Cacaopera was alternatively occupied by Army and FMLN troops, and was the scene of firefights and bombardments.

A number of sites consist of rock shelters with petroglyphs, pictographs, and lithic flakes and debitage.