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Top 18 Best El Salvador Tourist Attractions you must Visit

Apart from history, this country has a lot of natural beauties . These are in the forms of the volcano, volcanic terrain, lakes, seacoast, and more. El Salvador is a bit behind from its famous neighbors, CostaRica, and Panama. But what visitors don’t realize is that El Salvador is a small country. It has a large collection of national parks and historical sites.

There are many reasons to visit El Salvador . It has fantastic beaches where you can spend your evening after a tiring day. Other than that, there are archeological sites filled with mysteries and historical stories. You can also perform many outdoor activities, including hiking and climbing stunning views. El Salvador offers travelers a huge variety of foods, which will make you want to travel to El Salvador.

Some Facts About El Salvador

You will find plenty of crafters and artists. They make jugs, bowls, and plates so you can decorate your home after a vacation to El Salvador. And when you arrive at

El Salvador is most famous for its warm welcome for tourists. There are many travel guides to guide you to visit every part of El Salvador without your time.

Despite retaining its dated reputation for being an unsafe country. But now El Salvador is one of Central America’s safest countries to visit. You should also keep in mind that crime happens anywhere. Even if you are visiting El Salvador, you have to stay alert. To know more about the tourist attraction in El Salvador, keep reading.

Top 18 Best El Salvador Tourist Attractions You must Visit:

1. san salvador.

The first place that comes in our list of the best El Salvador tourist attractions is San Salvador. San Salvador is one of the most famous El Salvador cities. It is the capital city of El Salvador and is in the central plateau region. It is also the second-largest city in Central America. Despite the colossal size, many visitors appreciate this place. This is because of its easy-going atmosphere.

San Salvador has some unique aspects, even if its country’s largest metropolis visitors are a few minutes away from the city’s inspiring natural beauty. From amazing volcanoes and stunning crater lakes to the best parks in the country.

Tazumal is also among the most popular El Salvador tourist attractions. It is the most famous Mayan ruin in El Salvador. And the estimation done by the archeologist suggests that this place dates back to 5000BC. But people left the place during AD 1200. The architectural complex faced expensive restoration and evacuation during the 1940s and 50s. But there are still many ruins that have not undergone evacuation yet.

Many believe that Tazumal is an important center of trade. And the language in the K’iche means pyramid, where they would burn the victims. You can explore this vast site and get to learn more about the history of the Maya civilization. This is possible through an onsite museum.

3. Suchitoto

The next place that comes in our list of the best El Salvador tourist attractions is Suchitoto. Suchitoto is 50km northeast of the capital city. This tourist destination is a formal colonial city and is a current cultural hub of the country. Food festivals and Arts occur all the time. The streets usually have a lot of visitors around the country and beyond. You can also enjoy a stroll on this city’s cobblestone streets to have a fantastic and amazing view. With well-preserved Spanish colonial buildings and hike around the area to find waterfalls and caves.

This city is in a bird migration zone. The country’s civil war that was from 1980-1992 caused damage to this city. But now it has turned into a great mountain getaway for all the tourists.

4. Ruta De Las Flores

Ruta de la Flores is among the most visited El Salvador tourist attractions. It is a trail that leads the visitors through the most beautiful villages of El Salvador. It is popular for the wildflowers that grow along the road, and it looks best when it’s winters. The travel route starts from Sonsonate through Juayua, Ataco, for around 40km. And along the trail, you will see a lot of the culture and history of the area. From all Spanish colonial buildings to all the famous local food options. Everything has something special. The area has stunning views and weekend markets. Here you can get souvenirs for your family or friends.

While traveling, the travelers will find an amazing waterfall, towering churches, landscapes. You can visit the place by driving a car. It will give you much more control over where you want to stop. You can also trial and can also travel by bus.

5. The Cerro El Pital

The Pital Hill comes with many nature and adventure destinations, making it one of the best El Salvador tourist attractions. This captures the tourist attraction in El Salvador. This is something you will not want to miss. This is the most mountainous and elevated place in El Salvador. The hills are one of the most important in the department of Chalatenango. They have more elevation of more than 2,700 meters above sea level. This is the best place to visit for tourists who are winter lovers. And that’s because the temperature reaches 10-degree Celsius at night.

Many tourists consider this place as one of the best places to go camping in El Salvador. It also has a huge variety of hotels. And the most amazing part of all is that they have a lot of camping areas. Most of them offer hikes to the surroundings such as the Zumpal river, vegetables, and fruit crops. If you are a lover of nature , photography, then this is the best place to visit in El Salvador.

6. El Tunco Beach

El Salvador is very famous for its beautiful beaches. Each year many tourists chose El Salvador as a destination for surfing because of the best waves. There are many beaches in the country. And they all are wonderful, but El Tunco Beach is the most visited beach . The name of this beach is “El Tunco” because of the rock formation on the shore of the place. It is quite like the shape of a pig in El Salvador.

Besides having these beautiful and a huge variety of beaches and strange rock formations. It also has a variety of hotels of all sorts of prices, restaurants, bars and also surf lessons here. El Salvador is an extraordinary country. It is full of amazing culture, adventure, surfing, and more. It assures you that you will have beautiful memories after visiting this famous place in El Salvador.

7. Montecristo National Park

Montecristo National Park is a national park that is full of high peaks and low valleys, and a dense canopy. This makes it one of the most visited El Salvador tourist attractions. The laurel trees and cloud forest of oaks can grow up to almost 30m tall. And mushrooms, mosses, and lichens grow all over the forest floor. You can also take a tour through the park to experience the beauty of a natural rainforest.

Most visitors will see rare animals like spiders, monkeys, pumas, coyotes, and agoutis. But the most common ones are squirrels, porcupines, black shrew mice, and white-tailed deer. There are 300 bird species, including green toucans, white-faced quails, and quetzals. All these are only in the Montecristo National park.

8. Puerto del Diablo

Puerto del Diablo is popular for having a dark past featuring death and horror. This makes the tourist keep visiting this place again and again. Puerto del Diablo is not only among the most visited El Salvador tourist attractions, but it is also one of the creepiest. The striking of this place is ‘Devil Door’. The rock formation comprises two tall boulders. This forms a window looking out at El Salvador’s lush landscape. A pathway leads you up to the viewpoint where you will see the indigenous town Panchimalco from there.

You can also view the lake IloPango on the left side and the twin-peaked San Vicente volcano straight ahead. There are almost more than 60 established rock climbing routes in these areas. They also have adventurous activities like Zip lining, caving, canopy tours, and rappelling.

9. Coatepeque Caldera

This volcanic caldera came into being tens of thousands of years ago. Lake Coatepeque is one of the largest lakes in the country. It has clean, blue water that reaches into a depth of 120m. Plus it also has very steep mountainous slopes in the surroundings. The amazing attractions in Coatepeque Caldera make it one of the best tourist attractions in El Salvador.

There’s also a highway which is on the ridge of the crater. It gives onlookers incredible panoramic views. The visitors can get up close and personal with the lake by taking a boat onto the water. The beach houses which are around the shore of the lake are popular weekend getaways.

10. Santa Ana

Santa Ana is a place for those looking for a bit of a mix between San Salvador’s modern city life ten Santa Ana is the best choice. It is one of the most popular El Salvador attractions so far. It is also the second-largest city in El Salvador. You can spend the days here in happiness as the streets are very peaceful. Also, this city has a lot of museums which attract the tourist’s attention.

There are also fantastic bars and restaurants in Santa Ana. So you can flavor all the famous food in this country. You can also find the Santa Ana Volcano, which is the highest volcano in El Salvador. Plus a lot of other lush green mountains.

There’s a zoo in Santa Ana located on 20 acres at Prentice park with plants and animals. This zoo includes fascinating rides and attractions. There are also many interesting animals for tourists to see including Howler monkeys, green iguanas, white-faced saki monkeys, giant anteaters, and birds.

11. The Ancient Ruins Of Joya de Ceren

Among so many places in El Salvador, Joya de Ceren is worth a visit. The ruins of Joya de Ceran are in the liberation department of El Salvador. They are also known as ‘Pompeii of America.’ This habitat is more than 3000 years old. The Mayan people were living here under threat from the local volcano. But in the end, they had to evacuate this place because of the rising fear of volcanoes. This makes Joya de Ceren one of the most historical El Salvador tourist attractions.

This city went under volcanic ash only to be safer much later. But now this has become a tourist spot for tourists who love the mysterious history of this place.

12. Cerro Verde National Park

It is a popular belief that this park was named after the volcano Cerro Verde. It contains three different volcanoes. The other two volcanoes are Santa Ana, Izalco. Verde is the most popular. And one of the main reasons for its popularity is its magnificent peaks and cloud forest. This gives an incredible view of the countryside. It’s a great tourist attraction for tourists who love discovering, making it one of the best El Salvador tourist attractions.

Cerro Verde has a beautiful park. And awesome viewpoints from which you view the majestic volcanoes and the park is an excellent place for bird watching, outdoor games, walking on the trails and due to the frequent rains, constant mist and high humidity the area is always greener so you enjoy the healthy air.

13. El Zonte Beach

The next place that comes in our list of the best El Salvador tourist attractions is the El Zonte Beach. The humble little hippie beach town in EL Zonte is in the south of San Salvador. The beach is massive boulders, and the waves on the beach are trashy. It is not ideal for swimming in the water, but it’s better for experienced surfers.

This is a perfect place for tourists to enjoy their day. And that’s because of the cheap and rustic hotels, cheap food, and beverages. All these attract tourists to have a visit.

14. Costo del Sol

This area is popular for a reason, which is that it’s gorgeous. And popular means it’s sparsely populated and has a very beautiful and amazing beach view. That’s why Costo del Sol is among the most popular El Salvador tourist attractions.

This area also has a theme park named Atlantis Water Park. It has some lush jungle and exotic wildlife in its surroundings. It’s definitely worth a visit. You can also ride many rides and coasters here, which is amazing if you are on vacation with your kids.

15. Pelourinho

Next up in our list of the best El Salvador tourist attractions comes Pelourinho. Pelourinho is a tourist spot that was the governmental and residential center. But that’s when the city was the capital of the colony of Brazil. This beautiful city is the finest ensemble of the 17 and 18 centrum buildings in Latin America.

It is best for tourists who want to have more knowledge of the historical matter of Pelourinho. You can see the colorful buildings which attract the tourists a lot.

16. Playa El Esternón beach

Playa El Esteron beach is a beautiful beach and is as popular as other beaches in El Salvador. The surf is gentle, and the beach is always quiet because the area is not filled with much crowd. If you want to have a peaceful and good day with your friends or alone you can visit this beach. The Playa El Esteron beach is among the most popular beaches when we talk about El Salvador tourist attractions.

The food at Playa El Esternon beach is quite amazing. Tourists love visiting this spot because of the food there. There are so many varieties including seafood such as calamari, shrimp, clam, crab, lobster, fried stuffed fish, shrimp cooked in butter, these are the most authentic food you will ever find in El Salvador.

17. Playa El Sunzal Beach

This beach is located around La Liberated, tranquil El Salvador Beach, which is quite striking, with beautiful black glittering sand. Tourists who love swimming or surfing this beach has shops, swimsuit stores and so much more. And it’s the best place for tourists who surf.

There are also many hotels available at Playa El Sunzal Beach. There is nothing like waking up to the sound of huge waves and the sea air floating into your bedroom. These are one of the best hotels in El Sunzal beach Casa de Mar Hotel And Villa, Kayu Hotel, Hotel, and Bar La Guitarra, Los Almendros El Sunzal. They provide you all the facilities with the best services.

18. Playa El Majahual

This is a busy village of El Majahual, which is a top El Salvador backpacker destination. This beach is one of the cleanest beaches because its sand is really smooth, and the water is also quite clear, which attracts the tourist to visit this spot.

This village is very famous for restaurants here because they have delightful and tasty varieties of food which will leave the tourists shocked. Here are the top 5 restaurants famous for their delicious food El Majahaul, Rancho pacifico Azul, Rancho Benitez, Rock, and Roe Fish Shop. Tourists can go here and enjoy all types of food they crave for.

El Majahaul beach is one of the most visited beaches. It’s an excellent tropical beach to visit and relax with your family and friends and this beach is mostly crowded. The shores are filled with stores made out of palm trees and woods selling hand made souvenirs.

So these are 18 of the best El Salvador tourist attractions. Exploring these things to do in El Salvador is a must when it comes to tourism. But most people do not know much about tourist attractions and famous places in El Salvador. Tourism in El Salvador is no doubt an interesting and enjoyable experience. All the tourist attractions that we mentioned above provide the best views, enjoyment, and more.

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19 Best Places To Visit in El Salvador in 2024

Planning a trip to El Salvador in 2024? This is your guide to visit the most beautiful places in the country. El Salvador may be a small nation but it is rich in both culture and geography. This stunning ‘must-visit’ country sits in the heart of Central America on the Pacific Ocean.

El Salvador has incredible national parks, long stretches of breathtaking untouched beaches, enchanting waterfalls, marvellous lakes, mountainous areas with picturesque villages, a plethora of inland attractions like the vast plains of coffee plantations and of course the incredible volcanos.

All the El Salvador tourist attractions listed are based on my own experiences traveling in El Salvador. Salva the owner of the tour agency, Tunco Life guided me around and showed the best his country had to offer. Have a look at the Tunco Life website for more inspiration about traveling to El Salvador.

Thanks to its majestic and diverse landscapes, El Salvador has become a melting pot for tourists from different parts of the globe who wish to get away and explore the unknown. For wanderlusters looking for the perfect escape away from all the noise and pollution, El Salvador would be a great unspoilt destination off the beaten path in Central America.

Here is a little recap video of some of my adventures in El Salvador.

Stay connected when traveling to El Salvador. This is my guide for  buying a sim card for El Salvador in 2024  with the best prepaid sim cards and e-sim cards.

Amongst a long list of possible tourist destinations to visit in El Salvador, here are 19 of the most beautiful and famous places for anyone interested in exploring this side of Central America.

Related: 24 Best Places to Visit in Honduras !

1. El Tunco - Surf Village

Undoubtedly one of the most famous places to visit in El Salvador and that for a little surf town. El Tunco is all about surfing and thousands of surf fanatics flock to the El Salvador coast to show off their skills.

El Tunco is always listed among the best things to do in El Salvador, but even if you are not into surfing you don’t want to miss this place when visiting El Salvador.

El Tunco is located just 45 minutes south of the capital San Salvador on the coast near to Libertat. It feels like a mix of the uncomplicated backpacker vibe of Southeast Asia mixed with a Latin vibe. The village itself is pretty small, but there are restaurants, bars, backpacker hotels and souvenir shops everywhere.

Try renting a scooter to go around the coast to discover hidden gems, restaurants with endless ocean views, fancy hotels, lovely restaurants, beach parties, waterfalls and more. Also visiting the boulevard and the fish market in Libertat are cool things to do in El Tunco. Another lovely little town on the coast of Libertat is El Zonte, similar to El Tunco, but much less crowded.

On my trip to El Salvador I made El Tunco and Libertat my base for a couple days from where I visited some of the most beautiful places to visit in El Salvador.

Where to stay in El Tunco

If you are traveling El Salvador on a budget I recommend Hotel Mopelia . It has affordable private rooms as well as dorm rooms, fast WiFi, a swimming pool and a lively bar with more than 50 different craft beers from around the world.

If you are looking for a great mid range hotel then head over to the town of El Zonte and stay at the Palo Verde Hotel . A lovely and quiet boutique hotel with Bali vibes.

If you looking to splurge I can recommend the Acantilados luxury hotel with an amazing infinity pool looking over the pacific ocean.

2. Mizata - Hidden Gem Coastal Town

We stay on the Pacific coast for our next El Salvador tourist attraction: Mizata. Just like El Tunco a sleepy coastal town catered towards surfers. But when you think El Tunco was too touristy then head to Mizata.

There is not much going on in Mizata, but this is where you find the ultimate El Salvador holiday feeling. Very laid-back, off the beaten path and the ultimate place to chill on the beach in El Salvador.

The surf breaks in Mizata is what most people come for, but there are also organized pool parties in weekends and there is a cool young crowd that gathers here. Mizata is located about 45 minutes East of El Tunco on the way to the Ruta de las Flores, another famous thing to do in El Salvador.

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Where to stay in Mizata

One of my favorite places to go in El Salvador is Nawi Beach House . This hotel is located directly on the beach and has an incredible laid-back vibe. Some rooms face the ocean and have porches. Highlight of the hotel is the big infinity pool with attached beach bar. Nawi Beach House organizes pool parties every month.

3. Suchitoto - Colonial town

Consider starting your trip to El Salvador  by exploring this cool area and if possible spend a day or two there and combine it with another amazing places to visit in El Salvador: Lake Suchitlan.

Suchitoto is a historical sleepy yet colorful town with picturesque views of the mountainous area around Lago Suchitlán. The little municipality has great colonial architecture and marvellous historic landmarks, but it is also a great place to go for outdoor activities.

This colonial town still has arty-crafty cobblestone streets and adobe homes. If you’re looking to learn some history you should visit the 18th century Santa Lucia Church. If art is what you’re after, make a point of visiting the Centro Arte para la Paz which is a museum and convent.

This little charming town has very friendly and welcoming locals. Aside from its old town vibe and laid-back ambiance, you should try to do a Indigo Art (Arte Añil) workshop. You will learn how to use natural colors and create your own colorful t-shirt. You can find the Arte Añil workshop right on the corner of the main square opposite the Tourist Office.

Where to stay in Suchitoto

I can recommend you Casa 1800 Suchitoto with the most amazing views over Lake Suchitlan.

The attached restaurant serves delicious food. This colonial boutique hotel is one of my secret El Salvador travel tips. Great place for lunch.

4. Lake Suchitlán - the largest lake in El Salvador

Only a stone’s throw away from Suchitoto you can find the largest (man-made) lake in El Salvador. The lake was created after the construction of the Cerron Grande dam in 1976.

The most popular thing to do in Lake Suchitlan is of course a boat ride across the lake. Visitors can also see wildlife in the surrounding areas like sloths, monkeys, iguanas. Bird watching is also very popular when visiting Lake Suchitlan. If you are looking for more active tours in Lake Suchitlan then try kayaking.

You can arrange a boat ride yourself by walking down from Suchitoto to Puerto Touristico San Juan and ask one of the local fishermen to take you around. Bring some food, cold beers and I am sure you have a great day out on the lake.

Not far away from Lake Suchitlan is the 13 meter (39 ft) Los Tercios Waterfall for anyone seeking a dose of the outdoors. About 2.5 miles down the road from the waterfall are the hot springs of Agua Calienter that are rich in natural beauty.

If you still have some time left, venture a little further away and explore the iconic Guazapa volcano. Here you can also learn much more about El Salvador’s civil war history. When visiting Lake Suchitlan I recommend you booking a hotel in Suchitoto.

4. San Salvador Historic Center

San Salvador is not only the capital but also the economic, cultural and political center of El Salvador.

The infrastructure is still haphazard even though it’s been under repairs. This may be attributed to scars from earthquakes and previous wars. Definitely not all of the areas in San Salvador are worth visiting, but the historic center surely is a tourist attraction worth adding to your El Salvador things to do list.

There’s an easy-going atmosphere in this densely populated city and tourists are often shocked to find laid-back locals and a relatively slow pace to the city. The historic center has a captivating appearance in one magisterial metropolis – a blend of colonial structures and 21st-century modern architecture.

Some of the best places to visit in San Salvador are: the iconic National Palace, National Theater, National Cathedral, Monumento al Divino Salvador del Mundo, El Calvario Church.

The Iglesia El Rosario is one of the most remarkable places to go. Ugly from the outside, impressive from the inside.

Additionally, the historic district has amazing plazas like the Gerardo Barrios Plaza, Liberty Plaza, and Plaza Francisco Morazan.

Is it safe to visit San Salvador? Well let me tell you that I launched my drone right in front of the cathedral on the main square. I found it completely safe and locals were super friendly.

Despite being a majestic metropolis, you will only be a few hours away from dignified natural beauty this country has to offer. This makes San Salvador also a great base when exploring any tourist destination around the country. There are gorgeous volcanoes, stunning crater lakes, and parks just around the corner.

Where to stay in San Salvador

Hotels in San Salvador are not really cheap, but you can find some good ones for about $50 per night and up. Best area to stay is in and around San Benito where the nightlife, restaurants, etc. are located.

I can recommend you Hotel Villa Serena San Benito . Very simple, but affordable compared to other hotels and in a good location.

Are you ready to splurge then look at these 5 star hotels in San Salvador: Barceló , Real Intercontinental or the Sheraton Presidente .

5. Santa Ana Volcano - Popular El Salvador Activity

Are you looking for outdoor activities on your El Salvador trip? If the answer is yes then you need to visit Cerro Verde National Park and hike up to the rim of the highest volcano in El Salvador: Santa Ana.

Undoubtedly one of the best places to see in El Salvador is the green crater lakes of the Santa Ana Volcano and to get there you will need to hike up for about 1,5 hour from the Parque Nacional Cerro Verde entrance.

Santa Ana is the highest volcano in El Salvador at 2,381 metres (7,812 ft) above sea level, but don’t worry everyone can do this. It does not matter if you do it in 45 minutes or 2 hours. The hike first goes uphill through the forest and then follows a steeper rocky part. The last bit is a little more flat until you reach the crater rim.

You can do the Santa Ana volcano hike by yourself but you must be accompanied by a guide. The entrance fee is $6 and the hike starts at around 1,850 meters (6.070 ft). Hike can be appointed at the entrance gate. I had to wait a little for the group to depart, but after 10 minutes everyone chooses their own pace and never saw my group anymore.

There is a parking spot if you drive up to the Cerro Verde National Park. There is also a bus stop if you like to use public transport. You can visit the Santa Ana volcano easily from San Salvador (1 hour) El Tunco, Libertat (1 hour 15 minutes) or from the nearby city called Santa Ana.

6. Cerro Verde National Park - Hikes with breathtaking views

The above mentioned Santa Ana Volcano is located in the Cerro Verde National Park, but there is more to Cerro Verde National Park than the spectacular Santa Ana volcano.

In fact there are 2 more volcanoes: Izalco and Cerro Verde. This amazing place to visit in El Salvador is also called Los Volcanos National Park.

These volcanoes in the Cerro Verde National Park are home to some brilliant flora and fauna and tourists also enjoy various activities such as guided bird-watching, horseback riding, numerous walking trails and viewing platforms with views over the Santa Ana and the Izalco volcanos. But also over the beautiful Lake Coatepeque and Ruta de las Flores.

The Cerro Verde volcano is generally considered to be the most popular and this is why the park is named after it. It’s more of a mountain that boasts of one of the country’s few cloud forests as it’s covered with dense vegetation.

The volcanoes have a long history of eruptions. Izalco was once known as the “Lighthouse of the Pacific” due to its 200-straight years of eruptions until the 1960s. Santa Ana is the most active of them all, with steam constantly rising from one of its craters - sulfurous lagoons. 

7. City of Santa Ana - Historical city vibes

This is the second-largest city and a top tourist destination in El Salvador. It offers tourists an urban appeal with a tranquil environment.

Santa Ana’s early 20th-century neo-Gothic cathedral, elaborately decorated theatre, and picturesque main square get lots of tourists. The aforementioned theatre is called Teatro de Santa Ana and the main square is known as Parque Libertad. Sometimes visitors can enjoy a live performance at the theatre – this would be a great experience for art lovers.

Lastly, the City of Santa Ana is an ideal location to stay in and take day trips to explore various tourist spots around the country. Some great locations that you can venture to outside the city include scenic Lake Coatepeque, Ruta de las Flores, Chalchuapa archeological site and of course the Cerro Verde National Park.

Any coffee lovers in the house? Santa Ana, being home to the biggest coffee industry has so much to offer you. While here, don’t forget to visit downtown Santa Ana and enjoy the gastronomy and sample local brews as you do some shopping. Visiting a coffee plantation is one of the best things to do in El Salvador.

8. Joya de Ceren - UNESCO World Heritage Site

Joya de Ceren is an extraordinarily well preserved Mayan village. The village was abandoned in a rush in 640 AD as the people who once lived there were fleeing from an eruption of Laguna de Caldera.

Joya de Ceren boasts of a rich cultural heritage and has stunning landmarks. It is the only UNESCO World Heritage site in El Salvador.

This paradise of breathtaking natural wonders was buried in volcanic ash. As a result, the city was left hidden but intact. The town was discovered much later – in the year 1976.

9. La Palma - Backpackers favorite

Your trip to El Salvador wouldn’t be complete without visiting this quaint mountain village. La Palma is located in the Chalatenango department of the country. It boasts a gorgeous and natural landscape as well as a vibrant art scene. As you walk through the city you’ll take note of the fascinating graffiti and murals on the walls.

La Palma is famous for being the town where the celebrated artist – Fernando Llort – taught. He used bright colors, childish images, and religious themes to capture the hearts of the El Salvadorans.

There are numerous galleries and art workshops where tourists can pass their time as they soak in the town’s beautiful artistic heritage. Today, many of the town’s residents make a living by practicing his artistic style.

Thanks to its mountainous topography, visitors can enjoy picturesque views on the scenic hiking routes around La Palma that are safe for tourists.

This town is pretty close to the Honduran border so many visitors choose to stay here for convenience when on a trip around Central America. La Palma is a great place to visit in El Salvador for backpackers.

From the wall paintings and town murals to workshops, old-fashioned Llort-inspired souvenirs, and the mosaic Central Park, a stop at La Palma is definitely worth it, especially for art lovers.

10. Tazumal - Archeological site

Tazumal is a cluster of unusual step pyramids that was established around 400 AD. The highest of these pyramids (and the largest in the country) reaches up to a height of 23 meters (75 ft). Its self-governing status lasted until Spanish forces moved into El Salvador in the 1520s, after which the local people were defeated and exploited.

The Stanley H. Boggs Museum displays artefacts that were uncovered during the excavation and is a fascinating place to go. Visiting this on-site museum gives you a glimpse of Tazumal’s past. 

Some of the artefacts displayed here include pottery, statues, and incense burners.

One of the most notable items in the museum is the Stone of Victories statue. This artefact provides rare evidence of a connection between modern-day El Salvador and what is now Veracruz, Mexico.

11. Juayua - Ruta de las Flores

This town is located on the western side of the country in the hilly countryside. It’s perched in and between the hills of the country and tourists can expect to enjoy picturesque views and a cool breeze.

Juayua offers a plethora of natural attractions. The small town of Juayua is part of the astonishing La Ruta de Las Flores (Flower route), a very famous tourist attraction in El Salvador. I promise this route is going to captivate your heart.

From Juayua you can hop on the route of the Seven Waterfalls as well and visit several beautiful waterfalls. One of the best places to visit in Juayua is the Los Chorros de La Calera waterfall.

Thanks to its gastronomy which you can taste daily, this town is a paradise for foodies. You shouldn’t miss the weekend food festival – the Gastronomica Fair – where tourists go on a palatable culinary adventure.

Additionally, the area produces some of the best coffee beans in the country. Sample this in Juayua.

Lastly, Juayua is also well-known for the magnificent murals painted by local artists that can be found all over the town.

Where to stay in Ruta de las Flores

If you decide to explore the Ruta de las Flores and its many cool things to do and places to visit I recommend you finding a base for 2 or 3 nights. There are many hidden gems around these mountains villages and accommodation is affordable.

A highly recommended Ruta de las Flores hotel is Hotel Juayua . Get yourself a room with a view and enjoy absolutely breathtaking views over the volcanos of El Salvador all the way to the ocean.

Hotel Juayua has a swimming pool as well and we are talking about $50 per night only. Hotel Juayua also offers Temazcal ceremonies in their own sweat iglo.

Booking.com

12. Sonsonate - Ruta de las Flores

Make sure that the majestic city of Sonsonate is on your El Salvador itinerary. Sonsonate is also located on the Ruta de las Flores.

Sonsonate features a gorgeous landscape with vast plain lands, charming old-world neighborhoods, and a tranquil ambiance all through the city. Visitors here get to enjoy the most enchanting views.

While in Sonsonate, don’t miss out on learning the history of the city and check out its train and transport heritage in Railway Museum Plaza. If you have some extra time on your hands, pass by the Sonsonate Cathedral and say a prayer before embarking on an exciting adventure to Parque Aquatico Escudo.

13. Laguna Verde - Mountain Lake

A small lake located off the beaten path on the Ruta de las Flores. Laguna Verde is hidden away up in the mountains. The adventure of visiting Laguna Verde already starts in Quezalapa where you can rent dirt bikes or buggies.

Buggy tours are guided and lead you through coffee plantations and through local villages for about 20 minutes until you reach Laguna Verde. Unfortunately swimming is not allowed in Laguna Verde, but there is a little boat that can take you out.

You can also rent mountain bikes and bike around the laguna and the surroundings before you hop back in your buggy and drive back to Quezalapa. I joined one of the tours of Apaneca Adventure Tours and I would highly recommend them to you.

14. Cafe Albania - Adrenaline Park

Another amazing place to visit in El Salvador and located on the Ruta de las Flores is a small little adventure park. Cafe Albania sounds like a coffee place or may be a coffee plantation, but instead we are talking about zip lining, a swing and more.

Cafe Albania is an adrenaline park and one of the coolest things to do in El Salvador. There are three zip lines, a free-fall swing, a maze and an elevated bike track. The views of the surrounding are pretty spectacular up here.

If you are not into any of these adventures you can enjoy a drink and a meal with a view in their restaurant overlooking the valley. Cafe Albania is definitely one of the best places to visit in El Salvador for cool Instagram photos.

15. Nahuizalco and Cascada la Golondrinera - Indigenous heritage

Also on the Ruta de las Flores you can find the village of Nahuizalco, one of the Pueblos Vivos in El Salvador. Pueblos Vivos means lively villages in English and basically is a designated tourist destination in El Salvador by the government.

It is a cute little town with a main square, a cathedral, coffee places, live music and souvenir shops. A typical laid-back touristy town in the mountains. Nahuizalco is where you will find most indigenous people of El Salvador.

The Museo Comunitario Nahuat Pipil is a must visit when traveling to Nahuizalco. It will tell you all about the dark past of this hill station and the massacre that occurred here in 1932, when around 20.000 indigenous people where killed in 1 month.

The entrance to the museum is free and visiting only takes you about 10 minutes, but be prepared for a heavy story.

One of the best things to do in Nahuizalco is visiting the nearby Cascada la Golondrinera. This hidden waterfall is one of my best kept El Salvador travel tips. Hidden away from mass tourism, even my guide had never been there. Tours to the Golondrinera waterfalls are hard to find, but where there is a will there is a way.

You start a short hike at a local village nearby guided by a local. The hike follows a path down to the river which you will be crossing until you hit a small narrow canyon. Here you will enter the river and walk through the canyon for about 10 minutes until you hit the hidden Cascada la Golondrinera.

A secret but beautiful place to visit in El Salvador! Don’t miss out on this one.

16. San Miguel - 3th biggest city

This is El Salvador’s third largest and most populated city and is located on the eastern side of the country. Despite not being very well developed, it’s a popular tourist destination in El Salvador.

This gorgeous city hugs the country’s small eastern coast, offering close proximity to several beach towns with some of Central America’s best surf. The San Miguel coastal locale is a major center of trade that has some of the country’s high-quality seafood.

In November, the town hosts a fun-filled festival – the San Miguel Carnival – that’s one for the books and among the best things to do in El Salvador in November. The festival is full of color, lights, fantastic food, and thrilling rides.

Don’t forget to wear light clothes as this is the hottest destination in the country especially during summer.

There are a bunch of outdoor activities available around the city such as hiking along the highly active San Miguel Volcano and the nearby San Vincente volcano that has some of the country’s most challenging trail-less hikes. Be ready to enjoy the breathtaking views from the peaks of these volcanos.

Its historical downtown offers some noteworthy landmarks such as the 19th-century Cathedral and Francisco Gavidia Theatre to the San Miguel Market and the bustling Avenida Roosevelt. This is one of the best places to go in El Salvador for nightlife.

17. El Mozote - Dark history

This fascinating village is located in the Morazán department. Historians are fond of exploring this village with a grim history. This is where the El Mozote massacre took place where about one thousand civilians were killed by the US Government-funded army called the Atlacatl Battalion.

Monument De La Paz La Reconciliación has now become a symbol of that tragic period and the dark side of the history of El Salvador.

If you’re visiting El Mozote for adventure, you’ll be spoilt for choice as there are numerous attractions. Some beautiful places to visit are the waterfalls of: Llano del Muerto, Cascadas las Pilas, and Cascada la Olamina.

18. Ruta de Paz - Civil War History

The name “Ruta de Paz” translates to “Path of Peace.” This is a popular tourist route that winds through the area hit hardest by the civil war. The path is located in the Morazán department which is the former nucleus of the guerrillas during the war.

Tourists encounter beautiful mountains and quaint colonial towns with three main stops along the route. The stops are at Perquin, Arambala, and San Fernando.

Perquin is the most popular among these stops and even has accommodation for tourists. If you’re into sight-seeing, city walks, and getting to know the culture and history of El Salvador, then Perquin is definitely adding to your list of places to go in El Salvador.

This delightful little municipality also has a fair share of pleasant natural wonders that make it an ideal destination for nature lovers and adventurous thrill-seekers.

Ruta de Paz can best be visited on a day trip from either El Mozote or San Miguel.

19. Conchagua Volcano - Ultimate adventure

Last but not least the Conchagua Volcano all the way in the most southeastern point of the country. If you hike up to the top you will be rewarded with one of the best views imaginable. Conchagua Volcano surely deserves a spot on this list of best places to visit in El Salvador.

Unfortunately due to weather conditions I was not able to visit myself, but it has been on my list for years. Camping on top of Conchagua overlooking the Gulf of Fonseca that borders Nicaragua, Honduras and El Salvador.

Waking up with sunrise views of the islands of Conchaguita, Meanguera, Zacatillo and Tiger Island will be an unforgettable El Salvador travel experience.

Is it safe to travel to El Salvador?

For most people, the idea of visiting El Salvador seems a bit questionable. You can’t blame them for thinking that El Salvador is unsafe for tourists as the media has put this country in a really bad position.

El Salvador doesn’t rank amongst the world’s safest countries but it neither is the “crime-filled” state that the media paints it to be. As a matter of fact, El Salvador is very safe for tourists in 2024 and that is based on my own experiences.

Stating this I am sure sparks a big discussion because who am I to tell you that it is a safe country when the whole world screams it is one of the unsafest countries to travel.

I sincerely invite you to watch my series of Instagram stories in my highlights. You will see me road tripping through El Salvador without any issues.

Despite previously having a reputation as an unsafe country, El Salvador is now one of Central America’s safest countries to visit. The country’s distasteful reputation has changed rapidly over the recent years and more and more tourists are discovering this up-and-coming travel destination.

El Salvador is an amazing travel destination for those who are interested in surfing, laid-back beach towns, hiking, volcano adventures, backpacking, but also for the luxury traveler there are some amazing luxury hotels, private villas and trendy boutique hotels.

Just use standard precocious and common sense when traveling in El Salvador and you will be fine. Just like in any other country around the world. 

Things to know when traveling to El Salvador?

Apart from its gorgeous natural wonders, El Salvador has super friendly and very hospitable people. The infrastructure is also pretty good so getting around is easy. It’s easy to navigate through the majority of the country via a series of the inner city and national bus routes. If you’re planning to venture outside the city, I recommend you to rent a car. It is the easiest way to get to the best places to see in El Salvador.

The country has a predominant tropical climate. The best time to visit El Salvador is from November through March. This is the driest time and you’ll avoid the worst heat of April before the rains start in May and last till October.

There are numerous local markets and giant shopping malls where visitors can find whatever it is that they want to buy in El Salvador. The dining options are also quite varied. One famous delicacy found in El Salvador is pupusas. These are classic tortillas stuffed with a mixture of cheese, minced meat, spicy sauce, and a variety of vegetables (carrots and cabbages are the most commonly used.) Other foods include rice, beans, pork, chicken, and lots of seafood at the coast.

Expect that your stay in this pretty country will exceed your expectations and will help you break all the misconceptions you have.

My experiences traveling to El Salvador

As you have seen, El Salvador condenses so many brilliant places within its borders. With its civil war over two decades ago, tourists from all works of life are now discovering the array of tourist attractions in El Salvador.

I arrived by bus from Tegucigalpa, Honduras. I first spent some time in the capital San Salvador before I moved on to the Pacific Coast were I found it hard to leave. As said in the above explore the villages in Libertat and find your favorite one.

The Ruta de las Flores I explored by car for a couple days and enjoyed the tranquil temperatures and amazing adventures in the rolling green hills. Never did I feel unsafe or uncomfortable on my trip to El Salvador.

My El Salvador travel tips in short: eat Pupasas, chase waterfalls, conquer big waves, enjoy the sunsets, sip coffee, climb volcanos and meet the friendly local people.

I hope all the above tips for traveling to El Salvador were helpful. Let me know if you have any additional questions, please leave me a comment below and I am more than happy to help answering your questions.

If you decide to travel to El Salvador after reading this article it would sincerely make me happy as I think the country deserves it a lot. Still suffering from having such a bad image from that past, but 100% is nothing like that anymore.

As per January 2024 I have visited more than 155 countries around the world on my  road to visit every country in the world . El Salvador is definitely among my favorite countries in Central America and surely I will be back again in 2024.

For more info about my trip to El Salvador check out my Instagram Page @traveltomtom .

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Enjoy your trip to El Salvador!

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The Most Beautiful Places to Visit in El Salvador

Tucked at the bottom of Central America on the way to nowhere, El Salvador often gets overlooked even by overlanding backpackers. Which is a shame – with Mayan ruins, avenues of smoking volcanoes, sleepy Spanish-colonial villages set in flower-filled valleys and long, broad stretches of surf-friendly Pacific coast, it’s as enchanting as its more celebrated neighbors. And at around the same size of New Jersey, you can see the most beautiful spots at your leisure in a few days.

Did you know you can now travel with Culture Trip? We have an incredible selection of trips all over the world, including plenty of epic adventures in Central America, like our trips in Mexico , Costa Rica , Belize and Guatemala .

Tazumal is the most impressive Mayan ruin in El Salvador – first settled around 5,000 BCE, archaeologists estimate, and abandoned in the 13th century. The architectural complex was excavated and extensively restored in the 1940s and ’50s, but many of the ruins remain unexcavated. Tazumal is believed to have been an important center of trade, and its language in the K’iche’ language means “pyramid where the victims were burned.” Explore this vast site and learn about the history of the Maya civilization through the on-site museum.

Welcome to a funky two-street beach town, very popular with backpackers and surfers – waves on the pebbly black beaches are best early in the morning. Stroll the quaint streets or visit the beach caves when the tide is low. Playa El Tunco is popular with Salvadorans as well as travelers, and is always packed on weekends. Don’t miss the stunning sunsets every evening (top tip: there’s an amazing view from the hotel Monkey Lala). At night, the bars are fabulously upbeat – and the crowd can get quite rowdy.

Head northeast of the capital, San Salvador, and you’ll reach this former colonial city. It suffered structural damage in the Civil War (1980-1992), but now it’s a great mountain getaway, and a national magnet for culture, with arts and food festivals forever filling the streets. You might amble round the cobblestone streets gazing up at beautifully preserved Spanish-colonial buildings. Head beyond town for waterfalls and caves. Or take your binoculars to Lake Suchitlán, where migratory species include the country’s largest duck populations.

Ruta de las Flores

Named for the wildflowers that grow roadside (at their best from November to February), this Flower Route leads you through some of the most beautiful villages in El Salvador. From Sonsonate you drive for some 25mi (40km), through Juayúa, Ataco, Apaneca and Ahuachapán. Along the way, you’ll pass Spanish-colonial buildings, towering churches, weekend markets and great little pit-stops for food, not to mention stunning views of waterfalls and coffee plantations. You’ll have more independence if you self-drive, but the trail can also be covered by bus.

Playa el Esteron

Here’s a charming stretch of coast that, for whatever reason, somehow isn’t as popular as many of the others in El Salvador. The surf is gentle, and the ambience is tranquil thanks to the absence of the usual shore crowd, heavy on rowdy backpackers. The sands stretch out endlessly in either direction, not quite as black as the kind you find further west. If you need a tranquil beach getaway in El Salvador, stop at Playa El Esteron for a lazy beach day in beautiful, if unremitting, sunshine. You’re bound to end up swigging cold beer and swinging in a rented hammock as you watch the sunset colors form.

Lake Llopango

What used to be a volcano 1,500 years ago is now a blue expanse of freshwater in central El Salvador. At an altitude of 1,450ft (442m), edged by towering cliffs, it is much loved by divers and boating enthusiasts. An eruption, sometime between CE 410 and CE 535, shattered the cone, killing and displacing hundreds of thousands of people for miles around. The bowl-like caldera that remained filled to form the 28sqmi (72sqkm) Lake Ilopango. Travelers are bewitched by its serene beauty, and locals dive for fish in waters that fall away to 787ft (240m) or more.

Montecristo National Park

This national park is nature with the volume turned up to 11 – from the highest peak (El Trifino, at 7,933ft/2,418m) to the lowest valleys. It looks like a long-lost world, with dense canopy of oaks and laurel trees soaring up to 100ft (30m) above, and mushrooms, lichens and mosses running rampant across the forest floor. And yet you can visit easily as part of a tour. You might glimpse the rare likes of pumas and anteaters, spider monkeys and and coyotes. Even if you don’t, sightings of squirrels and porcupines, black shrew-mice and white-tailed deer are common. All that and 300 bird species, including quetzals, green toucans and white-faced quails. Keep your eyes peeled.

Puerta del Diablo

The past is dark – filled with death and horror – but today the views are awesome and uplifting, ensuring a steady flow of tourists. Devil’s Door is a rock formation composed of two tall boulders, forming a window out over the lush El Salvadoran landscape. From the viewpoint, accessed along a winding pathway, you’ll see the indigenous town Panchimalco directly below, Lake Ilopango to the left, and the twin-peaked San Vicente volcano straight ahead with the Pacific beyond. Unsurprisingly, for the intrepid, there are more than 60 rock climbing routes in the area, with zip lining, canopy tours, caving and rappelling on the agenda, too.

A drive of some 40mi (65km) from San Salvador brings you to Santa Ana, the second-largest city in the country. An idyll of tree-lined streets and vibrant buildings, it amassed its wealth from the coffee industry. It feels grand, and there’s a blossoming cultural scene, drawn by the all-round beauty. It’s a good place to base yourself if heading out to explore the Tazumal ruins or the Ruta de las Flores. While here, make sure you explore Santa Ana’s towering neo-Gothic cathedral, completed in 1913, with an exterior liberally covered in intricate carvings.

Coatepeque Caldera

Filling a volcanic caldera forged tens of thousands of years ago – much older than Ilopango – Lago de Coatepeque is one of the larger lakes in the country. Surrounded by steep slopes, the clean blue water descends 394ft (120m) – a miraculous view seen from the highway on the ridge of the crater as you approach. There’s plenty to do – perhaps taking a kayak or boat out over the rippled depths. As you paddle, notice the beach houses on the shores: weekend getaways for the very lucky.

When it comes to pre-Colombian ruins, neighboring Guatemala gets all the limelight. Which is good news, because while Tikal is tourist-teeming, El Salvador’s more modest Mayan cities are deserted. Even though they’re just 45 minutes north of San Salvador, you’ll have the pyramids and ancient ball courts at Cihuatán to yourself, if you come midweek. With no roads nearby, the air is meditatively still, except for the calls of toucans and tanagers in the surrounding forest.

Laguna de Alegria

Central El Salvador is rugged with forest-swathed volcanoes, cut with plunging valleys and dotted with crater lakes. Emerald green, iris-round and sitting in a bowl of rainforest at the summit of Tecapa volcano, the Laguna de Alegria in the Cerro Verde mountains, is one of the prettiest. It’s easy to reach by road from the nearby village of Alegria (aka “Happiness”), and trails run from the shore into the surrounding forest to hot springs and fumaroles.

Playa el Espino

Many of El Salvador’s beaches are sticky and muscavado-brown. Not Espino, a place of palm-tree shade and demerara sand stretching for more than 12mi (20km) between the waterfall-laced Periquera mountains and the wild, dolphin-populated bays of Jiquilisco. Things get busy around the village, where there are restaurants, hotels and surf shops. However, the sand is empty and wild at the beach’s eastern and western extremities, with more nesting turtles and cawing terns than tourists.

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Alex Robinson contributed additional reporting to this article.

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Plan Your Trip to El Salvador: Best of El Salvador Tourism

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17 top things to do in el salvador in 2024.

Despite spending less than 2 weeks here, I really loved El Salvador!

So much so, it made the list of our favourite backpacking destinations around the world .

El Salvador is actually the smallest country in Central America wedged between Guatemala and Honduras.

It’s a country of volcanoes, beauty and a reputation for violence in the past.

But that shouldn't worry you.

A stop here should be on every Central America backpacking itinerary and we are going to inspire you with the top things to do in El Salvador !

Need somewhere to stay? Check out our guide on where to stay in El Salvador

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Top Things To Do In El Salvador

Let's get down to business! This guide will cover all the best things to do in El Salvador as well as a few final travel tips .

1. Hiking the Santa Ana Volcano

This was probably my favorite thing to do in all of El Salvador. 

The Santa Ana volcano is one of many incredible volcanoes that you can hike in the country , and is known for its stunning blue/green crater lake that’s in the middle of the crater (which you can see once you reach the top). 

This is one of the top tourist attractions in El Salvador, so of course you can expect many other groups to be hiking here and also some crowds at the top (although the earlier you go, the less there will be).

Whilst you don’t need to be in excellent physical condition, it can be somewhat demanding and will take around 2 hours to walk up from the trailhead.

I’ve written about my experience climbing the Santa Ana Volcano and how you can visit without a guide.

However, booking an organized tour does have its benefits. With this full day tour you’ll have all transport and entrance permits included. You’ll also get to visit Lake Coatepeque along the way.

Those who want zero crowds can head on this private early-morning tour . Given it’s a faster-paced rhythm up (to get there before others), you’ll want to make sure you’re in decent physical condition for this tour.

The Santa Ana Volcano is located within the Cerro Verde National Park , and the trail is open from 8:00am until 4:00pm daily (which is the same for all other hikes in the Los Volcanes National Park region).

Book your Santa Ana Volcano Hike right here!

2. Take a coffee plantation tour

El Salvador is one of the best coffee regions that you can visit in Latin America, and they really do produce some amazing coffee.

I am a coffee fanatic, so I was actually very excited to come to Central America in general to taste all the amazing coffees.

The coffee of El Salvador is my second favorite in the region (Nicaragua has to be first!).

One of the best ways to get immersed in all things coffee is to take a tour around a plantation. We highly suggest heading on this full-day coffee plantation tour where you will learn about how the coffee is made and of course brew your own cup! You’ll also get to visit the stunning town of Ataco too.

Those who simply want to drink the good stuff without a tour can also find numerous coffee shops throughout Santa Ana.

Some of the very best are located around the Parque Libertad , such as Santein Café and Tostao Coffee Bar.

Book your awesome coffee tour right here

3. Visit The Mayan Ruins of Tazumal and Joya De Cerén

So everywhere in Central America has its own batch of Mayan Ruins, and El Salvador is no different.

Now, I’ll be upfront and say we personally didn’t visit the Mayan ruins. We planned too, but I’d already seen about 5 sets and the capital of the Mayan world: Tikal, and just didn’t feel like seeing any more.

However our writer George did, and has pitched in his thoughts here!

If you want to see Mayan ruins that are completely uncrowded (as in you could be the only ones there), then you will love the ruins in El Salvador.

Joya de Cerén is definitely the most popular of the two, however I found that actually Tazumal was pretty impressive.

Here you can see a well-preserved pyramid, along with all kinds of cacti and green plants around (which make for a great photo op). Tazumal Ruins are located within the town of Chalchuapa , and are open from 9:00am until 4:00pm, Tuesday through to Saturday.

Both sites are easy to reach from Santa Ana via chicken bus, which leave frequently near the Bus Terminal de Francisco Lara Pineda . You’ll want the 218 Bus, which leaves from around 10a Avenida Sur ( just ask a local for the exact bus stop since it can be tricky to find - you’ll find many speak good English here ).

So whilst you can see many pyramids throughout Central America, I think these are a great opportunity to experience the ancient Mayans' fine work without the crowds.

We highly suggest booking this full day tour , where you’ll visit both Joya de Cerén and Tazumal. As well as having a knowledgeable guide teach you about both sites as you walk around, you’ll also get to stop for a scenic lunch at Lake Coatepeque.

This fantastic tour takes you to ALL the Mayan ruins in El Salvador

4. Visit the Santa Ana cathedral

Santa Ana is a really underrated city , and is full of architectural delights and local gems.

It’s the second biggest city in El Salvador (after San Salvador ), and it’s actually quite cute.

There is a lovely square that’s got a great pizza restaurant, and is also home to the beautiful Santa Ana Cathedral !

Also known as the Cathedral of Our Lady Saint Anne, this neo-Gothic church is known for its incredible exterior and imposing twin towers.

It’s definitely worth a visit if you're in the area.

The Santa Ana Cathedral is located next to the Parque Libertad , and is open all days of the week from 6:00-11:45am, and then from 3:00-6:00pm.

5. Surf at El Tunco

El Salvador is home to some of the best surfing in the world , and it’s got something both for the beginners and pros out there.

Head to the beaches of El Tunco and El Sunzal for an amazing time surfing. It costs roughly $20 for a lesson and a days board rental.

El Tunco itself is also a backpacker hub, so it’s got lots of great restaurants and bars. 

The weekend is when this place really comes to life with fantastic parties and live music!

It’s worth heading to La Guitarra at least once, where you can watch live music whilst sipping on cocktails next to the Pacific Ocean.

We stayed in a place called the Casa De Mar hotel which was right on the beachfront and had the best surf break in the area literally in front of it!

The beaches are the most touristy part of El Salvador, so if for some reason, you are really concerned about safety, then this is one of the safest places to visit in El Salvador.

Ps, I suggest El Tunco because it’s where we went, but there are plenty of other beautiful beaches in El Salvador including La Libertad, Costa Del Sol and much more.

If you’re in San Salvador and don’t have much time (but want to visit the beach), then we highly suggest heading on this awesome day tour . Here you’ll have all transport sorted to and from El Tunco, where you’ll also get to visit the incredible waterfalls of El Tamanique.

Be sure to check out: The Best Hotels In El Tunco

6. Visit the waterfalls of El Salvador

There are a variety of waterfalls in El Salvador that are worth visiting, and I love waterfalls, so that’s why they’ve made it on my list of top things to do in El Salvador!

The Tamanique Waterfalls are one of these, which are easily visited from El Tunco with a day trip. 

You can head here with this organized tour , or you can rent a moped for the day and visit them yourself independently. It’s a 30 minute hike, however you can swim in the waterfalls which makes it worth the trip.

Alternatively, if you’re staying in San Salvador then you can also head on this day tour to the falls which includes all transport.

Then there is the Seven Waterfall hike which is for those who love chasing waterfalls and hiking!

One of them is located in the incredible town of Juayúa and the other one is in the Parque Nacional El Imposible.

Juayúa is the main base for visiting the waterfalls, and here you’ll literally visit seven waterfalls which are all stunning in their own right.

Some of them are more difficult to reach and you will need to use ropes, so be careful and remember to bring solid hiking shoes with you!

We didn’t visit waterfalls in El Salvador, because it kind of takes a lot to impress us waterfall-wise nowadays (we’ve seen A LOT), but actually I regret not visiting some of the waterfalls here.

This post from Champagne roads will fill you in on ALL the waterfalls in El Salvador, even the ones the guide books don’t mention.

She spent 3 months in El Salvador and had seen around 20, so I think it’s a great resource!

Oh, and you can fly a drone legally in this country, which means you’re going to catch some pretty awesome shots.

If you can, rent a car and you’ll get to see much more of the waterfalls and the unseen El Salvador.

Take this tour to visit some of the BEST waterfalls in El Salvador

7. Visit the Ruta De Flores

The Ruta de Las Flores is a winding route of about 20 miles that goes through coffee plantations, brightly colored colonial towns and colonial architecture. 

The five main towns on the Ruta de Las Flores include Salcoatitán, Nahuizalco,  Apaneca, Ataco and Juayúa.

You can get buses from each place to the next, and there are a variety of hotels and hostels along the way. It’s also easy to get here from San Salvador, and you can see the numerous options here on Moovit .

If you want to see the true natural beauty of El Salvador, then this is the place to be.

Now if you’ve only got time to visit one small town, then make it Juayúa! It’s definitely one of the best places to see along the Ruta de Flores, and one of those must-visit gems in El Salvador.

Whilst you can visit independently, sometimes taking an organized tour will make everything much more simple. We recommend this day tour from San Salvador , which includes private transport as well as extra time at the thermal hot springs of Santa Teresa.

You can also head on this alternative group tour , which includes visits to food markets, novel activities in each town as well as round-trip transport from the capital.

8. Go shopping in the capital

San Salvador is actually quite a commercialized city, and it’s home to the biggest shopping mall in all of Central America.

So, if you’ve got some spare cash or need some new clothes, then be sure to hit the Metrocentro and shop until you drop! 

They also have some cool arcade shops and cinemas, so you can also chill here and have a touristy day!

If you’re thinking of things to buy in El Salvador as a present or gift, then this is also a good alternative place to find them. Here you can find everything from coffee to novel domestic goods.

The Multicentro is open from 7:00am-9:00pm all days of the week.

Before or after the mall we recommend taking a city tour too (where you will see many of San Salvador’s top highlights). On this half-day tour , you'll have all logistics sorted as you visit impressive sites such as La Iglesia Rosario as well as the Catedral Metropolitana.

Take this half day tour to see the best sights in San Salvador

9. Visit the San Salvador Volcano

The San Salvador Volcano is another incredible peak which is located in the El Boquerón National Park. 

It’s located just outside of the capital, and you can visit the “peak” by heading to the park and then on a 15-20 minute hike upwards to the summit.

You’ll get to see a crater, which is fairly green and it’s probably not the type of crater you’re picturing in your mind (not like the Santa Ana crater).

But it’s easy to hop in an uber to the entrance and walk up! It’s got beautiful views of the city, and it’s definitely one of the top things to do in San Salvador !

You can also fly a drone over to get some cool shots.

It’s important to note that the volcano hiking path (as well as the El Boquerón National Park in general) is open from 8:00am until 5:00pm daily.

You can head on this day trip where you’ll hike to the summit, which also includes Pupusa Tastings and a city tour of the capital.

You can also go with a tour if you’d prefer!

10. Explore Lake Ilopango

This is another one of the great things to do in El Salvador. 

Actually, Lake Ilopango is more like a beach. I say that because it’s got little “beaches” around it and the locals all flock there like it’s the beach ( temperatures are pretty hot year-round which makes it perfect for sunbathing ).

There are lots of restaurants to dine by the lake, and you can rent a boat and have a romantic boat ride on the lake too!

Located east of San Salvador , it’s a really cool place to explore for the day. You can get there and back via Uber for around $8 which isn’t bad!

There is a random little waterpark by the lake too, which I think is mainly for kids, but if you’ve got children, then this is a pretty good place to take them.

You can also visit Lake Ilopango with this guided tour , where you’ll take kayaks out around the lake and enjoy the awesome volcanic landscapes and wildlife.

11. Explore the colonial town of Suchitoto

This is El Salvador's equivalent to the Antigua of Guatemala, except much smaller and much less touristy. 

There aren’t exactly many accommodation options up in Suchitoto, so most people opt to explore the colonial town on a day trip from the capital .

You’ll find that they’re pretty good value tours too, which include all transport and visit various attractions with your own local guide.

But, if you wish, you can go there yourself, either by Uber or by taking the local chicken buses from San Salvador . I would ask your hotel to guide you on what buses to get!

Suchitoto is full of cute churches, colorful buildings and a nice market too! 

It’s also close to another beautiful lake, so it’s definitely worth visiting for a day to see both attractions.

You can also head here on this half-day trip from San Salvador if you have less time free, where you’ll visit the main highlights such as the Saint Lucia Church and the House of Crafts.

Suchitoto is located roughly 50 km north of San Salvador , and can be reached in around an hour and a half using public transport.

Take this awesome valued tour to Suchitoto

12. Swim at Lake Coatepeque Caldera

So, when you hike the Santa Ana volcano, you’ll see this incredible lake from the views at the top. 

It’s a vast lake and a beautiful place to visit, either after your hike or just on a day trip!

You can get there via chicken bus or taxi, and it’s only an hours drive from Santa Ana .

There are lots of lovely restaurants around the lake for a bite, and you can also swim or rent some kayaks and spend the day relaxing at the lake.

You can stay overnight (or for a few days) to enjoy the more relaxed setting. Captain Morgan Hostel is the perfect place to stay, offering both private rooms and dorm beds. They also have an on-site bar, garden and sun terrace right on the lake.

If you like to have everything sorted for you in advance, then you can head on this day tour from Santa Ana , where you’ll also hike the volcano and have all transport included.

Are you staying in San Salvador? Then you can join this convenient tour , where you’ll spend plenty of time at Lake Coatepeque (including both hotel pick-up and drop-off).

13. Eat Pupusa

Pupusas are one of the most common and popular foods you can find in El Salvador - and you’ll find people selling them on the streets everywhere!

It’s basically like a round bread type thing stuffed with either cheese and beans, or mince and cheese. I’ve had both and they’re delicious!

They typically cost around $1 for 2 although I’ve seen 3 or 4 for $1 too. If you want a quick lunch, or a quick snack, then you have to eat pupusas!

They’re also really good when you want food after a night of drinking. A little lady sells them on the streets of El Tunco at like 2-3am haha ( perfect for reducing those day-long hangovers! ).

You’ll also want to head to Pupuseria Tita at least once whilst in Santa Ana, who are highly-renowned for their tasty pupusas. They’re open from 5:00pm until 9:00pm, Tuesday until Sunday.

14. Visit the El Imposible National Park

Literally meaning “The Impossible Natural Park”, this region already has an awesome name, so it’s worth visiting!

It’s a great spot for hiking and camping, and if you’ve got a spare night or two, you should definitely get your hands on a tent and spend time here.

The surroundings of El Imposible National Park are beautiful, so be sure to bring your camera fully-charged with you!

It’s best to visit during the week as it’s less busy. The region is open for both hiking and camping all hours of the day, all days of the week (except when it’s closed on Sundays).

Btw, it’s steep walking, so it’s not for the faint hearted.

There are 3 main trails: Cerro Leon (8 km) , Los Enganches (11km) and Piedra Sellada (8 km).

You can opt to visit with a tour, or you can make a DIY trip on your own.

It’s free to camp and you can rent tents at the entrance (I think), and it’s $6 to enter the park.

Transport to and from will be via chicken buses and won’t cost more than $1.

You can also join an organized tour in order to save yourself the hassle. On this day trip you’ll spend time exploring various breathtaking waterfalls, which are perfect for a quick cool-off from the hot El Salvadorian sun.

The El Imposible National Park is located close to the Guatemalan border , with the closest city of Santa Ana roughly 2.5 hours away.

You can do an organised tour here to save hassle.

15. Visit San Andrés, El Salvador

San Andrés is a pre-columbian archaeological site that’s really worth the visit, and therefore easily makes our list of top things to do in El Salvador.

This is one of the largest pre-Hispanic archaeological sites in the country , and is only 45 minutes from San Salvador .

As a result it’s a worthwhile day trip to do from the capital, and you can use either  Uber or chicken buses to get there.

Or, you could rent a driver for the day to take you there amongst other sights in the area.

If you’re in San Salvador, then we recommend joining this day tour where you’ll visit San Andrés ruins, as well as the ruins of Tazumal and Joys de Cerén.

Those up for more adventure can instead head with this action-packed tour that also visits numerous volcanoes and Lake Coatepeque!

16. Camp at Conchagua

This is a great area of natural beauty and one Bradley and I missed out on. 

Actually most of the research is in Spanish on Google, so it’s hard to get exact information, but this is a wonderful place to camp.

It’s better to visit Conchagua via car and actually some people opt to sleep in their car rather than camp, but that’s up to you.

Conchagua Volcano is the only one that is located in the coastal plains of El Salvador, which offers a completely different setting compared to the rest further in-land.

There is a viewpoint here called Soul of the mountain, which is said to offer some of the most beautiful views in all of El Salvador!

The owner of the “viewpoint” organizes a tour that costs $10 for transport to and from and entrance to the viewpoint, which isn’t bad.

He is called Luis Diaz and his contact number is +503 7824 7766. You can gain more information via him!

Conchagua Volcano is located right in the extreme south-east of El Salvador , close to Honduras. The closest city to the region is San Miguel, which is around an hours drive away.

17. Chill at The Santa Teresa Hot Springs

When it comes to El Salvador attractions, this should easily make the list. 

However the Santa Teresa Hot Springs is actually quite an undiscovered hidden gem of El Salvador, and it doesn't make it on many of the backpacking itineraries or lists of things to do in El Salvador. But it should!

I love a good hot spring, and there is actually a “luxury” resort area here called the Santa Teresa Park which offers you the unique opportunity to appreciate the largest Ausol in Central America.

Here you can also see the magic pool, trail of the lagoons, the romantic pool as well as the blue lagoon, which all together make the hot springs of Santa Teresa the main tourist destination in the West of El Salvador.

These are beautiful hot springs, all well organized, and I REGRET NOT KNOWING ABOUT THEM!

I wish I had gone, but even when I did my initial research, this wasn’t on the list of things to do in El Salvador, so if you go to El Salvador, please go and tell me what you think!

You can head on this day tour from the capital , which includes pick-up and drop-off and gives you plenty of time to really relax at this underrated site.

The Santa Teresa Hot Springs are located close to the city of Ahuachapan , and are open from 8:00am until 10:00pm all days of the week.

So there you have it, my guide on the top things to do in El Salvador! I hope this guide has given you some inspiration to the many amazing and different things there are to do in El Salvador.

It’s truly an undiscovered country that’s slowly but surely rising in popularity, so if you can, visit before it becomes overly backpackery (not a word but I like it haha), and so you have it all to yourself (and whilst there are no drone laws!!)

On that note, be sure to check out our guide on the best travel drones .

Why visit El Salvador?

El Salvador is often overlooked by backpackers but it shouldn’t be.

It’s home to the stunning Santa Ana volcano, amazing waterfalls and natural beauty, and some of the best surf in the world, that’s consistent all year round!

Simply scratch the surface and you’ll soon discover a country with amazing places to visit, people to meet and beauty to discover.

Is El Salvador safe to visit?

Yes. I am well aware of the reputation that El Salvador has for having one of the highest homicide rates in the world. Which it does, or did.

But the people of El Salvador are actually very much aware of this reputation too. And whilst there is no denying there is violence in the country (just like there is in any country), it doesn’t target tourists.

I have to say, I didn’t feel uneasy for a single minute in El Salvador, and Bradley and I used chicken buses to get from place to place and it felt safe.

The people were friendly, and not once did we feel threatened.

So I can say that it’s safe, or it was for us. Just take normal precautions such as don’t walk around alone at night, don’t get drunk and put yourself in a vulnerable position (especially at night), and don’t flash the cash or expensive jewelry.

Also ,don’t get involved with drugs.

Follow those rules and you will have a fuss free and wonderful experience in El Salvador!

When is the best time to visit El Salvador?

The dry season or summer of El Salvador runs between November and April, so I would say this is the best time to visit.

The wet season runs from May and October.

Bradley and I visited in February and the weather was dry and super warm. El Salvador is a very warm country and the temperature sits at around 33-35 degrees Celsius every day.

Read Also: How To Plan A Trip

How to get to El Salvador?

As I mentioned before, El Salvador is actually quite a small country. You could get from one end to the other in around 4-5 hours.

This means there is only one airport in the country and that’s located in the capital: San Salvador.

You can get flights to San Salvador from a variety of locations, and if you’ve been visiting Mexico or Guatemala, you can get flights for around £60.

If you’re flying from England or the USA the chances are you will have a stopover somewhere before you land in San Salvador.

For those travelling by bus/on land, you can get to the beaches of El Salvador easily by shuttle bus from Guatemala. You can also get to the capital too.

If you want to go to Santa Ana, you will have to leave from Guatemala city, not Antigua as no direct shuttles go to Santa Ana from there.

If you’re coming from the other end (Honduras or Nicaragua), you can use Tica bus to get to San Salvador!

Visa Requirements for El Salvador

El Salvador is part of the C4-4 agreement (El Salvador, Honduras, Guatemala and Nicaragua). This agreement gives tourists 90 days to travel in any of the 4 countries. NOT EACH COUNTRY ( a common mistake).

You can request a 30 day extension, which gives you 120 days in the 4 countries.

If you're from Australia, Belgium, Lavtia, or Croatia you are required to purchase a visa card on arrival which is $10 and lasts 30 days.

You can find more information here.

How long do I need to backpack El Salvador?

Since it’s such a small country, you don't need a lot of time to see everything. I would say 2 weeks is suffice, but you could take it slow and do 3, especially if you are surfing.

You could do it a lot quicker if you’re only making a few stops! I know people who spent less than a week here but I don’t think that’s enough time to get to know the country and truly appreciate its beauty and check off all the top things to do in El Salvador!

Where to after El Salvador?

El Salvador is usually part of a full Central America backpacking list, so depending on whether you’re going north or south, it would make sense to visit Guatemala afterwards, or Nicaragua !

Both countries are amazing, and if you have time, you should definitely visit both. To date, I haven’t visited Honduras as it wasn’t really safe at the time, but I will return and visit it in the future - don’t worry!

Hotels In El Salvador

The hotel industry in El Salvador is nowhere near as big as other countries, so for that reason, I’m going to list a hotel recommendation for each area I visited!

• El Tunco: Casa De Mar ‍
• Santa Ana: Pool House Hostel ‍
• San Salvador: Cinco hotel B&B ‍
• Ruta De Flores: Casa Degraciela Hotel Boutique

You can find the best accommodation in San Salvador here .

The equipment we use when travelling

In case you're wondering what cameras we used for these photos.

• ‍ Canon G7x Mark II : Brilliant little point and shoot, video recording for creating travel videos and vlogging camera. A great all-in-one when you don't want to carry lots of equipment. ‍
• Tripod:  We carry a travel tripod to take some pictures together or get unique shots.
• Memory cards: I use 64G sandisk, sometimes sandisk gold for my drone footage. ‍
• Mavic Pro Drone:  Our baby mavic is high quality, worth a lot of money and worth it for the beauty it captures. There are more new drones out, but this is honestly perfect.

If you’ve got anything else you think I should add to my list of the top things to do in El Salvador, then please comment below.

Happy travelling!

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El Salvador Travel Guide

Last Updated: September 1, 2023

El Salvador is the smallest and most densely populated country in Central America . Somewhat bypassed on the tourist trail (it’s tucked away from the main route people take through Central America), this country is filled with natural beauty, forests, beaches, and even the opportunity to view some archaeological sites.

While the country has had a turbulent past (it was ruled by a dictator from 1931-1979 and then experienced a civil war from 1980-1992), El Salvador has slowly been coming into its own and is now a popular spot for intrepid backpackers looking to get off the beaten path.

El Salvador is the perfect place to experience the great outdoors without the crowds as you make your way around Central America. Everyone is super friendly and generally happy to have visitors and the crowds here are much smaller than you’ll find in neighboring Costa Rica and Panama .

The prices are lower too.

This travel guide to El Salvador can help you plan your trip, save money, stay safe, and make the more of your time in this underrated destination!

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on El Salvador

Top 5 Things to See and Do in El Salvador

1. Visit the Montecristo Cloud Forest

This cloud forest is home to diverse flora and fauna, including ferns, orchids, mosses, spider monkeys, and anteaters. The area is incredibly biodiverse and is believed to contain 7% of the world’s species. Within the cloud forest, you can explore Trifinio Fraternity Biosphere Reserve, established in 1987, which was the first protected area in El Salvador. Hike to the highest point, El Trifinio, with an altitude of 2,400 meters (7,874 feet), where the borders of El Salvador, Honduras , and Guatemala converge. One of the most popular attractions in the cloud forest is the Garden of the Hundred Years which contains over 100 different types of orchids. There’s a limit to how many people can visit the park each day, so it’s best to arrive early.

2. Hang out in El Tunco

One hour outside of San Salvador is this backpacker’s paradise. The tiny town is packed with hostels and is a popular place for relaxing beach vacations and lively party weekends. The name of the town translates to ‘the pig’ and it’s named after the landmark just offshore — a huge rock that resembles a pig. Cheap hostels, cheap drinks, a great party scene, and world-class surfing await in this beachside town. Besides the nightlife, El Tunco is known for its beautiful black sand beaches and gorgeous sunsets.

3. Go to Puerta del Diablo

Also known as the Devil’s Door, this rock formation serves as a lookout, offering sprawling views over San Salvador, the Pacific Ocean, and the surrounding mountains. Nowadays, it’s a beautiful place to visit and a popular tourist attraction, but its history is shrouded in darkness. During the civil war, it was a site where prisoners were held and tortured. Once a single rock, the formation has now separated into three boulders. The climb to the overlook is steep, with an ascent of 1,250 meters (4,101 feet). Take the bus from San Salvador and then it’s a quick walk to the boulders.

4. See the Cihuatán Ruins

Cihuatan was founded after the collapse of the Mayans around 900 CE and quickly became a regional capital. It lasted for 100 years before unknown invaders burned the city in the 10th century. It’s located near the modern-day town of Aguilares, about 30 kilometers (19 miles) outside of San Salvador. The Pre-Columbian archeological site covers over 180 acres and includes pyramids, Mesoamerican ball courts, and religious sites which were first excavated in the 1970s. By the 1980s, over 900 structures had been uncovered. You can visit the ruins and the museum explaining the history of the area as a day trip from El Salvador. Admission is $3 USD.

5. Visit La Libertad

La Libertad is a popular beach town alternative to El Tunco, with Punta Roca offering huge waves for surfing. The port city was established in 1770 and is a tropical paradise, with beautiful sandy beaches, palm trees, and opportunities to surf, sunbathe, and snorkel or scuba dive. Nearby you can explore Walter Thilo Deininger National Park which is rich in wildlife. If you want a real taste of the local life, visit the busy daily fish market on the waterfront. Otherwise, this place is all about relaxing, enjoying reggae music, and soaking up the sun.

Other Things to See and Do in El Salvador

1. hike the volcanoes.

El Salvador has its share of volcanoes to explore, and the best place to see several of them is Cerro Verde National Park. This park is home to Cerro Verde, Izalco, and Ilamatepec. The trails all allow you to get up close to the volcanoes, including a walk around the Cerro Verde crater, where you’ll find a cloud forest full of tropical birds and plant life. Ilamatepec is the highest point in the park, at 2,381 meters (7,811 feet) at the summit. There are lots of tours from San Salvador starting from about $85 USD, or you can show up and just pay the $3 USD entrance fee.

2. Visit Joya de Cerén

Joya de Cerén is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that tells a story about the everyday lives of the Mayans. Once a small Mayan farming settlement, the town was buried under volcanic ash in 595 BCE when the Laguna Caldera Volcano erupted. The site includes a Temazcal (sauna), and other important buildings like storehouses, a kitchen, and a religious building meant for communal events. There’s also an excellent preserved shaman’s home and a collection of agricultural tools. This site is the Mayan version of Pompeii . It’s $7 USD to visit.

3. Get cultural in San Salvador

Although most people don’t spend a lot of time in San Salvador, there are a few highlights to see. Most of the city’s activity centers around the Plaza el Salvador del Mundo, where you’ll see the iconic Savior of the World statue (with Jesus standing on a globe). Walk around downtown, try some pupusas (delicious El Salvadorian flatbread stuffed with cheese, pork, squash, or refried beans), and visit the domed Metropolitan Cathedral which is filled with colorful stained glass. At the National Palace, peruse the old government rooms and the courtyards, and if you want to do some souvenir shopping, head to the National Handicrafts market for some local artwork. (Note: Sometimes downtown San Salvador experiences gang violence. Read our safety section to learn how to keep yourself safe.)

4. Go diving

El Salvador has some of the best diving in Central America. The warm waters of Los Cóbanos (a resort beach area on the westside of El Salvador) contain reefs, underwater rock formations, and even shipwrecks. If you’re a beginner, you can learn to dive in volcanic crater lakes like Coatepeque and Ilopango, where the freshwater provides mild conditions for anyone who isn’t ready to tackle the open waters. There’s not a lot of marine life to see in the lakes, but visibility is clear and the azure waters of the lakes are stunning. Expect to pay around $85 USD for a two-dive trip and around $415 USD for an Open Water certification course.

5. Visit El Imposible National Park

This is the largest park in El Salvador and is named for its deep gorge. It’s part of the Apaneca Ilamatepec mountain range, with mangrove forests and a total of eight rivers, as well as plenty of waterfalls. You might see pumas, anteaters, antelopes, and even wild boars while here. Due to the delicate nature of the park, you’ll need to have a guide to explore it (you’re not allowed to hike alone). It’s $6 USD for the park entrance fee, and then you can request a guide (it’s usually about $10 USD for a group). You can also do a day trip from San Salvador with Impossible Tours for $130 USD.

6. Spend a day at Los Chorros

Los Chorros is a nature park composed of a series of natural swimming pools that cascade from overhanging volcanic cliffs, set against a backdrop of ferns, flowers, and moss. It’s 20 minutes outside of San Salvador. For only $3 USD to visit, it’s one of the most scenic ways to beat the heat!

7. Shop at La Gran Via

Located in the heart of San Salvador, this is an outdoor shopping center filled with restaurants, movie theaters, music, bars, live shows, and more. This is a nice place for an afternoon out, and at night it’s where the locals come for drinks and clubbing.

8. Tour the Museum of Popular Art

This museum is home to some of the country’s most valuable Salvadoran works, including works from over 177 artists such as paintings, sketch drawings, and sculptures from Rosa Mena Valenzuela and Salarrué (the most well-known writer and painter in El Salvador). It also has a huge showcase of miniature pottery, wood carvings, weaving, and jewelry. It’s a quirky, family-friendly place to visit. There are often craft-making sessions that you’re invited to join. Admission is only $1.50 USD.

9. Wander through colonial Suchitoto

Suchitoto (“Suchi”) is a small colonial town located on Lake Suchitlan in the mountainous northern region. Well-known around the country for its artistic community, most weekends draw hordes of Salvadorans from San Salvador (and other neighboring towns) looking to visit the many galleries and markets. There are easy looped walking trails all around Suchi that can take you to the lake, various waterfalls, and even caves to explore. Just find a trailhead and start walking!

10. Hang out on the Coatepeque Caldera

If you’re not learning how to dive here, spend at least a day on the caldera just enjoying the still, bright blue lake and its quiet village of El Congo in western El Salvador. You can hire a boat to take you around, go for a swim, or visit some of the village’s small restaurants.

11. Take the Ruta de Las Flores

The “Route of the Flowers” is a popular day trip from San Salvador, where you can visit small colonial towns and villages as well as coffee plantations. Pause in colorful towns like Nahuizalco, Apaneca, Juayua, and Ataco, where the main squares are busy with cafes and markets, and the buildings are covered in murals. Apaneca and Ataco are home to some of the best-known coffee plantations, like the El Carmen Estate, and if you’re visiting between November and February you’ll see the coffee beans flowering. You can do the route on your own, or take a tour from the city for around $90 USD.

El Salvador Travel Costs

Accommodation – During peak season, a bed in an 8-10-bed dorm costs $10-15 USD. Free Wi-Fi is standard and many hostels also include free breakfast. Private rooms with an ensuite bathroom cost around $25 USD per night (there is no real difference in prices during the high or low season).

Nightly rates for a budget two-star hotel room start at $40 USD. You’ll pay about $60 USD for a place on the beach, or a place with a pool

There are lots of Airbnb options in El Salvador. Private rooms start around $15-20 USD though they average double (or even triple) that. An entire home or apartment starts around $30 USD though prices usually average closer to $75-100 USD.

Food – Like its neighborhoods, the cuisine here is a mix of indigenous traditional foods with influence from the Spanish conquest. Pork, seafood, and corn are major staples and can be found at most meals. Pupusa is the national dish, a thick flatbread stuffed with cheese, chicharrón (pork), and refried beans. Cured pork, deep-fried cassava, tamales, and meat soups are other common meals.

Overall, food in El Salvador is very affordable. Like most Central American countries, you can find big plates of rice and beans for $3-5 USD. Breakfasts of eggs and plantains are also $3-5 USD. Fill up on the pupusas for less than $1 USD each.

Mid-range meals of pizza or a fried fish dinner are about $8-10 USD. A vegetarian meal is about $5-8 USD. A burger and fries is $10 USD. A beer to go with it will only cost between $1.50-3 USD.

There are some “high-end” dining spots around El Salvador, but most dining is pretty casual. You can find seafood dishes like ceviche between $15-19 USD, while a nice steak dinner ranges from $16-24 USD. Pasta dishes are between $12-15 USD.

Overall, the food is very cheap here, so take advantage of it when you can! If you do plan on cooking your own meals expect to spend around $25-35 USD per week, depending on your diet.

However, that said, given how few places have kitchen facilities, I wouldn’t buy a lot of groceries if I was here. I’d just get the cheap local eats!

Backpacking El Salvador Suggested Budgets

If you’re backpacking El Salvador, you’ll spend as little as $35 USD per day. This budget covers a hostel dorm, cooking some meals and eating cheap street food, limiting your drinking, taking the bus to get around, and doing most cheap and free activities like swimming and hiking.

A mid-range budget of about $90 USD covers staying in a private Airbnb room, taking the occasional taxi, enjoying a few beers at the bar, and eating out for all your meals. You’ll also be able to visit more museums, ruins, and parks or do some guided hikes.

On a “luxury” budget of $245 USD or more per day, you can stay in a hotel, eat any meals you want, enjoy as many drinks as you want, take taxis to get around, and do lots of tours. This amount of money goes a long way in a country like this and you’ll want for absolutely nothing if you’re coming here for luxury. The country is your oyster if you’re spending this or more!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages — some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in USD.

El Salvador Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

El Salvador is one of the cheapest countries in Central America, so you’ll find it easy to save money here without much effort. Regardless, here are some ways to save money during your visit:

• Snack on fruit – Fruit in Central America is super affordable. You can pick up a bag of mangos for around $0.50 USD at any roadside stall or market vendor, and even smoothies will cost less than $3 USD. Eat healthily and save money!
• Show up without reservations – It’s easy to just show up in a town like La Libertad or El Tunco and just barter for a room. If there’s availability, you could get your room for a fraction of what you’d be paying by booking online. A lot of accommodations don’t even have online reservation systems, so showing up and booking a room is the only way to do it in some cases.
• Go camping – While hostels are pretty cheap, you can camp at many of them for half the cost (for as little as $6 USD per night). Bring your gear and sleep under the stars!
• Stay with a local – Couchsurfing connects you with locals who will not only give you a free place to stay but also serve as a local tour guide and introduce you to the cool stuff only locals know about in town. There are not a ton of hosts here, however, so be sure to send your requests early.

Where to Stay in El Salvador

Hostels in El Salvador are affordable, fun, and safe. Here are my suggested places to stay in the country:

• Hostal Cumbres del Volcan Flor Blanca (San Salvador)
• Hostel Casa Verde (Santa Ana)
• Hostal Punta El Zonte (La Libertad)

How to Get Around El Salvador

Bus – Buses are the primary way to get around El Salvador’s cities as well as the country as a whole. You can get just about anywhere in one of El Salvador’s brightly painted school buses. Cities and towns often have designated bus depots with rides that cost less than $0.50 USD. You can easily move between towns for about $2-5 USD (it’s $2 USD to travel between San Salvador and Both La Libertad and El Tunco). San Salvador to Suchitoto is $1 USD. Fares may go up by 25% on the weekends due to more traffic.

Minivans – In most touristy areas in El Salvador you’ll find small tour offices that sell seats on minivans or minibusses. They’ll take you just about anywhere you need to go in the country (and onward into neighboring countries). These minivans cost more than the regular buses, but you still shouldn’t have to pay more than $10 USD wherever you’re going. You can also barter prices in this case, and if you can round up people from your hostel/accommodations to book as a group, you’ll save even more money.

Taxi – Taxis are easy to come by in El Salvador, although in smaller towns they take the form of tuk-tuks. Most are unmetered, so make sure you negotiate your price beforehand. Tuk-tuks are the cheapest option, and you can get a few blocks for less than $1 USD. Ask your hotel/hostel staff for price estimates before you head out so you know you’re not getting ripped off.

Car rental – Rentals start at $25 USD per day. Driving here is relatively safe compared to other Central American countries as the roads are much better maintained. You need to be 21 in order to rent a car here. An IDP (International Driving Permit) is also required.

For the best car rental prices, use Discover Cars .

When to Go to El Salvador

Like the rest of Central America, El Salvador’s dry season is between November and April, while the rainy season is between May and October.

The dry season is peak season, with travelers escaping the cold temperatures up north. Daily highs average about 30°C (86°F) here, and it rarely ever dips below 10°C (50°F). This is definitely the best time to visit.

Prices don’t fluctuate much in the off-season, so you have no real reason to visit during the rainy season. On the other hand, April to October is the best time for serious surfers.

How to Stay Safe in El Salvador

Unfortunately, El Salvador has a high rate of gang violence. Although it’s rarely targeted at foreigners, you should avoid certain areas. Most of that crime takes place in San Salvador, so avoid parts of Soyapango, Apopoa, and Mejicanos at all costs. Also, avoid the area around the Tica bus station in San Salvador, as there are sometimes attacks there against tourists. You’re not likely to spend a lot of time in these neighborhoods, however, and the more touristy places are patrolled by policemen.

La Libertad, Soyapango, and Usulutan also have some gang activity. Like San Salvador, police heavily patrol touristy areas.

In any destination, don’t be out on the street (or beach) alone after dark. Avoid traveling at night in general, as hijackings or muggings are known to happen.

You might encounter petty crimes, like theft, especially on public transportation. Do not flash any of your valuables around, or keep them at all. Credit card skimming is also a problem here, so try to use only ATMs at shopping malls, hotels, or banks.

You can more about common travel scams to avoid when you travel.

Solo female travelers should be cautious here. In addition to the tips above, the standard precautions apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone intoxicated, etc.).

If you experience an emergency, dial 911 for assistance.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

El Salvador Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!

El Salvador Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on Central America travel and continue planning your trip:

Do You Need Travel Insurance for Costa Rica?

The Best Tour Companies in Costa Rica

The 6 Best Hostels in Panama City, Panama

Is Belize Safe to Visit?

Is Central America Safe to Visit?

How to Get Around Central America on a Budget

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12 Incredible Places to Visit in El Salvador

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If you’re like most people, the idea of visiting El Salvador probably seems a bit sketchy at first. After all, isn’t the area unsafe for tourists? While the country may not be the world’s top spot for safety and stability, it’s far from the crime-ridden landscape that the media makes it out to be. Indeed, that’s one of the biggest myths about traveling in Central America . On the contrary, El Salvador is a pretty incredible place for tourists to visit, and this small country packs a lot into it, which is why I put together this guide to a few of the top places to visit in El Salvador.

Also, it’s important to note that El Salvador’s unsavory reputation from years ago is starting to change as more travelers start to visit, although this is still a developing or up-and-coming destination that isn’t on most people’s radar in Central America , like Costa Rica or Guatemala .

All the better for you though because many tourists choose to stay away from El Salvador, meaning you can marvel at some of these stunning locations and not have to fight your way through throngs of tourists.

Commute traffic in El Salvador

In any case, let’s take a look at a some of the top places to visit in El Salvador…

Cities in El Salvador

As with most countries in Central and South America, El Salvador was a Spanish colony. Thus, if you’re looking for a trip that includes rich history along with mesmerizing scenery, El Salvador is an excellent choice. Let’s see which towns and villages are worth your while.

San Salvador

The capital of El Salvador is also its largest city, so it’s worth exploring, especially since most travelers will fly into and out of San Salvador, providing at least some opportunity to explore this bustling city.

That being said, the metropolis is still recovering from a poor economy and years of civil war, so keep a close eye on your belongings and try to stick to the more tourist-friendly spots and places with plenty of street life. San Salvador is actually the second largest city in Central America (after Guatemala City), but it doesn’t feel as crowded or as densely packed as you might expect.

Indeed, the metropolitan area is home to about 2.5 million people, which isn’t that big for a capital city in Latin America. The big difference here is that the entire country is home to about 6.5 million, so it is nearly half the population in the metropolitan area.

One of the best things about San Salvador (and El Salvador in general) is that you’re never too far from the lush greenery. Volcanoes and dense jungle surround the outskirts, so you can be traversing through the wilderness in less than half an hour from the city center.

The main draw in the city can be found in the area surrounding Plaza Civica, where you’ll find the San Salvador Cathedral, the National Palace, and a number of other cool architectural gems in the surrounding blocks.

Considering that El Salvador was a Spanish colony for about 300 years, there is a lot of history to unpack when visiting this country. One of the best places to see it in action is Suchitoto, where many of the original colonial buildings still remain.

Regardless of the time of year you visit, chances are that you’ll come during one of the many arts and food festivals held within the city. Suchitoto is considered the cultural capital of El Salvador, and its residents relish in that title by showing off the best that they have to offer regularly.

Finally, if you fancy bird-watching but don’t want to trek into the jungle too far, Suchitoto is home to many migratory bird species, owing to its position on the shores of Lake Suchitlán. You may have to get on the outskirts of the town for a closer look, but it’s worth the effort if you love wildlife.

Be sure not to miss the famed waterfall, Cascada Los Tercios, to be truly wowed.

For those looking for a bit of a mix between San Salvador’s modern city life and Suchitoto’s historical appeal, Santa Ana is an excellent choice. Santa Ana is the second-largest city in El Salvador, but as with the capital, you don’t feel it.

Here you can spend the day wandering the streets and museums while taking in the cultural lifestyle of the locals. Be sure to check out some of the fantastic bars and restaurants while in Santa Ana so that you can experience all the flavors of the country.

Outside of town, you’ll also find the Santa Ana Volcano, which is the highest volcano in El Salvador, along with tons of other lush green mountains. This area is home to El Salvador’s coffee production, so if you’re a fan of coffee like me, you’ll want to do a coffee tour in the area.

Natural Wonders in El Salvador

As with all Central American countries, El Salvador is teeming with wildlife and beautiful natural wonders. Lush jungle forests, impressive volcanoes, pristine lakes – El Salvador has them all. Anyone who loves hiking and exploring the great outdoors will appreciate the fact that most of these spots aren’t overrun with tourists. This also means that wildlife is somewhat easy to spot or stumble across, although not quite as easy as a place like Costa Rica.

Lake Coatepeque

With so many volcanoes in the region, finding incredible lakes is relatively easy. This one was formed about 72,000 years ago and sits within the caldera of a dormant volcano. Lake Coatepeque is one of the largest in El Salvador, so you can find plenty of water activities to fill your time.

Whether it’s kayaking, scuba diving, or taking a boat tour to the island in the middle of the lake (Isla Teopan), you will be amazed at the beauty and awesomeness of Coatepeque. In fact, you can rent one of the many beach houses during your stay in El Salvador, and you’ll be glad you did.

This is a must do while you are visiting the nearby town of Santa Ana.

Cerro Verde National Park

Although this park is named after the volcano Cerro Verde, it actually contains three separate volcanoes. The other two are Izalco and Santa Ana, although Verde is by far the most popular. One of the reasons for its popularity is its magnificent peaks and cloud forest, which offers incredible views of the countryside.

You can explore the park by yourself, but I’d highly recommend getting a guided tour, either by foot or horseback. Tours will show you all of the fantastic natural wonders of the park, including centuries-old trees and various exotic birds.

If you’re looking for some active volcano action, Santa Ana is the one you can’t miss. While you won’t see plumes of smoke or lava, you can watch as sulfur and steam escape through various cracks in the rock.

This national park is also located right next to the town of Santa Ana.

Puerta del Diablo

El Salvador is a hiker’s paradise, but for anyone who loves rock climbing, Puerta del Diablo is a must-visit. The name translates to “the Devils’ Door,” and it got that name from a rather morbid history. During the most recent civil war, the spot was used for various atrocities, but lately, it’s been reclaimed and made into a peaceful sanctuary.

I imagine it can feel a bit odd to climb on a rock with that kind of past, but reveling in its natural beauty and using it for something positive can help reshape that history and turn it into something a lot more pleasant.

If anything, this place is so very emblematic of the changes that have taken place in El Salvador, once a place of terrible atrocities where no one would want to go, now you can see locals scaling the rock for fun and now becoming “conquistadors of the useless” as it has been put. Plus, the views from the top are undoubtedly spectacular.

Ruta de las Flores

Although Ruta de las Flores is technically a route that passes through several villages and forests, it’s named after the various flowers that bloom along the way. If you want to make the most of this trail, be sure to visit between November and February, when the flowers turn the area into an artist’s canvas.

The route may be named for the flowers, but the rest of the scenery is just as mesmerizing. You’ll pass through several small towns, as well as see waterfalls, lagoons, and local markets. The span of the route is about 20 miles, so plan on taking the whole day to explore it from end to end. You’d be best off driving the route (we had my truck since we were overlanding, but some people rent a car), but you can also take a bus and get off whenever it stops.

Ancient History in El Salvador

The Mayan empire stretched through most of Central America, and its presence is still felt today in many respects. While El Salvador may not have ruins as world-famous as other countries like Mexico and Guatemala, the sites here are just as valuable in understanding the history of the region. During your visit, be sure to check out these two spots.

When it comes to impressive Mayan ruins, Tazumal is right up there with the best, including Chichen Itza or Tikal. Most of the excavation occurred in the ’40s and ’50s, but much of the site remains untouched. Who knows what secrets lay beneath the stepped pyramids and hollowed out underground chambers?

In the native language, this site was called “the pyramid where the victims were burned.” I’m sure you can fill in the blanks as to what that meant for the Mayan, and what kind of history happened here.

According to scientific estimates, Tazumal was developed in around 5000 BCE and abandoned by 1200 CE. There is a museum on site that goes into further detail about its history and what was uncovered during its restoration.

These ruins lay very close to Santa Ana, making for an easy day trip.

Joya de Ceren

When it comes to preserved cities, most people think of places like Pompeii. However, El Salvador has its own version with Joya de Ceren.

Discovered in 1976, this city was buried in volcanic ash, much like its Italian counterpart. Most of the residents were able to escape in time, but their rushed evacuation meant that much of the city was left intact.

Joya de Ceren was consumed in 640 CE, so you can experience a day in the life of the Mayan people.

Although the site is not too expansive, its preservation makes it a must-visit for any ancient history buffs.

Beaches in El Salvador

With nearly 200 miles of coastline along the Pacific Ocean, you can bet that El Salvador has some pretty stunning beaches and coastal scenery. I, for one, was not disappointed. Indeed, it is the beaches that are the primary draw for most tourists to El Salvador. Sometimes it seemed like intrepid and budget-minded surfers were the main contingent of travelers to this often misunderstood country.

Almost directly due south of San Salvador is the humble little hippie beach town of El Tunco. This was probably one of my favorite places in all of El Salvador to be honest… I guess I just have a soft spot in my heart for cool little surf towns like this.

The beach here is basically massive boulders and the waves here are pretty thrashy, making it not exactly ideal for wading in the water, but more fitting for experienced surfers.

Our nightly ritual here was to just head out to the beach with a cheap beer in hand and watch people braving the violently churning water as the sun dipped over the horizon.

This is a cool place where you’ll find a laid back vibe, tons of cheap and rustic hostels, cheap drinks, and delicious pupusas.

Costa del Sol

We mentioned that El Salvador is relatively untouched by tourism, but Costa del Sol is partially immune to that fact. While you may want to avoid throngs of visitors, this area is highly popular for a reason – it’s insanely gorgeous. And even so, when I say “highly popular” that is relative… I mean it was still pretty sparsely populated when we visited. We’re not talking like the beaches of Cartagena , for example.

Costa del Sol is split between three beaches: San Marcellino, Los Blancos, and Costa del Sol. All three are exquisitely beautiful, but you don’t have to visit all three to feel like you got the whole experience.

This area is also home to one of the only theme parks in the country: Atlantis Water Park. Because Atlantis is surrounded by such lush jungle and exotic wildlife, it’s worth a visit. You can ride roller coasters and lounge by one of the many pools inside.

El Cuco sits far to the east, one of the last little towns that sits on the Pacific Ocean rather than the Gulf of Fonseca which is shared between El Salvador , Nicaragua , and Honduras. This is another laid back little beach town, quite a bit smaller and quieter than El Tunco, but still pretty amazing.

Here you’ll find miles of pretty chill coastline, not like the rocky coast in El Tunco, where you can walk along with some friendly stray dogs, sit back in a hammock with a beer, or maybe try the more beginner friendly surfing waves.

One of the absolute highlights for us in El Salvador was our time spent here in El Cuco, especially when we got to release baby sea turtles into the ocean. It was put on by our hostel (they have a turtle hatchery even), La Tortuga Verde, which sits outside the small town of El Cuco, right on the beach.

It’s a pretty cool place what with the sea turtles, the pool, or the free yoga. Highly recommend popping into El Cuco before you make your way to Honduras or beyond.

More Places to Visit in El Salvador

El Salvador is a small country, but it has a lot to offer. If you’re visiting for the first time, I’m sure you’ll be impressed with its beautiful beaches and some of its amazing natural areas.

While the migration from Central America by those looking for a better life is a very real thing, since they face poor economic opportunities as well as pressure and violence from local gangs, I feel that increased tourism to the region would help this country immensely and open up new sources of employment in the tourism sector.

I should also note that the insecurity and violence in El Salvador is not something that impacts tourists, beyond the normal advice of watching your belongings and being careful (as with anywhere in Latin America). This is a fun, beautiful, and amazing country if you give it a chance…

Enjoy your trip to El Salvador, I know we did!

Traveling to El Salvador soon? Book your lodging on Booking.com now to save. There are also Airbnb units in El Salvador that you can book for longer stays. Don’t forget to purchase your backpackers travel insurance for El Salvador as well, in order to protect yourself against illness, injury, and theft. I use and recommend World Nomads for its combination of coverage and affordability.

Read Next: The Safest Countries in Central America

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You forgot to go diving in the active volcanic crater lake at Ilopango.

Great recommendation! Wish I was a diver!

This is a very good post. I have visited most of these places and I enjoy living in this country very much. I am retired and have lived here since 2011 and have never had any problems, it is a very safe country as long as you do not go into the wrong areas.

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Tourist Places in El Salvador: A Journey to Discover the Rich Culture and History

Best Destinations - Amanda - July 25, 2023

Welcome to El Salvador, a hidden gem in Central America that offers a vibrant tapestry of culture and history waiting to be explored. In this section, we will take you on a journey through some of the must-visit tourist places in El Salvador that will allow you to immerse yourself in the rich heritage of this incredible country.

Why Explore the Rich Culture and History of El Salvador?

El Salvador may be small, but it is big on history and culture. By delving into the core of El Salvador’s past, you will gain a deeper understanding of its present and the stories that shaped its identity. From ancient Mayan ruins to colonial towns, each one of these destinations holds a unique tale that deserves to be heard.

Must-Visit Tourist Places in El Salvador

1. joya de cerén archaeological site.

Step back to the Joya de Cerén Archaeological Site, often called the “Pompeii of the Americas.” This UNESCO World Heritage Site showcases the remarkably preserved remains of a pre-Columbian farming village buried under layers of volcanic ash. As you wander through the excavated buildings, you’ll catch a glimpse of daily life from over 1,400 years ago.

2. Suchitoto

Nestled in the heart of El Salvador, Suchitoto is a captivating colonial town that will transport you back to the days of Spanish rule. Stroll through cobblestone streets, admire the well-preserved architecture, and soak up the enchanting atmosphere of this cultural hub. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the Church of Santa Lucía, a stunning example of Spanish-Baroque architecture.

3. Tazumal Archaeological Site

Travel further back in time with a visit to the Tazumal Archaeological Site. This ancient Mayan site is home to towering pyramids and impressive ruins that offer a glimpse into the rich civilization that once thrived in the region. Marvel at the intricate stone carvings and learn about the fascinating history of the Mayan people.

4. Ruta de las Flores

For a colorful and picturesque experience, explore the Ruta de las Flores (Route of the Flowers). This 36-kilometer stretch of road winds through the lush mountains of western El Salvador and is adorned with vibrant flowers, charming villages, and breathtaking landscapes. Take your time to stop at each town along the way, where you can indulge in local cuisine, browse handicrafts, and engage with friendly locals.

The Mayan History of El Salvador: Exploring Ancient Ruins and Cultural Legacies

The Mayan civilization is a captivating chapter in the history of El Salvador. Let’s dive into the rich heritage and discover the wonders left behind by this ancient civilization.

The Brief History of Mayan Civilization in El Salvador

• The Mayans inhabited the region of present-day El Salvador for thousands of years, with their civilization reaching its peak between 300 and 900 AD.
• They established complex city-states with advanced farming techniques and sophisticated hieroglyphic writing systems.
• The Mayan people were skilled astronomers, mathematicians, and architects, leaving behind monumental structures that astound visitors today.

Popular Mayan Tourist Places in El Salvador

El Salvador is home to remarkable Mayan ruins, providing a glimpse into the grandeur of this ancient civilization.

1. Joya de Cerén

• Often referred to as the “Pompeii of the Americas,” Joya de Cerén is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• It was a pre-Columbian farming village buried under volcanic ash, perfectly preserved for over 1,400 years.
• Explore the excavated buildings and witness the everyday life of Mayan villagers from the past.
• Tazumal is another significant Mayan archaeological site that showcases the architectural prowess of the Mayans.
• Marvel at the towering pyramids and examine the intricate stone carvings that depict Mayan mythology and history.
• Don’t miss the nearby museum, which provides further insights into the Mayan culture and its significance.

Importance of Preserving and Exploring the Ancient Mayan Ruins

Preserving the ancient Mayan ruins is crucial to understanding and appreciating this remarkable civilisation’s history, culture, and achievements.

• These sites offer valuable insights into the advancements made by the Mayans in various fields, such as agriculture, architecture, and astronomy.
• Exploring the ruins allows us to connect with the past, fostering a sense of appreciation for the rich cultural heritage of El Salvador.
• By preserving these sites, we ensure that future generations can continue to learn from and be inspired by the accomplishments of the Mayan civilization.

The Influence of Mayan Culture in Modern-Day El Salvador

The Mayan culture continues to leave its mark on modern-day El Salvador, evident in various aspects of life.

• Mayan traditions and customs persist in rural communities, showcasing the resilience and enduring spirit of the Mayan people.
• The Mayan influence can be seen in El Salvador’s cuisine, art, and even the local language.
• Traditional ceremonies and celebrations rooted in Mayan culture contribute to the vibrant tapestry of El Salvador’s cultural heritage.

Colonial Architecture in El Salvador: Uncovering the Cultural Soul of the Nation

El Salvador’s colonial architecture is a testament to the country’s history, eventually blending European and indigenous styles to create a distinctive aesthetic. From towering churches to sun-bleached buildings, each one tells a unique story.

Popular Colonial Tourist Places in El Salvador

1. san salvador cathedral.

The San Salvador Cathedral is a must-visit when exploring the colonial architecture of El Salvador. Its grandeur and scale are awe-inspiring; you’ll find priceless artworks and artifacts inside.

Ataco is a picturesque colonial town in the heart of El Salvador’s coffee country. Its art galleries, handicraft shops, and bustling marketplaces offer a glimpse into daily life in colonial times.

Importance of Preserving and Exploring the Colonial Architecture

El Salvador’s colonial architecture is a fundamental part of the country’s cultural identity, and its preservation enables us to cherish our past and envision our future.

• It offers insights into the country’s history, including its struggles and triumphs.
• Exploring the colonial buildings allows us to connect with a bygone era and appreciate the craftsmanship and materials used.
• Preserving the architecture is essential to maintaining the vibrancy and character of El Salvador’s cities and towns.

The Representation of El Salvador’s History and Cultural Identity in Colonial Architecture

El Salvador’s colonial architecture is more than just buildings; it represents the nation’s history and cultural identity.

• It reflects the fusion of indigenous and European cultures that have given birth to the uniqueness of El Salvador’s identity.
• The architecture’s symbols, motifs, and details speak of myths, legends, and profound beliefs.
• The color palettes, materials, and shapes used embody the people’s and land’s character and spirit.

El Salvador’s Indigenous Communities: Exploring the Richness of Cultural Heritage

El Salvador is home to indigenous groups, including the Nahua, Pipil, and Lenca. These communities have been an integral part of El Salvador’s history, and their traditions and customs have been passed down from generation to generation.

Popular Indigenous Tourist Places in El Salvador

1. panchimalco.

Panchimalco is a colorful town that has managed to preserve the indigenous heritage of the Pipil people. Strolling through its streets, you’ll find artisans selling their beautiful crafts and traditional music and dance performances.

Izalco is a charming town known as “the city of the suncatcher.” It is home to the Nahua people, famous for their exquisite pottery and weaving. You can witness traditional pottery-making processes and participate in weaving workshops here.

Importance of Honoring and Learning from El Salvador’s Indigenous Cultures

Honoring and learning from El Salvador’s indigenous cultures is vital to preserving the country’s cultural heritage.

• Indigenous communities offer unique insights into the country’s history, perspectives, and traditions.
• Their customs and traditions possess intrinsic beauty and value that warrant preservation and celebration.
• Understanding and respecting their way of life can lead to greater appreciation and respect for diversity.

How the Indigenous Communities Contribute to El Salvador’s Cultural Diversity

El Salvador’s cultural diversity is due, in part, to its indigenous communities’ contributions to culture, beliefs, and customs.

• Each indigenous community has unique customs and traditions, enriching the country’s cultural identity.
• Indigenous music, dance, and artwork are celebrated national treasures, showcasing the country’s creative heritage.
• Impressively, many indigenous languages and dialects still survive, symbolizing resilience and cultural continuity.

Museums and Art Galleries in El Salvador: Unveiling the Stories Behind the Canvas

El Salvador boasts a rich cultural heritage beautifully showcased in its museums and art galleries. Here, you can immerse yourself in the artistic visions of renowned painters, delve into the depths of historical artifacts, and gain a deeper understanding of the country’s vibrant cultural identity.

Overview of Popular Museums and Art Galleries in El Salvador

Experience the magic of El Salvador’s museums and art galleries by visiting these must-see destinations:

• Museo de Arte de El Salvador: Located in San Salvador, this museum houses an impressive collection of Salvadoran artwork, ranging from colonial masterpieces to contemporary expressions. Let the strokes of color and texture transport you to another world.
• National Museum of Anthropology: Discover the ancient roots of El Salvador at this museum, where archaeological treasures and artifacts bring the country’s indigenous past to life. Unearth the stories of the ancient civilizations that once thrived here.

Importance of Exploring El Salvador’s Art and History through Museums and Galleries

Immersing yourself in El Salvador’s art and history is a gateway to understanding the heart and soul of the country. Here’s why exploring museums and art galleries is an essential part of any journey:

• Gain a deeper appreciation for the country’s diverse cultural heritage and the artistic expressions that have shaped its identity.
• Discover Salvadoran artists’ and historical figures’ untold stories and perspectives, allowing you to see the world from a new lens.
• Engage in a dialogue between the past, present, and future, connecting with the roots while witnessing the evolution of Salvadoran artistry.

How the Museums and Art Galleries Reflect El Salvador’s Cultural Identity

El Salvador’s museums and art galleries serve as mirrors reflecting the nation’s cultural identity:

• The artwork showcases Salvadoran artists’ resilience, creativity, and unique perspectives, encapsulating the spirit of the people and the land.
• Historical artifacts shed light on the diverse cultural influences that have shaped El Salvador over the centuries, telling tales of conquest, survival, and triumph.
• The vibrant exhibitions and curated collections celebrate the country’s artistic traditions while embracing contemporary expressions, balancing tradition with innovation.

So, pack your curiosity and journey through El Salvador’s museums and art galleries. Let the colors, stories, and artistic expressions ignite your imagination and deepen your connection to the rich tapestry of El Salvador’s cultural heritage. Your adventure awaits.

Markets and Food Culture in El Salvador: A Feast for the Senses

From the vibrant colors of fresh produce to the aroma of sizzling street food, El Salvador’s markets are a sensory feast. At these bustling hubs, you’ll find the freshest ingredients and a glimpse into the heart of Salvadoran life and culture.

Overview of Popular Markets and Food Destinations in El Salvador

Don’t miss these must-visit markets and food destinations in El Salvador:

• El Mercado Central: Located in the heart of San Salvador, this bustling market is a treasure trove of sights, sounds, and flavors. Wander through colorful stalls selling everything from tropical fruits to artisan crafts, and be sure to indulge in a hearty plate of pupusas, El Salvador’s beloved stuffed tortillas.
• La Pupusa Loka: For a true taste of the iconic pupusa, head to La Pupusa Loka. This local favorite in Santa Tecla offers an array of mouthwatering pupusa fillings, from classic cheese and loroco to adventurous combinations like shrimp and avocado. Pair it with a refreshing horchata or tamarindo drink for the perfect meal.

Importance of Experiencing El Salvador’s Cuisine and Market Culture

Immersing yourself in El Salvador’s cuisine and market culture is more than a gastronomic experience. Here’s why it’s a must-do:

• Taste the authentic flavors of El Salvador: From the rich, savory notes of pupusas to the refreshing tang of curtido, the traditional Salvadoran coleslaw, each bite tells a story of local ingredients and time-honored recipes passed down through generations.
• Connect with the vibrant community: El Salvador’s markets are not just places to buy ingredients, but meeting points for friends, families, and neighbors. Engage in lively conversations with vendors, sample their recommendations, and feel the warmth of the Salvadoran spirit.

How the Markets and Food Culture Represent El Salvador’s Communal and Vibrant Culture

El Salvador’s markets and food culture are a reflection of the country’s communal and vibrant nature:

• The lively atmosphere of the markets mirrors the lively spirit of the Salvadoran people, who embrace life with joy and enthusiasm.
• Food is a way to share love and create connections. Whether preparing pupusas as a family or sharing a meal with strangers at the market, food brings people together, fostering a sense of unity and celebration.

Beaches and Natural Landscapes of El Salvador: Discovering the Hidden Gems

Are you ready to soak in the sun, feel the sand between your toes, and witness nature’s pristine beauty? This section takes you through El Salvador’s breathtaking beaches and natural landscapes. From the turquoise waters of Punta Roca to the serene vistas of Lake Coatepeque, El Salvador is a paradise waiting to be explored.

Introduction to El Salvador’s Beaches and Natural Landscapes

El Salvador’s natural landscapes are a testament to the country’s beauty and resilience. Amidst the bustling cities and ancient ruins, El Salvador is home to some of the world’s most stunning beaches and breathtaking landscapes that are destinations in themselves.

Overview of Popular Beaches and Natural Tourist Places in El Salvador

Don’t miss these natural wonders that should be on your bucket list:

• Punta Roca: Dubbed one of the best surf spots in the world, Punta Roca in La Libertad is a surfer’s paradise. Its sand bottom and powerful swells attract surfers from around the world.
• Lake Coatepeque: This crater lake in the Ahuachapán department offers stunning vistas straight out of a postcard. Take a dip in the lake’s warm waters, hike to nearby viewpoints for panoramic views, or relax and soak in the natural beauty.

Importance of Preserving and Exploring El Salvador’s Natural Beauty

It’s crucial to care for and preserve El Salvador’s natural beauty for the following reasons:

• Natural landscapes impact the planet’s ecological balance, and by preserving them, we play a part in maintaining the planet’s health.
• Exploring natural landscapes allows us to reconnect with nature and rejuvenates our mind, body, and soul.

How El Salvador’s Natural Landscapes Represent its Diversity and Resilience

El Salvador’s natural landscapes showcase the country’s strength, resilience, and diversity:

• From the sun-kissed beaches of the Pacific Coast to the lush forests of Montecristo National Park, El Salvador’s natural landscapes reflect its varied topography and weather patterns.
• These landscapes represent the country’s resilience, as they have withstood centuries of natural forces such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and hurricanes.

Preserving the ancient Mayan ruins is crucial to understanding and appreciating this remarkable civilization’s history, culture, and achievements.

• Lake Coatepeque: This crater lake in the Ahuachapán department offers stunning vistas straight out of a postcard. Take a dip in the lake’s warm waters, hike to nearby viewpoints for panoramic views, or simply relax and soak in the natural beauty.

Conclusion: Embrace the Magic of El Salvador

As we end our journey through El Salvador, it’s time to reflect on the incredible experiences and discoveries we’ve shared. In this final section, let’s recap the main points covered, reinforce the importance of immersing ourselves in El Salvador’s rich culture and history, and issue a heartfelt call to action, inviting you to embark on your adventure to this enchanting country.

Summarizing the Richness of El Salvador

El Salvador has captivated us with its diverse landscapes, vibrant markets, mouthwatering cuisine, and warm-hearted people. We’ve explored ancient Mayan ruins, wandered through bustling cities, and soaked in the natural beauty of its beaches and landscapes. Along the way, we’ve discovered the strong bond between El Salvador’s culture and its people.

Embracing the Importance of Cultural Exploration

El Salvador’s culture and history are not just something to be observed from a distance. They invite us to immerse ourselves, engage with the locals, and truly understand the country’s soul. By delving into El Salvador’s vibrant traditions, stories, and customs, we gain a deeper appreciation for its people and rich heritage.

A Call to Action: Visit El Salvador and Create Your Own Story

Now, it’s time for you to experience the magic of El Salvador firsthand. Whether you’re drawn to the ancient ruins, the flavors of Salvadoran cuisine, or the warmth of its people, something is waiting for you in this hidden gem of Central America. So, pack your bags, embrace the unknown, and let El Salvador weave its charm around you.

Final Thoughts: Unlock the Door to New Adventures

As I conclude this journey with you, I encourage you to keep exploring, seeking out new experiences, and embracing the world’s diverse cultures. El Salvador is just the beginning. Countless destinations are waiting to be discovered, each with its unique story to tell. So, get out there, my friend, and unlock the door to new adventures.

Remember, traveling is not just about the destination; it’s about the people we meet, the stories we share, and the memories we create. So, go forth with an open heart and a sense of curiosity, and let the world surprise and amaze you.

Bon voyage, and may your future travels be filled with joy, wonder, and unforgettable moments. Until we meet again on the road, happy exploring!

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El Salvador itinerary – tips and destinations for your visit!

El Salvador is the smallest country in Central America and one of the region’s least visited. El Salvador is a hidden gem with beautiful beaches, shimmering lakes, volcanoes you can climb, national parks and pretty colonial villages. Not to mention the waves; they belong to the best in the world. But what should you include in your trip to El Salvador? This is my personal El Salvador itinerary, including the best places to visit, things to do and tips for places to stay and transportation. Enjoy and get inspired to visit El Salvador.

El Salvador itinerary – discover tips and destinations for your visit!

Enjoy reading my personal El Salvador itinerary, including the best places to visit, things to do and tips for places to stay and transportation.

San Salvador (2 nights) – Start of El Salvador itinerary

Start your El Salvador itinerary in San Salvador. San Salvador is not only the capital of El Salvador, but also the economic, cultural and political heart of the country. Despite, its beautiful location, surrounded by mountains and volcanoes, it is a city that doesn’t sound very appealing to many people. A pity, as San Salvador has so much to offer and is worth visiting, especially at the beginning of your trip through El Salvador.

Visit the old center and observe buildings such as the cathedral, the palace, the national theater and the Rosario church. In the different museums you can learn more about archaeology, modern art or El Salvador’s famous artist Fernando Llort. San Benito is one of the nicest neighborhoods to stay in with fine restaurants, lunchrooms and wine bars. Book a night at Nico Urban Hotel and reserve a table at El Xolo, one of Latin America’s best restaurants. 

Curious? In the next article you can read more about what to do in San Salvador with tips for places to visit and your stay.

Hotels San Salvador

• Hyatt Centric
• Hotel Barceló
• Nico Urban Hotel

Suchitoto (2 nights)

From San Salvador you want to travel to Suchitoto, one of the most beautiful destinations in El Salvador. This small colonial town is located on Lake Suchitlán, which provides beautiful views. You can stroll around the streets for hours, past colored houses and flowers, have a chat with the locals and enjoy the lovely atmosphere.

You want to spend a full day here to enjoy the village and take many pictures. At the end of the day you want to head to the harbor and take a boat trip at Suchitlan lake to enjoy a stunning sunset. Don’t forget to try the pupusa, the national dish of El Salvador. In the evening when it cools down, you will see countless stalls with local people preparing their pupusas in front of you. Are you traveling car? Try to include a stop at the waterfall Los Tercios in your El Salvador itinerary. It is famous for its unique formation.

In the next article you will find the best things to do in Suchitoto in El Salvador, including tips for activities, tours, waterfalls, hotels and restaurants.

Tips for hotels in Suchitoto El Salvador

• Casa 1800 Suchitoto
• Los Almendros de San Lorenzo

Santa Ana (1 or 2 nights)

From Suchitoto continue your El Salvador itinerary in the direction of Santa Ana, the second city of El Salvador and the capital of the province. Along the way you can make a stop at two archaeological sites: Joya de Cerén and Tazumal.

Tazumal is known for its great Mayan pyramid and is considered the most important and best preserved ruin in El Salvador. The pyramid was used as a temple and consists of several platforms, connected by long staircases. During your visit, you can walk around and observe the temple from different sides. Along the way you will come across a number of small structures and a former ball court, which played an important role in Mayan life.

Tazumal is located in the middle of the town Chalchuapa, near the border with Guatemala, and is part of a larger archaeological complex. Do you want to visit Tazumal from Santa Ana? You can easily book a tour  here.

Joya de Cerén

Joya de Cerén is also called the Pompeii of El Salvador. This former Maya community was destroyed by a large eruption of the Laguna Caldera volcano around 600 AD and completely disappeared under the lava. Multiple eruptions of other volcanoes followed over the years. You can visit the archaeological site today, walk along the excavations, being able to observe the different layers of lava from the volcanic eruptions. In the museum you will learn more about the people who lived here. Do not expect spectacular Mayan temples or ruins here. It is the story and history that make your visit to Joya de Cerén worth the visit.

Do you want to visit Joya de Cerén during your el Salvador itinerary? Check prices and availability and book an interesting archaeological tour from San Salvador  here .

Cerro Verde (1 or 2 nights)

You can choose to find a hotel in the city Santa Ana or spend the night in a unique setting in nature at Casa 1800 Cerro Verde during this El Salvador itinerary. Or do a combination of both. Casa 1800 Cerro Verde, located on the Cerro Verde volcano, is one of the most beautiful hotels in El Salvador. From the restaurant but also from your own room you look straight out over the Santa Ana volcano. You can also walk to a platform during sunset where you enjoy the most magical sunset.

Cerro Verde is an inactive volcano, located 2030 meters above sea level. The crater is eroded and covered by a thick cloud forest. Cerro Verde is part of El Salvador’s Los Volcanes National Park, which consists of five volcanoes: Santa Ana, Izalco, San Marcelino, Coatepeque, and Cerro Verde. Cerro Verde offers one of the most beautiful views of the Santa Ana Volcano and Lake Coatepeque. And when it is clear, you can even see the coast and  Guatemala   with volcanoes such as Fuego,  Acatenango   and Pacaya in the distance .

Wat to read more Santa Ana? In the next article you will find a city guide with many things to do in Santa Ana El Salvador.

Santa Ana volcano hike

Today is going to be one of your highlights in this el Salvador itinerary, as you are going to hike a volcano. Where in some countries you have to hike for hours to reach the top of a volcano, in El Salvador you can reach the top of Ilamantepec volcano, better known as the Santa Ana, within 1.5 hours. With 2300 meters, Santa Ana is the highest volcano in the country. At the top you look straight into the crater, which consists of a beautiful green crater lake. Moreover, on a clear day you have an amazing view of the surroundings. But the way up is also worth it. Of course there are a few steep parts, but the walk is doable for anyone with a normal physical condition.

Do you also want to hike the Santa Ana volcano? A guide is mandatory. You can book a tour  here , leaving from Santa Ana or Casa 1800 Cerro Verde.

Coatepeque lake (1 night)

It is nice to spend the night at Coatepeque lake after your hike to the Santa Ana volcano. This crater lake, located in the Los Volcanes National Park, was created more than 70,000 years ago and is one of the largest lakes in El Salvador (26 km2). You can enjoy the views, take a boat trip and eat delicious fish in one of the surrounding restaurants.

Hotels around Coatepeque

• Hotel Equinoccio  

Ruta de las Flores (3 nights)

From Coatepeque lake you can continue to one of the most beautiful itineraries you can make in El Salvador La Ruta de las Flores – the flower route. This route runs from Sonsonate to Ahuachapán and is known for its many coffee fields, waterfalls and small villages with flowers, murals, markets and little shops.

In the surroundings you can go on an adventurous waterfall hike where you see 10 different waterfalls in 2 hours, drive by buggy to Laguna Verde, a lake surrounded by mountains and lots of greenery or cycle above the coffee plantations. Don’t forget to visit one of the factories and learn more about coffee.

Take your time for this route. In this El Salvador itinerary, I’m focusing on the highlights. You could easily spend a week around La Ruta de las Flores and sleep in different hotels. In the next article I will tell you everything you want to know about La Ruta de Las Flores in El Salvador , with tips for things to do, tours, transportation, hotels and restaurants.

Finish your El Salvador itinerary at the beach ( 2 or 3 nights)

Finish this El Salvador itinerary with some well-deserved time at the beach on the Pacific Ocean, known as one of the very best places in the world to surf. There are several good beaches, each with its own atmosphere. My personal favorite is El Zonte, because it is quiet and super nice. In the morning the surfers are in the water early and apart from surfing not much happens. There is a wide and beautiful black sand beach where you can take walks, visit caves, drink cocktails and enjoy the lovely vibe. And while you are there, maybe go for a surf lesson? The people on the coast do nothing else than surfing and are happy to share their knowledge and passion with you. Or just rent a board yourself and enjoy the great waves.

Hotels along the coast

Make sure to book your stay at Palo Verde . This wonderful hotel with swimming pool and restaurant is located on the beach and is one of the first sustainable hotels in El Salvador. Trust me, a place you don’t want to leave anymore. Curious about a stay at Palo Verde? In the next article you can read everything you want to know about this sustainable surf hotel, including the story of a passionate entrepreneur.

And then it is time to finish your El Salvador itinerary in San Salvador. Or, if you have more time and want to see more of the country, then continue your El Salvador itinerary towards the south.

Extra tips for El Salvador itinerary

Conchagua volcano (2 nights).

In the southeast of El Salvador, near the border with Nicaragua, there is the Conchagua volcano. And from the viewpoint Mirador Espíritu de la Montaña, you can observe this 1200-meters high inactive volcano. But once at the top, it’s not just the volcano you see, on the platform you have a 360 degree view of the Gulf of Fonseca, overlooking the islands of El Salvador, Honduras and Nicaragua. Of course you have to be a bit lucky with the weather but wow, this view will leave you speechless.

The Conchagua volcano can be easily reached by four-wheel drive. It is possible to spend the night at the top or book a hotel in La Union. Do you want to visit the Conchagua volcano? Check the prices and availability and book your tour  here . In this article you can read more about visiting the Conchagua volcano.

Bahia de Jiquilisco (1 or 2 nights)

From La Union you can continue this El Salvador itinerary towards Bahia de Jiquilisco , t he largest mangrove area in Central America. Bahia de Jiquilisco is an area with small islands, bays, canals, sandy beaches, forests and a freshwater lagoon. There are numerous national and migratory birds, many of which are endangered species. It is also an important breeding ground for turtles, including the hawksbill turtle, an endangered sea turtle species that emerge here annually between August and January and nest along the banks. The best way to explore the nature reserve is by boat. You sail quietly through the channels, along the mangrove, where you observe birds and occasionally see a turtle head sticking out of the water. Along the way, you will stop at the islands for a swim and a walk on the beach.

Make a reservation at Puerto Barrillas. You sleep in comfortable cottages right on the water. And from your cottage you immediately board the boat for a beautiful trip. Do you want to visit Bahia de Jiquilisco? You can book a tour to Bahia de Jiquilisco  here .

Mini travel guide El Salvador itinerary

Traveling in el salvador – transportation and tours.

Because El Salvador is a small country, travel distances are relatively short. From the capital you can be within 1.5 hours at the coast, in colonial villages, on the edge of a beautiful lake or in a national park surrounded by volcanoes. You can see a lot in a short time. There are several ways to explore the country. For example, you can book hotels at a number of destinations and make trips from here or rent a car and make a tour through the country.

Curious about tours during your El Salvador itinerary? This is an overview with tours and things to do in El Salvador:

• City tour San Salvador
• El Boqueron
• Archaeological tour – Joya de Cerén & Maya temple Tazumal
• Tour to Suchitoto
• Hike to the Ilamantepec – Santa Ana volcano
• Cerro Verde + Izalco volcano
• Conchagua volcano
• Volcanoes, Coatepeque lake & Ruta de las Flores
• Ruta de las Flores Full Day
• Ruta de las Flores Full Day + hotsprings
• Buggytour Apaneca + Laguna Verde
• Bahia de Jiquilisco
• More tours in El Salvador

Need a rental car for your trip to El Salvador? Use  Rental Cars  to search and compare your car rental options. A quick and easy tool and no need to have up multiple tabs trying to figure out which company is the most affordable. They also have great discounts and cancellation policies. 

Hotels  in El Salvador

In every country I look out for the most beautiful and unique place to stay. Interior design, a nice atmosphere, a lovely setting and good service are important topics for me, when choosing a hotel. In addition, I like to support the locals and love a sustainable approach around a hotel. Are you curious about my favorite hotels in El Salvador? In  the next article you will find an overview of the best boutique hotels in El Salvador.

More about El Salvador

Did you enjoy reading this article with tips for your el Salvador itinerary? El Salvador is a small country in Central America with so much to offer. Let me take you on a journey along the most beautiful destinations and things to do in El Salvador. In the next article you will find my El Salvador travel guides with lots of inspiration and tips. 

• Best things to do in El Salvador
• Best things to do in Suchitoto
• Things to do in San Salvador – a comprehensive travel guide
• Santa Ana city guide
• Conchagua volcano – everything you want to know
• Ruta de las Flores – everything you want to know
• Boutique hotels in El Salvador

This article may contain affiliate links. If you purchase something using one of our links, we may receive a commission at no extra cost to you, which helps us keep this blog alive. Thank you for your support! Please see our  disclosures  for more information.

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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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12 Places to visit in El Salvador. Get to know them today.

The best places to visit in El Salvador are the colorful towns of Apaneca, Juayua, or Suchitoto. Also, natural areas such as the Cerro Verde National park and the Planes of Renderos. Urban areas such as Santa Ana or the San Salvador historic district are fantastic places to visit.

This small nation undoubtedly has many places that could have been included in the following list. Nevertheless, it had to be narrowed down to the top 12.

• 1. Cerro Verde National Park
• 2. The Chalchuapa Archaeological Site

3. Suchitoto and the Surrounding Area

4. the san salvador historic district.

• 5. The City of Santa Ana
• 6. The Gulf of Fonseca
• 7. The Town of Juayua
• 8. Los Planes de Renderos
• 10. The Beaches of El Salvador
• 11. Ilopango Lake
• 12. El Imposible National Park

1. Cerro Verde National Park.

For anyone who likes nature, the Cerro Verde National Park is the place to visit. Here, at this park, you will find three volcanoes, Izalco, Santa Ana, and Cerro Verde.

The Izalco and Santa Ana volcanoes are the most popular in the country when it comes to hiking to the summit. Whereas the Cerro Verde Volcano is more of a mountain covered with dense vegetation.

From any of these three volcanoes, you will get amazing views of the surrounding area. Nonetheless, if you hike to the summit of either Santa Ana or Izalco, the scenes are even better. Also, from the summit of either volcano, you will be able to see the Pacific Ocean and Lake Coatepeque .

SEE ALSO: What is the Best Time to Visit El Salvador? Deciding on the Best Time to Explore El Salvador!

2. The Chalchuapa archaeological site.

The area known as the Chalchuapa archaeological site is home to some of the best Maya ruins in El Salvador. It is the ideal place to visit and get to know about the Salvadoran Indigenous culture.

The area is home to sites such as El Tazumal , Casa Blanca , Trapiche, Las Victorias, and a few others; these are some of the best Indigenous ruins in the country.

It is located in the municipality of Chalchuapa , about 15 kilometers from the city of Santa Ana.

The Suchitoto area is a fantastic place to spend a day or a few days; this area is home to the colorful town of Suchitoto and Lake Suchitlan. Furthermore, the iconic Guazapa volcano is not that far away.

Suchitoto is a colorful colonial town with plenty of customs and traditions; it is a peaceful town that still has cobblestone streets and adobe homes. Additionally, Lake Suchitlan , the largest man-made lake in El Salvador, is a few kilometers away.

In the Suchitoto area, you will get to explore the colonial town and the remarkable artificial lake. Also, you can venture a little further away and explore the Guazapa volcano , with all its civil war history.

The San Salvador historic District is a must-see touristic spot in the country. Why is that? Well, it has iconic buildings such as the National Palace and the National theater.

Furthermore, it has astonishing parks such as Gerardo Barrios plaza, Liberty Plaza, and Plaza Francisco Morazan. These plazas have been at the center of many historic events n the country.

Also, here, you will find notable churches such as the National Cathedral , El Rosario Church , and El Calvario Church. Undoubtedly, these are three of the best churches in El Salvador .

All things considered, the San Salvador historic district is definitely one of the best places to visit in El Salvador.

5. The city of Santa Ana.

The city of Santa Ana is the second largest in the country and one of the top places to visit in El Salvador. Some of the best tourist locations in the nation are near the city.

In the city, you can visit the downtown area and explore the Santa Ana cathedral and the Santa Ana theater. Also, the city is well-known for its shopping and gastronomy.

By all means, if you venture outside the city, you will find great touristic spots. For instance, Lake Coatepeque, Cerro Verde National Park, and the Chalchuapa archaeological area are not far away.

This city is in an ideal location to stay in and take day trips to explore tourist spots located nearby.

6. The Gulf of Fonseca area.

Another of the best places to visit in El Salvador is the Gulf of Fonseca area . This tri-national body of water has islands to explore, the Conchagua Volcano to hike, and amazing beaches to relax.

Here, you can take a boat ride and explore some of the islands. Meanguera, Conchagüita, Zacatillo, Conchagua, and Martin Perez are some of the islands belonging to El Salvador that you can explore.

Emphatically, the Conchagua Volcano is a top place to visit around the Gulf of Fonseca. This volcano has fantastic locations for hiking and camping. Additionally, from high up in the volcano, you will get amazing views of the Gulf and its islands.

If you don’t want to venture into the nearby islands or hike the Conchagua volcano, you can simply unwind at any of the many beaches in the area.

7. The town of Juayua.

The colorful town of Juayua is located at a high altitude in the western part of the country. This small town is one of the main attractions in the La Ruta de Las Flores tourist route.

The town is well-known for the astonishing murals it has all over, painted by local artists. Also, it is known for its gastronomy, which you can taste every day, but especially on the weekend food festival. Moreover, the area produces some of the best coffee beans in El Salvador, which you can sample all over Juayua.

8. Los Planes de Renderos.

Los Planes de Renderos is an area located in the department of San Salvador, near the nation’s capital. It is shared among the municipalities of San Salvador, Panchimalco , and San Marcos.

In the Planes of Renderos, you can enjoy the pleasant climate and also the fantastic natural views. Furthermore, you can enjoy the outdoors at the natural parks and then taste the local gastronomy at various locations. . When visiting the area, I recommend doing the following. Spend the day exploring one of these spots, Balboa Park, La Familia Park, or the devil’s doorway area.

Afterward, towards dinner time, go to the El Mirador area. Here, you can try the local gastronomy that includes most of the typical Salvadoran foods . Additionally, you will be able to see astonishing night views of the city of San Salvador and the surrounding areas.

Apaneca is another one of the colorful towns, which is part of the La Ruta de La Flores tourist route. It is a mountain town, with a relaxed environment, located at an elevation of over 1,400 meters above sea level.

Apaneca is known for numerous things, which include the Labyrinth of Albania, coffee production, and extreme sports activities. Undoubtedly, Apaneca is one of the top places to visit in El Salvador.

10-The beaches of El Salvador.

The beaches of El Salvador are part of the best places to visit in the country. The country has fantastic Pacific Ocean beaches that offer different things to visitors. It is difficult to narrow it down to a single beach or a few beaches.

If you like surfing in a crowded area, go to El Tunco, Punta Roca, El Sunzal, or El Zonte beach. On the other hand, you can visit a secluded surfing spot such as Mizata, Las Flores, or Punta Mango beach. All of these beaches are part of the best surf spots in El Salvador .

If you like the beach for relaxation, go to El Tunco, La Costa del Sol, El Majahual, or La Libertad beach. Keep in mind that these beaches get crowded, especially on the weekends. On the contrary, beaches such as San Diego, El Espino , Los Cobanos , or San Blas, don’t get as crowded.

11- Ilopango Lake

Ilopango Lake is an active volcanic caldera located near the city of San Salvador. This crater lake is shared between the departments of San Salvador, Cuscatlan, and La Paz.

Lake Ilopango is a result of extensive volcanic eruptions that occurred thousands of years ago. The outburst happened between 410 and 535 AD, it desolated the Mayan cities in the area.

12- El Imposible National Park

For Nature lovers, the El Imposible National Park is one of the top places to visit in the country. This national protected area is the largest in the country. It is located at a high elevation in the department of Ahuachapan.

The park has plenty of space with abundant flora and fauna for visitors to explore and enjoy. Also, it has a comprehensive ecosystem that works as a sanctuary for a diverse population of wildlife.

In this astonishing natural area, you will find over 500 species of plants, in addition to an extensive number of mammals, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and butterflies.

Places to visit in El Salvador

Without a doubt, many people who read this post will disagree with the places I have listed. Not that they don’t belong there, but that others should have been included.

For being such a small country, El Salvador has plenty of locations that can be considered a top place to visit . So, when possible, visit one of the top places to visit in El Salvador and enjoy everything they have to offer .

More About El Salvador

• El Salvador travel guide.
• Is El Salvador safe to visit?

La Ruta de Las Flores El Salvador. Exploring unique towns!

Tour companies in El Salvador.

5-Day El Salvador Itinerary: Top tips and destinations

E l Salvador is a country that is small in size but diverse in the landscapes and experiences you can enjoy. Until just a few years ago, the thought of planning a trip to El Salvador was a distant dream for most, due to the high violent crime rates and limited tourist facilites.

Today, thanks to endless effort on the part of the national government, its citizens, the military and the police, El Salvador has become a safe country to visit. It went from being the most insecure country to one of the safest in Latin America, and is definitely worth being on your bucket list.

💰 Fun fact: the official currency of El Salvador is the American dollar (USD). El Salvador is also famous for the adoption of Bitcoin, although in our experience and speaking with locals, the adoption rate is limited across the country.

Day 1 in El Salvador

Day 2 in el salvador: el tunco beach, day 3 in el salvador: san salvador, day 4: ruta de las flores el salvador (part 1), day 5: ruta de las flores el salvador (part 2), ultimate el salvador 5 day itinerary.

As a small country you can easily see the best things to do in El Salvador in just five days. It is highly recommended to rent a car during your visit to El Salvador for a road trip to ensure you can take full advantage of each day, and not lose time waiting on a bus or set tour departures.

The best part is you can even make it a long weekend getaway to Central America. We were already in Guatemala, so added several additional days to our trip to include El Salvador. Since we drove across the land border from Guatemala to El Salvador, it did influence our route starting and ending in the westernmost side of the country.

We started off first thing in the morning going to the Santa Ana volcano . We recommend arriving when the park opens at 7AM, especially on the weekends, so you can enjoy the crater lagoon with a lower chance of clouds and significantly fewer visitors.

To hike up the volcano it is required that you go with a guide, which you can hire right there in the parking lot when you arrive.

A shared tour guide costs $3 USD per person, but you need to wait for the tour to fill with 15 to 30 people, depending on how busy the park is. If it is a week day it can be a 20-30 minute wait. It is better to hire a private guide which costs $35 USD and allows up to 10 people in the group. We simply arrived at the same time as another group and with 8 of us in total, it was only another $1.38 per person and did not have to wait, totally worth it for us.

Besides hiring a guide parking costs $3 USD and the entrance ticket to Los Volcanes Park costs $6 USD for foreigners, while nationals pay $3 USD.

The walk took us 1 hour and a half up and an hour down. At the top they give you 30 minutes to take photos and appreciate the landscape. At the top there is also a guy selling ice cream for only $2 USD, which is delicious and a nice treat in the warm sun.

While the park opens at 7AM you can enter earlier by hiring a private guide in advance and paying an additional security fee. You can reach out to our guide, Marwin, directly via WhatsApp: +503 7506 6674 for more information. He provided us all information about the natural beauties within park as well as his own perspectives on the changes that that El Salvador has gone through recently.

After a morning of adventure we decided to go down to Lake Coatepeque . We stopped for lunch at Restaurante Los Leones , with waterside tables on the private dock. After lunch rented a jet ski from the restaurant for only $1 USD per minute and toured part of the lake on our own. We had an absolute blast, and it is a great place to try jet skiing for the first time, as you don’t need to worry about waves, like in the ocean.

After lunch we drove 2 hours south to El Tunco Beach , stopping for a quick dinner of pupusas from La Cocina de Sivar before heading down to the beach to watch the sunset.

We stayed the first night at Kali Guest house , which is a 10 minute walk to El Tunco Beach, and is a simple hotel with basic bedrooms built in stacked shipping containers, with a shared bathroom for several rooms. There is a nice size pool, but we opted for the beach instead. Since we booked the same day, it was one of the only hotels with availability in town, but would probably not stay there again.

We decided to enjoy the day at the sea at El Tunco Beach and eat as many pupusas as we could. I would dare to say that pupusas are the most typical and delicious dish in El Salvador. Pupusas are a grilled cornmeal flatbread, most frequently stuffed with cheese and refried beans. We loved just relaxing at the beach as well as the atmosphere and the little shops in the town. We decided to stay the full day and just relax.

The best part of the day is watching the sunset over the iconic rock formation on beach, which is quite spectacular.

For the second night in El Tunco Beach, we stayed at The Cabins , a more luxurious tiny home in a shipping container experience. They do have a pool, but it is relatively small for the number of guests. We would definitely stay here again and even move in if we ever moved to El Salvador.

We woke up the next morning and drove an hour north to finally visit San Salvador, the capital of El Salvador.

I was dying to talk to locals on the street and ask them if they have seen a big difference in life recently, especially around the drop in crime. Out of the 15 to 20 people I talked to, there was not a single one who said life had not improved. Everyone is happy to no longer have to worry about criminals on every corner or dealing with extortion.

One woman even described how several years ago she witnessed a violent robbery on the bus right in front of her, but no longer worries if her family while come home each night. On the social front, inflation has been pushing up the cost of living for locals while salaries remain very low. At least for the time being locals expressed they are happy they can now live in peace, but are hoping for financial improvement in the near future.

Today it is very normal to go sightseeing in the historic center of San Salvador, which was not possible for many years. Do not be surprised if you see an abundance of soldiers and police officers patrolling the squares and on motorcycles.

Our day in San Salvador focused around the two main squares in the historic city center, Civic Square and just one block over, Liberty Plaza . We parked the car at a nearby garage and explored on foot.

Starting off at Liberty Plaza in the center is a beautiful Monument to the Heroes with an angel of freedom on top. On one side of the square is El Rosario Church with its unique curved roof covered in colorful stained glass. The entrance fee is $2 per person, and is closed to visitor while they are holding mass.

Just one block to the east is the Civic Plaza, which its full name is Civic Square Captain General Gerardo Barrios. Here you will find some of the most iconic buildings in the country flanking the square.

The first is the National Palace of El Salvador . Built between 1905 and 1911, it served as the headquarters for the Legislative Assembly and Supreme Court of Justice until 1974. The Palacio Nacional is open for guided tours Tuesday to Thursday from 11AM to 5PM, Friday and Saturday from 11AM to 10PM, and Sunday from 10AM to 6PM. Entrance tickets for foreigners are $5 per person.

Right next door is the imposing Metropolitan Cathedral of San Salvador . It is a great place to stop, step out of the sun and check out the impressive architecture and details.

Across the plaza is the very modern designed National Library of El Salvador , which recently opened in 2023. The building is open an astonishing 24/7 with a diverse range of cultural attractions, including an art gallery. From its exterior facade to the intricately designed interior, the National Library is definitely worth just wandering through.

A half block off from the plaza is the National Theater of San Salvador . While the French Renaissance style is beautiful to look at, make sure to check out the event calendar to see if you can attend a performance and witness the spectacular interior as well.

On the way back to the car we stopped at a random Megapaca type, used clothing, store where we found a few high quality clothing items for super cheap prices. There was a wide range in the quality of the used clothing, which comes from the United States. We found shirts with burn holes in them, ripped jackets, but also amazing finds like a brand new silk shirt for $2.

In our exploring we found that larger Megapaca chain stores had consistently good quality items at a higher price. However the smaller local shops had a combination of the worst and best quality items at a lower price, and half the fun is finding the diamond in the ruff.

The famous Ruta de las Flores passes through several small towns located on the Apaneca-Ilamatepeq mountain range between the departments of Ahuachapán and Sonsonate in western El Salvador. It is known for the endless coffee fields, countless waterfalls and quaint villages with flower filled main squares, murals, and markets.

The six towns that make up the Flower Route in El Salvador are:

• Salcoatitan
• Conception of Ataco

Starting of in Nahuizalco , here is a good place to buy crafts and traditional items with a ton of craft shops. There is also a large traditional food market here if you are looking to try something fresh and delicious.

Right at the entrance to Salcoatitán is the Parque La Ceiba , which is just a small park with a massive Ceiba tree that is over 350 years old. Driving into town visit the colonial Antigua Iglesia de San Miguel Arcángel, which located in front of the picturesque central park, and enjoy the gastronomic festival that takes place on Sundays, where you can taste a variety of typical dishes. There is also a small trolly that takes you around the park, the church and its main streets.

Then it was onto Juayúa , where on weekends you can enjoy its gastronomic fair that takes place in front of the Iglesia Santa Lucia, where interestingly they worship a Black Christ. Two of the greatest natural attractions nearby are the Los Chorros de La Calera waterfall and the Las Ranas lagoon.

We spent the night here at a rustic style AirBnb adjacent to the Restaurante R&R , which have the same owners. We also ate dinner at this restaurant as the food was well presented, but unfortunately average in quality and taste.

Our last day touring this wonderful country, we continued on to the second half of the Ruta De Las Flores to further enjoy these relaxed towns and make our drive back to Guatemala.

Start off the morning in Apaneca spending the morning at Cafe Albania made famous by its colorful rainbow slides. There are many other activities to enjoy including a labyrinth, zip line, bike zip line, a free drop pendulum, and of course a cafe restaurant.

Entrance to the attraction area costs $5 per person, but can be used when purchasing any of the attraction tickets, so make sure to mention it at the booth as we saw many visitors not say anything and basically give away $5 each. You can also get a bracelet that covers entrance to each attraction once for $40, saving you $14 when buying separately.

Then make your way into downtown Apaneca to walk through its cobblestone streets and see the colorful adobe houses. You can also visit the nearby Laguna de Ninfa and Laguna Verde.

Our favorite place on la Ruta de Las Flores is Concepción de Ataco where we could not stop taking photos at every step. The city is famous for its relaxed atmosphere and colorful murals. Locals make colorful fabrics on traditional pedal weaving machines and musical instruments. It is just such a beautiful place to experience.

Our last stop of the day was Ahuachapán , which to be honest we just passed through the city center driving slowly without stopping. After two days of exploring so many picturesque towns we simply didn’t see anything that caught our attention, and we still had a 2 hours drive ahead of us back to Guatemala City.

In just 5 days in El Salvador it is possible to see the highlights of the country and get a good taste of what the country has to offer. But, leaving the country, we still had a lot to discover and can’t wait to return to El Salvador soon.