el salvador travel guide

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Ultimate El Salvador Itinerary and Travel Guide

In the heart of Central America between Guatemala and Honduras lies El Salvador on the Pacific Coast, a country that might be small in size but is immense in its natural wonders. What makes El Salvador truly special? The fact that you can kick off your morning hiking a volcano, then switch gears to jet skiing on the lake with a lakeside lunch, and make it In time for a sunset seafood dinner on the beach. This El Salvador itinerary will help you experience the best of the best of the country. From thrilling activities to mouthwatering meals and luxury accommodations, it’s all here, in this comprehensive El Salvador travel guide.

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Best places to say in el salvador.

Because the country is so small, just over 8,000 square miles (the size of Massachusetts), it’s easy to stay in one location for the duration of your trip and take day trips to the top sites. If you follow my itinerary, most places are within 1 – 2 hours away from one another.

I recommend staying somewhere on the beach for most, or all of your stay, but will also recommend hotels on the lake or in the mountains if you’d like to switch it up for a change of scenery.

The most popular area to stay in El Salvador is a stretch of beach around the La Libertad department known as “Surf City” – a collection of small beach towns popular for its great surf. The most famous town here is El Tunco, which is most notably favored amongst surfers, backpackers, and young travelers. Next to El Tunco is another popular area called El Zonte, which is like the more relaxed and refined older sister to El Tunco.

Best Hotels in El Salvador for Luxury

If there’s one thing about me as a luxury travel blogger, it is that where there is luxury I will go; and where there is not – I will find it. While luxury does not come to mind for most when thinking about El Salvador, you may be pleased to find that there are several options for 5-star hotels scattered throughout the country. The 5-star standards may not be as up to par as more popular and developed Central American countries like Mexico and Costa Rica where options are plenty, El Salvador has come a long way in offering great accommodations that appeal to luxury travelers – and it’s only going to get better.

In this section I cover the best luxury hotels in El Salvador.

Mizata by Antiresort

Mizata , in my opinion is the top luxury beach hotel in all of El Salvador. Though it is located in a more secluded area about 45 minutes up the coast from the tourist area of El Tunco and Surf City, this eco-luxury property is a destination within itself. The small boutique hotel is situated on the black sand beach of Mizata, and offers both beach-front and jungle-facing treehouses and bungalows.

On the property, Nawi Beach House is a popular destination for hotel guests, visiting tourists, and locals alike, as they offer day passes to non-hotel guests to their beachfront infinity pool, beach bar, and complimentary horseback rides on the sand.

The hotel also offers surf retreats, yoga, and complimentary horseback rides on the beach. The rooms have a contemporary boho and eco-luxury decor with outdoor showers and bathrooms. I will say that the sound of the crashing waves can be loud at night which doesn’t not bother me, but may be troublesome for very light sleepers.

Best Hotels in El Tunco / El Zonte / La Libertad / Surf City

Because of its central beach location, Surf City El Salvador is a great jumping point to many day trips you can take in El Salvador. There are quite a few options for luxury and 5-star beach resorts in this area

Las Farallones

Las Farallones is one of the top hotels in the area. It is located on a quiet beach in La Libertad just outside of El Tunco. Despite it being a fairly small hotel, it has 4 swimming pools, including being one of the few properties with an ocean water pool, suspended on its cliffs. Many of the rooms come with balconies, some with hot tubs on them. Las Farallones also has a spa, which not all properties in the area provide. There is one restaurant on the property that focuses on seafood, but many restaurants nearby.

Best for: Couples , families

Garten Hotel

Garten Hotel is another one of the popular top hotel. It is located on the quieter El Zonte Beach. It is a boutique resort with an infinity pool, spa, and a particularly beautiful penthouse suite. There is one restaurant and one cafe on the property.

Best for: Couples

Bocas Olas Resort Villas

If you want to stay in El Tunco to be in the center of the action, Boca Olas is the top luxury option. The property is located on the river that connects to the ocean, a short walk from the beach. The rooms are a little more traditional rustic here, and many come with outdoor balconies/patios with a hammock. There is no spa, but they are able to arrange a masseuse for in-room massages. What I especially like about Boca Olas is that there are two swimming pools — one with a swim-up bar and livelier atmosphere, and another more tranquil and quiet pool for relaxing. There is one restaurant on property and two bars. The location is where El Tunco begins, and connects to its main drag but is still very quiet.

Best for: Solo travelers, young travelers

Palo Verde Sustainable Hotel

Palo Verde is an eco-luxury property in El Zonte with a high commitment to sustainability. They have various room types including suites with balconies, ocean views, and a loft for bigger groups. The hotel has a swimming pool and is within walking distance to many great restaurants in El Zonte, including one on-site that is popular but not affiliated with the hotel called Olor de Mar. They also have an on-site Spanish School which is particularly interesting.

Best for: Solo travelers, young travelers , surfers

One Week in El Salvador Itinerary, 7 Days – Top Tourist Attractions in El Salvador

Save this interactive map I created to help guide you on your trip. Click the square in the upper righthand corner to expand.

Day 1 – Arrive at the beach

On the first day of your trip, you’ll arrive and settle in to your beach hotel. I really recommend kicking off your trip by staying at Mizata, and ending it around El Tunco, but if you plan to not change hotels during your entire week in El Salvador, then heading straight to Surf City is good, too.

The drive from El Salvador International Airport (SAL) will be anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour, depending on where you’re staying on the coast. It is advisable to rent a car as driving in El Salvador is quite straight forward.

Spend your day settling in, enjoying your beachfront hotel, and relaxing, because the rest of the trip will be active and action-packed.

If you arrive on the morning between Thursday and Sunday, I recommend stopping for breakfast at Cafe Canegue .

Day 2 – Ruta de las Flores

Driving time to Ruta de las Flores from Mizata: 1.5 hours From El Tunco: 2.5 Hours

The Ruta de las Flores, or the “Route of the Flowers,” is a picturesque journey through the mountains of El Salvador, inviting travelers to immerse themselves in the natural beauty, cultural richness, and charming colonial towns that adorn this scenic route. Stretching approximately 36 kilometers through the country’s western highlands, the route is best known for its flowers, produce, coffee plantations, and traditional towns.

The journey typically begins in the town of Sonsonate and meanders through the villages of Juayúa, Apaneca, Ataco, and Ahuachapán. Each town along the Ruta de las Flores has its own unique character, offering visitors a blend of local crafts, street markets, and colorful murals.

What to do on the Ruta de Las Flores:

Concepcion de Ataco: Known more casually as just “Ataco,” this is the most popular and loved town on Ruta de las Flores, so if you plan to visit only one, Ataco should be it. Admire the colorful murals as you wander around the local markets and central park before making your way to Casa 1800 Hotel Ataco for lunch in their lush and picturesque garden restaurant.

Santa Teresa Hot Springs / Termales de Santa Teresa : Near the town of Ataco, immerse in the natural thermal pools of the Santa Teresa geyser. Here you will find natural hot springs pools of various temperatures, mud baths, and spa services.

Cafe Albania : For something more adventurous, visit the Cafe Albania adventure park in the town of Apaneca. The park’s most popular attractions are the bicycle zip line, giant hedge maze, and a very tall rainbow slide, all to the backdrop of the lush mountainside. (There is another famous rainbow slide 20 minutes outside of the capital city San Salvador, at a restaurant called Picnic Steakhouse.)

Day 3 – Cerro Verde National Park, Santa Ana Volcano, Lake Coatepeque

Driving time to Cerro Verde from Mizata: 1.5 hours From El Tunco: 2 Hours

Cerro Verde National Park & Santa Ana Volcano Hike

On day 3 of your El Salvador Trip, you’ll wake up early to hike the active Santa Ana Volcano in Cerro Verde National Park. The park is situated between the Santa Ana, Izalco, and Cerro Verde volcanoes. Each of these volcanoes contributes to the unique volcanic landscape of the area. The Park opens at 8:00, and the tour groups usually hike around 11:00am, so time it wisely.

The Santa Ana Volcano hike is about 2 hours to the top, where you will be rewarded with views of the fluorescent green crater lake. The hike is easy-to-moderate difficulty, and most people in average physical condition can complete it.

Cerro Verde is mostly known for the volcano hike, but if you’re looking for other activities, the area is also known for its coffee farms. I did a coffee tasting and tour at Finca Campo Bello, which is a great property if you want to spend the night glamping in one of their igloos.

For lunch in Cerro Verde, I recommend Casa 1800 Hotel, with the option to stay over night. Otherwise, continue on to Lago Coatepeque.

Lago de Coatepeque

This pristine volcanic lake is located about 30 minutes outside of Cerro Verde National Park. It is dotted with hotels and villas Here, you can spend the afternoon swimming, on boat tours, or my personal recommendation – jet skiing, which you can rent from your hotel if you plan on spending the night, or from Captain Morgan Hostel. You can jet ski the whole perimeter of the lake in about an hour.

(Optional) Tazumal Ruins

Archeology fans will appreciate a visit to the Tazumal Archeological Park. Located about 30 minutes from Coatepeque (or an hour from Cerro Verde), the site features well-preserved Mayan ruins, including pyramids, platforms, and residential structures. Tazumal was once part of the ancient Mesoamerican city of Chalchuapa and is believed to have been a vital center for trade and cultural exchange.

Optional overnight accommodations in Cerro Verde or Lake Coatepeque

You may wish to spend the night in either Cerro Verde or Lake Coatepeque in order to split up days/activities (or both if you’d like to add a day to your itinerary.) If you are looking for solitude in nature, stay in Cerro Verde. If you are looking for more things to do, stay on the lake.

Top luxury hotel Cerro Verde : Casa 1800 Cerro Verde

Casa 1800 Cerro Verde offers visitors a quiet escape in the mountains. There is no pool or spa, but offers the best volcano views, and their restaurant is very popular.

Top luxury hotel Coatepeque : Cardedeu / Cardedeu Residence

Cardedeu and Cardedeu Residence are two separate luxury properties on the lake. The accommodations are modern with beautiful lake views, an infinity pool, and restaurant.

Day 4 – San Salvador & Surroundings

Driving time to San Salvador from Lake Coatepeque: 1 hour From Cerro Verde: 1.5 hours From Mizata: 1 hour 40 minutes From El Tunco: 1 hour

Day 4 of your trip will consist of exploring the capital city of San Salvador, which is the country’s biggest city. Here are the top things to do in and around San Salvador – choose your own adventure!

El Centro Historico

The Downtown historic center of “old San Salvador” is a reflection of its Spanish colonial past. You may want to take a tour of the area, or visit the Art Museum in nearby Panchimalco. If you are there in the evening, take a quick drive over to Planes de Rendero for pupusas, the best ones served by Pupuseria Abby.

Zona Rosa / San Benito

This is the most trendy area of San Salvador, particularly the neighborhood of San Benito where you will find some of the city’s best gastronomic restaurants and emerging bar scene. Two of the top restaurants include El Xolo and Brutto .

Los Chorros

About 30 minutes from San Salvador are the natural pools surrounded by tranquil vegetation of Los Chorros, where you can take a refreshing dip in the park’s natural setting.

El Jardin Botanico Plan de la Laguna

About 20 minutes outside of the city is the botanical garden that sits at the bottom of a volcanic crater. The lush gardens and pond make for a peaceful escape from the busy city.

El Boqueron

About 30 minutes outside of San Salvador is where you can find the short but beautiful hike up the crater of San Salvador volcano.

Lago de Ilapongo

About 20 minutes from San Salvador is El Salvador’s biggest volcanic caldera lake. The permitter of lake Ilapongo is not as developed as Lake Coatepeque, but it is an absolutely beautiful place to have lunch and enjoy the views at Las Tres Piedras , which is also one of the most beautiful hotels if you’d like to spend a night.

At this point, if you have not already been staying around El Tunco, it’s time to switch hotels to spend the rest of your trip in Surf City. After your day in San Salvador, make the ~ 1 hour drive to the El Tunco or El Zonte beach hotel of your choice.

Day 5 – 7 – Surf City El Salvador – El Tunco, Sunzal, & El Zonte

The rest of your trip will be spent on the beach in surf city. Here are the top things to do in El Tunco and the surroundings:

Hang out in El Tunco

El Tunco is a tiny laidback beach town, with one main alley-like road that meets the boardwalk. By day, people are out surfing, spending time on the beach, and dining or shopping at the various restaurants and boutiques. By night, El Tunco becomes the go-to area for nightlife, with the several options for bars and clubs that are enjoyed by both tourists and locals alike. El Tunco strikes me as unique for being one of the few places where the main tourist hub is also the area where locals enjoy going out.

Go surfing or take lessons

As a world famous surf destination, El Tunco is as good of a place as ever to learn how to surf. You can’t walk more than a block without stumbling on a place where you can find a surf instructor. You may even wish to join one of the many surf and/or yoga retreats.

Spend time at the beach

While many of the beaches around El Tunco are quite rocky, two of the most beautiful beaches that are great for both swimming and surfing or just relaxing are Playa San Blas and the less populated Playa de Shalpa . Sunsets on the beach in El Salvador are especially magical.

Taminique Waterfalls

About 25 minutes from El Tunco is a popular day trip to Taminique, where you can hike, swim, and cliff jump off beautiful waterfalls.

Best Restaurants in El Tunco & El Zonte, Surf City

I will admit that El Salvador is not quite ready to be considered a hot spot for foodies, as the cuisine is very simple and limited in most parts of the country; but the ingredients are fresh and the pupusas are amazing all throughout the country. In San Salvador and around El Tunco is where you’ll find the most variety of options for restaurants, with fresh seafood being the star.

Like in all my travel guides, I like to recommend local cuisine as much as possible. You’ll always find at least one very popular Asian restaurant or Mediterranean restaurant in nearly every tourist hub, but I believe to make the most out of your trip you’ll want to eat the local cuisine as much as possible.

Betos – One of the most popular seafood restaurants in the area with great ocean views. In between El Tunco and El Zonte. Go for sunset!

Malecon Fish Market – The local fish market with over 20 vendors and restaurants selling fresh seafood and ceviche at the pier of La Libertad. Arrive in the morning!

Pupusa Geisy (or Jeisy) – The best pupusas in the whole area, found in El Zonte.

Olor Del Mar – A refined seafood restaurant on the property of Palo Verde but independently operated.

Pargos the Ocean Grill – A more casual seafood restaurant in El Tunco located at Pargos hotel. Sit on the second floor for views of the ocean.

La Bonita Beach Club – A spacious and trendy-looking beach club restaurant on the boardwalk of El Tunco that is lively particularly at night.

Restaurante Erika – A typical El Salvadoran and seafood restaurant loved by locals (and tourists!) in El Tunco.

Capt. Cook – A small ceviche and seafood joint in the heart of El Tunco.

Canegue Cafe – A cafe in El Zonte that serves an amazing brunch Thursday – Sunday focusing on a changing menu of fresh, local ingredients.

Pupuseria La Guanaquita – The best pupusas in El Tunco.

Dale Dale Cafe – A good casual place to grab breakfast in El Tunco.

Mr. Coffee – The best place to grab a quick coffee when you need a pick-me-up in El Tunco.

El Salvador Travel Tips & FAQ

How to get to El Salvador / How to get around El Salvador

El Salvador is a great destination to visit from the US because there are direct flights offered from many cities including Los Angeles, New York, and Miami to El Salvador International Airport (SAL), with major airlines like United, Delta, and Avianca. The flight time is between 3 – 5 hours depending on departure city, making it a great alternative to Mexico or Costa Rica.

Once in El Salvador, most points of interest are within 1 to 2 hours away from one another. The best way to get around El Salvador is by renting a car, although there is Uber in the major tourist areas as well as a good public transportation system, as well as the infamous Latin-America chicken bus.

Best time to visit El Salvador / Weather in El Salvador

El Salvador has a year-round tropical climate with a wet and dry season.

High Season/Dry Season – November to April: Weather: This period is characterized by dry and warm weather, making it a popular time for travel. Daytime temperatures are generally comfortable, ranging from the mid-70s to mid-90s Fahrenheit (24-35°C).

Low Season/Wet Season – May to October:

Wet Season (May to October): Weather: The wet season brings increased rainfall and higher humidity. While rain showers are common, they often occur in the late afternoon or evening, leaving mornings for outdoor activities. Daytime temperatures range from the mid-80s to mid-90s Fahrenheit (around 29-35°C).

The Wet Season is a popular time for surfers as as the Pacific coast experiences consistent swells.

In both the wet and dry seasons, the weather in the mountainous regions such as Santa Ana, Cerro Verde, and Suchitoto can be 10 degrees or more cooler.

Is El Salvador safe for tourists?

What once was considered one of the most dangerous countries in Central America is now one of the safest, thanks to President Bukele who has majorly reformed the country. Of course, you should always exercise basic precautions most anywhere you travel, including being mindful of your valuables and not walking around off the beaten path late at night.

How much does it cost to travel to El Salvador?

5-star hotels in El Salvador typically begin around $150 but can be double the price during peak/high season, particularly around Christmas and New Years. Hotels will be your greatest expense.

You can rent a car in El Salvador for around $25 a day.

Meals are very affordable, typically no more than $10 – $15 a person, while pupusas usually cost no more than $1 – $1.50. Domestic beers are usually around $2.00.

Entrance to national parks and other tourist sites are usually not more than a few dollars.

Have anymore questions about traveling to El Salvador? Leave me a comment or contact me directly . Happy travels!

El Salvador

The land of volcanoes and bitcoin, the size of Massachusetts, and damn good pupusas.

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El Salvador travel guide

The smallest country in Central America, El Salvador is big on natural wonders. The word is out among more intrepid travellers that this is the region’s up-and-coming destination. Newcomers are bowled over by the stunning landscape, with smoking volcanoes, surf-pounded beaches, pristine cloud forests and crystalline lagoons. And those in the know are drawn back time and again by its warm-hearted and dynamic people.

This tiny tropical land, about the size of Wales or Massachusetts, is packed with highlights. Magnificent, crowd-free national parks include Cerro Verde, Montecristo and the irresistibly named El Imposible. You can shoot the rapids on whitewater rafts, or take a lazy boat ride across volcanic crater lakes Ilopango and Coatepeque. Surfers flock to the world-class Pacific breakers at Sonsonate, El Zonte and La Unión, only a short drive from the capital. The archaeological remains at Tazumal mark the furthest outpost of the Maya empire; the Ruta de Las Flores features colourful, flower-filled villages, with volcanic hot springs and indigenous craft markets; and Morazán province offers tours of civil war trenches led by former guerrillas turned guides.

El Salvador still has a bad reputation for violent crime, but the truth is that the locals have always suffered much more than tourists at the hands of criminals, most of whom are more concerned with the feuding of rival drug gangs.

The tourism industry is responding rapidly to the country’s rising popularity. Coffee plantations are inviting guests to visit, to eat and drink, to stay, to work. Beach resorts are becoming more boutique, spa hotels are multiplying and the eastern Gulf of Fonseca is being developed, with boat-and-bus routes connecting with neighbouring Nicaragua. El Salvador may not yet be the most comfortable place to visit in the region, but for the increasing number of people who are making the effort, the rewards are plentiful.

21,041 sq km (8,124 sq miles).

6,146,419 (UN estimate 2016).

291.9 per sq km.

San Salvador.

Interim-President Claudia Juana Rodríguez de Guevara since 2023.

Travel Advice

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ( FCDO ) provides advice about risks of travel to help British nationals make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice .

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide and see support for British nationals abroad for information about specific travel topics.

Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter , Facebook and Instagram . You can also sign up to get email notifications when this advice is updated.

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance . Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

This advice reflects the UK government’s understanding of current rules for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK, for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in El Salvador set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Salvadoran Embassy in the UK .

COVID-19 rules

There are no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for travellers entering El Salvador.

Passport validity requirements

To enter El Salvador, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the day you arrive.

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

Visa requirements

You can travel to El Salvador for tourism or business for up to 180 days without a visa.

You can extend your stay by contacting the General Directorate of Migration and Immigration . 

To stay longer (to work or study, for business travel or for other reasons), you must meet the Salvadoran government’s entry requirements. Check which type of visa or work permit you need with the Salvadoran Embassy in the UK .

If you overstay your visa, you may have to pay a fine before leaving the country.

Applying for a visa

If you need a visa, contact the Salvadoran Embassy in the UK .

Travelling to Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua      

Under the Central America Border Control Agreement (also known as CA-4), you can travel between El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua for up to 90 days without a visa.

The 90-day period starts when you enter any of these countries and does not restart when you cross borders. You’ll have to go through immigration checks at borders.

If you’re expelled from one of these countries, you’re also excluded from the other 3. If you overstay, you may get a fine.

Vaccination requirements

At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the vaccinations and certificates you need in TravelHealthPro’s El Salvador guide .

Depending on your circumstances, this may include a yellow fever certificate.

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of El Salvador. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

Taking money into El Salvador    

Declare cash or travellers cheques if the value is 10,000 US dollars or more.

Transit fee for Indian and African nationals

Indian nationals or nationals from any African country travelling through El Salvador must pay a 1,130 US dollar fee. See transit fee for Indian and African nationals .

British dual nationals will not have to pay the fee if they travel on their British passport.

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad .

Terrorism in El Salvador

Although there’s no recent history of terrorism in El Salvador, attacks cannot be ruled out. 

Political situation

Despite political tensions arising from irregularities in the electoral processes, both the Presidential and Legislative elections on 4 February and Municipal and Central American Parliamentary elections on 3 March passed peacefully.  Avoid demonstrations and do not engage in any political activity.

It’s illegal for foreign nationals to engage in political activities such as public demonstrations in El Salvador. If you participate in demonstrations, you may be detained and deported. Avoid large gatherings or demonstrations and be cautious in public areas.

In 2021 there were significant political protests in San Salvador. Although the protests were peaceful and there were no injuries, there was significant damage to property.

Also in 2021, gunmen in San Salvador opened fire on activists from one of El Salvador’s main opposition parties, killing 2 people and injuring 5 more.  

El Salvador has until recently had one of the highest crime rates in Latin America. The risks of violent and petty crime remain, despite recent progress.

State of exception (emergency)

El Salvador’s government has declared a state of exception (emergency) in response to a sharp rise in gang-related murders. The state of exception started in 2022 and has remained in place since. The murder rate has fallen significantly, but the authorities are concerned the gangs could regroup.

The state of exception gives police additional powers, resulting in a much higher number of arrests, sometimes without much evidence. It also allows police to detain people for much longer before trial. Many ordinary legal safeguards have also been weakened or removed. For example, joint legal hearings for over 100 people are common.

Some embassies have struggled to get consular access to their citizens. If you’re arrested, the El Salvador government may not allow the British Embassy to give you consular assistance or make sure you receive legal representation. Mistreatment and human rights violations, sometimes resulting in death, happen in detention facilities.

Security operations and gang-related violence do not usually affect tourists and visitors. Security operations have taken place across the country, particularly in Soyapango, Ilopango, Mejicanos, San Martin and San Marcos.

In 2022 the Salvadoran Legislative Assembly designated gang members as terrorists and established harsher penalties for them. Government communications and social media posts now sometimes refer to suspected gang members as terrorists.  

Robberies and violent assaults

There have been isolated attacks on tourists, including robberies, carjackings and violent assaults.

Within San Salvador, the areas of Santa Elena, San Benito and Maquilishuat have better security, as do most of the larger shopping malls.

Protecting yourself and your belongings

Avoid walking alone or on remote trails. It may be safer to travel with others or go on a tour with a reputable company. Take extra care in more rundown areas of towns and cities and those less visited by tourists. Follow local advice on where the safer areas are.

Keep valuables, including your passport, in a hotel safe if possible. Guard your passport, mobile phone and cash against pickpockets at bus stations, airports, tourist sites and on public transport. Do not wear expensive jewellery, particularly at airports, and only carry a small amount of cash.

Withdraw money from ATMs in shopping centres or change money in hotels or banks. Do not withdraw a lot of money at one time or use ATMs at night or in badly lit areas.

If you’re driving, take extra care at junctions, where armed robbers often target stationary traffic. Stick to main roads and avoid unsurfaced roads, as you’re at greater risk in remote areas with fewer police patrols. Always lock doors and keep windows closed. If you’re robbed, do not resist the attackers or take any action that puts you at greater risk.

If you have questions on security, contact the El Salvador tourist police:

Telephone: +503 2224 2705

Email: [email protected]

Buses and taxis

Public buses (repainted old US school buses) are not safe due to petty crime. Private intercity buses are generally safer, although crime can also happen on these. Only use reputable coach companies. For shorter trips within towns and cities, take radio-dispatched, pre-booked or hotel taxis operated by reputable companies. Do not use unofficial taxis, as there remains a small risk of kidnapping.

Criminal kidnapping

The risk of kidnapping to foreigners or visitors is relatively low, despite an increase in kidnapping of Salvadorans. You might wish to share your location or plans with a trusted person, particularly if taking public transport or a taxi. Kidnap gangs generally target rich Salvadorans rather than visitors.

Scam artists target foreign visitors and residents. Scams come in many forms and can cause great financial loss. Warn your friends and family to be sceptical if they’re asked to transfer funds to you in El Salvador. Tell them to contact you to check you’ve made this request.

Laws and cultural differences

Personal id.

The police may ask you for ID. They may detain you if they suspect you are a gang member. Always carry a copy of the photo page of your passport to prove your identity.  

The official currencies of El Salvador are the US dollar and bitcoin. Bitcoins may not be accepted everywhere. If you’re considering using bitcoins, make sure you understand the risks involved. Also make sure you can access US dollars if needed.

It is almost impossible to change British pounds anywhere in El Salvador, so you should bring a mixture of cash and travellers cheques in US dollars.

Many smaller restaurants, bars and shops do not accept 50 and 100 US dollar notes. You can exchange these notes at a bank. Bring smaller denominations with you if possible.

Regular ATMs and bitcoin ATMs are widely available, particularly in San Salvador and La Libertad. Tell your bank of your travel plans to avoid your card being blocked.

Crowded events

On 20 May 2023, at least 12 people died and more than 500 were injured during a football match at the Cuscatlán Stadium, due to overcrowding. If you’re attending events in crowded places and large gatherings, follow the advice of the local authorities and maintain a high level of security awareness.

Illegal drugs and prison sentences

There are severe penalties for drug use and trafficking in El Salvador. Prisons are overcrowded and violent.

LGBT+ travellers

Same-sex marriage, civil unions and adoption are illegal in El Salvador. (The Family Code establishes that marriage should happen between a man and a woman, although the constitution does not make this specific point.) Due to conservative attitudes and the risk of harassment to same-sex couples, showing affection in public is not recommended.

Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers .

Landmines and unexploded weapons

There is a small risk of unexploded weapons, such as landmines, in remote areas. If you’re going off-road, take local advice and avoid such areas if warned.

Outdoor activities and adventure tourism

Swimming safety.

Swimming on the Pacific coast can be dangerous due to strong undertows. The currents around La Bocana de San Diego are particularly treacherous. Several people have drowned in recent years. There are very few or no lifeguards. You should avoid swimming on isolated beaches, especially after consuming alcohol.

Rivers tend to be contaminated and unsafe to swim or bathe in.

Transport risks

Road travel.

If you are planning to drive in El Salvador, see information on driving abroad

You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in El Salvador for the first 90 days after you arrive. If you still have a paper driving licence, you may need to update it to a photocard licence . El Salvador does not accept the international driving permit.

After 90 days, you must get an El Salvador driving licence. Before you can apply for a licence, you must already have a temporary residency permit. You’ll need to have your UK licence certified (‘Homologación Licencia Extranjera’) as part of the application process.

Hire car companies often have stricter requirements for their customers, such as a year of driving experience or a higher minimum age. 

Car insurance is essential. If you’re involved in an accident, call 911 to reach the national police or fire brigade. Wait for the police to arrive.

Driving standards

Driving standards vary. Lane discipline is poor.

Roads between the main tourist locations in El Salvador are of a good or acceptable standard. Thieves sometimes steal manhole covers, leaving large holes in the road. In more isolated locations, roads are unsurfaced and 4-wheel-drive vehicles are necessary.

Crossing borders

Take particular care when driving to or from the border with Guatemala. There have violent attacks on vehicles, particularly on the Guatemalan side of the border. Criminals often target vehicles with El Salvador number plates. It’s better to cross borders in the morning, giving you time to reach your destination before dark. Borders sometimes close in the early evening. Private bus companies are considered safer than public buses for crossing borders.

Extreme weather and natural disasters

Find out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards .

Rainy season  

The rainy season normally runs from June to November – the same time as the hurricane season in the Caribbean. During the rainy season you can expect frequent, heavy rain, thunderstorms and possible tropical depressions. Landslides and flooding can affect roads. Mountain areas are particularly vulnerable to landslides.

Monitor local and international weather updates from the  Dirección General de Observatorio de Amenazas y Recursos Naturales (in Spanish), the  World Meteorological Organization  and the  US National Hurricane Center . 

Hurricanes 

See  tropical cyclones  for advice about what to do if you’re caught in a hurricane.

Volcanic eruptions

El Salvador has active volcanoes, at least 6 of which are monitored.

Get local advice before climbing volcanoes in El Salvador and monitor local media for updates on increased volcanic activity. Check the  Directorate General of Civil Protection for volcano warnings. It’s safer to climb volcanoes or walk in remote areas during daylight hours with a tour guide.

Earthquakes 

There are frequent minor earth tremors and occasional earthquakes in El Salvador. The US Federal Emergency Management Agency website has advice about what to do before, during and after an earthquake . If you’re staying in a hotel, read their earthquake instructions.

See the Ministry of the Environment and Natural Resources for information on El Salvador earthquakes.

There is a risk of tsunamis in coastal areas. See tsunamis .

Wildfires  

Fire risk increases during the dry season, particularly in San Salvador. During especially hot and dry periods a single spark or flame can start a wildfire. Report fires to the emergency services immediately.

Before you travel check that:

• your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
• you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.

Emergency medical number

Call 911 and ask for an ambulance.

Contact your insurance company promptly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Vaccinations and health risks

At least 8 weeks before your trip check:

• the latest information on vaccinations and health risks in TravelHealthPro’s El Salvador guide
• where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page

Altitude sickness is a risk in parts of El Salvador. Read more about altitude sickness on TravelHealthPro .

There is a risk of contaminated drinking water. Bottled water is inexpensive and widely available.

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries. UK prescriptions cannot be used in El Salvador. To find a pharmacy (‘farmacia’) look for one of the big national chains such as Farmacia San Nicolas, Farmacias UNO or Farmacias Economicas. 

Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro .

The NHS has information on whether you can take your medicine abroad .

Healthcare facilities in El Salvador

Medical facilities outside San Salvador are usually basic. State-run hospitals are generally understaffed, underfunded and ill-equipped. Use private clinics and hospitals whenever possible. Some hospitals may be reluctant to treat you until they know you have medical insurance.

Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation. Always carry a copy of your insurance cover. Most medical staff speak only a little English.

FCDO has a list of English-speaking doctors in El Salvador .

There is also guidance on healthcare if you’re living in El Salvador .

COVID-19 healthcare in El Salvador

If you think you have COVID-19, call 132. This helpline is for issues related to COVID-19.

Not all hospitals accept patients with COVID-19 symptoms. Those that do often have specific areas set aside for COVID-19 patients. Check before travelling to a hospital. In an emergency, public hospitals will refer you to the new COVID-19 hospital, Hospital El Salvador . 

Travel and mental health

Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health . There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro .

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ( FCDO ) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.

Emergency services in El Salvador

Telephone: 911 (ambulance, fire, police)

Tourist police

Telephone: +503 2224 2705 

Contact your travel provider and insurer

Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.

Refunds and changes to travel

For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.

Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans , including:

• where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a provider
• how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claim

Support from FCDO

FCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:

• finding English-speaking  lawyers ,  funeral directors  and  translators and interpreters  in El Salvador
• dealing with a  death in El Salvador
• being  arrested or imprisoned in El Salvador
• getting help if you’re a  victim of crime
• what to do if you’re  in hospital
• if you’re affected by a crisis , such as a terrorist attack

Contacting FCDO

Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter , Facebook and Instagram . You can also sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.

You can also contact FCDO online .

Help abroad in an emergency

If you’re in El Salvador and you need emergency help from the UK government, contact the British Embassy in San Salvador . 

FCDO in London

You can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.

Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)

Find out about call charges

Risk information for British companies

The  Overseas Business Risk service  offers information and advice for British companies operating overseas on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.

Book a Hotel

© Columbus Travel Media Ltd. All rights reserved 2024

4 perfect days in El Salvador

Nov 15, 2022 • 10 min read

Planes de Renderos in El Salvador © Luis Siguenza/Lonely Planet

Rejuvenated and forward-looking, this stunningly beautiful Central American country has momentum building that landed it a spot in our Learn category. 

El Salvador's idyllic beaches are catching the attention of professional surfers from around the world as it works hard to establish itself as Surf City. The country is quietly becoming the place where those in the know come to catch waves and hone their surfing skills.

There's so much to learn about this country. Lonely Planet guidebook author Paige R. Penland plans out your four-day getaway to its coastal waters, quaint towns and volcanoes.

I’ve visited El Salvador a dozen times since 2006, when I was lead author on Lonely Planet Nicaragua & El Salvador . I’ll be taking my 9-year-old son on the next trip, to visit Isla de los Pájaros and the epic waterparks for which this country should be better known. (Search for Apuzunga, Turicentro Atecozol and Canopys del Rio Sunzal to see what I mean.)

Why I think you should visit El Salvador

El Salvador offers almost everything travelers to Latin America are looking for, just three hours by plane from Miami: sunny beaches, quaint colonial towns, stunning volcanoes, colorful handicrafts, low prices and arguably the finest cuisine in Central America .

It is compact, with dramatic topography and excellent (main) roads. You could literally surf La Libertad all morning, relax over lunch in Spanish Colonial Suchitoto and watch sunset from a chilly 8000ft (2400m) at Hostal Miramundo – and only spend about four hours total in the car. 

All of this makes El Salvador an easy escape for North Americans on a long weekend. If time is no object, however, two to four weeks would be ideal.

Budget travelers can enjoy El Salvador on $40 per day, and much less if you plan carefully. Mid-range travelers will be comfortable on $100 per day (not including rental car). Luxury lovers will find a small selection of excellent resorts and restaurants for about half what they’d pay in more-popular Latin American destinations.

Travelers may read the international criticism of El Salvador’s current government and worry that their money is supporting it. There is some truth to that. On balance, however, I think tourism favors the little guy – Jack Ma taught himself English as a tour guide, after all. Think before you spend, and try to support local businesses with El Salvador’s best interests at heart.

El Salvador’s official currency has been the US dollar since 2001, another convenience for US travelers. In 2021, President Bukele made Bitcoin El Salvador’s second official currency, and it’s widely accepted through smartphone apps. That decision was controversial, to say the least – yet tourism has since grown an astonishing 30%.

I appreciate the Bitcoin bump because not every article about El Salvador begins with “war-torn” anymore. It’s not. This is a small country with big dreams, still willing to believe in the future. And that’s the real reason why you should come . 

Start with a perfect day in the capital

This itinerary assumes travelers have rented a car ($40–80/day). If you use public transportation, double travel times or check online bus schedules.

Our journey begins at Romero International Airport – or, if you’ve already been relaxing with the sun and surf along El Salvador’s 186mi (307km) coastline, 20 minutes away in La Libertad. Whether you’ve been here all week or just arrived, we’re headed up to the capital, San Salvador. 

10am – Pupusas for breakfast 

Pull off the highway in Olocuilta, where a tidy strip of pupuserías serve up stacks of the city’s signature rice pupusas , more delicate and refined than the more widely available corn masa versions of El Salvador’s cheap, filling national dish. If you’re looking for a more elegant brunch, enjoy gourmet tamales, omelets and tost secreto (Salvadoran-style avocado toast) at Tu Jardín Secreto. The relaxing garden setting is in Planes de Renderos, a popular escape from the city with parks , horseback rides and the family-friendly, 20-minute hike up Puerta del Diablo, a startling rock formation with views to the Pacific Ocean from the top.

11am – Arrive in Colonia Escalón

Our base in the capital is posh Colonia Escalón, with upscale shopping, dining and accommodation options. After coffee at Tipicos Margoth, catch a cab to the Museum of Anthropology for an overview of El Salvador’s history, including pre-Columbian relics, Spanish Colonial art and exhibits that explore modern challenges, from the civil war to gang violence and mass emigration.

From there, it’s a short walk to the National Craft Market, where artisans sell quality handicrafts from around the country, including comfortable hand-woven hammocks, clever ceramic dioramas from Ilobasco and the colorful naive folk art of La Palma – which you’ll see firsthand tomorrow.

2pm – Head to Centro Historico

Take a taxi to the Centro Historico, home to the National Palace , National Theater and Metropolitan Cathedral , the final resting place of St Oscar Romero. As you explore the city center’s parks, plazas and markets, don’t miss the somber Monument of Memory and Truth in Parque Cuscatlán, engraved with the names of those lost during El Salvador’s civil war (1980–92), and be sure to step inside Iglesia El Rosario to see the symphony of rainbows its windows play upon the sculptural interior.

4:30pm – Check out Volcán San Salvador

Grab a cab to the top of Volcán San Salvador ($20, 40 minutes) and watch the sunset and city lights over exquisite grilled meats and seafood served with sweet potato biscuits at Las Brumas.

9pm – Enjoy San Salvador's nightlife

There’s time for a disco nap before the country’s best nightlife begins. Look forward to an ever-changing assortment of clubs and bars: enjoy laid-back city views at The Rooftop, dinner and live music at Republik and all-night dance parties at AliVE. 

A perfect day in the Central Highlands

10am – Arrive at Suchitoto’s tiny Puerto San Juan , a cheerful cluster of souvenir stores, restaurants and a dock overlooking Lake Suchitlán, just 45 minutes from the capital. Boats ($35) offer one-hour tours around the islands , including Isla de Los Pájaros (“Bird Island”), its trees shrieking and singing with the voices of some 400 species of mostly migratory birds: jabiru storks, seagulls, cormorants, pelicans and many more. 

Noon – Lunch at Villa Balanza

After lunch at artsy Villa Balanza, it’s time to check in at the meticulously restored, 200-year-old mansion that is now one of El Salvador’s most luxurious properties, Los Almendros de San Lorenzo . The courtyards are hung with marvelous art and Moorish details, and filled with gardens and a sparkling pool: an architectural gem even by Suchitoto’s high standards. 

1:30pm – Stroll through the city

Just strolling the cobbled streets of this breezy Spanish Colonial city is a delight. The rich blue textiles fluttering from the doors are dyed with indigo, grown here since Pipil Mayans ran the place. Arte Añil, across from picturesque Iglesia Santa Lucia, offers classes (90 minutes, $100 per group) where you can try your hand at this ancient art.

4pm – Mayan-influenced art in La Palma

An hour north of Suchitoto is La Palma, birthplace of the vibrant, Mayan-influenced naive art that has become synonymous with El Salvador itself. It was pioneered by artist Fernando Llort in the 1970s to help local artisans thrive; today, you can visit workshops covered with murals, and watch artists create the vibrant pieces from wood, glass and other materials. After Llort’s most famous piece, on San Salvador’s Metropolitan Cathedral, was destroyed in 2011, artists recreated it using digital mapping and projected it onto the facade.

9pm – Back to Los Almendros for Dinner

Although Suchitoto has several excellent restaurants, we’ll return to Los Almendros for dinner, where chefs use Salvadoran ingredients and French techniques to create award-winning recipes. Try the mariscada , a traditional Salvadoran seafood stew with lobster and cream; the dijon chicken baguette; or the vegetarian lasagna. If you’re game, Suchitoto’s nightlife scene is small but always festive. 

Pyramids and Volcanoes

After a leisurely breakfast at Café 1800 , it’s an hour to Joya de Cerén , also called Central America’s Pompeii. While you’ve probably seen the massive stone pyramids and ballcourts of the Classical Mayan capitals (if not, the ruins of Copán are 5 hours north of Suchitoto), the modest lives of Mayan villagers are mostly lost to time.

Except here. Preserved since 600CE beneath 33ft (10m) of volcanic ash, small, lovingly decorated adobe homes, a temezcal (sweat lodge) and the oldest cultivated yuca (manioc) make this one of Central America’s most important archaeological sites. Fifteen minutes away, San Andrés was the regional Mayan administrative center, with small stone pyramids and the remains of a Spanish Colonial indigo-processing facility.

1pm – Volcanoes in Cerro Verde National Park

It’s another hour to Cerro Verde National Park , with three magnificent volcanoes and several hikes, including an easy half-mile (1km) loop with unforgettable views. Athletic travelers can arrange steep, three- to six-hour guided hikes ($9) to the top of either Izalco Volcano’s barren, steaming cinder cone, or to Santa Ana’s nested calderas and scenic lakes. These hikes leave at 10am and must be done with a guide, which might mean shifting your itinerary.  

4pm – Stay overnight at Lago Coatepeque

There are great places to stay in the park, but we’re headed to the enormous (10 sq miles/25 sq km), sparkling crater lake you were admiring on your hike, Lago Coatepeque. It’s another impossibly scenic hour in the car to the lakeshore, which is lined with hotels, restaurants and bars, most with swimming docks

Lodging along the lakefront runs from $10 to $200 per night, so you’ll have a pick for your budget. Dinner at La Octava Maravilla costs about $20 – and it’s mandatory. I’ll be having the mojarra rellena , a whole fried fish stuffed with shrimp and other shellfish. 

After dinner, order an ice-cold beer at one of the lakefront bars. The party can go all night.

Stop and smell the flowers in El Salvador

After breakfast on the lake, it’s another hour to Entre Ríos Ecopark ($3), outside the town of Izalco. Slip into one of the natural hot and cold pools to relax, or try the water slides. When you’re ready, order brunch right to your hammock.

1pm – Visit Ruta las Flores

Ruta las Flores is El Salvador’s most popular inland attraction, a strand of lovely little towns and accessible natural wonders in the coffee-growing highlands between Sonsonate and the Guatemalan border. If it’s Saturday, we’ll stop at Juayúa’s famed Gastronomic Festival, which runs every weekend with stands selling styrofoam plates piled grilled meats, spiced prawns and tasty rice dishes, and where souvenirs, cocktails and artwork are for sale while live music plays and “Zorro” offers horseback rides. Otherwise, it’s onto Ataco.

3pm – Handicrafts shop at Axul Artesanía

After coffee at El Jardín de Celeste , we’ll explore the ancient city, making sure to visit Axul Artesanía. The handicrafts shop is an experience in itself, with working looms and unique paintings that flirt with high art. The owners are also responsible for for Ataco’s superb collection of selfie-friendly murals. Later, we’ll learn more about the coffee growing all around us on El Carmen Estates ’ plantation tour ($6; 75 minutes).

6pm – Drinks at Casa Degraciela

Wherever we dine in Ataco, we’ll finish with drinks in the courtyard of Casa Degraciela, a sprawling, 150-year-old coffee plantation mansion that’s now a luxurious B&B. Someday we’ll come back, but tonight we’ve reserved the Japón suite at Santa Teresa Hot Springs Resort, just 20 minutes away. 

7pm – Enjoying the private hot spring

We splurged on this spacious suite because it comes with a private hot spring, drawn from the same natural thermal waters that flow like a river through the resort gardens and surrounding coffee plantation. Relax beneath the stars as you plot your return to El Salvador.

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