is el salvador cheap to travel

Nomadic Matt's Travel Site

Travel Better, Cheaper, Longer

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

Get my best stuff sent straight to you, pin it on pinterest.

• Where To Stay
• Transportation
• Booking Resources
• Related Blogs

• What’s In My Travel Bag?
• Travel Tips
• Destinations
• Travel Guides
• Virtual Consult

The Most Amazing El Salvador Budget Travel Guide [2024 Update]

• March 22, 2024

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means we’ll receive a commission if you purchase through our links, at no extra cost to you. Please read full disclosure for more information.

Do you want to know the best things to do in El Salvador? Look no further than this ULTIMATE El Salvador budget travel guide!

What is the first thing that comes to mind when you hear about traveling to El Salvador ?

Our first thoughts are incredible experiences in nature from volcano hikes to relaxing on black sand beaches; some of the best Central American food to try (cue the pupusas); and an overall amazing weekend getaway!

It’s always best to spend as much time as you can in a country, but if your time is limited (like ours was with full-time jobs), there is so much you can still explore in El Salvador during a long weekend . Keep reading to see how to maximize your travels!

We found a cheap flight to El Salvador for under $200 USD roundtrip and the rest was history.

This budget travel guide is full of tips to help you plan a safe, enjoyable, budget-friendly trip to beautiful El Salvador based on our personal experiences visiting the country in 2021 and 2023.

Planning Your Next Trip?

🤩 Discover must-know tips BEFORE you go to El Salvador > Explore El Salvador Travel Guide

🤩 Find cheap flights and get cashback >   WayAway

🤩 Search for cheap rental cars >   Discover Cars

🤩 Book affordable hostels >   HostelWorld

🤩 Secure travel insurance > Safety Wing

🤩 Get the best carry-on bag > GOT Bag

🤩 Pack lighter with this >   Cosy Collection Neck and Bag pillow

🤩 Explore ways to maximize hotel points >   Awayz

🤩 Easily learn the local language >   Babbel

🤩 Protect your online security abroad > ExpressVPN

🤩 Get the best travel shoe & travel jacket > TropicFeel

🤩 Download affordable eSim to stay connected > Airalo

Table of Contents

About El Salvador: Safety First!

First thing’s first, where is El Salvador and more importantly, is it safe for you to travel there?

El Salvador is in Central America, bordered by Honduras and Guatemala . In fact, El Salvador is the smallest country in Central America and overall, less popular to visit than its neighboring countries.

Now why might that be?

El Salvador historically has not had a great reputation. Afterall, there was a twelve-year civil war and many issues with crime, but what country is perfectly safe?

Long story short, it is not safe to travel there (or anywhere) if you do not follow common safety precautions.

So, here’s my tips on how to have a safe experience in El Salvador – because certainly this is going on your must-visit list and this country will blow you away in the best way possible (but more on that after these important tips!)

• Avoid walking alone at night.
• Keep your valuables in a safe place. (Particularly your passport and travel documents)
• Park in supervised parking lots when you’re able
• Even if you follow the above, don’t leave valuables in the car
• Don’t flash expensive items around
• Explore remote places with a group and/or guide (in some areas local tourist police are available to escort you)
• Be discreet when you use an ATM
• Avoid carrying lots of cash (Besides, everything is cheap in El Salvador .)
• Wear your day bag in the front on your chest and keep it closed ( The anti-theft day bag that we use has a lock, so we play it extra safe and secure.)
• If you’re hiring a driver, make sure they have a good reputation ( We include details on the personal drivers who drove us all around the country in our Explore El Salvador 4-Day Itinerary . )

Those are my recommendations for staying safe in El Salvador , but really, they are also my recommendations for staying safe in general, literally anywhere. Jot them all down.

Overall, we were welcomed by friendly locals who greeted us with a smile and were so happy to share their culture with us at every stop we made!

Huge take-away: The Salvadoran locals genuinely want you to fully enjoy your time in their country. (And it’s honestly easy to have the time of your life in El Salvador , if you know where to go!)

Top 9 Ways to Find Your Next Cheap Flight!

RELATED ARTICLE: Ultimate Weekend in El Salvador Guide

Are You Looking For a Relaxing Beach-Front Vacation Destination?

Nawi beach house - playa mizata, teotepeque, el salvador.

If you’re looking for a beach vacation, then El Salvador is the place to go! There are plenty of places where you can relax and unwind. ( Note: If this is not what you’re looking for, skip down to one of the next sections. This country has something for everybody. )

As soon as we touched down in the San Salvador airport at 8:00 am, the beach was already calling our names.

Typically, we dress in layers for travel, so we quickly got rid of our airport outer layers and were ready for the 85F degree weather in a matter of minutes.

As Americans, one benefit of El Salvador is that you are able to use your US dollar right away as this is the official currency of El Salvador. You can also use Bitcoin.

We immediately negotiated a cab for $40 USD to head to Playa Mizata. The ride was a smooth road trip up there and it took just under two hours to arrive.

Our cab driver was very personable and provided us with many inside tips on the must-see and must-do experiences during our short time in El Salvador – we were only staying for 3 days. (Brought to you by full-time jobs and limited PTO.)

However, we still managed to maximize our time in El Salvador. Just keep reading!

In those two hours before we found ourselves at Nawi Beach House , our driver let us in on all the hidden gems of El Salvador. And most importantly, everything was budget friendly. You know we love to See the World and Save a Dollar !

We also love having an authentic feel of the country on our trips, where we really get to immerse ourselves into the culture. The best way to get in tune with the best things to see and do is by talking to locals. Our driver was the best start to help mold our itinerary to perfection.

Explore El Salvador Travel Guide

Are you considering traveling to El Salvador, but unsure of where to start planning?

What's inside:

• 4-day itinerary through San Salvador, Santa Ana, Mizata, and more!
• How to save money
• What to pack
• Best ways to get around
• Personal driver numbers
• Over 10 unique things to do (some are FREE!)
• Over 10 top-rated places to eat
• Over 10 accommodation recommendations

Our recommendations are organized by budget, so as always, we'll help you "See the World, Save a Dollar!"

Nawi Beach House was the first destination we had already planned for the day. They offer a $20 USD per person Day Pass that includes one welcome drink, horseback riding, and access to the entire facility.

Nawi Beach House is the perfect taste of luxury while on a budget. Nobody said budget travel had to mean a low-quality experience okay. We are all about maximizing your experience without spending a whole lot of money.

Take advantage of the $20 day pass and escape into this relaxation paradise at Nawi Beach House !

Their facility includes an infinity pool that you can chill in the entire day underneath the palm trees. They’ll serve you iced cold drinks of your choice (you can’t go wrong with their piña colada and strawberry mojito) while you enjoy the vibes and look out into the glistening Pacific Ocean.

There’s plenty of poolside seating, and if you walk a little further, you are on a black sand beach. But be careful though, the sand is hot, VERY hot, so wear your SANDALS ! It is especially hot mid-day when the sun is out.

The black sand beach features day beds, a fire pit area with more seating, and if you are so inclined, a jungle gym! (Pretty reminiscent of the jungle gym in Tulum, Mexico ). This goes to show that you can still get those gains, even on vacation. No excuses!

Or if working out on vacation is not your kind of fun, it is still very Instagrammable in the outdoor jungle gym.

The bar and restaurant area has amazing open-air ambience with upbeat music playing throughout. The tables look out into the infinity pool and the ocean so you’re eating amazing organic meals with waterfront views. What more could you ask for?

The staff were friendly and attentive, making sure you had everything you needed – whether that be a towel to dry off from the pool or another drink to keep you cool.

Just above the bar there is a secret escape…

If you climb up the ladder, you’ll feel like you’re Tarzan or Jane. There’s a netted canopy that hangs over the bar and has a bird’s eye view of the beach.

It’s what I would call an ultimate hammock and it’s extremely cool to see the facility from this point of view. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the moment up here. You might even want to have a photoshoot.

Nawi Beach House is open Sunday to Friday 8am to 8pm and Saturdays 8am to 10pm for adults only age 18+. At night, Nawi Beach House takes on another life. It’s lit!

You can easily reserve your day pass right HERE on their website.

Nawi Beach House is certainly worth it for all my travelers who love a relaxing pool day by the beach that feels like luxury without breaking your budget.

Although we did not surf (one day I’ll face my fear), El Salvador is known to have some of the best surfing in the entire world!

During our visit, there was a global surfing event known as the ISA World Surfing Games going on in El Salvador that brought in some of the greatest national surf teams.

We know the best beaches to go for surfing in El Salvador (if that’s your thing), and it’s all included in our Explore El Salvador Travel Guide (I’d get my copy right now if I were you!)

Are You More of An Adventure Traveler?

RELATED ARTICLE: La Fortuna, Costa Rica: 4 Huge Reasons Reasons You Need to Visit the Adventure Capital!

While El Salvador is the smallest country in Central America, it is not lacking in volcanoes due to its location in the Pacific Ring of Fire.

El Salvador has over 20 active volcanoes. If you’re up for an adventure, you can tackle the highest volcano in the whole country !

Santa Ana volcano , also known as Ilamatepec , is 2,381 meters above sea level, and is one of the most active, erupting more than once per century since the 1500s. The last time it erupted was in the early 2000’s.

We arranged for our personal driver to take us to the Santa Ana volcano hike – you can find our driver details HERE.

If you want to go the Uber route, keep in mind that while it is relatively easy to call an Uber in the capital city of San Salvador, it is much less common for an Uber to be available when you venture out towards the Santa Ana volcano area.

*CHEW TIP: Make your return driving arrangements beforehand if you don’t want to be stranded at the volcano!!

The ride from San Salvador to Santa Ana was about one and a half hours. We were so grateful to have a personal driver who made herself available to wait at the volcano site to drive us back to the capital city after our hike.

Ultimately, we ended up spending only $40 USD for the entire day on our driver. This was particularly convenient after completing the four-hour long hike and not having to worry about limited availability of taxis or Ubers to safely get back to San Salvador.

The day we hiked the Santa Ana volcano was actually our second attempt at trying to hike it. The first attempt was truly a failure…

RELATED ARTICLE: 14 Common Travel Mistakes (& How to Avoid Them At All Costs!)

The first time we tried to hike this volcano we were told the start time was 11:00am. We arrived about an hour early at 10:00am, only to find out that due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the hike tour times had been updated to begin at 9:00am only.

*CHEW TIP: Double (maybe even triple) check the start times, durations, and distance from other activities of guided hikes and tours that you plan to go on, especially if you are on a time crunch. This way you can maximize your experiences during your quick getaway. Learn from us!

Just to be clear, it is not possible to hike Santa Ana volcano by yourself. You are required to have a guide . You can always book a tour ahead of time online, but that may cost you more.

Safe to say, we missed out on this experience the first time, but we were determined to make this not-to-miss hike and set out a game plan to return the very next day.

We had already made the trip all the way to Santa Ana for that first hike attempt, so we decided to go on the Santa Ana nature trail which was a 45-minute walk around the crater. We were led by a Spanish-speaking guide through the trail.

If we booked this nature trail ahead of time , we probably could have gotten an English-speaking guide. But because this was a last-minute change of plans, we went with who was available.

My husband is nearly fluent in Spanish. I took AP Spanish in high school – but we graduated high school way back in 2012. So let’s just say I used my context clues on this tour because it’s been ten years since I was any good with the language.

Many of the viewpoints on the Santa Ana nature trail were very cloudy, only offering small peeks of the volcano and Lago de Coatepeque to be seen. You would have a good view one minute, blink, and then everything was covered in fog!

Overall, the nature trail was a nice and easy nature walk, and a good experience to get to know a local tour guide and gain new perspectives on the culture and natural habitat. This experience was under $5 USD per person.

My adventure travelers, I haven’t forgotten about you. The adventure part is coming in 3,2,1…

Fast forward to attempt number two at hiking the Santa Ana volcano . We arrived in Cerro Verde National Park at 8:30am this time, early for our 9:00am tour to hike the Santa Ana volcano .

There are other volcanoes to hike in this park, but Santa Ana is the highest one. Go big or go home.

They have a convenient area to eat and buy souvenirs before the tour. It was about 50F degrees with lots of clouds and minimal sunlight, so we bought hoodies for $20 USD each.

We also warmed up by trying traditional “atol” which was a creamy sweetcorn drink. It was a very smooth mixture of corn kernels, milk, sugar, and cinnamon. It was exactly what we needed for only $1 USD.

Heading towards the hike, the first thing you do is pay $1 USD to enter through the gate and meet your local English-speaking tour guide.

The terrain is a bit muddy with some stairs that were not steep. You are descending for the first 30 minutes with minimal rocks along the path.

Just in case you got here late and couldn’t try the atol and other foods beforehand, about 25 minutes into the walk you have an opportunity to buy snacks, fruits, and beverages from vendors. They even have walking sticks available for purchase.

After the first 30 minutes of an easy walk, you arrive to the actual entrance of the volcano hike. The price is $6 USD for tourists. From this point on, you are walking on rockier terrain with a mix of some incline and some flatland.

After walking about 20 minutes from the entrance, we saw a sign that said we were only one hour away from the top of the volcano!

We were so high in the clouds as we ascended the trail. There were banana trees and different viewpoints along the way.

But just like the day before on the nature trail, we were covered by fog all around and the viewpoints were not giving what they were supposed to give because of this.

The higher you hike up, the hotter it gets. Dress in layers so you can be most comfortable throughout the different stages of the hike.

That hoodie I bought before the hike absolutely had to come off halfway up the volcano. And as with any hike, a large water bottle was a necessity.

As you make it to the top of the volcano , you start to smell the distinct and potent smell of Sulphur. If you know, you know.

However, the views were incredible to say the absolute least. Everything we were seeing was so mesmerizing that it distracted us from the odor.

This was my first volcano experience, so I had only ever imagined a tall, dark mountain with red lava spewing out of it. Never had I ever imagined such a beautiful volcano crater lake could exist!

It was a gorgeous blue and sometimes appeared greener depending on how the sun hit and how the clouds moved overhead.

The journey took us about two hours to get to the top to view the crater. We were able to spend about 20 minutes at the top where it was a bit windy and chillier at such high altitudes. Having a hoodie saved the day, once again.

Then it was time to head down the same way we came up. It only took us one hour to get to the bottom. I would not call the Santa Ana volcano hike a beginner hike. It was at least a moderate-level hike.

I would consider myself a beginner and I am proud that I took on this challenge! Thankful for all the rest stops and ability to go at your own pace as our group included tourists of all different fitness levels.

Be sure to wear comfortable shoes with good grip , too!

Overall – extremely worth it. This experience is literally unforgettable and not to be missed!

Before heading back to San Salvador, we had to treat ourselves to some hot and flavorful chicken soup that was being sold at the exit of Cerro Verde National Park.

We also bought some mangos, and yuca chips for the one-and-a-half-hour ride back to the capital city.

El Salvador is truly full of adventure, and we included all the best hikes, waterfalls, ziplines, and more, perfectly organized in our Explore El Salvador Travel Guide .

RELATED ARTICLE: Ultimate Guide on Things to Do in Huacachina

What Are the Must-Try Salvadoran Foods? Pupusas and More!

Where are all my foodies? You need to know that El Salvador will not disappoint when it comes to food.

Food is a big part of Salvadoran culture. They enjoy traditional dishes like gallo pinto which is rice with beans, arroz con pollo which is chicken and rice, and caldo de res which is chicken soup.

Our personal favorite happens to be the national dish of El Salvador – pupusas!

So now is the time for you to grab your pen and paper or open the Notes app on your phone because you are going to want to document this food spot for sure.

La Suiza Pupuseria - San Salvador, El Salvador

The number one restaurant that you must try in El Salvador is hands down La Suiza Pupusería. We ate here every single day that we were in El Salvador.

Yes, it was that good.

We sat at one of their tables that had a sign that said “lo que importa es lo de adentro” which translates to “what matters is inside.” And let me tell you, all that really matters is what they put inside of their pupusas here.

Life-changing.

La Suiza Pupuseria has more than one location, but we went to the one in San Salvador. It was an authentic pupusa experience.

You might be wondering, “what even is a pupusa?” 

Besides being the national dish of El Salvador, pupusas are thick griddle cakes made of rice or corn tortillas and stuffed with an assortment of things. What matters is inside, remember?

We tried different pupusas stuffed with beans, sausage, spinach, and cheese.  La Suiza Pupuseria has perfected a wide variety of pupusa options so we would suggest trying as many as you can.

Now that you know where to go, it’s important that you know how to eat a pupusa! There are many components to this delicious meal.

You get your pupusa and there’s a jar with a mixture of cabbage, carrots, and jalapenos on the side. Additionally, they will give you a red sauce.

Step 1 : Scoop out some of the cabbage mixture onto your plate.

Step 2 : Add some (or a lot) of the red sauce to the cabbage mixture. It’s not spicy, but very very good.

Step 3 : Break apart the pupusa. Admire the steam coming out and the cheesy goodness. It’s a sight to see.

Step 4 : Using your piece of pupusa, scoop up the cabbage mixture covered in red sauce and enjoy. REALLY enjoy.

La Suiza Pupuseria is inexpensive. We treated ourselves to some tropical frozen drinks which were only $2 USD each, and each pupusa was under $1 USD.

Being that it is the national dish of El Salvador, you will find pupusas just about everywhere and they’re always under $1 USD. We just happened to really really love La Suiza Pupuseria.

Picnic Steakhouse – Santa Tecla, El Salvador

Next food recommendation for you to try out is Picnic Steakhouse. This restaurant has more of a wide variety of menu options that are less traditional.

The vibes are magical, so it is very fitting that the “Imagine Slide” is featured here.

The Imagine Slide is a giant rainbow-colored slide that starts at the edge of this outdoor restaurant and has two big drops through the trees.

I probably should have included this in the adventure traveler section because some people have quite the adventure sliding down this slide.

RELATED ARTICLE: How to Visit the Famous Colorful Steps in Rio de Janeiro Brazil

But let me tell you, we had such a fun experience, and it was only $5 USD per person to slide. Keep in mind that even though the Picnic Steakhouse restaurant closes at 10 pm, the Imagine slide closes earlier at 5pm.

Plan accordingly, because we arrived at 4:45pm and unknowingly almost missed our chance of taking the slide of our lives.

Even if you don’t slide, Picnic Steakhouse has such great ambience! They have live performances, a garden to walk through with hedges in the shape of elephants, hearts, and giraffes.

There is an incredible view of the San Salvador volcano right by the Imagine Slide. And everything is beautifully lit in the evening that you end up wanting to spend the whole night hanging out there.

There isn’t a ton of local food at Picnic Steakhouse because it is more so catered towards tourists. Nonetheless, I was impressed by how well they made their shrimp alfredo.

They also have a good margarita! Altogether, we spent ~$15 USD per person on food and drinks at Picnic Steakhouse.

During our day at Nawi Beach House , the first thing we did after getting our free welcome drink was eat breakfast.

They have a lot of amenities and things to do at Nawi Beach House but do not sleep on their food!!!

I had the banana oat pancakes and my husband had a dish that was a mix of tortilla chips, eggs, beans, and chicken (sorry I forgot the name, but the flavor was unforgettable.)

I’ll go ahead and say that the food at Nawi Beach House is exceptional.

Sea Garden - Mizata, El Salvador

After leaving Nawi Beach House , we ventured off to another restaurant that wasn’t too far away called Sea Garden . Like the name implies, they have a garden, and they have a view of the sea. (Well, the Pacific Ocean).

There are colorful wooden tables and chairs scattered throughout this outdoor restaurant.

We ate the tastiest fish and garlic grilled shrimp pizza. It was simply delicious. Our entrée and drink total came out to $15 USD total.

We didn’t have a single bad meal in El Salvador, and everything was so affordable!

Travel Tips in El Salvador for Different Budgets

So how much money will you need for your El Salvador trip? Let’s break it down by category for an average day.

Prices may vary, but this will give you an idea of how to budget for your trip.

Accommodations

Hostels may be your cheapest option, particularly if you don’t mind sharing your space and really want to engage with other travelers. They typically come with free Wi-Fi and free breakfast.

A hostel that has ~10 beds in the dorm may run you about $10 USD per night. But if you want a private room and private bathroom in your hostel, it’s closer to $25 USD per night.

Some hostels aren’t available to book beforehand online. But this isn’t necessarily an issue because it is usually cheaper to book the hostel in person than online anyway.

A cheap hotel ranges anywhere from ~$30 to $50 USD per night. The more amenities, the higher the price of course. Beach and pool access puts you at the higher end of this price range.

RELATED ARTICLE : Luxury and Budget-Friendly Options for Where to Stay in Bali

We stayed in a fabulous Airbnb in a centrally located gated condominium community with security. It cost only $40 USD per night to stay there, and they offered so many amenities!

There was a pool, sky lounge, rock climbing wall, game room, jumbo chess set, outdoor movie theatre, ping pong table, full gym, private parking lot, party room, and everything was so new and clean!

We included the Airbnb booking info for you in our Explore El Salvador 4-Day Itinerary !

RELATED ARTICLE: Everything to Know About Staying in an Airbnb Vacation Rental

MUST-KNOW Airbnb Tips!

RELATED ARTICLE: 8 Best Ways to Get a Discount on Airbnb in 2023

Transportation

Your cheapest option for getting around El Salvador is using the public buses. They are colorful (and crowded) “chicken buses” that cost ~$2 USD to go between certain towns and under $1 USD to ride within a city.

The downside is that there are not many direct buses that go long distances. So, you won’t really be maximizing your time with all the bus transfers included.

Taxis are another option, and if you go this route be sure to negotiate the price before the ride begins.

Many taxis are not metered, and the driver may change the price they charge you by the time you arrive if it isn’t made clear from the start.

A typical taxi from the El Salvador International airport to the capital city San Salvador is ~$25 USD for reference.

We opted for personal drivers that got us around different regions in El Salvador quickly, comfortably, reliably, and most importantly safely.

At the time of our trip in 2021 we only spent ~$20 to $40 USD per day on our drivers depending on where we went.

In Central America, you can find a nice plate of rice and beans anywhere. Luckily it is filling and only costs ~$3 USD in El Salvador.

You can also eat a few pupusas that cost under $1 USD each and be perfectly stuffed.

Your food budget will take you very far if you stick to the street foods mentioned above and if you eat healthy.

An entire bag of fruits will be less than $1 USD, and they taste better than any fruits you would have in the United States.

If you want to take your food budget up a notch, you can spend under $25 USD per plate at a casual local restaurant in El Salvador. The more tourist restaurants are going to be a bit pricier than this.

We found a restaurant in El Salvador that has all menu items priced under $2 USD (that includes all cocktails, non-alcoholic beverages, and food plates).

Not only is it cheap, but it’s really good quality and all the details are right HERE in the Explore El Salvador Travel Guide!

RELATED ARTICLE: How to Spend 1 week in Panama

See the World & Save a Dollar in El Salvador

The biggest part about seeing the world and saving a dollar is knowing what are your non-negotiables? What matters the most to you when it comes to eating, getting around, where you stay, and what you do?

Once you evaluate the level of budget travel you want to do (low budget, medium budget, high budget) there are plenty of options to get the most value for what you are willing to spend.

This was a comprehensive budget guide, but if you are planning to go to El Salvador, we have so many more suggestions outlined within our Explore El Salvador Travel Guide . Get your copy today!

This 25-page digital guide  breaks down every detail you need to know before going to El Salvador.

What’s inside:

Our recommendations are organized by budget, so as always, we’ll help you “See the World, Save a Dollar!”

Don’t start packing your bags without this ultimate El Salvador itinerary filled with first-hand experience and insider tips that will save you time planning your dream trip!

Is El Salvador Worth Visiting? + 15 Pros and Cons (2024)

Cat is Out of the Office contains affiliate links and is a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. If you make a purchase using one of these Amazon links, I may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. See my Disclosure Policy for more information.

Is El Salvador worth visiting? That’s a big YES from me! 

As a solo female traveler who has spent the past 2.5 years exploring all corners of the globe, I have had the pleasure of spending seven months in Central and South America, including several weeks in El Salvador. 

El Salvador wasn’t originally on my radar as somewhere to visit – especially as a solo female traveler – and I almost skipped it! It’s a good thing I didn’t, because El Salvador ended up being the highlight of my Central America adventure.

The pupusas (typical Salvadorian dish), the beaches, and the local people make El Salvador a worthy destination. It’s the smallest country in Central America , so you can see a lot in a short amount of time. 

No country is perfect, and there are some things you need to keep in mind like safety, weather, and language barriers.

My experience has taught me that not only is El Salvador worth visiting, but now is arguably the best time to visit before it becomes overcrowded and expensive like its neighbors. It still remains relatively undiscovered, but not for much longer. 

So, is El Salvador worth it? I’ll give you my honest opinion, including the pros and cons of visiting El Salvador, so you can decide if it’s worth a spot on your itinerary.

👉 Book one of these private airport transfers for a stress-free arrival at any airport in El Salvador! Whether you’re heading to San Salvador or straight to El Tunco, these transfers are a great option.

Is El Salvador Worth Visiting?

El Salvador ended up being my favorite country in Central America. 

Hiking up active volcanoes and to hidden waterfalls , eating pupusas with friends from my hostel, and watching the surfers on El Tunco Beach – these are some of my favorite memories from visiting El Salvador!

I wouldn’t consider it a “beginner” destination for new solo travelers, only because they’re still fairly new to tourism and a lot of infrastructure is still being built up. Once you have a couple of solo trips under your belt (or if you’re a really confident traveler), then El Salvador is magical!

Despite the past struggles with crime that once made it unsafe for foreigners – today, El Salvador is much safer than most people think! 

The government’s efforts to crack down on gang violence have seen some positive results in recent years (more on that further down). Now, more than ever, El Salvador can be considered a great destination for backpackers and travelers looking to find something off the beaten path.

And it’s quickly getting popular. 2023 saw a 30% increase in tourists , and the number of U.S. tourists has doubled since 2019. More flights between Canada and El Salvador will result in more North American tourists.

👉 My top pick for the best Ruta de las Flores small group tour is the   Thermal Tour: Café Albania + Hot Springs + Ataco + Lunch , with a near-perfect 5-star rating. You’ll visit Salto de Malacatiupan waterfalls, Santa Teresa Hot Springs, hop a bike zipline, and more!

Pros and Cons of El Salvador from a Solo Female Traveler (Reasons to Visit El Salvador)

1. pro: beautiful nature and adventure activities.

I’ll admit, the only thing I knew about El Salvador before visiting was the history of crime – I had no idea how much natural beauty this country has!

I hiked up the Santa Ana Volcano, sipped a beer next to Lake Coatepeque, relaxed in hot springs , hiked to hidden waterfalls, watched surfers on the beach, and so much more! 

The Ruta de las Flores tours from San Salvador are worth checking out, too.

El Salvador is a nature lover’s dream, offering tons of adventure activities for travelers to enjoy, such as surfing some of the best waves in the world, exploring the Mayan ruins at Tazumal, and trekking through Cerro Verde National Park. 

If you’re lucky, you may catch a glimpse of El Salvador’s national bird .

Get ready for an unforgettable adventure in El Salvador!

2. Con: Lack of Tourist Infrastructure

I hesitate to list this as a con for visiting El Salvador because I actually loved the feeling of being somewhere most tourists will never experience. But, it is important to note that you are in an “up and coming” destination that is just starting to see an increase in tourism.

You won’t find many high-end restaurants or perfectly curated tourist attractions here but if you’re looking for a real adventure with locals, you’ve come to the right​​ place. Accessibility outside main cities can be challenging without a car.

I recommend that you be a confident traveler before visiting El Salvador solo , just because you’ll have to think a little harder than some other places. But, if you’re not afraid of exploring parts unknown, then you’ll love El Salvador!

🚗 When I book rental cars online, I recommend and use Discover Cars . They have the best deals! And what’s more, they provide FREE cancellations up to 48 hours before your reservation.

3. Pro: Affordable Prices

El Salvador is one of the most affordable countries I’ve ever visited – everything from food to lodging was a fraction of what it would cost me back home or in Europe. 

El Salvador uses the U.S. dollar (and bitcoin, if you have it) so there is no need to exchange money and you can save even more by purchasing items from local markets. You will be able to get a full meal for under $5 in most places.

4. Con: Language Barrier

English isn’t widely spoken in El Salvador, so you may find yourself struggling to communicate with locals or trying to decipher menus that aren’t in English. Luckily, I speak some Spanish so I was able to get by.

I spend the majority of my time in countries where I don’t speak the language, though, and you’d be surprised how much can be communicated with pointing, smiling, and the Google Translate app.

5. Pro: It’s a Small Country

El Salvador is the smallest country in Central America. 

Why is that a good thing? Because you can see A LOT in a short period of time! 

In just a few weeks I was able to visit San Salvador, Santa Ana, the Ruta de las Flores , and the beach, plus several day trips to other towns and attractions. That’s something you can’t do in a bigger country like Mexico or the U.S.

6. Con: Crime and Safety

While El Salvador’s crime rate has been going down each year for the past several years, you’ll still want to be careful, especially if you’re a solo female traveler. More on safety further down.

I followed the same safety tips that I follow in every country I visit and didn’t go out at night alone, and I never felt unsafe.

If you’re going to explore San Salvador, just double-check with your accommodation about which neighborhoods to avoid and keep your belongings close when using public transportation (just like you should do in any big city). 

⛑️ My number one safety tip for travelers, no matter where you’re going or how long your trip is, is to buy SafetyWing insurance to protect your trip .

7. Pro: Pupusas and Fruit

If you know me, you know my favorite thing about traveling is trying local food . I am embarrassed to say I never had pupusas before, and I am OBSESSED. 

Pupusas are a traditional Salvadoran dish consisting of corn dough with cheese, pork or beans, and other fillings. My favorite was the vegetarian loroco (an edible flower) and cheese. But, I don’t discriminate and eat all the pupusas.

I also loved visiting the local fruit markets in El Salvador and tasting all sorts of tropical fruit that I never had before.

8. Con: Chicken Buses Take a While

A “chicken bus” is an old yellow school bus used for public transportation in El Salvador and throughout Central America. They get their name from the chickens that sometimes get transported alongside passengers (not so often anymore). 

They are cheap and convenient but can get crowded, hot, and slow depending on the route.

If you’re short on time and don’t have the luxury of taking your time, renting a car or taking a taxi will save you some hassle.

That being said, I still think taking a chicken bus is an experience worth having. It’s fun and you get to meet locals along the way!

9. Pro: Surfer’s Paradise

What is the tourism like in El Salvador? A lot of tourists come here for surfing!

El Salvador has some of the best surfing in the world, with more than 60 amazing surfing locations , and played host to the 2023 ISA World Surfing Games!

With warm tropical waters, plenty of beaches, and consistent waves, it’s a great destination for surfers looking to test their skills in the water. Punta Roca, Las Flores, and Punta Mango are some of the most popular spots for surfing in El Salvador. 

There are also many excellent surf schools located throughout El Salvador so newbies can learn the basics before hitting the waves. 

Not to mention, El Salvador’s beautiful sunsets make any surfing session that much better.

👉 Find the best local tours with this search engine (and the best deals)!

10. Con: Poor Road Conditions

Many of the roads are in poor condition and have significant damage. Renting a car can be a bit of an adventure , as I found out when my friends and I rented one to explore El Salvador. 

We got stuck multiple times waiting for mudslides to be cleared from the roads (during the rainy season), and we had a few close calls with wild drivers on the many curvy roads. In addition, many cars in El Salvador don’t have working headlights, making it even more challenging to navigate at night time. 

Such road conditions can make it hard for travelers to really explore the country in depth and see some of its hidden gems. But if you’re a confident driver and you know what to expect, you can manage.

🚙 Thinking about renting a car in Central America? I rented a car in El Salvador and was able to see so much more than if I only traveled by bus. I recommend using  Discover Cars to compare costs and get the best deal .

11. Pro: Rich Culture and Festivals

El Salvador is a country of diverse cultural influences, from the original Mayan and Nahua civilizations to the European settlers. 

This rich mix has resulted in a vibrant culture that is evident in various forms of expression, including its music, art, and especially its festivals. 

The country is also renowned for its awe-inspiring murals and captivating artworks that showcase both traditional and contemporary styles. 

Some of El Salvador’s most popular celebrations, such as El Grito de Independencia (Independence Day) during the summer months, as well as Semana Santa and Feria de San Miguel at the end of September, provide visitors with a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the customs, traditions, and vibrant art scene of El Salvador.

12. Con: Hurricane Season

El Salvador has an active hurricane season, with most storms occurring between May and October. 

Although this can be a deterrent for visitors, I experienced El Salvador’s storms first-hand when I visited during the shoulder season of October. It was an interesting experience: some days were sunny and bright while others brought heavy rains that lasted all day. 

It’s important to be aware of the risks of hurricane season when planning a visit to El Salvador, but also know that the country still experiences plenty of beautiful days in between storms. By visiting during the shoulder season, you can experience a little bit of both – just make sure to pack accordingly!

13. Delicious Coffee

Coffee-lovers who want to know “Is El Salvador worth visiting?” – YES it is!

El Salvador has some of the most delicious coffee in the world. This Central American country is renowned for harvesting and producing high-quality beans, meaning that a trip to El Salvador wouldn’t be complete without trying a cup of their famous coffee. 

Taking a tour through one of the many local coffee plantations is an absolute must-do activity – you’ll get to learn about the production process of El Salvadoran coffee while tasting samples from different farms. 

If you’re looking for a unique experience during your visit, make sure to check out one of these tours!

14. Pro: Friendliest Locals

The local people of El Salvador are some of the friendliest I’ve encountered in the world. 

Even when there were language barriers, locals in El Salvador were warm and welcoming, often going out of their way to help me feel right at home during my travels there.

Whether you’re in need of directions or advice on where to find the best restaurants, be sure to take advantage of the kindness of El Salvadorans. 

Best Booking Sites:

The two best places to read reviews and book hostels and hotels are HostelWorld and Booking.com .

15. Pro: Easy to Combine With Other Destinations in Central America

El Salvador’s location makes it really convenient to visit other destinations in Central America. I hired a shared transfer from Antigua, Guatemala to Santa Ana, El Salvador for something like $50, which included help at the border crossing.

After spending a few weeks in El Salvador, I took chicken buses all the way to Copan Ruinas in Honduras . 

Other travelers I met went straight to Nicaragua after El Salvador. 

This is just one of the many reasons why El Salvador is worth visiting – you can easily enjoy multiple countries at once with just a short journey in between. 

Is Santa Ana, El Salvador Worth Visiting?

I spent the majority of my time in Santa Ana, using it as a base to visit other parts of El Salvador like the Ruta de las Flores , Santa Ana Volcano, and Lake Coatepeque.

Santa Ana is a great place to explore El Salvador’s culture and history. There are plenty of colonial buildings, as well as marketplaces selling local crafts.

The city also has some great restaurants serving up delicious cuisine. I’d recommend trying the pupusas – they’re an El Salvadorian staple and a must-try dish when visiting! 

Pro Tip: Read reviews on  Hostelworld  – one of the best hostel booking sites – to see what the hostel serves for breakfast. 

How Many Days in El Salvador?

El Salvador is a small country, often overlooked but with plenty of things to see and do. 

It’s easily possible to enjoy a great vacation in El Salvador with just one week, visiting the colorful colonial towns, national parks full of wildlife, and stunning beaches. 

However, for those seeking an even deeper experience and wanting to visit more rural areas and explore less touristy spots, 10 days or more is really ideal to make the most of it. 

With its easy connections to other Central American countries, it’s also convenient to extend your trip and combine multiple destinations in one go.

👉 I’ve solo-traveled all over the world and LOVE to take tours that I find on Viator . They have so many 5-star tours, and it’s easy to see which ones have the best ratings. I’ve also had to use their 24/7 customer service more than once and was helped immediately.

Best Time to Visit El Salvador

The best time to visit El Salvador is from November to April, when the weather is consistently sunny and mild. During this period, there are also plenty of events and festivals going on that add to the overall experience.

The flowers along the Ruta de las Flores typically bloom early in the dry season between November and February.

However, the downside of visiting during these months is that they are also peak season, with higher accommodation prices and more tourists around. 

For travelers looking for a more laidback atmosphere without such high prices, the summer months of May to August can be a great option.

The temperatures in El Salvador remain warm throughout the year, meaning you can still enjoy a beach getaway even during this low season.

✈️ Search for cheap flights to El Salvador here.

How to Get to El Salvador

The easiest way to get to El Salvador is by air, with several international airports offering direct flights from the United States, Europe, and other Latin American countries. 

Flights from US cities such as Los Angeles, Miami, or New York typically take around 5-6 hours.

From within Central America, there are also regular shuttle services to El Salvador from Guatemala City and Managua in Nicaragua. 

If you’re coming from Honduras and want to get to El Salvador the adventurous way, read more about how to take the chicken bus all the way!

Best Hotels in El Salvador

Luxury hotels in el salvador.

• Equinoccio Hotel  (Lake Coatepeque) – a 4-star hotel by Salvadoran standards, this hotel is right on the lake and also has a pool.
• Hyatt Centric San Salvador ( San Salvador) – a brand-new, comfortable hotel that opened in 2022 with a great open-air swimming pool and gym.
• Boca Olas Resort  (El Tunco) – Nice swimming pools, breakfast with a view, and steps to the beach.

Mid-level and Boutique Hotels in El Salvador

• Remfort Hotel  (Santa Ana) – Guests rave about the prime location of this hotel, as well as the great breakfast and pool.
• Hotel Juayua  (Juayua) – Boutique hotel with an incredible view of mountains and a volcano.
• Las Casitas Hostal Ataco  (Ataco) – Convenient location in town, comfortable rooms, and very helpful staff.
• Casa Degraciela Hotel Boutique  (Ataco) – Beautiful boutique hotel with a very attentive staff.
• Papaya Lodge  (La Libertad) – Basic hotel in a great location, with air-conditioning, and a pool.

Budget or Cheap Hotels in El Salvador

• Hostal Casa Verde  (Santa Ana) – This is where I stayed during my time in Santa Ana. It has a pool, a good breakfast, and a caring owner who gives great travel tips.
• Hotel Oasis  (San Salvador) – lovely garden and patio, and decent breakfast that changes daily.
• Hostal Dona Mercedes  (Juayua) – Great base for the Ruta de las Flores with hot showers and helpful staff.
• Pelicano Surf Camp  (La Libertad) – A bare-bones hostel where you stay in a hut right on the beach.

Is El Salvador Safe For Solo Female Travelers?

I spent several weeks solo traveling around El Salvador. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t a little nervous before I went, but I’m so happy I did. El Salvador was the highlight of my time in Central America.

El Salvador has a reputation for being a dangerous country plagued by crime and gang violence. The country is coming out of a civil war in the 1980s and then several decades of gang warfare. 

At the time of this post, the US issued a level 3 travel advisory for El Salvador due to crime.

And while crime is still a challenge, it’s also true that El Salvador’s crime rates have significantly decreased over the past few years. Although there are some concerns about how the country is tackling its gang problem, there’s no doubt that it’s been effective.

Some parts of El Salvador are still controlled by gangs, but it’s rare that tourists go to those areas or are impacted. Always check with your accommodation about where you’re exploring – they’ll know the latest safety information.

The driver who brought me from Guatemala to El Salvador told me that a couple of years ago, he and his family couldn’t leave their homes at night, and had to pay the local gang for protection. And now they enjoy walks around their neighborhood – day and night – in peace.

I went all over the country, and only had one situation in a hostel where I didn’t feel comfortable, and decided to leave in the middle of the night. That could have happened anywhere, though. 

You’ll want to take some basic safety precautions when traveling around El Salvador:

• Walking around during the day is generally fine, but I wouldn’t do it at night. Instead, opt for Ubers or a car service at night.
• Be aware of your belongings in crowded areas like markets and buses, and have them close to you.
• Avoid wearing flashy jewelry that could attract unwanted attention.
• Ask locals about the safety precautions they take before exploring, especially in San Salvador where some neighborhoods aren’t safe.

Recommended Tour:

Santa Ana Volcano Hike with Privileged Early Access

⭐️  RATING:  5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  7-8 hours | 😎   BOOK NOW

Why Visit El Salvador FAQs

Is it worth it to go to el salvador.

Yes, it is absolutely worth visiting El Salvador! From discovering thousands of years of history at Mayan ruins to relaxing on pristine beaches and exploring vibrant cities, there are so many incredible experiences to be had in El Salvador. 

Do people go to El Salvador for vacation?

Yes – El Salvador is a great place to vacation! I loved exploring local markets and food festivals, hiking to waterfalls surrounded by lush jungles, and climbing to the top of an active volcano. There’s so much to see and do in El Salvador!

How many days is enough for El Salvador?

A typical vacation in El Salvador could last from 3 to 7 days, depending on what activities you would like to do and explore. Most people can see the highlights of El Salvador within this time frame, but 10 days or more will allow you to see and do a lot more.

Is El Salvador friendly to USA?

Yes, El Salvador is very friendly to the United States. The two countries have a strong diplomatic relationship and share many cultural similarities. It’s also easy for US citizens to enter El Salvador without a visa for visits under 90 days.

What is the best month to visit El Salvador?

The best time to visit El Salvador is typically from December to April. During this period, the weather is generally dry and sunny. It’s also the peak tourist season, with plenty of activities and attractions in the cities and towns. The months of May and November are also good times to visit as they offer fewer crowds but still pleasant temperatures.

Are people in El Salvador friendly?

People in El Salvador are generally friendly and welcoming. You’ll find that locals are eager to share their culture and customs with visitors, and the country has a long-standing reputation as one of the most hospitable places in Central America.

What is El Salvador known for tourists?

El Salvador is best known for its beaches, rainforests, and the ancient ruins at Joya de Cerén. It’s also a great destination for outdoor activities like surfing, hiking, and ziplining. Foodies will love the variety of local cuisine, from pupusas to tamales. 

Wrap Up: Is El Salvador A Good Place to Visit?

So, is El Salvador worth visiting?

Yes! And now is the best time to visit, before El Salvador gets crazy popular like Costa Rica and Guatemala. 

With its rich history, stunning landscapes, and welcoming locals, El Salvador is the perfect spot for anyone who loves to explore new places.

That being said, there are also a few reasons why travelers may not want to visit El Salvador. For one, it’s still a fairly new tourist destination, so it’s not as “easy” to travel around yet as some other countries that have had tourists for longer. Some visitors may feel uneasy as the language barrier can be high since most people in El Salvador speak Spanish.

I would recommend you have a couple of other countries under your belt before you venture to El Salvador solo.

If you’re ready for an adventure of a lifetime in El Salvador then now is the time to start planning! 

To make sure you get the most out of your trip, don’t forget to read up on the best tours around El Salvador!

Read More About El Salvador:

• El Salvador Solo Travel: A Solo Female Traveler’s Guide
• Ultimate Travel Guide to Backpacking El Salvador
• Is El Salvador Safe? + 21 Safety Tips for Travelers
• Ruta de Las Flores: Ultimate Travel Guide + 17 Things to Do
• Ultimate Ruta de Las Flores Itinerary for 1-3 Days
• 3 Best El Salvador Hot Springs: Everything You Need to Know
• 10 Stunning Waterfalls in El Salvador that You Must See
• What is the El Salvador National Bird? + 11 Interesting Facts
• 13 Best El Salvador Tours You Can’t Miss
• Ultimate Guide to Renting a Car in El Salvador
• Best Time to Visit El Salvador for Outdoor Fun!
• Backpacker’s Guide to Chicken Buses in Central America
• San Salvador to Copan Ruinas via Bus: Easy Instructions
• 11 Delicious Fruits in El Salvador You Must Taste at Local Markets
• Is El Salvador Worth Visiting? + 15 Pros and Cons
• Best Ruta de las Flores Tours from San Salvador
• Seven Waterfalls Hike El Salvador: Epic Juayua Adventure
• Juayua Food Festival Guide (by a Food-Obsessed Traveler)
• Is Santa Ana El Salvador Safe?

El Salvador Travel Tips

🚗 Renting a car in El Salvador i s one of the best ways to see the country! I always rent with  Discover Cars , which checks both international companies and local Salvadoran companies, so you get the best rates.

🏩 Accommodation : For El Salvador hotels and hostels,  Booking  is the best site – I get such great Genius discounts!

💵 Money: The currency here is the US Dollar, and there are plenty of ATMs if you need cash.

Credit cards aren’t as commonly accepted outside of major cities, so it’s best to bring cash with you.

🌋 Language: Most locals don’t speak English, so brush up on your Spanish! It can also be helpful to download the Spanish language option on Google Translate if you’re going to be offline.

🌋 Safety: San Salvador is generally safe for tourists, but there are some areas to avoid. Ask your hotel for the most up-to-date information before heading out. Whenever you’re out, be sure to stay alert, stick to busy streets, and avoid isolated areas.

🌋 Uber is safe and cheap in major cities like San Salvador and Santa Ana.

🌋 Tipping: Tipping 10% in restaurants is expected but make sure it’s not already included in your bill as “servicio.”

🌋 Water: You shouldn’t drink tap water in El Salvador. Most hotels will provide filtered water, or you can buy bottled.

📝 El Salvador Travel Planning Guide 🇸🇻🌟

Before you embark on your unforgettable journey to El Salvador, here are the essential tips every traveler should know:

🚑  Should I buy travel insurance for El Salvador?

✅ 100% YES!  — My #1 Safety Tip for all travelers is to buy travel insurance for every trip in case anything happens on their visit. I recommend and use SafetyWing  – it’s cheap and comprehensive.

🛟 Is El Salvador safe for tourists?

✅ YES , El Salvador is generally safe for tourists, but there are some areas to avoid. Ask your hotel for the most up-to-date information before heading out. When you’re out, stay alert, stick to busy streets, and avoid isolated areas. Read more about staying safe in El Salvador.

💧 Can you drink the water in El Salvador?

🚱 No  — It’s recommended to drink filtered or bottled water in El Salvador (but using tap water to brush your teeth is usually fine). I recommend this reusable water bottle! It works great, turning tap water into safe-to-drink water that tastes good.

🚙💨  Is it safe to rent a car in El Salvador?

Yes  —  Renting a car in El Salvador is one of the best ways to see the country! I recommend  Discover Cars , which checks both international companies and local Salvadoran companies, so you get the best rates.

🏩  What’s the best way to book my El Salvador accommodations?

My go-to for El Salvador hotels is  Booking.com . For hostels, I use  HostelWorld . Or get free accommodations with  Trusted Housesitters!

✈️  What’s the best site to book El Salvador flights?

For finding cheap El Salvador flights, I recommend CheapOAir .

🎫  Do I need a visa for El Salvador?

Likely Not  — El Salvador allows visitors from close to one hundred jurisdictions to visit El Salvador without a visa and stay for up to 180 days. US passport holders don’t need an El Salvador visa for stays of up to 90 days , but you must purchase a tourist card for $12 USD upon arrival.

💰 𝗖𝘂𝗿𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆: The currency here is the US Dollar, and there are plenty of ATMs if you need cash. I always withdraw from ATMs to get the best rates (select “no” when it asks you if you accept the conversion rate). Credit cards aren’t commonly accepted outside of major cities.

🪙 Tipping : Tipping 10% in restaurants is expected, but make sure it’s not already included in your bill as “servicio.”

🚕 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Getting around El Salvador is a breeze! Uber is safe and cheap in major cities like San Salvador and Santa Ana. Local buses are generally efficient and easy to use. Renting a car is also a good option.

🗣️ Language : Many locals don’t speak English, so brush up on your Spanish! It can also be helpful to download the Spanish language option on Google Translate if you’ll be offline.

📶 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗶𝘁𝘆: El Salvador has inconsistent internet connectivity – it’s better in the main cities than in rural areas.

Cat is a 35-year-old American solo female traveler on a career break, traveling the world full-time since 2021. She loves meeting new people, considers herself to be a bit of a foodie, and reads a lot.

© Shutterstock / Kikerodry

El Salvador

El Salvador is a travel powerhouse in a tiny package. This underrated destination appeals to those looking to get off the beaten path of Central American travel and dive into a multifaceted country with a taste for adventure. Here you'll find world-class surfing on empty, dark-sand beaches; coffee plantations clinging to the sides of volcanoes; pretty flower-filled villages with buildings splashed by murals; and sublime national parks. There are few crowds outside the capital, San Salvador – a town with its fair share of swagger – so you'll have plenty of space to take in all the beauty El Salvador has to offer.

Things to Know

Attractions, must-see attractions.

Iglesia El Rosario

San Salvador

Designed by sculptor Ruben Martinez and completed in 1971, Iglesia El Rosario is radically beautiful. Arguably the finest church in Central America, its…

Western El Salvador

In the K’iche’ language Tazumal means ‘pyramid where the victims were burned.’ Archaeologists estimate that the verdant 10-sq-km Tazumal area – much of…

Parque Nacional Los Volcanes

Alongside volcanoes in triplicate, Parque Nacional Los Volcanes has hectares of lush forest that provide sanctuary for hundreds of migrating bird species,…

Joya de Cerén

Central El Salvador

Known as the Pompeii of America, Unesco World Heritage Site Joya de Cerén was a small Maya settlement that was buried under volcanic ash when the Laguna…

Catedral Metropolitana

Facing the revamped Plaza Barrios, the cathedral is the most significant landmark in the city and the resting place of Archbishop Óscar A Romero. In the…

Parque Nacional El Imposible

Edging Guatemala, the mostly primary forest of Parque Nacional El Imposible shimmers with rivers and beautiful waterfalls. Hiking can get muddy and steep,…

Centro Arte para la Paz

Opened in 2000 as a charitable initiative to support victims of domestic violence, the Centro Arte para la Paz now organizes a range of cultural…

Jardín Botánico La Laguna

Moss-covered bridges, pebbled paths, small waterfalls and ponds home to croaking frogs, turtles and feeding fish provide the perfect antidote to city…

Latest stories from El Salvador

Filter by interest:

• All Interests
• Adventure Travel
• Art & Culture
• Beaches, Coasts & Islands
• Food & Drink

Destination Practicalities

Jan 30, 2024 • 9 min read

El Salvador has caught the eye of curious travelers. Here’s all you need to know before setting off to explore its beaches, volcanoes and more.

Aug 17, 2023 • 5 min read

Nov 15, 2022 • 10 min read

Nov 15, 2022 • 3 min read

Nov 29, 2017 • 10 min read

Jun 12, 2012 • 2 min read

in partnership with getyourguide

Book popular activities in El Salvador

Purchase our award-winning guidebooks.

Get to the heart of El Salvador with one of our in-depth, award-winning guidebooks, covering maps, itineraries, and expert guidance.

El Salvador and beyond

Expedia Rewards is now One Key™

Cheap flights to el salvador.

Bundle Your Flight + Hotel & Save!

Add a place to stay

Direct flights only

Featured airlines

Top Cities to Visit in El Salvador

San Salvador

Santa Tecla

About Flying to El Salvador

Load up your baggage, book your El Salvador flights, and get ready for an adventure. When it's finally time for your next getaway, we get that making plans is the fun part. Singling out your region, uncovering all of the finest activities, and seeking out flights are all a part of creating memories you'll remember for a lifetime. And whether you're looking for an action-packed getaway with the family or a soulful retreat on your own, when you use Expedia to arrange your trip to El Salvador, you'll find innumerable ways to customize your adventure with our great offers and easy-to-use payment process.

The Best El Salvador Flight Is Waiting

No matter if you're seeking airfare to the country's capital of San Salvador, or would prefer to fly someplace off the beaten path, you're guaranteed to find the ideal destination for your trip here on Expedia. We're all about helping you search for cheap seats on planes to this country that won't break the bank. We get that you want to allocate more of your hard-earned cash toward enjoying the sights and less on the price of your flight to this fantastic region. And that's the reason we provide you with an unmatched array of cheap airline tickets, including both return flights and single-way reservations, to ensure your El Salvador travel plans remain within your budget.

While on your vacation in El Salvador, surround yourself in the local culture by treating your palate to regional dishes and partaking in the nightlife. And if you'd like to explore even more of this region, pay a visit to San Salvador, Santa Ana, or San Miguel . No matter where in this country you decide to go, visit the historic landmarks on your journey, and enjoy vistas of the most scenic areas. It's no wonder why so many adventurers, amateur historians, and inveterate travelers from all walks of life are drawn to this enticing destination.

Reserve Your El Salvador Accommodation Right Here

Expedia wants to save you time and money when locking down your tickets to the El Salvador, so you can spend your time getting the most out of your adventure and not fretting about draining your bank account. We offer a huge variety of airlines, airports, and departure times, making it easier for you to reserve your airfare whether you're on the lookout for an overnight ticket or a direct flight to a specific terminal. We even have an intuitive downloadable booking app, which invites you to book your trip from wherever it's most convenient for you.

If a pause from the office has nearly arrived, there will never be a more fitting time to take advantage of a flight to El Salvador. get your camera all set for stunning panoramas and your stomach for savory cuisine - it's vacation time! Arrange your adventure to El Salvador this instant, and get ready to embark on an unbelievable experience tomorrow. When it's time to searching for flights to El Salvador that align your price range and agenda, look no further than our options right here. Just type in your perfect travel dates now to view the best discounts on flights in El Salvador.

Here at Expedia, we’re committed to helping you find cheap flights to El Salvador that won’t break the bank. We know you want to put more of your hard-earned cash toward exploring the sites and less on the price of your airfare. That’s why we provide you with a vast selection of affordable plane tickets, including roundtrip and one-way reservations, to ensure your Mexico and Central America travel plans remain within your budget. Take advantage of our lowest rates on airfare and have leftover money to spare on your travel adventures.

When it comes to finding flights to El Salvador that match your price range and itinerary, look no further than our options right here. We offer a variety of airlines, airports, and flight times making it easier for you to book your airfare. Whether you’re looking for a redeye ticket or a flight to a specific terminal, you’ll find exactly what you need. We also provide a hassle-free mobile booking app, which lets you reserve wherever and whenever is most convenient for you. Book your airfare to El Salvador today and get ready to embark on an unforgettable getaway tomorrow.

El Salvador Flights Information

Frequently asked questions.

• AVIANCA - 394 flights to or near El Salvador each month, including 394 flights to El Salvador Intl. Airport (SAL) per month.
• United Airlines - 121 flights to or near El Salvador each month, including 121 flights to El Salvador Intl. Airport (SAL) per month.
• Vuela El Salvador - 95 flights to or near El Salvador each month, including 95 flights to El Salvador Intl. Airport (SAL) per month.
• Houston, TX (IAH-George Bush Intercontinental) to El Salvador Intl. Airport (SAL) - 2 hours and 59 minutes
• Washington, DC (IAD-Washington Dulles Intl.) to El Salvador Intl. Airport (SAL) - 4 hours and 22 minutes
• Los Angeles, CA (LAX-Los Angeles Intl.) to El Salvador Intl. Airport (SAL) - 5 hours and 1 minute

Explore El Salvador

• Top Flights Destinations

Top El Salvador Hotels

More popular airlines.

• Expedia's Latest Trends

Top Flight Destinations In El Salvador

• Flights to San Salvador
• Flights to La Libertad
• Flights to Acajutla
• Flights to Tamanique
• Flights to La Herradura
• Flights to Santa Ana
• Flights to San Luis Talpa
• Flights to El Cuco
• Flights to San Miguel
• Flights to Chiltiupan
• Flights to La Union
• Flights to Concepcion de Ataco
• Flights to Los Cobanos
• Flights to Santa Tecla
• Flights to Sonsonate
• Flights to Playa Las Hojas
• Flights to Jucuaran
• Flights to Usulutan
• Flights to Suchitoto
• Flights to Juayua

Top Flight Destinations In the World

• Flights to Germany
• Flights to Indonesia
• Flights to Sweden
• Flights to Italy
• Flights to France
• Flights to Australia
• Flights to Russia
• Flights to Greece
• Flights to Brazil
• Flights to Norway
• Flights to Spain
• Flights to China
• Flights to South Korea
• Flights to Canada
• Flights to Switzerland
• Flights to India
• Flights to Japan
• Flights to Philippines
• Flights to Argentina
• Flights to Türkiye
• Royal Decameron Salinitas - All Inclusive
• Barceló San Salvador
• Argueta Hotel
• Mi Tierra Hotel y Restaurante
• HOTEL TESORO BEACH
• Quality Hotel Real Aeropuerto
• Hotel Windsor Plaza
• Hyatt Centric San Salvador
• Beverly Hills: Hotel & Business
• Hilton San Salvador
• Fairfield by Marriott San Salvador
• Hotel Villa Florencia Centro
• Holiday Inn San Salvador, an IHG Hotel
• Real InterContinental San Salvador at Metrocentro Mall, an IHG Hotel
• Courtyard Marriott San Salvador
• Hotel Marela
• Sheraton Presidente San Salvador Hotel
• Hotel Los Farallones
• Boca Olas Resort Villas
• Darwin Airline SA Lugano
• Evergreen International
• Ghadames Air Transport
• Aircompany Kokshetau
• Royal Airways Limited
• Vietnam Air Service Co.
• West Caribbean Costa Rica
• Olympus Airways
• Bulgarian Air Charter
• Branson Air Express
• Deutsche Bahn

Find cheap flights to El Salvador from $40

Deals available from 900+ travel sites.

Big names and deals

Filter for what you want, trusted and free, price alerts, recent flights found to popular cities in el salvador, find flights to these popular cities in el salvador from your nearest airport., el salvador flights insights and trends, explore insights for your el salvador flight to craft the best travel plan, what is the cheapest flight to el salvador, the best prices found on momondo for flights to el salvador are: $37 per person with united airlines $70 per person with frontier $72 per person with spirit airlines, see prices from:, how long is the flight from united states to el salvador, average flight duration from united states to el salvador depends on which airport you fly into and out of. flying from los angeles to san salvador el salvador intl is 4h 47m on average, while flying from san francisco to san salvador el salvador intl is 5h 35m on average. san salvador el salvador intl is the most popular airport in el salvador., what airlines fly to el salvador, avianca, united airlines and american airlines are the top three most popular airlines that fly to el salvador according to our data. avianca is the first choice among our users, with 70% of people opting to fly with this airline when traveling to el salvador. keep in mind that there are 16 different airlines that fly to el salvador on a routine basis, so you have a few additional options to choose from., cheapest flights to cities in el salvador, click on the cities below to find out when it's cheapest to fly to el salvador from united states, cheap el salvador flight deals and tips, summary info about el salvador flight prices, duration and airlines, useful information for your flight to el salvador, get up-to-date answers for some of the most frequently asked questions regarding flying to el salvador, what popular landmarks are in el salvador.

Costa del Sol is the most popular place of interest in El Salvador. Many travelers make it a point to stop there while traveling to El Salvador. Other popular landmarks and places of interest in El Salvador would be Cerro Verde National Park, Estadio Magico Gonzales, or San Andrés Archaeological Site.

What is the best airport to land at to visit Costa del Sol?

When visiting Costa del Sol in La Herradura, La Paz, the closest airport is San Salvador Airport.

What is the most popular airport in El Salvador to fly to?

100% of our momondo users traveling to El Salvador in the past year chose to fly into San Salvador El Salvador Intl in the past year, making it the most popular airport in El Salvador. The San Salvador El Salvador Intl airport serves the city of San Salvador.

How much are flights to El Salvador?

On average, a flight to El Salvador will cost $328 per ticket. We’ve had users find flights to El Salvador for as low as $36, however. If you’re unable to find a plane ticket for $36, but manage to find one for $266 or less, then this is still a great deal. Keep in mind that flight costs vary depending on where you fly from, what time of year you travel, and what airline you fly with.

What is the best day of the week to fly to El Salvador?

Flying to El Salvador on a Wednesday or Tuesday is your best option since this is when flight prices tend to be at their lowest for the week. The most expensive day of the week to fly to El Salvador is on a Sunday.

When did momondo last update prices for flights to El Salvador?

Prices for flights to El Salvador are refreshed on a daily basis.

How many operators does momondo search for flights to El Salvador?

There are 29 operators available for flights to El Salvador as of April 2024.

How old do you have to be to fly to El Salvador?

Although the minimum age for a child to fly alone is five, airlines that offer an unaccompanied minor (UMNR) service may have their own age limits, which could be impacted by factors such as flight length, timing, and layovers. It is recommended that you verify with the airline you are booking with for travel to El Salvador.

What documentation or ID do you need to fly to El Salvador?

The travel and health documents required for your trip to El Salvador can vary based on your itinerary and personal situation. As a rule, consider having multiple documents such as a national ID card or driver’s license, and a passport valid for six-months after you plan to arrive at El Salvador. We always recommend checking with your airline or a trusted third party such as IATA to get advice.

Why use momondo?

Why should i use momondo to find a flight deal to el salvador.

Finding the right flight to El Salvador is quick and easy when you have a range of options in front of you, from reputable agents and recognisable airlines. These options can then be filtered down to find the best fit. That is what momondo does. We make finding flights to El Salvador quick and easy, saving you time and money.

Can I find flights to El Salvador with flexible booking policies on momondo?

Yes. All flights to El Salvador on momondo can be compared and filtered by various policies on offer, including flexible booking.

How can momondo help me find flights to El Salvador?

Once all potential El Salvador flight options are in front of you momondo lets you sort and filter flights based on preferences such as airline, price and flight times amongst many other options.

I’m not ready to book a flight to El Salvador right now. Can momondo alert me if prices change?

Yes. momondo can track flight prices for El Salvador and alert you when they change. Perform a search to set up the price alert. All that is required is a valid email address.

An easier way to manage your El Salvador trip

We make it super easy to schedule, organize and travel with friends or family. trips is free — and available to use no matter where you book., get notified when prices go down, daily price changes in your inbox - only with price alerts., find better results for your stay in el salvador, fly into one of these airports located in el salvador, complete your trip to el salvador, cheapest flight routes to el salvador, these routes have the cheapest flights to el salvador found by momondo users in united states.

Flight search

• Adults Remove adult 1 Add adult
• Children Aged 2-11 Aged 2 to 11 Remove child 0 Add child
• Infants In seat Remove infant in seat 0 Add infant in seat
• Infants On lap Remove infant on lap 0 Add infant on lap
• Premium economy

Cheap flights to San Salvador

Good to know, popular airports near san salvador.

• El Salvador International Airport Saint Óscar Arnulfo Romero y Galdámez (SAL) San Salvador 39 min 33 km

When to visit

Frequently asked questions about flying to san salvador, search more flights, more places to fly.

Find cheap flights from New York to El Salvador from $41

This is the cheapest one-way flight price found by a kayak user in the last 72 hours by searching for a flight from new york to el salvador departing on 5/15. fares are subject to change and may not be available on all flights or dates of travel. click the price to replicate the search for this deal., search hundreds of travel sites at once for deals on flights to el salvador.

Save 22% or more Compare multiple travel sites with one search.

Track prices Not ready to book? Create a price alert for when prices drop.

Filter your deals Choose cabin class, free Wi-Fi and more.

Bundle and save Save money when you bundle your flight + hotel.

Best El Salvador Flight Deals

Cheapest round-trip prices found by our users on KAYAK in the last 72 hours

Good to know

Faqs - booking el salvador flights, what are some common connection cities on flights from new york city to el salvador.

Spirit operates flights that depart from either Newark Liberty International Airport or LaGuardia Airport and fly to El Salvador. These flights tend to stop once in Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL). United Airlines flights that depart from Newark Liberty International Airport or LaGuardia Airport tend to stop once in Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH).

Can I find any non-stop flights from New York City to El Salvador?

A number of airlines fly non-stop from New York City to El Salvador and land at El Salvador International Airport. Avianca, Volaris Costa Rica, Volaris, and United Airlines all fly non-stop to El Salvador International Airport from John F. Kennedy International Airport. United Airlines flies non-stop from Newark Liberty International Airport to El Salvador International Airport.

Do I need a visa to fly from New York City to El Salvador?

Tourists traveling from New York City to El Salvador do not need a visa. However, this is true only if you intend to leave El Salvador within 90 days. And when you arrive in El Salvador, you must buy a Tourist Card. Your passport must be valid at the time that you enter El Salvador, and it must have at least one blank page.

Can I rent a car from the El Salvador International Airport once my flight from New York City arrives?

You can make reservations with the car rental companies Budget, Avis, Alamo, and Hertz, and when you arrive at SAL, an agency representative will take you to a courtesy bus that will transport you to the off-site agency location where you can collect your rental car. Dollar, National, and Thrifty have car rental counters that are on site in the arrivals area of SAL.

How does KAYAK find such low prices on flights from New York to El Salvador?

KAYAK is a travel search engine. That means we look across the web to find the best prices we can find for our users. With over 2 billion flight queries processed yearly, we are able to display a variety of prices and options on flights from New York to El Salvador.

How does KAYAK's flight Price Forecast tool help me choose the right time to buy my flight ticket from New York to El Salvador?

KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a flight to El Salvador from New York is likely to change within 7 days, so travelers know whether to wait or book now.

What is the Hacker Fare option on flights from New York to El Salvador?

Hacker Fares allow you to combine one-way tickets in order to save you money over a traditional round-trip ticket. You could then fly to El Salvador with an airline and back to New York with another airline.

What is KAYAK's "flexible dates" feature and why should I care when looking for a flight from New York to El Salvador?

Sometimes travel dates aren't set in stone. If your preferred travel dates have some wiggle room, flexible dates will show you all the options when flying to El Salvador from New York up to 3 days before/after your preferred dates. You can then pick the flights that suit you best.

Top tips for finding cheap flights to El Salvador

• Morning departure is around 48% cheaper than an evening flight, on average*.
• Airline passengers flying from New York City to El Salvador will most likely land at El Salvador International Airport (SAL). This airport serves as a gateway to the entire country and is located about 30 miles southeast of El Salvador's capital, San Salvador.
• EL Salvador International Airport, formerly known as Comalapa International Airport, serves as a hub for several major airlines. Some of these include Avianca El Salvador, Volaris El Salvador, and Volaris Costa Rica.
• Some of the cheapest flights available from New York City to El Salvador depart from either Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) or LaGuardia Airport (LGA). Newark Liberty International Airport is located outside Manhattan in New Jersey. LaGuardia Airport is located in Queens, a borough of New York City.
• When you fly from John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in New York City to El Salvador aboard Avianca or United Airlines, you can upgrade your ticket. By upgrading your ticket, you will get the added benefits of one carry-on bag, one checked bag, and free seat selection. On United Airlines, you will also get the added benefit of free ticket changes.
• If you are looking for a sustainable flight from New York City to El Salvador, consider purchasing a ticket aboard United Airlines. United is successfully reducing its carbon footprint by replacing some of its jet fuel with sustainable aviation fuel and by investing in newer, more efficient aircraft.

Top 5 airlines serving from New York to El Salvador

Quick boarding and check in.. but premium seats don’t recline.. very hard to relax. But overall, it was a Great a satisfying experience.. Thank You

If they listen to you especially when there’s a problem with a passport now I lost my tickets and also my seat money

The worst airline I have ever experienced. Terrible customer service. Absolutely disgraceful

Checking bags at the airport, very confusing they make lines for different flights but they don’t have any signs, so if you are on the wrong line be aware they will send you to the end of the correct line. No priority for check in even if you pay and no priority to disabled persons and elderly persons.

Despite all the negative reviews, I took Volaris with a family of 4 (including a toddler and infant in arms). The only compliant was they charged me $70 to gate check our wagon (which we use as a stroller) and then it was not available for pickup at the gate (which is the entire point), so we had to get through customs and the airport with our luggage and no way to push our kids :(

Après avoir manqué l’avion aucune aide de la part des agents à l’aéroport pour trouver un autre vol

Más comida no cobrar tanto por los asientos y comida food

Worst airline ever!! Delays in all my flights!!! Do not flight with Volaris!

The departures screens in the airport showed the flight as canceled for some weird reason, but when I got to the gate just to double check, it showed it as on time, and not canceled. This was confusing, but ultimately I was able to get to where I needed to go.

For whatever reason, when I was in the San Jose airport, the flight from Volaris read as canceled on the Departures screens you'd find all over the terminal, it wasn't until I got to the gate that it showed it as on time and still on. It was confusing, but ultimately I did get to where I needed to go with the flight I was expecting.

No water for a 5 hour flight entertainment not working seats with little room for knees when person in front of me reclined kept bumping my knees.

I don't think anyone actually reads these comments, so I won't spend much time on this submission. If you want to talk, you know how to reach me. The D/FW manager of Avianca (self-identified), Juan Calderon, insisted I buy an onward ticket from San Salvador even though I have diplomatic status in El Salvador and live here. It cost me $1,393 and Mr Calderon would not let me make the ticked flexible so I could get a refund. He went out of his way to be rude to me. He gave me seat 32K -- windowless window seat in the last row and did not offer to let me upgrade even though there were plenty of seats. I have flown well over a million miles in my life and this is the worst experience I have ever had. I would like a refund on the ticket I was forced to buy. Just awful!

This is the Spirit of Latino travel. And don’t even get me started on customer service.

There was no food or drink service, couldn’t even get a glass of water for free. It was a long and expensive flight to not offer food or beverage on the plane.

It is better at the jfk than my home country. It was very easy and everything was on time.

They could offer food and drink without having to pay extra for it,

Flight attendants to show up on time, offer drinks and food.

Wasn’t able to take the trip and no one could help me with a refund or rescheduling

Avianca is the worst most uncomfortable airline I've ever been in, the seats are incredibly small and offer no support, the worst experience I've had traveling ever, do not bother with Avianca

flight delays, staff only communicating when pushed, food service lasting a grand total of 7 minutes, stuck in seat from 45mins into flight until landing

Nice flight, nice crew but no cookie or napkin with my seltzer.

The flight was canceled. Got rebooked to Chicago and when we arrived our luggage where to there. They were going to our original destination the day after. They would not deliver them to our house. We had to go pick them up.

EWR terminal C United Club is great. Flight and everything else mediocre

737 Max was leaking water into the cabin through the windows. Overhead bins opened on landing. Bad bad plane.

Very bad , airplain had problem with engines , had to evacuate, had a delay on my trip for almost 4 hours , lost my rental car in london..

Other than the two hour delay, it was fine. Of course they were very professional and kept us informed throughout the whole delay..

Easy boarding in group 2. Landed 1/2 hr early. Delicious cookie snack.

Good. The wife was not working but then it got resolved.

Missed this flight due to delays from my previous flight

I think the seats on some of their planes are uncomfortable. You can be ok on a short flight of two hours but no more than that. The delays, and also the refreshments on the plane were not enough.

Awful customer service on the phone. No phone number on the website to call a real person. Website says changes are no charge but this is a lie. I had a cheaper ticket through Kayak therefore Finnair wouldn’t change it unless I would pay the entire fare again. I begged but their agents at the airport were rude and the online chat person cut off the call with no help. Super disappointed. Wont fly this airline again and will tell everyone I meet how bad it is. Crew on the flight was nice but otherwise huge disappointment.

The flight was excellent, provided that we had inclement weather. We departed earlier than scheduled and arrived early. There was a little turbulence, but nothing to be worried about.

It was less than what is expected for a business class ticket I thought that the staff actively ignored me because I either looked Indian or Hispanic to them and I guess I did not deserve their attention. The food which included a beef entree was not available so not enough food was ordered for number of seats available. I will say experience in Greenwich lounge was very good and the staff there at the airport were very nice. May be your crew needs to learn about racial equity so that everyone gets either the same aweful treatment or hopefully the best treatment which is what we expect I recommend you take a flight with Singapore airlines that I have taken and the crew remember your last names and use it to address each person, food never finishes if you are at the back of business class and crew anticipate your need even before you articulate. Same price and 100 times better service than American Airlines

pleased with overall experienced, but seats in coach are tight.

Don't often sit in 1st class. Our experience was great.

The 2 hour delay was frustrating but our crew did a great job getting us out quickly and keeping communication especially with the people who had connecting flights

It was right on time and crew were very courteous

So i was checked in for the seat number 40K. Unfortunately my seat was not able to recline which end up having very uncomfortable 15 hours flight.

Lack of information. No meal for a 6hr international flight that departs during dinner time

Service of the person who gave us the boarding pass

Overall good but we had a minor scare when a wind shear caused the plane to re take off on the first landing attempt. The crew handled it well and we landed safely on the second attempt

To many extra fees, poor customer service and very uncomfortable flight. No leg room and seat wont recline.

I am disabled and was unable to get any assistance from Volaris. I had to wait in line at front desk for 45 minutes, I am by myself, and unable to stand. When I got to front desk check in, they had no assistance for me. I did however, have wheelchair assistance when I arrived in Mexico City. Thank God for that!

The whole experience was good. We left a little late but that seems pretty normal we it’s anybairline these days. No free snacks or drinks provided.

Our flight got overbooked and we missed one day of our trip.

Be prepared to pay extra for everything! I'm not sure I really saved any money?

Los asientos son muy estrechos, incómodos, los cinturones estaban al revés.

Delayed 2 hours. Boarding line took more than 30 minutes. Flight was really hot and made sleeping on a red eye impossible. Not a pleasant experience.

Check in at LAX was terrible. Unbelievable lines. Chaos. The landing in Morelia was scary, with the plane fishtailing. If other airlines flew directly between California and Morelia, I would never fly Volaris again.

Book cheap flights from New York to El Salvador

Recent round-trip flight deals, search by stops, search by airline, search by price, recent one-way flight deals, last minute flights from new york to el salvador, last minute flight, train and bus deals, flights to el salvador, return flight deals:.

El Salvador - New York

Cabin classes:

Browse origins:.

• Flights  » 
• United States  » 
• New York State  » 

Browse destinations:

• Worldwide  » 
• Central America  » 
• El Salvador

United flights to El Salvador from $ 175 *

Changed bag rules and optional services          Cruise open_in_new Packages open_in_new

Best fares Packages: bundle & save Premium cabin offers

Featured premium cabin flights to El Salvador 

Houston (IAH) to

Los Angeles (LAX) to

New York/Newark (EWR) to

Washington, D.C. (IAD) to

San Francisco (SFO) to

Las Vegas (LAS) to

Denver (DEN) to

Austin (AUS) to

Fayetteville (XNA) to

Dallas (DFW) to

Phoenix (PHX) to

Minneapolis (MSP) to

Chicago (ORD) to

Seattle (SEA) to

Omaha (OMA) to

Ontario (ONT) to

Indianapolis (IND) to

San Antonio (SAT) to

Nashville (BNA) to

Portland, OR (PDX) to

*Prices have been available for round trips within the last 48 hours and may not be currently available. For Economy class, fares listed may be Basic Economy, which is our most restrictive fare option and subject to additional restrictions . Additional baggage charges and fees for other optional service may apply. Other terms and conditions may apply.

Find more flights to El Salvador with United Airlines

• Houston - El Salvador
• Los Angeles - El Salvador
• New York/Newark - El Salvador
• Washington, D.C. - El Salvador
• Vancouver - El Salvador
• San Francisco - El Salvador
• Las Vegas - El Salvador
• Denver - El Salvador
• Austin - El Salvador
• Fayetteville - El Salvador
• Dallas - El Salvador
• Phoenix - El Salvador
• Minneapolis - El Salvador
• Chicago - El Salvador
• Seattle - El Salvador
• Omaha - El Salvador
• Ontario - El Salvador
• Indianapolis - El Salvador
• San Antonio - El Salvador
• Nashville - El Salvador
• Portland, OR - El Salvador
• Oklahoma City - El Salvador
• Salt Lake City - El Salvador
• Charlotte - El Salvador
• Raleigh - El Salvador
• Kansas City - El Salvador
• Orlando - El Salvador
• New Orleans - El Salvador
• Boston - El Salvador
• Miami - El Salvador
• Atlanta - El Salvador
• Reno - El Salvador
• Sacramento - El Salvador
• Fresno - El Salvador
• Aspen - El Salvador
• Tucson - El Salvador
• Fort Lauderdale - El Salvador
• Greenville - El Salvador
• Des Moines - El Salvador
• San Jose - El Salvador

Cheap flights to El Salvador from $46

This is the cheapest one-way flight price found by a cheapflights user in the last 72 hours by searching for a flight departing on 5/28. fares are subject to change and may not be available on all flights or dates of travel. click the price to replicate the search for this deal., flights to el salvador in 2024, find the latest flights to el salvador in 2024, with up-to-date prices and availability. in the last 7 days, cheapflights users made a total of 3,068,117 searches and data was last updated on april 26, 2024., cheap flights to el salvador in april & may 2024, search the best deals to popular el salvador cities recently found by cheapflights users, these are some of the cheapest-priced fares users can find on flights departing to el salvador in april and may 2024. check back soon for alternative prices as deals update often., cheap flights to san salvador, el salvador 2024 flight deals, explore flight deals for el salvador in 2024, offering the best prices and options to suit your preferences. in the last 7 days, cheapflights users made a total of 3,068,117 searches and data were last updated on april 26, 2024., browse some of the best deals on flights to el salvador in 2024. if these deals don't appeal to you, be sure to come back soon for more options., one-way flights to el salvador, explore one-way flight options to el salvador for greater flexibility in your travel plans. find up-to-date pricing and availability for one-way flights. in the last 7 days, cheapflights users made a total of 3,068,117 searches and data was last updated on april 26, 2024., take a look at some of the one-way flights departing to el salvador in the near future. those seeking round-trip flights to el salvador should utilize the search form at the the top of the page., direct flights to el salvador, average price of flights to el salvador by month, plan your trip to el salvador by taking into account the cheapest months to travel. the average price of a one-way flight to el salvador is currently $53 while a round-trip flight costs $179. price data was last updated on april 21, 2024..

Currently, January is the cheapest month in which you can book a flight to El Salvador (average of $273). Flying to El Salvador in July will prove the most costly (average of $461). There are multiple factors that influence the price of a flight so comparing airlines, departure airports and times can help keep costs down.

Temperature and rainfall in El Salvador by month

Plan your trip to el salvador by taking into account the average temperature and rainfall totals by month..

If weather is an important factor for your trip to El Salvador, use this chart to help with planning. For those seeking warmer temperatures, March is the ideal time of year to visit, when temperatures reach an average of 77.0 F. Travelers looking to avoid the cold should look outside of January, when temperatures are typically at their lowest (around 73.4 F).

When is the best time to book a flight to El Salvador?

Use this chart to determine the optimal time to book a round-trip flight to el salvador. price data was last updated on january 28, 2024., to ensure you get the cheapest price possible for a flight to el salvador, you should look to book at least 90 days in advance of your intended travel date. the price of your flight may increase if you delay and leave booking until a week or so before departure., reviews of airlines servicing el salvador, get insights into the airlines that provide service to el salvador. read reviews, discover amenities, and learn about the overall travel experience offered by airlines. use this information to make informed decisions when choosing an airline for your flight to el salvador. reviews last updated april 26, 2024., read reviews from past customers who have flown united airlines, volaris and american airlines to el salvador. you can also see how each airline compares in terms of entertainment options, comfort, food, crew/service, and boarding process..

Entertainment

In the boarding area at La Guardia, there are charging stations for electronics but the electric outlets do not work on many of the stations.

How long is the flight to El Salvador?

Depending on the city you depart from in the United States, the flight to the largest city in El Salvador, San Salvador, varies. From Houston, the flight to San Salvador is 3h 05m. Los Angeles clocks in at a couple more hours, with an average of about 5h 19m. Dallas is also a quick flight to San Salvador, clocking in at 3h 36m. El Salvador flight deals to the San Salvador El Salvador Intl Airport can help travelers get affordable, quick flights to this Central American getaway. Depending on the number of stops, some flights to San Salvador can take considerably longer, so travelers should ensure they are factoring this into their overall travel time.

Which cities offer direct flights to El Salvador?

A number of major cities throughout the United States offer direct flights to the El Salvador International Airport in San Salvador. Some of the most common and affordable flights come from these major cities. Top cities with direct flights to San Salvador include Houston, Dallas, Washington D.C., New York City, and Los Angeles.

What is the best way to travel around El Salvador?

Getting around once travelers have landed in El Salvador can be costly if visitors aren’t savvy. By far, the cheapest option for those who have arrived at the airport to get to the heart of San Salvador is public bus. There are multiple bus depots at the airport. Some travelers may find this option challenging, as space is limited for luggage. Taxis and mini-buses are offered and can be found throughout the airport and in the cities, offering slightly more expensive, yet more comfortable, rides around town.

What are some things to do in El Salvador?

Situated between Guatemala and Honduras, the tiny country of El Salvador may seem small, but there is still a wealth of things to do for travelers who make the trek to this Central American haven. One of the top attractions in the area is the Santa Ana Volcano. This natural wonder is a prime spot for hiking and is located in the Cerro Verde National Park. Coffee lovers will enjoy a tour of a local coffee plantation, with authentic Central American coffee. The Mayan Ruins are another huge attraction for visitors, offering plenty of rich culture and history of this ancient area. While San Salvador is the largest city in the country, the second largest is Santa Ana, and it offers a small city square and the beautiful Santa Ana Cathedral. The city of San Salvador is also a great place to explore, with everything from restaurants to nightlife.

Do I need a passport or visa to fly to El Salvador?

When taking a trip to El Salvador by plane from the United States, visitors do not need a visa for stays less than 90 days. United States citizens are required to travel to El Salvador with a valid US passport.

Can I find cheaper flights to El Salvador if I am willing to have layovers?

Yes, flights with layovers are often cheaper than direct flights. Keep an eye out for flight deals to El Salvador on Cheapflights that require 1 or 2 stops for potential cost savings.

What is the best airline to fly to El Salvador?

Based on reviews from Cheapflights users, United Airlines is rated the highest out of the airlines that fly to El Salvador.

What is the cheapest airport to fly to in El Salvador?

San Salvador El Salvador Intl Airport is currently the cheapest airport to fly to in El Salvador. One-way flights to San Salvador El Salvador Intl Airport typically cost $36, while round-trip flights cost around $65.

How much is a round-trip flight to El Salvador?

A round-trip flight to El Salvador will typically cost around $419, however they can be found for as little as $65.

Where does the fastest flight to El Salvador depart from?

For those looking to save time traveling to El Salvador, Fort Lauderdale offers the quickest one-way flight (2 hours 38 minutes).

Does San Salvador El Salvador Intl Airport have rental cars?

Yes. Those touching down at San Salvador El Salvador Intl Airport can take advantage of the rental car services offered upon their arrival.

Are there hotels close to San Salvador El Salvador Intl Airport?

Yes. San Salvador El Salvador Intl Airport has hotels nearby for those requiring accommodations. Quality Hotel Real Aeropuerto is the closest property to San Salvador El Salvador Intl Airport (1.0 mi away from San Salvador El Salvador Intl Airport).

Browse thousands of different options on Cheapflights for your next trip

Toggle through the tabs below to find thousands of options on cheapflights for your next trip., popular flight searches, check out other popular destinations found by fellow travelers in 2024, search flights to el salvador by cabin class, find flights to el salvador, based on your preferred cabin class, be it economy, premium economy, business, or first class., book a flight to one of these trending destinations, user searches for flights to these destinations increased 20% or more in the past 90 days compared to other destinations, book with flexibility, travel smart.