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Tour packages

Multi day tours in El Salvador

El Salvador tour packages! Spend your Holidays in El Salvador , better known as El Pulgarcito de América !

The name Pulgarcito comes from the popular Tom Thumb because of the size in territorial extension: due the country is the smallest in continental America. Despite this attribute, El Salvador has a lot of natural sceneries, national protected area, volcanoes and lakes that offer a great experience and easy displacement .

El Salvador offers a wealthy mix of culture and archaeology including the Human Heritage World Joya de Cerén on the Mayan Route . It also offers stunning natural sceneries in natural parks as the famous active Santa Volcano or the beautiful beaches in La Libertad ; amazing gastronomy, specially the famous typical dish “ Las Pupusas “; or the delightful authentic colonial style small towns along the Flower’s Route or the charming and famous Suchitoto colonial style town. Not to forget the major highlight of the country: its friendly people !

These are the best tour packages in El Salvador for you to enjoy with friends, family or by yourself

Best vacation packages in El Salvador

Important things to consider if you are planning to buy a tour package in el salvador.

El Salvador is a very new destination for tourism. This makes the country a one of the best kept secrets in Central America and allows you to rely discover an authentic destination away from the big crowd. This allows you to explore our country in you own unique way!

This uniqueness may also be a disadvantage for solo travelers or indepent travelers. In fact, if you are looking to move on your own, you will find out with dead ends or just with cheap options that do not worth your time spending.

If this is so, we recommend you to contact us and try to figure out especial non guided options or transportation only options for you to enjoy El Salvador in your own Budget friendly way.

El Salvador private vacation packages

Of course if you are looking for a private hiring in El Salvador we Will be happy to créate a tailor made itinerary for you Only. Just contact us, tell us what you need and we will be happy to help

Central America Travel Packages

Central America region is well known for its magical charming. Every country has on the same time wonderful places and destinations which make the greatest experience of the life time. If you are looking to discover Central America, visit our best tours packages in Central America section that includes some of the region highlights such as Antigua Guatemala, Tikal and Panajachel in Guatemala or Copán and Roatan in Honduras.

APRIL SALE:   Discover and book at   up to 60% off!

El Salvador Tours & Trips

Adventures in El Salvador include climbing volcanoes, kayaking in crater lakes, riding on horseback and mountainbiking. The beaches are some of the best in the world for either first time surfers or professionals. For a bit of Mayan culture, try an archealogical tour.

13 El Salvador tour packages with 23 reviews

• Sightseeing
• Christmas & New Year

Around El Salvador 6 Days

We liked the tour around El Salvador and that we could change the schedule to climb a Vulcano. All transfers and hotels were included, hotels were good. Our driver gave us really good advice for the first evening and told us a lot about the country. Our guide knew a lot about the sites, but sometimes we missed the explanation of the program like where are we going to, what should we bring or what should we wear. The guide was asking lunch in our hotel but forget to ask us what we like/ our allergies. I think it's best to let the travels order their own food

• In-depth Cultural

Tailor-Made El Salvador Adventure with Daily Departure

• Book With Flexibility This operator allows you to rebook your dates or tours with them for free, waiving change fees.

Tailor-Made Best El Salvador Tour with Daily Departure

• Hiking & Trekking

El salvador Adventure Program

Tour El Salvador: Unveil a Wonderful Mosaic of Culture, History, and Nature

Prebooking information from Alex was clear, responsive and thorough. We booked with confidence. Out guide Hugo, has excellent language skills. His knowledge of the flora and fauna is extensive. Our group benefitted from Hugo's flexibility to alter our itinerary to suite our interests. We highly recommend Vibe and our guise Hugo.

Highlights of El Salvador

It was a superb trip with an outstanding itinerary. I had briefly visited El salvador before, but I learned so much more on this trip.

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Taste of El Salvador 4 Days

It was an amazing tour! Well organised. Our guide Alex was always on time, his english was very good and he knew a lot about the country. You can tell he is well traveled. We also felt very safe during the whole tour.

Looking for tours beyond just El Salvador?

Explore tours with itineraries going through multiple countries, including El Salvador.

El Salvador Complete 10 days

El Salvador Outdoor adventure + Fun Package

Guatemala and El Salvador : Between volcanoes, lakes and ancient culture 8 days

An interesting overview of Mayan life. The guides were really great and the experience overall worthwhile. More information about what was available to see, do and places to eat for your free times would have helped

5 Day Surfari & Yoga Adventure in El Salvador

8 Day Yoga & Surf Adventure in El Salvador

3 Day Surf & Stay Adventure in El Salvador

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El Salvador Tours & Vacations

Good things come in small packages and nowhere more so than El Salvador.

The volcanoes, cloud forests and quiet colonial towns will capture your imagination, while the surf coast will unleash your inner grommet.

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Heart of Central America

Nicaragua & Beyond

6 unique experiences you can have in El Salvador

4 reasons you should take a road trip through Central America

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5 reasons why visiting Central America on a group tour was the right choice for me

30 photos that will inspire you to visit Central America with Intrepid Travel

How to have a perfect day in Suchitoto, the cultural capital of El Salvador

Why I love El Salvador, a country with a story to tell

I’ve been to every country in Central America; here’s why El Salvador is my favourite

El Salvador at a glance

Capital city.

San Salvador (population 2.4 million)

6.4 million

(GMT-06:00) Central America

CALLING CODE

Electricity.

Type A (North American/Japanese 2-pin) Type B (American 3-pin)

Learn more about El Salvador

Best time to visit el salvador.

The coast can be hot all year round making it a haven for sun lovers. To cool down, head inland to higher altitudes where the climate is milder, but rarely cold. The dry season (November to April) is an ideal time to explore. For spectacular afternoon storms, come during the wet season (May to October).

Geography and environment

The home of the point break, El Salvador’s biggest natural attraction is its beaches. Drag yourself away from the waves of the Pacific and you’ll find volcanoes, lakes and cloud forest aplenty. El Salvador is bordered by Honduras and Guatemala .

Top 5 places in El Salvador

1. cerro verde national park.

This is volcano country. Take a hike through the cloud forest for incredible views of volcanic peaks.

2. Suchitoto

This sweet colonial town boasts colorful houses, cobbled streets and a relaxed old-world charm.

3. Lago Suchitlan

Not far from Suchitoto, this lake is a haven for thousands of migrating birds.

4. El Imposible National Park

Hike, camp and spot pumas in one of Central America’s most remote national parks.

5. Pacific Ocean

Even from the misty peaks of the north you can see the impressive breaks of the Pacific Ocean. Jump on a board or just enjoy the view from the beach.

Further reading

El salvador travel faqs, do i need a covid-19 vaccine to join an intrepid trip.

Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards

From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travelers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises).

However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travelers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.

Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.

Do I need a visa to travel to El Salvador?

EL SALVADOR: Australia: Not required Belgium: Not required Canada: Not required Germany: Not required Ireland: Not required Netherlands: Not required New Zealand: Not required South Africa: Yes - in advance Switzerland: Not required United Kingdom: Not required USA: Not required

Whilst for most nationalities a visa is not required, you may be required to purchase a tourist card on arrival, costing approximately US$10. If you do require a visa, please obtain this in advance from your local embassy or consulate.

Is tipping customary in El Salvador?

A service charge will be included in restaurant bills. A small tip for hotel staff may be expected.

What is the internet access like in El Salvador?

Internet cafes are available in most places but wi-fi is only just becoming available.

Can I use my cell phone while in El Salvador?

Reception is good in most urban areas. Ensure you have global roaming activated with your carrier if you wish to use your phone.

What are the toilets like in El Salvador?

It's likely that you’ll encounter different types of toilets while traveling in El Salvador. Western-style flushable toilets are commonly found in high-end resorts, hotels and restaurants, while squat toilets are common in rural areas and homes. Be prepared by carrying your own supply of toilet paper and soap, as these aren't always provided.

What will it cost for a…?

Bottle of soft drink = $0.80 Beer in a bar or restaurant = $1.50 Simple lunch = $3 Three-course meal = $15 Short taxi ride = $6

Can I drink the water in El Salvador?

Drinking tap water in El Salvador isn’t recommended. For environmental reasons, try to avoid buying bottled water. Fill a reusable water bottle or canteen with filtered water. It's also advisable to avoid ice in drinks and peel fruit and vegetables before eating.

Are credit cards accepted widely in El Salvador?

Credit cards are widely accepted.

What is ATM access like in El Salvador?

There’s good access to ATMs in nearly all towns and cities.

Do I need to purchase travel insurance before traveling?

Absolutely. All passengers traveling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their trip. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.

For more information on insurance, please go to: Travel Insurance

What public holidays are celebrated in El Salvador ?

• 1 Jan New Year's Day
• 13 Apr Holy Thursday
• 14 Apr Good Friday
• 15 Apr Easter Saturday
• 1 May Labor Day 
• 17 Jun Father's Day *
• 6 Aug Feast of San Salvador
• 15 Sep Independence Day
• 2 Nov All Souls' Day
• 25 Dec Christmas Day

*Subject to change

Please note these dates are for 2017. For a current list of public holidays in El Salvador click below.

How do I stay safe and healthy while traveling?

From Australia?

Go to: Smart Traveller

From Canada?

Go to:  Canada Travel Information

From the UK?

Go to:  UK Foreign Travel Advice

From New Zealand?

Go to:  Safe Travel

From the US?

Go to:  US Department of State

The World Health Organisation also provides useful health information.

Does my trip support The Intrepid Foundation?

Yes, all Intrepid trips support the Intrepid Foundation. Trips to this country directly support our global Intrepid Foundation partners, Eden Reforestation Projects and World Bicycle Relief. Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.

Eden Reforestation Projects

Eden Reforestation Projects are helping to mitigate climate change by restoring forests worldwide; they also hire locally and create job opportunities within vulnerable communities. Donations from our trips support restoration across planting sites in 10 countries around the globe. Find out more or make a donation World Bicycle Relief

World Bicycle Relief provides people in low-income communities with bicycles to mobilize school kids, health workers, and farmers in far-out areas – giving them access to vital education, healthcare, and income. Donations help provide Buffalo Bicycles – specifically designed to withstand the rugged terrain and harsh environment of rural regions – to those who need them most. Find out more or make a donation

The 6 Best El Salvador Tours For Unforgettable Adventures That Are Achievable & Affordable!

Posted on Last updated: October 13, 2023

Categories Tours , El Salvador

Expert travel storyteller Jordan Adkins, founder of InspiredByMaps.com, brings a decade of adventures across 101 countries and 450+ UNESCO sites into rich, off-the-beaten-path narratives, melding ecological expertise with genuine, seasoned travel insights. His full bio can be found here.

Welcome to El Salvador, a nation that offers a mesmerizing mix of natural marvels, extensive history, and kind hospitality. El Salvador is a jewel in Central America tucked away between the Pacific Ocean and thick jungles.

With breathtaking scenery, volcanic peaks, and immaculate beaches, Exploring El Salvador is an experience unlike any other, and the best way to experience this rich and exciting country is, without a doubt, on a multi-day tour.

Beyond the stereotypes and preconceived notions is a nation with a rich history, kind people, and an unmatched sense of genuineness. El Salvador’s soul-stirring scenery, which includes imposing volcanoes, gorgeous beaches, and attractive lakes, provides the perfect setting for extraordinary excursions. El Salvador’s resolve to improve its reputation is a shining example of its tenacity and aspiration. The country is emerging from the shadows of its past to embrace a new narrative of progress and positivity. It has a rich cultural heritage and stunning scenery.

El Salvador is exhibiting its undiscovered gems to the globe through creative tourism promotions, eco-friendly initiatives, and infrastructural investment. By overcoming prejudices and embracing a spirit of progress, the nation is luring visitors to experience its genuine attractiveness. El Salvador stands tall as the world looks past preconceived notions and is eager to welcome others into sharing its transformational tale.

But El Salvador’s modest and unassuming charm distinguishes it from its surrounding nations. Since there aren’t any busy crowds or mass tourism here, you may immerse yourself in real cultural interactions and create relationships that will last a lifetime. 

El Salvador offers options for hiking, surfing, and touring national parks, making it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. The good news? Many of these excursions can be planned as part of a multi-day trip to ensure you get the most out of the country’s natural splendor and feed your inner adventurer.

In conclusion, El Salvador is a gem waiting to be discovered, full of natural beauty and cultural richness. A multi-day tour provides a thorough and seamless experience, allowing you to explore this intriguing country’s interior and giving you priceless memories of an enlightening adventure. Here is a look at the top six best tours in El Salvador.

Page Contents

Highlights of El Salvador

Tour to el salvador: culture, history & nature, taste of el salvador 4 days, best el salvador tailor-made tour with daily departure, 7 days discover el salvador, 3 day surf & stay adventure in el salvador.

Welcome to Explore Tours’ Highlights of El Salvador, a fascinating trip through the best of this undiscovered jewel in Central America. Learn about the stunning natural beauty, fascinating past, and dynamic culture that make El Salvador a truly unique travel destination.

This expertly planned tour guarantees an amazing experience, including visiting ancient Mayan ruins, unwinding on stunning beaches, and exploring lush rainforests and charming local villages. Prepare to uncover El Salvador’s charm with the help of knowledgeable guides and seamless logistics, and depart with priceless memories of an unforgettable adventure. Day One: Arrive in El Salvador. Day Two: Head to Jiquilisco Bay; boat trip with a local biologist to monitor hawksbill turtles Day Three: If you choose not to partake in the boat trip on Day Two, this next tour is for you. Enjoy an Optional kayaking tour or a visit to a local cacao farm. Day Four:  Drive to Suchitoto via the Laguna de Alegria; evening pupusa-making class Day Five: Visit the ex-guerrilla community of La Cinquera; free afternoon in Suchitoto Day Six: Discover San Salvador on foot; visit the Joya de Ceren; drive to Cerro Verde via Lake Coatepeque Day Seven: Hike the Santa Ana volcano to the impressive Llamatepec crater lake; drive to Ataco via the Tazumal Archaeological Site Day Eight: Explore the small villages on the Ruta de las Flores; explore the street food markets Day Nine: Coffee farm visit; drive to the Los Cobanos protected marine area; continue to La Libertad Day Ten: Free Day to Explore!

Day Eleven: Departure Day. Explore will take you on a remarkable journey around El Salvador’s Top Attractions. Explore the ancient Mayan ruins at Joya de Cerén and take in the sun-kissed splendor of El Tunco’s beaches as you uncover the hidden gems of this alluring nation. Enjoy regional specialties and dance to folkloric beats as you feel Salvadoran culture’s warm embrace.

Explore verdant rainforests teeming with biodiversity and experience the excitement of surfing Pacific waves. This thoughtfully planned schedule guarantees an authentic, off-the-beaten-path journey that will leave you with priceless memories. A genuinely memorable journey awaits as Explore leads you through this colorful tapestry of landscapes and customs.

Vibes Adventures

Welcome to the tour to El Salvador: Culture, History & Nature, a tour that will enrich you with fascinating encounters, incredible wildlife, friendly locals and more. Discover the heart of this Central American treasure, renowned for its rich history, stunning natural beauty, and cultural heritage.

This meticulously planned itinerary promises an amazing journey, including viewing old archaeological sites and colonial villages, hiking through lush rainforests, and relaxing on lovely, pristine beaches. Discover the unique local culture that makes El Salvador a travel destination unlike any other, as well as the warm Salvadoran hospitality and delicious cuisine.

Prepare to forge cherished memories and a stronger bond with this remarkable nation. With all that in mind, here is a look at your full itinerary for this tour. Day One: Arrive in San Salvador. Day Two: Start your day with a walking tour of the historic center of El Salvador’s capital. Then you will enjoy a guided visit to the National Anthropology Museum. Then, move to the beautiful town of Suchitoto. Day Three: First , take a boat tour of Lake Suchitlán and Market Food Experience in the morning. After that, visit the impressive Mayan ruins of Joya de Ceren and San Andres in the afternoon. Day Four: In the morning, continue our “Tour to El Salvador: Culture, History & Nature” and take free time to enjoy the sun, swim, or jet ski on the lake. Then, go to explore the impressive Tazumal Archeological Site before finishing the day in Ahuachapán. Day Five: Spend your entire day exploring la Ruta de las Flores. Day Six: First, in the morning, take a 3-hour intermediate-level hike to enjoy the sunrise from the crater of Santa Ana Volcano. Then, go to discover El Zonte and El Tunco. Day Seven: Free program: rent a surfing board and enjoy the waves, relax on the beach sipping a refreshing cocktail, or go hiking in the nearby Walter Thilo Deininger National Park. Day Eight: Departure Day.

You bid farewell to this magnificent place as your enthralling Tour to El Salvador: Culture, History & Nature ends, your heart full of priceless memories. You have enjoyed the very best of El Salvador’s rich legacy and natural beauty, from discovering old archaeological sites to enjoying the vibrant local culture.

This journey has been spectacular, thanks to the skilled supervision and expertly designed tour. You leave with a richer understanding of this alluring nation and the immeasurable value of its cultural and historical treasures. Safe travels and happy memories of your time spent in El Salvador till we meet again on your next excursion!

Inter Tours

Take a culinary journey through Inter Tours’ “Taste of El Salvador 4 Days” and indulge your senses! Get ready to be mesmerized by the enticing tastes and beautiful marvels this gem of Central America offers. Each day is a voyage into the country’s rich cultural legacy, from enjoying pupusas, El Salvador’s delightful national dish, to sipping rich coffee straight from the plantations.

Let your knowledgeable tour guides take you to vibrant local markets and quaint towns where you can meet enthusiastic makers and discover the true EL Salvador. Discover El Salvador’s character through its delectable treats, views and friendly locals. Here is a look at your full itinerary for this tour. Day One: Arrive in El Salvador. Day Two: Your local guide will be happy to show you the capital of El Salvador. You will see the Center of San Salvador,  including the National Palace, Monsenor Romero memorial site, El Rosario church, a relief map, a government district,  and modern areas such as Santa Elena and Zona Rosa. Continue to Boqueron national park for the remainder of the day. Day Three: Your Choice, you can select one of the Two tours.

Archeological tour or Coffee tour. On the coffee tour, you can visit typical mountain villages of El Salvador. You will also visit Izalco, Nahuizalco, and Salcoatitan and then return to San Salvador at sunset.

On the Archaeological tour, you will see the Archaeological Site Joya de Ceren, San Andres archeological site, Tazumal, and overlooking Coatepeque Lake before returning to San Salvador.

Day Four: Departure Day.

Join Inter Tours on an incredible sensory journey through the “Taste of El Salvador”! Spend four wonderful days getting to know this fascinating country’s true character. Each experience promises to pique your interest and leave you spellbound, whether engaging in vivid cultural interactions in humming markets or exploring ancient ruins that hide stories of the past.

As you veer off the usual path, take in the stunning scenery, from imposing volcanoes to peaceful lakeshores. Allow your knowledgeable guides to design the ultimate adventure that invites you to embrace El Salvador’s genuine spirit. Prepare to experience the dynamic beat of this unique country through taste, touch, and sight.

Agate Trave

Your fantasy holiday can become a reality when you book the Best El Salvador Tailor-Made Tour with Daily Departure. This special trip allows you to design a journey that precisely fits your interests, preferences, and time constraints. The options are unlimited, whether you’re looking for cultural immersion, outdoor adventure, or tranquility on exquisite beaches.

You may start your personalized vacation whenever you like, thanks to daily departures and professional direction. Immerse yourself in El Salvador’s rich history, breathtaking scenery, and friendly people to have an amazing, personalized experience for you. Prepare yourself to experience this alluring nation in a way that will leave you with priceless memories and a genuine connection to its allure. Here is a look at your full itinerary for this tour. Day One: Arrive in El Salvador. Day Two: This morning, we will spend a half day exploring the capital city of El San Salvador. Then we will drive around 1 hour and a half to Suchitoto, the symbol of El Salvador’s cultural traditions. Upon arrival, you will visit the Iglesia Santa Lucia, known as the gem of Suchitoto. Afterward, you will have some time to stroll around the central plaza. Day Three: Today, we will first head to the Joya de Ceren Archaeological Park to discover the mysterious Maya civilization in this pre-Columbian Mayan farming village. Then pay a visit to the Sitio Arqueologico San Andres, an important ceremonial center with various structures and well-preserved indigo mills. We will visit the Tazumal archaeological sites at the end of the tour. Day Four: Today, we will have a full day to visit the Santa Ana Volcano. After breakfast, we will drive around 1 hour and a half to the National Park Cerro Verde.  If you are interested, you could also row a boat at Lake Coatepeque or swim there. In the late afternoon, we will drive back to San Salvador. Day Five: After breakfast, we will drive around 40 minutes to the Playa El Tunco. Here, we will leave a free day for you to explore. Day Six: Departure Day.

Please note this is a sample itinerary. The full itinerary is 100% tailored to you and your interests. Your Best El Salvador Tailor-Made Tour with Daily Departure will provide priceless experiences in the hands of Agate Travel. As the journey comes to an end, you’ll think back on the special occasions that were created just for you.

That’s what makes this tour so unique. It is very customizable. Take advantage of the warm El Salvadorian welcome, savor the beauty of hidden treasures, and become engrossed in the country’s rich tapestry. Agate Travel’s dedication to quality assures a seamless trip, leaving you with a heart full of special memories and the desire to visit this magical country again.

Epic Tours El Salvador

Join Epic Tours El Salvador on a memorable 7-day vacation to explore El Salvador. As we reveal the hidden gems of this Central American treasure, enjoy access to good eats, outstanding hospitality and unique natural beauty. A well-planned itinerary promises a once-in-a-lifetime trip, taking in everything from historic Mayan ruins to pristine beaches and lush rainforests.

This tour offers just that. Experience the vibrant tapestry of Salvadoran culture while dining on regional specialties and interacting with welcoming residents. With the help of our knowledgeable tour guides, you’ll learn more about this fascinating country and make lifelong memories. Prepare yourself for the most amazing way to experience El Salvador at its best. Here is a look at your full itinerary for this tour. Day One: Arrive in El Salvador. Day Two: Breakfast at the hotel. The driver will take you to the Ruta de Las Flores mountains. Afternoon at Leisure with the opportunity to join an Optional Coffee Tour of Finca El Carmen Day Three: In the morning, you will visit the archeological site of Joya de Ceren. After this, we will travel to the San Andres May a site. Transfer to Suchitoto. Day Four: You will spend the entire day exploring Suchitoto. Visit the cultural treasures of the Church of Santa Lucia on the main plaza, panoramic streets, old houses, and the “theater of the ruins”. Day Five: Transfer from Suchitoto to the east coast of El Salvador with beautiful remote beaches surrounded by tropic lush. An afternoon of leisure enjoying the sound of the Pacific Ocean. Day Six: Spend the day at leisure on the beach. Day Seven: Departure Day. Don’t pass up the opportunity to see all that El Salvador has to offer in just seven days with Epic Tours El Salvador. Thanks to such a carefully crafted itinerary, you will embark on an extraordinary journey through ancient history, stunning landscapes, and colorful culture.

Whether you’re an adventurer or a culture vulture, we have a customized experience. Get lost in El Salvador’s charm, from the famous Mayan ruins to the sandy beaches. Discovering the heart and spirit of this magical nation with Epic Tours will leave you with a sense of adventure or perhaps a longing to return. 

Surf and Trips El Salvado

Welcome to El Salvador’s amazing 3-Day Surf & Stay Adventure, where you may enjoy the sun, sea, and adrenaline surf. Experience the ultimate surfing adventure in El Salvador’s unspoiled coastlines, which are recognized for their top-notch breakers and surfable conditions.

This expertly planned experience mixes heart-pounding surf sessions with cozy beachside lodging, guaranteeing the ideal harmony of thrill and relaxation. This expedition promises an exciting tour into the center of El Salvador’s surf culture, regardless of whether you are an experienced surfer looking for new challenges or a beginner ready to ride your first wave. Prepare to catch waves, create memories, and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of this surfing haven. Day One: Arrival in El Salvador. Day Two: Depending on your surfing ability, we’ll choose the right surf break for you — enough to be challenged but still have a good time. Expect 2 surf sessions a day, so start layering on that sunscreen! Day Three: Depending on your departure time, you may get a morning surf in before departing. The tour ends here. Surf and Trips El Salvador offers the ultimate 3-day Surf & Stay Adventure in El Salvador, where you may catch the ideal wave. Experience the exhilaration of surfing while being coached by seasoned professionals along the magnificent Pacific coastline.

After seeing huge waves, relax in plush lodging with stunning ocean views. Enjoy delicious regional cuisine while taking in the vibrant surf culture. Your customized journey guarantees to leave you with priceless memories, whether you’re an experienced surfer or a beginner seeking an adrenaline rush. This is one of the best tours of El Salvador.

In Conclusion, Travel to El Salvador for a unique experience as you discover this hidden jewel of Central America. Wander through historic colonial towns and ancient Mayan ruins to learn more about this country’s rich cultural legacy. Enjoy the warm friendliness of the locals while indulging in delectable cuisine that combines a variety of influences.

Admire the stunning scenery, which includes spectacular volcanoes, luscious jungles, and immaculate beaches along the Pacific coast. El Salvador satisfies every traveler’s needs, whether seeking exhilarating experiences like surfing world-class waves or peacefulness in natural reserves.

El Salvador is an amazing place that provides many activities for tourists seeking adventure, culture, and stunning natural scenery. The best way to experience the Nation and get the most out of your trip is to go on a multi-day tour. A multi-day vacation in El Salvador ensures a memorable and enlightening experience through a nation that frequently astounds and thrills its tourists. A multi-day tour guarantees that you will leave El Salvador with a profound appreciation for its natural beauty, cultural legacy, and warm hospitality, thanks to skilled direction, seamless logistics, and access to unique activities.

Overall, El Salvador is a country that has done a lot to change its image on the world stage. Because of this, El Salvador is becoming the travel hotspot it always should have been and travel to El Salvador is easier now than ever. Accept El Salvador’s many charms and everything there is to offer here. I can guarantee you; you will completely enjoy yourself. Visit El Salvador.

If none of these tours work for you in El Salvador, please do not worry. There is a wide variety of tour options in the country, and we are confident that there will be something that fits your needs and interests.

Take a look at all the group tours in El Salvador now , which you can sort by private or group, maximum sizing, budget, dates and much (much more). The team at TourRadar is also always more than happy to answer any questions, provide further information or assist in any way in finding the perfect tour for you.

13 Best El Salvador Tours You Can’t Miss in 2024

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You’re about to discover the 13 best El Salvador tours — all led by El Salvador locals so you can have more authentic (less touristy) experiences, and not spend your whole trip navigating the chicken buses.

Don’t have time to search for the perfect El Salvador day tour? Look no further – Ruta de las Flores: Hot Springs + Coffee Tour + Nahuizalco and Ataco Towns is the best of the best in El Salvador, boasting all 5-star reviews. You can trust this tour won’t let you down!

I recently spent 3 weeks solo backpacking around El Salvador, and can now say this is my favorite country in all of Central America . This tiny country has so much to offer travelers – beach towns with surfing, hikes with stunning views, one of the most beautiful lakes in the world, and the best street food.

Although I do a lot of sightseeing on my own, I love a good day tour.

Not only are small group tours a great way to meet other travelers, but it’s such a relief to take a day off from planning and decision-making. The local buses take a long time and energy to get around, making many of the best El Salvador day trips best done with a guide.

So, if you’re looking for the least stressful way to do and see a lot in a short amount of time, book some of these El Salvador day tours!

1. Ruta de las Flores: Hot Springs + Coffee Tour + Nahuizalco and Ataco Towns

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

With a local guide to show you around and tell you personal stories of the area, this Ruta de las Flores tour offers an insight into Salvadorean culture that cannot be found in any guidebook, making it one of the best tours in El Salvador.

The Ruta de las Flores (i.e. Route of Flowers) is one of El Salvador’s most stunning and must-visit attractions. This picturesque route takes you through some of the country’s most beautiful landscapes, charming towns, and hot springs .

My favorite tour of the trip! I had an amazing time & my tour guide was excellent. Loved the hot springs and coffee tour. Coffee was really good. The small towns were beautiful and great shopping. – Teri (See More Reviews )

Not only will you get to explore the vibrant town of Nahuizalco and the photogenic murals in Ataco, but you’ll also have time for relaxation at Santa Teresa Hot Springs – said to be the biggest hot springs in Central America!

You’ll learn all about how some of the world’s best coffee is made. And let’s not forget about sliding down the famous rainbow slide – it’ll make your trip even more memorable!

So, if you want to experience all these amazing things without taking multiple chicken buses each way, don’t miss out on this highly-rated small group tour!

2. Santa Ana volcano hike with privileged early access

If you’re up for a bit of a hike, then you should definitely book this Santa Ana volcano tour . It’s the highest and most active volcano in El Salvador, with gorgeous views from the top.

During the hike, Alfredo had a lot of great insight into the history, geography and botany of the volcano and the surrounding areas. We never would have learned about these things if we had not hired Alfredo. – Ken (See More Reviews )

I’m not much of a hiker, but this hike was the right amount of challenge without being too tough, and the turquoise crater lake at the top was spectacular.

There are limited buses that go to and from Cerro Verde National Park each day, which can be stressful to figure out. A lot of hikers end up hitchhiking in order to catch the bus. And there’s only one public tour time slot, so it can be crowded later in the morning.

With this tour, you’ll be picked up and dropped off at your hotel in El Salvador, and beat the crowds and the heat, allowing you to go at your own pace and get the best pictures. This is definitely one of the best El Salvador tours to do!

3. Day Tour: Joya de Cerén Mayan Site +Tazumal + Indigo Workshop Casa Blanca

⭐️  RATING:  4.5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  6-8 hours | 😎   BOOK NOW

Located in the northwest of El Salvador, the Joya de Cerén UNESCO World Heritage Site offers travelers an insight into the lives of the indigenous people who once inhabited this area. 

This full-day tour from San Salvador takes you to the archaeological site, where a Maya farming village was miraculously preserved by volcanic ash (kind of like Pompeii in Italy except the village wasn’t inhabited when it happened) – making it one of the most significant archaeological finds in Central America.

If you love Mayan history this is a must. There is so much to learn on this trip and they have you covered. Also Santa Ana and Lake Coatepeque are beautiful. – Kyle (See More Reviews )

You’ll learn all about Mayan culture and their ancient customs as you explore the site with an expert local guide.

The tour also includes a visit to Tazumal – one of Central America’s most important pre-Columbian archaeological sites. You’ll also get to take part in an Indigo Workshop at Casa Blanca where you can learn how traditional dyes are made from natural ingredients.

This six-to-eight-hour tour will give you a glimpse into El Salvadorean life that cannot be found in any guidebook or museum. And to top it off, you’ll enjoy lunch at Lake Coatepeque, one of the most picturesque places in the country. Don’t miss out on your chance to experience it!

4. Hike to Waterfall + Relaxing at the beach

⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars| ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 8-12 hours | 😎 BOOK NOW

Get your adventure on with a hike to Tamanique Waterfalls in El Salvador.

Having a guide for the waterfalls is highly recommended – they know the trails and can tell you about the surrounding forest. They also know where it’s safe to cliff jump, which is kinda important.

Chasing waterfalls in El Salvador was one of the highlights of my entire trip – and I was really glad to have a guide for this one! My guide held my hand at one point so that I wouldn’t slip, and I was grateful!

The experience to waterfall was definitely an adventure and when you get there Ahhhh!!! It’s so breathtaking. – Tripadvisor Reviewer (See More Reviews )

This El Salvador day tour offers you an escape into nature, with stunning views of cascading waterfalls and lush green landscapes. As you make your way, take in the fresh air and admire the picturesque scenery around you – it’s sure to be an unforgettable experience!

After all that hiking, reward yourself with relaxing at the beach, a perfect day, and one of the best El Salvador tours. Don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity to explore El Salvador’s breathtaking natural beauty!

5. Monkey Sanctuary Reserve + Kayaking at Bahía de Jiquilisco + Lunch Included

⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars| ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 7-10 hours | 😎 BOOK NOW

This small-group tour offers a unique El Salvador excursion that many travelers to El Salvador miss because it can be tricky to get to and explore the country on your own.

On this full-day tour, you’ll learn how this sanctuary is saving the spider monkeys (these guys are my favorites), enjoy kayaking at Bahía de Jiquilisco, and have a nice lunch with the group.

Had a great day seeing the monkeys and kayaking. Josue is very passionate about his country and very patient. Amazing experience! – Tripadvisor Reviewer (See More Reviews )

Travelers rave about the exceptional local guides who run this tour. So if you’re looking for an easy way to spend time in nature, this tour is perfect for you!

6. El Salvador: The Peace Route Tour

⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars| ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 13 hours | 😎 BOOK NOW

This El Salvador Peace Route tour is a must-do for anyone interested in gaining a deeper understanding of how El Salvador has been impacted by its recent civil war.

One of my favorite tours while in El Salvador and worth the drive to Morazan. Our tour guide Alex was super friendly and knowledgeable. – Ceci from United States (Read More Reviews )

You will visit the Mozate Memorial site, meet veterans of the war who are rebuilding their community and hear witness testimonials at the Museum of the Revolution. It’s one thing to read about the sad history, and another to hear about it firsthand from someone who lived through it.

With pick-up and drop-off at your hotel included, this tour is a great way to gain a deeper understanding of El Salvador’s civil war.

7. Ruta de Las Flores Adventure, Relax at Hotsprings + 1930’s farm Coffee Tour

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

Experience El Salvador’s breathtaking natural beauty and rich culture on this 8-hour tour of Ruta de Las Flores !

It can take a couple of hours each way on the chicken bus to get to the Ruta de las Flores , and then more time to travel by bus between the towns, but this tour removes the hassle.

The shopping, the swing, the bicycle ziplining, the hot springs, the random stop at Pollo Compero at the end of the day….this tour was amazing, and our tour guide (sorry can’t remember his name) was amazing, a good photographer, and made our experience memorable. Definitely book! – Essence (Read More Reviews )

Visit charming colonial towns, learn about indigenous customs and crafts in Nahuizalco, explore the highest village in the country famous for coffee plantations, add on a zip line adventure, or try to complete the largest maze in Central America (this was one of my favorite excursions in El Salvador!).

If you time your trip right , you’ll catch the wildflowers in all their glory!

End your day with a relaxing visit to a 1930s farm coffee plantation and hot springs before heading back home with unforgettable memories. Don’t miss out on this exciting day tour from San Salvador!

8. Combo Tour: Volcanoes, Lake and Mayan Sites including Joya de Ceren

⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars| ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 9 hours | 😎 BOOK NOW

This El Salvador tour is perfect if you have limited time, but want to see as much as possible in the short window. 

Visit Joya de Ceren, a Mayan city and UNESCO World Heritage Site, the pre-Columbian city of San Andres, and Cerro Verde National Park. Enjoy a 45-minute walk around the park to take in stunning views of Santa Ana and Izalco Volcanoes and Lake Coatepeque – all with an experienced and knowledgeable guide. 

Eduardo was a great tour guide! Knowledgeable of every place we visited, great storyteller, mindful of time, and funny. – Shannon (Read More Reviews )

This tour offers a great combo of nature, history, and culture – it’s the perfect way to get to know El Salvador in one day! Pickup/drop off from San Salvador, El Tunco, or El Zonte is included for your convenience.  Book it now and you’ll love it!

9. San Salvador City Tour and El Boquerón National Park including Pupusa Tasting

⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars| ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 6-7 hours | 😎 BOOK NOW

This San Salvador City tour had me at pupusa tasting – pupusas are my favorite street food in all of Central America (I ate a lot of them and a lot of interesting fruits , too)!  And as if that wasn’t enough, the tour is run by one of the top-rated tour companies in the country.

What an experience… Pupusas overlooking the valley below the mountain and experiencing the breathtaking views that were offered was amazing! – Shawn (See More Reviews )

Explore the capital on foot on a half-day city tour, and then take a drive to El Boquerón National Park for amazing volcano views.

Take a leisurely hike through the park before heading to a traditional pupuseria for delicious pupusas overlooking stunning valley views. Try a loroco and queso-filled one if they have it.

This is one of the best San Salvador tours, with a little bit of everything!

10. Hidden Waterfall Guided Tour in El Imposible National Park

⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars| ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 6-9 hours | 😎 BOOK NOW

You can’t leave El Salvador without seeing at least one waterfall, and this waterfall tour takes you to a hidden gem!

Start your adventure with a 4WD trip from Concepcion de Ataco (one of my favorite towns along the Ruta de las Flores ) to El Imposible National Park.

Loved every minute of this experience. I most definitely recommend and would do it again if I go back to El Salvador. – A Tripadvisor Reviewer (See More Reviews)

Learn about the flora of the jungle as you go, and then take a 45-60 minute downhill hike towards the waterfall. If you’re feeling brave, jump off the 10ft high waterfall!

You’ll then finish the tour at Cascada El Perol, a 130-foot (40-meter) high volcano with stunning views.

After enjoying some time in the crystal clear waters, you will hike an hour back uphill to the start point. Although it’s challenging at times, don’t worry – your guides will make sure you’re safe and comfortable, with plenty of breaks to enjoy the surroundings.

This is a must-do tour in El Salvador – book it now! The tour includes breakfast and lunch too – bonus!

11. Santa Ana Volcano Hiking + Panoramic View Lake Coatepeque

⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars (89 reviews!) | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 7-10 hours | 😎 BOOK NOW

I love this Santa Ana Volcano Hiking tour that combines a morning hike up the Santa Ana Volcano with an afternoon of enjoying one of the most beautiful lakes in the world.

Wonderful hiking trip to Santa Ana Volcano and the beautiful adjacent lake Coatepeque with Gabriela. The view at the top of the Volcano is well worth it. I enjoyed the fresh seafood while gazing at the panoramic lake. – Sundeep (See More Reviews )

Let someone else take care of the logistics so you can relax. You’ll be taken to the volcano where a moderate level of fitness is required – it’s about two hours up to the top, but so worth it. If I can do it, most people can!

Take in views over the turquoise lagoon inside the crater of the volcano. If you’re into photography, this is one place famous pics of El Salvador come from.

Afterward, head over to Lake Coatepeque where now you can take a swim or rent a jet ski and explore even more. Enjoy lunch here before heading back. A perfect day tour in El Salvador!

12. Antigua Guatemala World Heritage Site, Day Tour from San Salvador

⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 15 hours | 😎 BOOK NOW

If you want to squeeze in a second country while you’re in El Salvador, you can book this day tour to Antigua, Guatemala . It’s a 15-hour day that includes a 5-hour drive each way, but it’s well worth it if you only have one day (if you are spending more time in Guatemala, make sure you visit Lake Atitlan , too!).

I cannot say enough great things about this tour. I would not hesitate to tell anyone and everyone to take it. – Kyle (Read More Reviews)

This charming colonial town was founded in 1543 and declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979. You’ll be able to take in views of the Fuego and Acatenango volcanoes, too – something you can’t see every day!

Your tour includes an air-conditioned vehicle, bottled water and pick up/drop off services. The guides who run the tours are amazing, so you know you’re in great hands for the long day ahead. Don’t miss out on this unique experience!

13. Full Day Tour : Copan Ruins an Amazing Mayan Site from San Salvador City

⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 12-15 hours | 😎 BOOK NOW

If you don’t have time to do a separate trip to Honduras, you can visit the famous Mayan Ruins of Copan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as a day trip from El Salvador . It’s a 12-15 hour tour, with a 5-hour drive each way.

This tour is a must! Not only do you get to visit Honduras, but the Mayan ruins are also breathtaking. Our tour guide, Josue, was amazing! He was beyond kind, well-informed, and one of the best tour guides in my many travels. – Edgar (Read More Reviews)

The ruins are one of the most spectacular cities of the ancient Maya civilization and include huge complexes with preserved stone temples, altars, and hieroglyphs built between 400-800 AD. Your guide will ensure a stress-free border crossing to and from Honduras .

The El Salvador day tour is small and maxes out at 10 people, so you get a more intimate experience. Plus, you can see the beautiful red macaws that live in the area! The tour includes transportation and a guide, pick-up and drop-off services. Don’t miss this amazing day tour from El Salvador !

Best Things to Do in El Salvador

• Hike the majestic Santa Ana Volcano and explore its diverse cloud forests
• Catch some waves in El Tunco, one of El Salvador’s best surf spots
• Embark on a scenic day trip to the charming towns of Ruta de las Flores
• Learn how coffee is made and taste delicious brews at a local plantation
• Immerse yourself in San Salvador’s vibrant culture and experience nightlife like no other
• Discover hidden waterfalls around El Salvador – perfect for a cool dip!
• Visit local markets and enjoy traditional cuisine such as pupusas
• Explore historical archaeological sites nestled between lush jungles
• Visit El Imposible National Park, a unique ecosystem with lush vegetation and diverse wildlife
• Relax on the white sand beaches of El Zonte
• Take a tour of the renowned Joya de Cerén ruins – an extraordinary archaeological site buried by volcanic ash
• Spend time at one of many natural hot springs spas for ultimate relaxation
• Experience vibrant festivals year-round such as carnivals, processions, and religious celebrations
• Learn about traditional Mayan culture while exploring indigenous villages

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.

Top Day Tours from San Salvador FAQs

What is the best month to visit el salvador.

The  best time to visit El Salvador  is during the dry season, which typically runs from November through April. November has ideal conditions for exploring, as it is not too rainy and the landscapes are still vibrant from the previous rainy season.

How many days should I spend in El Salvador?

You should spend at least 7 days in El Salvador – that allows enough time to see the highlights, such as hiking the Santa Ana Volcano, visiting the towns in the Ruta de las Flores, and surfing in El Tunco.

Is El Salvador worth visiting?

El Salvador is definitely worth visiting. It is home to stunning natural wonders, such as the majestic Santa Ana Volcano and its diverse cloud forests, as well as beautiful colonial towns and villages in the Ruta de las Flores. Don’t skip El Salvador!

What is the best way to get around El Salvador?

Driving is the easiest way to get around El Salvador. The “chicken” buses are also convenient and fun, but take more time since the buses make frequent stops. You can also make San Salvador a home base and take day tours to many places.

What is the rainiest month in El Salvador?

September tends to be the rainiest month in El Salvador. Rainy season typically lasts May through October.

Wrap Up: Best El Salvador Tours

El Salvador has so much to offer travelers, from its diverse landscapes and stunning natural wonders to the colonial towns in Ruta de las Flores .

For my money, the best El Salvador day tour is this Ruta de las Flores: Hot Springs + Coffee Tour + Nahuizalco and Ataco Towns , which has 5-star reviews and is the easiest way to experience everything the Ruta has to offer.

Each of the El Salvador tour companies featured here makes an awesome addition to your El Salvador sightseeing itinerary. They’re all offered in English and Spanish, and they’re essential for any El Salvador trip.

No matter what time of year you visit or how long your stay is, make sure not to miss out on these best El Salvador Tours!

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.

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Tours to El Salvador

Ways to explore el salvador, el salvador, discover our el salvador tours.

Escape the tourist trails on our  small group tours  to El Salvador. From colorful colonial villages to dormant volcanoes and vast stretches of pristine coastline, our El Salvador adventures boast fascinating history, delicious food, diverse wildlife and spectacular scenery.

Join our  Highlights of El Salvador Tour  to kayak through the mangroves of Jiquilisco Bay in search of crocodile and get up close with endangered hawksbill marine turtle with the Eastern Pacific Hawksbill Initiative. Hike to the summit of El Salvador’s highest volcano, Santa Ana, and peer into its luminous turquoise crater lake. Follow your  local guide  to uncover colorful street-art in the small villages of Ruta de las Flores and take a dip under the tumbling cascades of the Chorros de Calera waterfall.

Head into the mountains for an overnight stay in the peaceful lakeside town of Suchitoto on our  Central America Discovery Tour . Wander through the rustic cobblestone streets lined with brightly painted doorways and browse the quaint craft shops bearing hand-stitched purses, patterned rugs and vibrantly decorated pots. Listen out for the clapping sound of ‘pupusas’ being made and nibble on these delicious gooey treats as you immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere.

Our El Salvador tours

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Highlights of El Salvador

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From big wows to hidden gems, our tours leave you feeling that you've really explored.

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Chosen for their great knowledge of your destination and a passion to make your trip extraordinary.

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The thrill of adventure. The awesomeness of hostels. Get ‘em both on these immersive small group trips for 18 to 35-year-old travellers.

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El Salvador Tours

Land of buried treasures

Chances are if you don't surf, the idea of exploring El Salvador may never have crossed your mind. But the hardy surfers – a step ahead of the game and looking for the next uncrowded wave – know something the rest of us don't. The smallest and most densely populated Central American nation, El Salvador suffered badly during its civil war in the 1980s. Today, the country's volcanoes and coastline are again drawing visitors, and San Salvador's nightlife, legendary among its Latin neighbours, pulses on. The biggest draw may be the Salvadorans themselves, unjaded and always quick to make conversation over a coffee or one of their famed pupusas .

What our travellers are saying about El Salvador tours

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22 things you should know before traveling to El Salvador

Jan 30, 2024 • 9 min read

Incredible forests and volcanoes dot the small but might country of El Salvador © Kikerodry / Shutterstock

With 200 miles of coastline, more than 170 volcanoes, multiple archeological sites with Maya ruins and a rich coffee- and cacao-farming tradition, El Salvador is a wonderland for surfing , adventuring and relaxing. 

Unfortunately, decades of instability and violence chipped away at the country’s reputation abroad. Yet  recent significant strides have set the stage for a new era of tourism – including cracking down on crime, improving roads and investing in new hotels and flight routes – and  earned this tropical destination another look .   

You can absolutely have a fantastic time in El Salvador, and we recommend you discover it for yourself. What will make your trip even better? The planning tips and precautions below.

Here’s all you need to know before you set off for El Salvador.

Planning your trip to El Salvador

1. enjoy both a city and beach vacation.

El Salvador is about 8000 sq miles (21,000 sq km) – roughly the same size as fellow Central American country Belize  – yet highly ecologically diverse .

This combination makes a five-night trip encompassing the capital city of San Salvador and the Pacific coast (about a 45-minute drive away) entirely feasible. 

Fill your time in San Salvador with architectural and cultural visits to the National Palace , Art Museum of El Salvador  and the extraordinary El Rosario church . On the coast, the fishing port of La Libertad has become popular for its surfing and beachfront hotels.     

2. But don’t miss out on volcanoes, forests and ruins 

A national park with three volcanoes ( El Boquerón ), a forest reserve that’s a former battleground (Cinquera), a cobblestoned town (Suchitoto) and “the Pompeii of America” ( Joya de Cerén ) might get you to extend your trip to El Salvador to a whole week…or longer. 

While El Boquerón is only a half hour from San Salvador and doable as a day trip, Suchitoto is a good 90-minute drive in the opposite direction of the coast. It’s a cobblestoned town with colonial architecture and an excellent spot  to spend a night or two .   

3. Brace for higher prices during peak periods

Domestic travel spikes during the winter holidays, through the New Year, Holy Week (Easter) and the first week of August. If you visit during these times, you may pay a premium for hotels, plus experience bigger crowds at museums and parks. 

4. Plan around the rainy season

Your best bet for clear skies and mud-free hiking is a visit during the dry season, from November through April. If you decide to throw caution to the wind (and drizzle) by visiting during the rainy season (May to October), pack a rain jacket, quick-drying layers and extra pairs of socks. 

It’s also important to note that not all roads are paved in El Salvador. Heavy rains can cause flooding, leading to road closures and longer drive times.

5. Skip the currency exchange

If your home currency is the US dollar, there’s no need to swap money. USD has been an official currency of El Salvador since 2001.

But it’s a good idea to bring some small bills with you.  Most businesses will accept a $20 bill, but 50s and 100s can be harder to break. ATMs are widely available in commercial centers, and most will let you choose English for your transaction. 

In a surprising move, El Salvador added a second national currency in 2021: Bitcoin. Though the government requires all businesses to accept digital currency, only about 20% do, so you’ll most likely be dealing in dollars.  

6. Hire a driver for multi-city itineraries

Most hotels can arrange an airport transfer or help you get a taxi to a nearby destination. But when traveling between cities, hiring a driver or tour operator is highly recommended. 

Traffic in San Salvador can be intimidating. Rural roads are often unpaved and rife with potholes, and sometimes turn into single lanes that can be tricky to navigate for foreign drivers. 

A tour operator can provide recommended tours or create a custom itinerary. Conveniently, the country’s ministry of tourism has a list of recommended tour operators on their website. 

7. Bring your passport and buy a tourist card

For US citizens, a current US passport is required for entry, along with a $12 tourist card (valid for 90 days) that can be purchased at the airport when you arrive; no visa is required.

C itizens from countries like Australia , Canada and the UK only require a valid passport for entry – a visa is not necessary for stays under 90 days. However, these visa-exempt travelers are still required to buy the tourist card at the airport upon arrival. Check with your country’s embassy for entry requirements.    

Etiquette in El Salvador

8. brush up on your basic spanish.

Spanish is the official language here, and though staff will likely speak English at restaurants and hotels in major tourist areas, it’s good manners to at least know a few greetings en   español .

Simple and useful phrases such as  hola (hello), buenos días (good morning), buenas tardes (good afternoon) and buenas noches (goodnight) are a decent place to start. 

9. Be prepared to see a machete or two

In the US, park rangers might accessorize with a compass and drawstring hat. In El Salvador, dense forests call for a decidedly different accessory: a machete.

Don’t be shocked if your guide carries a blade to clear branches from hiking trails. But definitely don’t bring your own.

10. Dress appropriately for church

As with visiting most religious centers around the world, cover your legs and shoulders when visiting the country’s Catholic cathedrals.

A knee-length skirt will suffice if you don’t want to wear pants, and wrapping a scarf around your shoulders works to cover a tank top. 

11. Leave a tip for good service

In restaurants and bars, leaving a 10 percent tip is common. Yet be sure to always check your bill before tipping because sometimes it’s already included.  

12. Understand the country’s recent history

From 1980 to 1992, El Salvador experienced a bloody civil war, and the effects of that tumultuous period are still felt today. It’s very likely that your tour guide or the bartender serving up your Cadejo (a popular local beer) either lived through the war or had family members directly affected by it. 

Be respectful and know that not everyone wants to talk about their experiences. But when you do meet someone who’s open to sharing – for example, you can take a tour of Cinquera led by a former guerilla fighter – let them know how grateful you are to hear their story.   

13. Sip and slurp hot foods…even in the heat 

The pupusa  (stuffed corn tortilla) might be El Salvador’s most famous food, but soups and broths are also beloved here, even though temperatures are tropical most of the year. 

Don’t be surprised if your waiter recommends a steaming bowl of seafood broth or sopa de pata (soup made from cow’s feet…yep!) even though you’re ready to hit the beach.

Likewise, Salvadorian coffee, a top agricultural export since the 1800s, can’t be missed. Nor should atol de elote , a sweet drink made with corn and served hot – though grouchy gourmands should steer clear: Maya folklore says the beverage turns bitter if someone in a bad mood touches it. 

Health and safety in El Salvador

14. verify your vaccine needs.

The only vaccine required to enter El Salvador is yellow fever, and that’s only if you’re six months or older and from a high-risk country (countries in South America and Africa , or Panama ).

15. Just say no to tap water

Stick to bottled water and ice made from purified H2O only; water from the tap can be contaminated.

16. Avoid walking alone and driving at night

In both big cities and rural areas, it’s always recommended to avoid walking alone at night. If you’re not with a group, ask your hotel or restaurant to arrange a taxi ride for you.

Likewise, if you do rent a car, skip driving at night.  Not only will you minimize your chances of robbery, but you’ll also have greater visibility on roads with poor lighting or none at all. 

17. Know a safe taxi when you see it

Always look for an “A” at the beginning of your taxi’s registration to confirm it’s official. Also, most taxis don’t have meters, so agree on a price with your driver before you get in.

18. Steer clear of certain areas in San Salvador

Sadly, gang violence remains a problem in El Salvador.  Gangs don’t typically target tourists, yet to avoid getting caught in the crosshairs, avoid the areas of Soyapango, Apopoa and Mejicanos in San Salvador.  

On the flip side, the Centro Histórico in San Salvador – where many of the city’s museums are located – tends to be safer thanks to a greater police presence.

19. Tread carefully as an LGBTIQ+ traveler

Among Salvadorans, discrimination and violence against the LGBTIQ+ community have been well documented by such watchdogs as Human Rights Watch . 

With this in mind, same-sex couples should be careful about public displays of affection. Additionally, it’s worth researching hotels ahead of time and seeking out gay-friendly stays.

20. Dial these digits for the police

In case of an emergency, call 911. To contact the Politur – a branch of the National Civilian Police dedicated to the well-being of tourists – specifically, call 2511-8300 or 2511-8302. They can offer safety information and, with proper arrangements, can even provide escorts. 

21. Take note of hurricane season

Typically, hurricane season lasts from June to November. Just as with the rainy season, unpaved roads may become flooded when a storm strikes, altering travel routes or, in severe cases, requiring you to stay put for a day or two.

I f you plan to visit during this time of year, check with your hotel and travel insurance about hurricane contingency plans. Plus, monitor weather and potential storms in the days leading up to your trip.  

22. Leave your edibles and CBD balms at home

Cannabis and cannabis-derived products, like CBD, are illegal in El Salvador, so purge your toiletry bag of any oils, serums or lotions that could get you in hot water. 

Speaking of which, El Salvador has some of the harshest punishments in the world for drug possession, so this is definitely not the vacation to experiment with any other unlawful substances, either.

This article was first published September 2022 and updated January 2024

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EL SALVADOR

EL SALVADOR TRAVEL AND TOURS

Our agency provides authentic and unique tours all over El Salvador. From city tours in San Salvador and Suchitoto to archeological trips; Maya Ruins; eco camping trips in our national parks and cooking workshop; our agency covers it all. Have a look at our wide selection of tours and activities!

Our team is a colorful bunch of young enthusiasts as well as veterans with decades of experience of organizing tours and expeditions all over El Salvador as well in the neighboring countries. Besides our travel programmes, we also organize helicopter and plane charters, security and have also set up conferences and international events. We also happily welcome cruise ship passengers for shorex activities and love to help you with a customized tour in Central America. Contact us to know more!

El Salvador might be small, but packs a big punch when it comes to travel destinations. From breathtaking beaches to lush jungles, there’s something for every type of traveler to enjoy.

One of the main draws of El Salvador is the surf. The country boasts some of the best waves in the region, making it a mecca for surfers from around the world. The beaches of El Salvador are also perfect for swimming, sunbathing and relaxing.

In addition to its beautiful beaches, El Salvador also offers a rich cultural experience. The country is home to numerous ancient ruins, including the Joya de Cerén, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is considered one of the most important archaeological finds in the Americas. The Joya de Cerén is an ancient Mayan village that was preserved by volcanic ash and offers a glimpse into the daily life of the Mayans.

El Salvador is also known for its delicious traditional cuisine, which is heavily influenced by indigenous, Spanish, and Salvadoran cultures. From pupusas (a traditional Salvadoran dish made from corn dough) to curtido (a traditional Salvadoran side dish made from pickled cabbage and carrots), visitors will be delighted by the country’s tasty and diverse food options.

El Salvador is a must-visit destination for anyone looking for a unique and authentic travel experience. With its picturesque beaches, rich cultural history, and delicious cuisine, El Salvador is sure to leave a lasting impression on all who visit. So pack your bags and head to El Salvador for an unforgettable trip!

Ancient Cities of the Maya in El

El Salvador’s Pacific Coast

National Parks of El Salvador

San Salvador

The Land of Volcanoes

The Route of Flowers

Where to go in el salvador.

Los Volcanes National Park

Route of Flowers

Adventures You Can’t Miss

Explore Ancient Maya Cities

Active archaeological sites are open for visitors, so take advantage of being able to jump into the past. Discover the remnants of a once-great civilization as you delve into the ancient cities of the Maya, including Tazumal and Joya de Cerén.

Hike the Santa Ana Volcano

For hikers wanting to conquer the most challenging Central American terrain, this is where to go! Challenge yourself with a trek up the highest volcano in El Salvador, and be rewarded with panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

Go Surfing and Sport Fishing in El Oriente

With consistent swells and an abundance of fish, the Pacific Coast is a paradise for both surfers and fishermen alike. Enjoy a day of surfing, or catch your own dinner by fishing in El Oriente.

Explore the Candle-lit Night Market of Juan Bautista

Experience the vibrant culture and bustling atmosphere of this colorful market, adorned with twinkling candles and offering a variety of local goods.

Albums & Stories

El Salvador Family Travel Album

LANDED knows the best guides, experiences, and hotel options in El Salvador. We can arrange...

Tours El Salvador

Ventas El Salvador (503) 2263-6188

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Update April 12, 2024

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El Salvador Travel Advisory

Travel advisory july 17, 2023, el salvador - level 3: reconsider travel.

Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed.

Reconsider travel to El Salvador due to  crime.

Country Summary:  In March 2022, the Government of El Salvador (GOES) declared a “State of Exception” in response to an increase in homicides. The declaration remains in effect. The State of Exception grants authorities power to arrest anyone suspected of gang activity and suspends several constitutional rights, including the normal protections of criminal procedure such as the right to a speedy trial. Prison conditions are harsh. Several U.S. and other foreign citizens have been detained under the State of Exception, some in a reportedly arbitrary manner. Under its Territorial Control Plan, the GOES also may, without prior warning, restrict access via checkpoints to areas suspected of gang activity. U.S. citizens are advised that access to and freedom of movement within these areas may be limited.

Though there has been a significant reduction in gang-related activity, violent crime remains a concern throughout significant portions of the country. Crime rates vary among departamentos (states) and municipios (municipalities), and areas witnessing higher crime rates are often located in close proximity to lower crime areas or must be crossed in moving between lower risk areas. Local authorities may lack the resources to respond effectively to serious criminal incidents, although the concentration of resources in resort areas means these areas tend to be better policed than urban areas.

Read the  country information page  for additional information on travel to El Salvador.

If you decide to travel to El Salvador: 

• Be aware of your surroundings.
• Do not walk outside after dark. Do not drive to unfamiliar and/or remote locations after dark.
• Do not physically resist any robbery attempt.
• Be extra vigilant when visiting banks or ATMs.
• Do not display signs of wealth, such as wearing expensive watches or jewelry.
• Engage local guides certified by the national or local tourist authority when hiking in back country areas.
• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter .
• Review the  Country Security Report  for El Salvador.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .
• Visit the CDC page for the latest  Travel Health Information  related to your travel. 

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El Salvador Travel Guide

Last Updated: September 1, 2023

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

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

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

The prices are lower too.

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

Table of Contents

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

Top 5 Things to See and Do in El Salvador

1. Visit the Montecristo Cloud Forest

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

2. Hang out in El Tunco

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

3. Go to Puerta del Diablo

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

4. See the Cihuatán Ruins

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

5. Visit La Libertad

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

Other Things to See and Do in El Salvador

1. hike the volcanoes.

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

2. Visit Joya de Cerén

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

3. Get cultural in San Salvador

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

4. Go diving

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

5. Visit El Imposible National Park

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

6. Spend a day at Los Chorros

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

7. Shop at La Gran Via

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

8. Tour the Museum of Popular Art

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

9. Wander through colonial Suchitoto

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

10. Hang out on the Coatepeque Caldera

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

11. Take the Ruta de Las Flores

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

El Salvador Travel Costs

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Backpacking El Salvador Suggested Budgets

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

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

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

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

El Salvador Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

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

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

Where to Stay in El Salvador

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

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

How to Get Around El Salvador

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

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

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

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

For the best car rental prices, use Discover Cars .

When to Go to El Salvador

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

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

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

How to Stay Safe in El Salvador

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

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

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

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

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

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

If you experience an emergency, dial 911 for assistance.

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

El Salvador Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

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

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

El Salvador Travel Guide: Related Articles

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

Do You Need Travel Insurance for Costa Rica?

The Best Tour Companies in Costa Rica

The 6 Best Hostels in Panama City, Panama

Is Belize Safe to Visit?

Is Central America Safe to Visit?

How to Get Around Central America on a Budget

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10 Best El Salvador Tour Operators 2024 [Unbiased & With Reviews]

10 best el salvador tour operators 2024.

Are you planning to visit El Salvador, but unsure which tour provider to select? Now, you no longer have to waste time searching the internet and filling out dozens of contact forms. Simply fill out ONE form, we’ll send it off to multiple tour providers and they’ll contact YOU! You’ll be able to compare rates and find the lowest cost tour for the most affordable trip abroad.

Get Free Quotes From 10 Best El Salvador Tour Operators

Would you like to travel and explore El Salvador ? Is having an authentic, high quality tour experience important for you? Do you want to have a safe trip while being under the guidance of a top-rated tour operator in El Salvador?

El Salvador is known for being the most densely populated country in Central America and with this brings a unique blend of cultures throughout the country. This beautiful Central American country is also the proud home of many ancient indigenous structures and ancient ritual areas that were created by the Mayans. Other than a rich cultural history, El Salvador also boasts many natural structures that are worth a look. You can see and explore beautiful mountain ranges, dense jungles, and waterfalls. The best way to see all of the amazing things this country has to offer is by using a trusted El Salvador tour company.

You can find yourself searching the internet for hours in hopes of finding the right tour provider for your trip to El Salvador and still end up at a dead end. TravellersQuest wants to help simplify the process so you can save time and energy while still finding the perfect tour operators in El Salvador. Giving your hard earned money to a tour company without having the proper information can lead to you overpaying while receiving an unsatisfactory experience.

This article by TravellersQuest has been created in order for you to be able to make a better, more informed decision for your upcoming adventure in the rich country of El Salvador. We have compared prices, read hundreds of reviews, and have researched the best options for you so that you can be sure to choose the right tour company in El Salvador when the time comes.

Below you can find this helpful list of the top 10 tour providers El Salvador.

Table update Dec 25, 2023

EC Tours El Salvador

EC Tours in El Salvador  is a team packed full of energetic staff that is ready to give you high-quality tours at a great price out of the city of San Salvador. This El Salvador tour operator has many touring options to keep you, your friends, or your family entertained while providing you with memorable experiences during your travels in El Salvador.

EC Tours El Salvador Best El Salvador Tour Packages

See the city or get lost in the jungle in EC Tours immersive and authentic El Salvador tour packages. They have a  city tour in El Salvador  that is a combination of exploring the city coupled with a trip to the Volcan quezaltepeque. If you have ever wanted to see ancient Mayan ruins but also wanted a knowledgeable guide to inform you about the history of the grounds while keeping you safe, EC Tours has a great option for you.

For a relaxing, laid-back day filled with great culinary experiences and delicious alcoholic beverages, your best bet is the  Food and Beer City tour  in El Salvador. If you want a memorable time while visiting San Salvador but don’t want to spend any money, there is a  Free Walking Tour  that brings you to all of the must-see spots around the city.

EC Tours El Salvador Reviews

You can count on EC Tours to give you a great experience by looking at their reviews. They have been given a 5-star rating with over 400 reviews and are also ranked #1 of 65 Tours in San Salvador. Other than great reviews, TripAdvisor has also given them multiple Travellers’ choice award! 

Our guide and driver Jocelyn and Walter were excellent. Great trip and worth every penny… Melissa B

Read all reviews of EC Tours El Salvador on TripAdvisor .

Salvadorean Tours 

This is one of the top El Salvador tour operators and  Salvadorean tours  want to give you the best experience at an affordable price. They are a full team of certified, top-rated guides out of San Salvador and have been operating El Salvador day tours for almost 15 years, starting in 2006.

Salvadorean Tours Best El Salvador Tour Packages

We can assure you that trying out any of Salvadorean tours tour packages would be a worthwhile decision. The  Apaneca Zipline adventure  is an El Salvador canopy tour that takes you hundreds of feet up in the air and rushes you over the jungle canopy at high speeds for an unforgettable, adrenaline-filled adventure. If you want a truly unique cultural experience, try out the  San Salvador City tour  that takes you on a full day of sightseeing and culinary fun in the city.

Another one of their tours in El Salvador is the  Santa Ana Volcano . This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see a massive, powerful structure that has been formed over millions of years in El Salvador. You can also have the chance at exploring the  shoreline area of San Salvador  while visiting the historical residential zones of the Capital City.

Salvadorean Tours Reviews           

Salvadorean tours have given many people great experiences in El Salvador and have actually been given the travelers choice award multiple times by TripAdvisor. This combined with their 5-star rating from 634 reviews really tells you how this provider is high quality and trusted. has accumulated great reviews on TripAdvisor.

Our guide, Alfredo, was fantastic! He was open to suggestions about what we wanted to do. We saw everything listed on the tour plus other things that we suggested… WImom

Read all reviews of Salvadorean Tours on TripAdvisor .

Eco Tours Petate

Ecotours Petate  is an El Salvador tour operator that has a long history of providing amazing tours around San Salvador. They pride themselves on being a dynamic and versatile team of passionate tour guides that are in love with their work. This El Salvador tour company also has over 10 years in the tourism industry and is constantly evolving to fit customer needs!

Eco Tours Petate Best El Salvador Tour Packages

Join one of this tour provider’s El Salvador Eco tours and get an unforgettable experience while staying eco-conscious. They have the  El Imposible National Park Tour  that is perfect for nature lovers and you can be led step by step by a professional guide while learning about the biodiversity of the park. Another one of their tour packages is the  San Salvador City tour.

Explore this vastly contrasting city of modernity and historical undertones as you learn about its history with a trained guide. Join Eco tours Petate in the  Mayan Tour layover  tour in El Salvador and spend the time you would have been in the airport by exploring ancient Mayan ruins including a political and religious center dating back to 600-900 AD. See colorful colonial towns, enjoy delicious food in the markets and streets, and feel the hustle and bustle in the  flowers route tour.

Eco Tours Petate Reviews

This tour operator in El Salvador has a great reputation for providing affordable, high-quality tours through some of the prettiest and historically important areas of El Salvador. They have been given 284 reviews on TripAdvisor and none of the reviews were negative. Eco-Tours Petate is also ranked #3 of 42 Outdoor Activities in San Salvador. 

We managed to visit a lot in one day without feeling rushed. The guide had a lot of knowledge and made an effort to show us a local perspective. It was a small group which was nice and felt private… Nelly R

Read all reviews of Eco Tours Petate on TripAdvisor .

Maya Triangle Tours

Maya Triangle tours  are one of the best El Salvador tour operators in the country available. This trusted tour provider is focused on giving you the best experience possible while giving you excellent service the entire time. Maya makes sure to account for every detail with friendliness and high quality out of the beautiful city of San Salvador.

Maya Triangle Tours Best El Salvador Tour Packages

Maya Triangle Tours offers many great El Salvador tour packages that will take you on an unforgettable adventure. Experience the blue waves while upright on a surfboard with the  Surfing tour . You will be under the supervision of trained professionals who will keep you safe and teach you along the way.

You can get up and active in a  hiking tour package . Visit volcanoes, waterfalls, and national parks with an experienced guide! The  canopy tour in El Salvador takes you on an unforgettable journey into the dense jungle of El Salvador and you can possibly see native animals like parrots, monkeys, the king vulture, and so many more.

Maya Triangle Tours Reviews

This provider has over 280 reviews on TripAdvisor and 99% have rated them as good or excellent in service and quality. They have served thousands of happy tourists and are ranked #2 out of 42 in Outdoor Activities in San Salvador. Here you can see what someone else has said about going on a tour with Maya Triangle Tours in El Salvador:

Mac is simply amazing!! We had a short trip in SAL but he met us at the airport and helped maximize our time by taking us to a couple places during our layover…Traveling Black

Read all reviews of Maya Triangle Tours on TripAdvisor .

El Salvador Positive Tours

El Salvador Positive Tours is the leading tour company in El Salvador, earning the prestigious #1 rating on TripAdvisor. Established by a passionate team six years ago, the company began as a university project and transformed into a family business idea. Starting with internal tourism, they gained recognition for their work, professionalism, and dedication to eco-friendly practices. Now, offering various services and tourist destinations internationally, the company is committed to environmental conservation and community development. Through initiatives like “Sowing a tree, Sowing an opportunity,” they plant a tree for every tour purchased, contributing to their sustainable tourism model.

El Salvador Positive Tours Best El Salvador Tour Packages

Discover the essence of El Salvador through diverse adventures with El Salvador Positive Tours. Start by conquering the Santa Ana Volcano , the country’s highest peak, on a challenging hike that rewards nature enthusiasts with breathtaking views, birdwatching opportunities, and encounters with local wildlife.

For a moderate yet thrilling trek, join the Izalco Volcano Hiking Tour , exploring the youngest volcano in the region. The 3-hour hike unveils fumarolic activity and the chance to spot tropical forest inhabitants like deer and foxes. Descend from the active volcano and relax at Coatepeque Lake, where activities like Jet Ski riding and kayaking await.

Experience the richness of El Salvador’s history, nature, and culture tour. Immerse yourself in the Historic Center, delight in local pupusas, and spend a night in San Salvador. Hike the Santa Ana Volcano, enjoy a panoramic view of Lake Coatepeque, and stay overnight in the charming town of Ataco. On the third day, explore the Ruta de las Flores, discovering Ataco, Nahuizalco, and the art of coffee processing. Conclude your journey with a relaxing visit to hot springs before heading to the airport or San Salvador City.

El Salvador Positive Tours offers exciting adventures in El Salvador, allowing you to explore the country’s natural wonders, from the highest volcano to relaxing lakeshores. With options for hiking, birdwatching, and cultural experiences, their tour packages provide an immersive and enjoyable way to discover the beauty, history, and culture of El Salvador.

El Salvador Positive Tours Reviews

El Salvador Positive Tours boasts an outstanding 5-star rating based on 225 reviews, solidifying its position as a top El Salvador tour operator. Impressively, 217 of these reviews are labeled as “Excellent,” emphasizing the company’s dedication to delivering exceptional experiences. As the #1 ranked option among 42 Outdoor Activities in San Salvador, El Salvador Positive Tours stands out as a premier selection for those seeking a highly-rated and enjoyable outdoor adventure.

We just took a tour with and it was an incredible experience! Josúe was super knowledgeable and showed us all the perfect spots with all the amazing pictures… Bryson G

Read all reviews of El Salvador Positive Tours on TripAdvisor .

GringoTours

GringoTours  is a high-quality El Salvador tour operator that runs out of the small city of Suchitoto. This provider offers modern transportation and bilingual tour guides throughout El Salvador and has been in business since the year 2007. If you are wanting more control over your tour, consider Gringo Tours as they give you the chance to fully customize your opportunities.

GringoTours Best El Salvador Tour Packages

If you want something small, personal, and run by a family who cares, choose an El Salvador tour with GringoTours. Go see beautiful, colorful birds high up in the trees as a tourist in the  Birding in Impossible National Park . For a more centric  El Salvador combo tour , you can explore a list of great tours including the historic downtown area of San Salvador and many great museums.

If you are a lover of the outdoors and also want to experience the city, you can participate in the  Suchitoto Lake, City, and waterfall combination tour packages in El Salvador to get a fully encompassing experience during your stay in El Salvador. You can also opt for Mayan Tour with Gringo where you get to explore three of the 5 core archaeological sites, Joya de Ceren, San Andreas and Tazumal.

GringoTours Reviews

You can count on GringoTours to provide you with excellent tours to El Salvador by their customer response. On TripAdvisor, they have been given 107 great reviews and no one has had a negative thing to say about them. GringoTours is a 5 star rated company and is ranked #1 of 5 Outdoor Activities in Suchitoto. Here is a nice review that was left by a past traveler:

We used Gringo Tours for private driver booking and they were kind, responsive, and helpful during our trip to El Salvador. I highly recommend… Ashley J

Read all reviews of GringoTours on TripAdvisor .

Tunco Life Tour Agency

Tunco Life Tour Agency is the top-rated tour company in El Salvador, earning the coveted #1 spot. Established by a team of award-winning Salvadoran entrepreneurs, their mission is to lead engaging and fun tours that showcase the beauty of El Salvador. From the sun-soaked beaches of El Tunco to the lively city of San Salvador, they are dedicated to inspiring people to learn and discover more about their wonderful country.

Specializing in various tours, including surf lessons, airport transfers, shuttle services, and more, they aim to make every journey with them unforgettable. Join Tunco Life for an adventure filled with new places, flavors, and friendships – they can’t wait to show you the best of El Salvador!

Tunco Life tour agency Best El Salvador Tour Packages

Tunco Life Tour Agency invites you to explore El Salvador with their exciting tour packages.

Go on a half-day journey through the rainforest on an intermediate hike to Tamanique Waterfalls . This adventure is perfect for those seeking a thrilling experience surrounded by nature’s beauty.

Take your adventure to new heights with a hike up the active Santa Ana Volcano , reaching 2,381 meters above sea level. Enjoy panoramic views and an exhilarating ascent to the volcano’s summit.

Immerse yourself in El Salvador’s culture on a full-day tour of colonial towns along the Ruta de las Flores . This comprehensive experience includes biking, ziplining, mazes, ATVs, coffee plantation visits, gastronomy, and a deep dive into the history of El Salvador. With small groups, solo female traveler-friendly options, and a private bilingual guide, this tour ensures a personalized and enriching adventure.

Tunco Life Tour Agency Reviews

Tunco Life Tour Agency shines with a remarkable 5-star rating based on 106 reviews, making it a standout choice for your El Salvador adventure. Impressively, 105 of these reviews are marked as “Excellent,” highlighting this El Salvador tour company’s commitment to providing exceptional service. Holding the coveted position of #1 among 9 Tours & Activities in El Tunco, Tunco Life Tour Agency is a top pick for those seeking an excellent and highly-rated tour experience in the area.

This tour was such a great addition to my trip to El Salvador. Pickup was easy, and everything was taken care of… no planning required for a stress free adventure. Holly P

Read all reviews of Tunco Life Tour Agency on TripAdvisor .

Papagayo Adventures

Papagayo Adventures is a top-rated tour company in El Salvador, with about 12 years of experience. Established with a commitment to quality service, honesty, and punctuality, the company takes pride in its team of professional bilingual guides and comfortable air-conditioned vehicles. They not only offer tour services but also provide car rentals, operating as a registered company under the law. Papagayo Adventures aims to gratify customers by letting them explore various tourist routes, engage in direct contact with tour activities, and capture great memories of El Salvador. Their goal is to ensure tourists leave with a wonderful picture of the country’s beauty and hospitality.

Papagayo Adventures Best El Salvador Tour Packages

Papagayo Adventures invites you to discover El Salvador with their captivating tour packages, offering a genuine exploration of the country’s essence and natural wonders.

Explore the heart of El Salvador with their City Tour in El Salvador guides who were born and raised in the city. They provide a genuine experience, sharing the essence of their country. Carefully selected places ensure you enjoy and fall in love with the beauty of El Salvador.

Experience a unique tour that immerses you in the culture and adventure of our country with the Walk of the Volcano of Santa Ana and View of the Lake of Coatepeque . Walk alongside our guides, connecting with nature and exploring the natural and historical wonders of the site. The highlight is a visit to the crater of Lake Coatepeque, a location that vied for a spot among the new 8 wonders of the natural world.

Papagayo Adventures Reviews

Papagayo Adventures is a top-notch El Salvador tour operator and a fantastic choice for your tour adventure. They’ve earned over 130 positive reviews, with an impressive 130 labeled as excellent, securing them an outstanding 5-star rating. This speaks volumes about the exceptional experiences they offer. Opting for Papagayo Adventures ensures you’ll have an amazing and memorable journey in El Salvador.

It was the best tour so far that we had after so many trips around the world! The tour guide Erick was a real professional: spoke fluent English and was a full of knowledge of the history of a city and its surroundings. The Rolling A

Read all reviews of Papagayo Adventures on TripAdvisor .

El Salvador Turismo

El Salvador Turismo  is an El Salvador tour operator that promotes and encourages sustainable tourism while also supporting advocacy campaigns throughout San Salvador. This tour company really cares about the environment and wants to sustain local natural resources while offering professional tour opportunities in El Salvador.

El Salvador Turismo Best El Salvador Tour Packages

Helo out with El Salvador’s natural beauties while supporting an amazing tour operator. There are many  city tours  available with Turismo and you can visit ancient walkways and new, modern art exhibits all in close proximity to each other. You can even see a city and a volcano in one tour!  Eco tours in El Salvador  are specially made to let you see the beautiful nature the country boasts while putting some of your money into conservation efforts.

Adventure tours  in El Salvador with Turismo and you can see yourself behind the wheel of a 4×4 dune buggy, flying over the jungle canopy on a zipline, or even white water rafting. The  Arqeologicos tours  give you the rare chance to visit all kinds of famous Mayan ruins across the country and you can go in an El Salvador private tour package.

El Salvador Turismo Reviews

Out of the 92 reviews they have on Tripadvisor, this tour company in El Salvador has a 99% approval rating from past clients. Turismo also ranked #5 of 42 Outdoor Activities in San Salvador. They even earned the Travellers choice award in 2020.

I HIGHLY recommend this tour company! Adonis was our tour guide and Eric was our driver. They both went above and beyond to ensure that we had an amazing experience… ErinCatania_Italy

Read all reviews of El Salvador Turismo on TripAdvisor .

In Conclusion

We hope that this top 10 list of the best El Salvador tour operators provides you with everything you need in order to make the best decision for your future travels in the country. If you do decide that you would like to travel abroad to visit the beautiful country of El Salvador and immerse yourself in the ancient and deep culture by joining an immersive tour, we encourage you to reference this list to help you in your search.

Once you arrive home from El Salvador, we would be happy to hear back about your adventures abroad. If you have gone on a tour with one of these companies in the past, send us a message and let us know how it went!

El Salvador can be a rewarding destination for tourists seeking a mix of cultural experiences and natural beauty. The country boasts picturesque landscapes, historical sites, and vibrant local traditions. While it has faced challenges in the past, efforts have been made to enhance tourism infrastructure and safety for visitors.

Whether El Salvador is “worth it” depends on your travel preferences. If you appreciate exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations, El Salvador offers unique attractions such as archaeological sites like Joya de Cerén, beautiful beaches like El Tunco, and the scenic Ruta de las Flores. Visitors often find the warmth of the local people and the authenticity of the culture to be compelling reasons to visit.

El Salvador is known for its captivating natural beauty, including pristine beaches along the Pacific coast, lush volcanic landscapes, and national parks. The country also holds historical significance with archaeological sites like Tazumal and Joya de Cerén, recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Additionally, El Salvador is renowned for its vibrant festivals, delicious cuisine, and welcoming hospitality.

El Salvador stands out for its compact size, making it easy for travelers to explore various attractions in a relatively short time. The country’s rich history, coupled with its commitment to preserving cultural heritage, adds to its uniqueness. From Mayan ruins to volcanic landscapes, El Salvador offers a diverse range of experiences that make it special for those seeking an authentic and immersive travel adventure.

THE 10 BEST El Salvador Private Tours

Private tours in el salvador.

• Ports of Call Tours
• Sightseeing Tours
• Cultural Tours
• Archaeology Tours
• Historical & Heritage Tours
• Walking Tours
• Coffee & Tea Tours
• Private Tours
• Multi-day Tours
• Beer Tastings & Tours
• Photography Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. City Tour San Salvador

2. San Miguel ( Chaparastique ) Epic Hiking Volcano

3. San Salvador City Tour and El Boquerón National Park including Pupusa Tasting

4. Coffee Country and Ruta de las Flores. A day full of fun!

5. Hidden Waterfall Guided Tour in El Imposible National Park

6. Wet & Wild: Tamanique Waterfalls + World Famous El Tunco Beach, lunch included

7. Private 4x4 Tour with View of San Salvador from the Former Cable Car

8. City Tour in El Salvador

9. Hiking Santa Ana Volcano ( Private Tour ) Coatepeque Lake Front

10. Santa Ana volcano hike with privileged early access. Go safe and skip the crowds

11. Private Guided Walk to Cinquera and Suchitoto

12. Santa Ana Volcano Sunrise

13. The Best Colonial Town with Clobbestone Streets: Suchitoto and Ilopango Lake

14. Explore San Salvador: Historic Center, local market and volcano

15. Best of El Salvador in a Week : Mayan Sites, Volcanoes, Towns, Lake & Surf City.

16. San Salvador Transport to Mizata, Nawi Beach, Shalpa

17. The Best of San Salvador: City and Volcano Tour

18. Transfer Airport - Hotel in a VAN ( 10 people Maximun )

19. Transportation to El Boqueron National Park, San Salvador Volcano

20. Private Full-Day Tour Visiting the Colorful Towns in La Ruta De Las Flores

21. Conchagua Volcano Overnight + Boat Ride & Lunch at Golfo de Fonseca

22. Day at exclusive club Costa del Sol Beach from San Salvador or Airport

23. Transportation to PLAYA MIZATA AND PLAYA DORADA from the Airport

24. Half Day Private Tour of San Salvador City

25. Towards ANTIGUA GUATEMALA From SAN SALVADOR

26. Explore Guatemala in 7 Days from San Salvador

27. Transportation to the Santa Ana Volcano and Cerro Verde

28. The Mayan Triangle Tour : Guatemala, Honduras & El Salvador in a week!

29. Full Day Private Tour to Suchitoto and Ilopango Lake

30. El Salvador Joyas del Ceren and Beach el Tunco. from Guatemala.

What travelers are saying.

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El Salvador is waiting for you!

Adventure, Surf, Volcanoes, Cafe, Picturesque Towns, Nature

Why book with Eco Tours Petate?

Free cancelation.

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Top Rated Tours in El Salvador

Santa Ana Volcano Hike

• 7 - 8 Hours
• Difficulty: Medium

Get ready to reach the top of the highest volcano in El Salvador, the most amazing landscapes of El Salvador, Hike an active volcano.

From $85.00 USD

*Price varies by group size

Flowers Route Adventure

• Difficulty: Easy

Colonial towns, Adventure, Hotsprings, coffee plantations, volcanoes, Colorful murals. An experience full of colors.

From $80.00 USD

The best of San Salvador Day Tour

If you want to discover the best of El Salvador in 1 day, this is the perfect tour for you. Make the most visiting to the San Salvador Volcano, Rainbow slide, the vibrant historic center

From $90.00 USD

What do our customers say.

Contact Us!

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• Calle a planes de Renderos km 3 1/2 frente a Laboratorios Lainez #128, San Salvador, El Salvador. Central America.

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Immigration status, educational attainment, poverty status, homeownership, top states of residence, marital status, methodology, facts on hispanics of mexican origin in the united states, 2021.

An estimated 37.2 million Hispanics of Mexican origin lived in the United States in 2021, according to a Pew Research Center analysis of the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey. Mexicans in this statistical profile are people who self-identified as Hispanics of Mexican origin; this includes immigrants from Mexico and those who trace their family ancestry to Mexico.

Mexicans are the largest population of Hispanic origin living in the United States, accounting for 60% of the U.S. Hispanic population in 2021. From 2000 to 2021, the Mexican-origin population increased 79%, growing from 20.9 million to 37.2 million. At the same time, the Mexican foreign-born population living in the U.S. grew by 23%, from 8.7 million in 2000 to 10.7 million in 2021.

For a downloadable spreadsheet of these findings, see “ U.S. Hispanic population data (detailed tables) .”

Note: Figures greater than 1 million are rounded to the nearest 100,000; other figures greater than 100,000 are rounded to the nearest 10,000; figures that are less than or equal to 100,000 and greater than 25,000 are rounded to the nearest 5,000.

Source: Pew Research Center tabulations of the 2000 census (5% IPUMS) and the 2010 and 2021 American Community Surveys (1% IPUMS).

The following key facts compare demographic and economic characteristics of the Mexican-origin population in the U.S. with the characteristics of U.S. Hispanics and the U.S. population overall. They are based on Pew Research Center tabulations of the 2021 American Community Survey.

• Among Hispanics in the U.S., 32% are foreign born, compared with 29% of U.S. Mexicans.
• 62% of foreign-born Mexicans have been in the U.S. for over 20 years, and 35% of foreign-born Mexicans are U.S. citizens.
• 20% of U.S. Hispanics ages 25 and older have obtained at least a bachelor’s degree, compared with 15% of Mexicans.
• Among Mexicans ages 25 and older, the U.S. born are more likely than the foreign born to have a bachelor’s degree or higher (21% vs. 9%).
• Among U.S. Hispanics and Mexicans, the median annual personal earnings for those ages 16 and older was $30,000.
• Looking at full-time, year-round workers, U.S. Hispanics earned $40,000, while Mexicans also earned $40,000.
• The share of U.S. Hispanics overall who live in poverty is 18%. The share is the same for Mexicans.
• 18% of U.S.-born Mexicans live in poverty, as do 17% of foreign-born Mexicans.
• The rate of homeownership among U.S. Hispanic households is 51%, compared with 53% for Mexicans.
• Among Mexicans in the U.S., rates of homeownership are 54% for the U.S. born and 53% for foreign born.
• The Mexican population is concentrated in California (34%), Texas (26%), Arizona (5%), Illinois (5%) and Colorado (2%).
• The median age of U.S. Hispanics  (29.5) is similar to that of Mexicans (27.9) and lower than that of the U.S. population (37.8).
• U.S. Hispanics ages 18 and older are about as likely to be married (46%) as Mexicans (47%).
• Among Mexicans ages 18 and older, those who are foreign born are more likely to be married than U.S.-born Mexicans (62% vs. 37%).
• 6% of U.S. Hispanic females ages 15 to 44 gave birth in the 12 months prior to the July 2021 American Community Survey. That was similar to the rate for Mexican females (7%).
• 72% of U.S. Hispanics ages 5 and older speak only English at home or speak English at least “very well,” compared with 74% of Mexicans.
• Meanwhile, 67% of Hispanic adults are English proficient, as are 69% of Mexican adults.

Note: This is an update of a fact sheet originally published in September 2019, which former Research Analyst  Antonio Flores contributed to and co-wrote.

Pew Research Center’s fact sheets on U.S. Latinos and the accompanying blog post examine the Latino population of the United States overall and by its 17 largest origin groups – Mexicans, Puerto Ricans, Salvadorans, Dominicans, Cubans, Guatemalans, Colombians, Hondurans, Spaniards, Ecuadorians, Peruvians, Venezuelans, Nicaraguans, Argentines, Panamanians, Chileans and Costa Ricans. These sheets provide detailed geographic, demographic and economic characteristics for all Latinos and for each Latino origin group. They are based on the Center’s tabulations of the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2010 and 2021 American Community Survey (ACS) and the 2000 U.S. decennial census.

The ACS is the largest household survey in the United States, with a sample of more than 3 million addresses . It covers the topics previously covered in the long form of the decennial census. The ACS is designed to provide estimates of the size and characteristics of the resident population, which includes persons living in households and group quarters. For more about the ACS, including the sampling strategy and associated error, see the 2010 or 2021 American Community Survey’s Accuracy of the Data document provided by the Census Bureau.

The specific data sources for these fact sheets are the 1% samples of the 2010 and 2021 ACS Integrated Public Use Microdata Series (IPUMS) provided by the University of Minnesota and the 5% sample of the 2000 decennial census. IPUMS assigns uniform codes, to the extent possible, to data collected by the decennial census and the ACS from 1850 to 2021. For more information about IPUMS, including variable definition and sampling error, please visit the “ IPUMS Documentation and User Guide .”

Due to differences in the way in which IPUMS and Census Bureau adjust income data and assign poverty status, data provided on these topics might differ from data that are provided by the Census Bureau.

For the purposes of these fact sheets, the foreign born include those persons who identified as naturalized citizens or noncitizens and are living in the 50 states or the District of Columbia. Persons born in Puerto Rico and other outlying territories of the U.S. and who are now living in the 50 states or D.C. are included in the U.S.-born population.

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The Opening Days of Trump’s First Criminal Trial

Here’s what has happened so far in the unprecedented proceedings against a former u.s. president..

This transcript was created using speech recognition software. While it has been reviewed by human transcribers, it may contain errors. Please review the episode audio before quoting from this transcript and email [email protected] with any questions.

It’s the first day of the Trump trial and just walking out the door in my house. It’s a beautiful day, 6:11 AM. The thing that keeps running through my head is it’s kind of amazing that hundreds of jurors are going to show up at the Manhattan courthouse. And some of them are going to know what they’re there for — probably talking to their friends, their relatives about it.

Some of them are going to learn this morning talking to other jurors in line, asking what all the fuss is about. But I really do imagine that there’s going to be at least one potential juror who, headphones on, getting into court. Here they’re going to be there for the first criminal trial of Donald J. Trump. And just, I mean, how would you react?

[MUSIC PLAYING]

From “The New York Times,” I’m Michael Barbaro. This is “The Daily.” Today, what it’s been like inside the lower Manhattan courtroom, where political and legal history are being made? My colleague, Jonah Bromwich, on the opening days of the first criminal trial of a US President. It’s Thursday, April 18.

Is that his mic? Hi, there.

Hello. How are you?

I’m doing good.

OK. Thank you for coming in, Jonah —

Thank you for having me.

— in the middle of a trial. Can you just explain why you’re able to even be here?

Sure. So we happen to be off on Wednesdays during trial, so.

We being not “The New York Times,” but the courts.

That’s right.

Which is why we’re taping with you. And because we now have two full court days of this history-making trial now under our belts. And the thing about this trial that’s so interesting is that there are no cameras in the courtroom for the wider world.

There’s no audio recordings. So all we really have is and your eyes and your notebook, maybe your laptop. And so we’re hoping you can reconstruct for us the scene of the first two days of this trial and really the highlights.

Yeah, I’d be happy to. So on Monday morning, I left the subway. It’s before 7:00 AM. The sun is just rising over these grandiose court buildings in lower Manhattan.

I’m about to turn left onto Center Street. I’m right in front of the big municipal building.

And I turn onto Center Street. That’s where the courthouses are.

I’m crossing.

And I expected to see a big crowd. And it was even bigger than I had anticipated.

Here we go. Here we go. Here we go. Now, I finally see the crowd.

You have camera banks. You have reporters. You have the beginnings of what will eventually become a protest. And you have this most New York thing, which is just a big crowd of people.

[CHUCKLES]: Who just know something is going on.

That’s right. And what they know is going on is, of course, the first trial of an American president.

All right, I’m passing the camera, folks. Camera, camera, camera, camera. Here we go.

Let’s start with Sharon Crowley live outside the courthouse in Lower Manhattan.

I want to get right to ABC’S Aaron Katersky who’s outside of the courthouse.

Robert Costa is following it outside the courthouse in Lower Manhattan. Bob, I saw the satellite trucks lined up all in a row. Good morning.

Talk to us how we got here exactly.

So this is the case that was brought by the Manhattan district attorney. So prosecutors have accused Donald Trump of covering up the actions of his former fixer, Michael Cohen, after Cohen paid hush money to Stormy Daniels. Stormy Daniels had a story about having had sex with Donald Trump, which Trump has always denied.

Cohen paid her money, and then Trump reimbursed Cohen. And prosecutors say that Trump essentially defrauded the American people because he hid this information that could have been very important for the election from those people when he reimbursed Cohen.

Right. And as I remember it, he also misrepresented what that reimbursement was. Claimed it was a legal fee when, in fact, it was just reimbursing Michael Cohen for a hush money payment.

Exactly, yeah. He definitely didn’t say reimbursement for hush money payment to Stormy Daniels. It’s a cover up case. It’s a case about hiding information you don’t want people to see.

Right. And of course, the context of all this is that it is in the middle of a presidential election. It’s 2016. Trump wants to keep this secret, prosecutors allege, so that the American public doesn’t know about it and potentially hold it against him.

Right. And prosecutors are telling a story about election interference. They’re saying that Trump interfered with an election. And Trump himself is also using the phrase “election interference.” But he’s painting the trial itself as election interference as he now runs again in 2024.

Fascinating.

And because we’re in Manhattan, and because the jury pool is going to be largely Democratic, and the judge is a Democrat, and the district attorney is a Democrat, Trump keeps claiming he cannot get a fair shake. This is democrat central. And in democrat central, Trump doesn’t have a chance.

OK. So, what happens once you actually enter the courthouse?

Outside, there’s all this fanfare. But inside, it’s a little bit business as usual. So I go up to the 15th floor, and I walk into the courtroom, and I sit down, and it’s the same old courtroom. And we’re sitting and waiting for the former president.

Around 9:30, Trump walks in. He looks thin. He looks a little tired, kind of slumping forward, as if to say with his body like let’s get this over with. Here we go.

The judge walks in a little bit after that. And we think we’re all set for the trial to start, but that’s not what happens here. And in fact, there are a series of legal arguments about what the trial is going to look like and what evidence is going to be allowed in.

So, for example, prosecutors ask that they be allowed to admit into evidence headlines from “The National Enquirer” that were attacks on Trump’s 2016 opponents — on Ted Cruz, on Marco Rubio, on Ben Carson.

Because prosecutors are in some sense putting Trump’s 2016 campaign on trial. These headlines are a big part of that because what prosecutors say they show is that Trump had this ongoing deal with “The National Enquirer.” And the publisher would promote him, and it would publish damaging stories about his opponents. And then crucially, it would protect Trump from negative stories. And that’s exactly what prosecutors say happened with Stormy Daniels. That “The National Enquirer” tipped Cohen off about Stormy Daniels trying to sell her story of having had sex with Donald Trump, which he denies. And that led to the hush money payment to her. So what prosecutors are doing overall with these headlines is establishing a pattern of conduct. And that conduct, they say, was an attempt to influence the election in Trump’s favor.

And the judge agrees. He’s going to admit this evidence. And this is a pretty big win for the prosecution. But even though they win that one, they’re not winning everything.

They lose some important arguments here. One of them was that after the Access Hollywood tape came out, there were allegations of sexual assault against Donald Trump. And you know this, Michael, because you reported two of them — two of the three in question at this very trial.

Prosecutors had hoped to talk about those during trial in front of the jury to show the jurors that the Trump campaign was really, really focused on pushing back against bad press in the wake of the Access Hollywood tape in which Trump seemed to describe sexual assault. That was a big problem for the campaign. Campaign did everything it could to push back, including against these allegations that surfaced in the wake of the tape.

But the judge, saying that the allegations are hearsay — that they’re based on the women’s stories — says absolutely not. That is incredibly prejudicial to the defendant.

Interesting.

And that Donald Trump would actually not get a fair trial were those allegations to be mentioned. And so he will not let those in. The jurors will not hear about them.

So this is a setback, of course, for the prosecution, a victory for Trump’s legal team.

It’s a setback. And it also just shows you how these pre-trial motions shape the context of the trial. Think of the trial as a venue like a theater or an athletic contest of some sort. And these pre-trial motions are about what gets led into the arena and what stays out. The sexual assault allegations — out. “The National Enquirer” headlines — in.

OK. And how is Trump sitting there at the defense table reacting to these pre-trial motion rulings from the judge?

Well, as I’ve just said, this is very important stuff for his trial.

Right. Hugely important.

But it’s all happening in legal language, and I’m decoding it for you. But if you were sitting there listening to it, you might get a little lost, and you might get a little bored. And Trump, who is not involved in these arguments, seems to fall asleep.

Seems to fall asleep — you’re seeing this with your own eyes.

What we’re seeing, overall, including our colleague, Maggie Haberman, who’s in the overflow room and has a direct view of Trump’s face — I’m sitting behind him in the courtroom, so I can’t see his face that well.

You guys are double teaming this.

That’s right. I’m sitting behind him, but Maggie is sitting in front of him. And what she sees is not only that his eyes are closed. That wouldn’t get you to he is asleep.

And we have to be really careful about reporting that he’s asleep, even if it seems like a frivolous thing. But what happens is that his head is dropping down to his chest, and then it’s snapping back up. So you’ve seen that, when a student —

I’ve done that.

(CHUCKLES) Yeah. We all kind of know that feeling of snapping awake suddenly. And we see the head motion, and it happens several times.

Lawyers kind of bothering him, not quite shaking him, but certainly trying to get his attention. And that head snapping motion, we felt confident enough to report that Trump fell asleep.

During his own criminal trial’s opening day.

Does someone eventually wake him up?

He wakes up. He wakes up. And in fact, in the afternoon, he’s much more animated. It’s almost as if he wants to be seen being very much awake.

Right. So once these pre-trial motions are ruled on and Trump is snapped back to attention, what happens?

Well, what happens in the courtroom is that the trial begins. The first trial of an American president is now in session. And what marks that beginning is jurors walking into the room one by one — many of them kind of craning their necks over at Donald Trump, giggling, raising their eyebrows at each other, filing into the room, and being sworn in by the judge. And that swearing in marks the official beginning of the trial.

The beginning is jury selection, and it’s often overlooked. It’s not dramatized in our kind of courtroom dramas in the same way. But it’s so important. It’s one of the most important parts of the case. Because whoever sits on the jury, these are the 12 people who are going to decide whether Trump is guilty or whether Trump is innocent.

So how does jury selection actually look and feel and go?

So, jury selection is a winnowing process. And in order to do that, you have to have these people go through a bunch of different hurdles. So the first hurdle is, after the judge describes the case, he asks the group — and there are just short of 100 of them — whether they can be fair and impartial. And says that if they can’t, they should leave. And more than half the group is instantly gone.

So after we do this big mass excusal, we’re left with the smaller group. And so now, jurors are getting called in smaller groups to the jury box. And what they’re going to do there is they’re going to answer this questionnaire.

And this part of the process is really conducted by the judge. The lawyers are involved. They’re listening, but they’re not yet asking questions of the jurors themselves.

And what’s on the questionnaire?

Well, it’s 42 questions. And the questions include, their education, their professional histories, their hobbies, what they like to do whether you’re a member of QAnon or Antifa.

Whether you’re far left or far right.

That’s right. Whether you’ve read “The Art of the Deal,” Trump’s book, which some prospective jurors had.

Right. It was a bestseller in its time.

That’s right. And some of it can be answered in yes/no questions, but some of it can be answered more at length. So some of the prospective jurors are going very, very fast. Yes, no, no, no, yes.

Right. Because this is an oral questionnaire.

That’s right. But some of them are taking their time. They’re expanding on their hobbies. So the potential juror in seat 3, for example, is talking about her hobbies. And she says some running, hiking. And then she said, I like to go to the club, and it got a huge laugh. And you get that kind of thing in jury selection, which is one of the reasons it’s so fun. It’s the height of normality in this situation that is anything but normal.

Right. The most banal answer possible delivered in front of the former president And current Republican nominee for president.

Well, that’s one of the fascinating parts about all this, right? is that they’re answering in front of Trump. And they’re answering questions about Trump in front of Trump. He doesn’t react all that much. But whenever someone says they’ve read “The Art of the Deal —” and there are a few of those — he kind of nods appreciatively, smiles. He likes that. It’s very clear. But because there are so many questions, this is taking forever, especially when people are choosing to answer and elaborate and digress.

This is when you fall asleep.

This Is. When I would have fallen asleep if I were a normal person.

And by the end of the day. Where does jury selection stand?

Well, the questionnaire is another device for shrinking that jury pool. And so the questionnaire has almost these little obstacles or roadblocks, including, in fact, a question that jurors have seen before — whether they would have any problem being fair and impartial?

Hmm. And they ask it again.

They’re asked it again. And they’re asked in this more individualized way. The judge is questioning them. They’re responding.

So, remember that woman who said she liked to go to the club got a big laugh. She reaches question 34. And question 34 reads, “Do you have any strong opinions or firmly-held beliefs about former President Donald Trump or the fact that he is a current candidate for president that would interfere with your ability to be a fair and impartial juror?” She said, yes, she does have an opinion that would prevent her from being fair and impartial. And she, too, is excused.

So that’s how it works. People answer the questionnaire, and they get excused in that way, or they have a scheduling conflict once they reach the jury box. And so to answer your question, Michael. At the end of day one, given all these problems with the questionnaire and the length of time it’s taken to respond to and people getting dismissed based on their answers, there is not a single juror seated for this trial.

And it’s starting to look like this is going to be a really hard case for which to find an impartial jury.

That’s the feeling in the room, yeah.

We’ll be right back.

So Jonah, let’s turn to day 2. What does jury selection look like on Tuesday?

So when the day begins, it looks almost exactly like it looked when the day ended on Monday. We’re still with the questionnaire, getting some interesting answers. But even though it feels like we’re going slow, we are going.

And so we’ve gone from about 100 people to now there’s about 24 the room there’s 18 the jury box. And by the time we hit lunch, all those people have answered all those questions, and we are ready for the next step in the process.

Voir dire. And what it is the heart of jury selection. This is the point where the lawyers themselves finally get to interview the jurors. And we get so much information from this moment because the lawyers ask questions based on what they want out of the jurors.

So the prosecution is asking all these different kinds of questions. The first round of wajir is done by a guy named Joshua Steinglass, a very experienced trial lawyer with the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office. And he’s providing all these hypotheticals. I’ll give you one example because I found this one really, really interesting. He provides a hypothetical about a man who wants his wife killed and essentially hires a hitman to do it. And what he asked the jurors is, if that case were before you, would you be able to see that the man who hired the hitman was a part of this crime?

And of course, what he’s really getting at is, can you accept that even though Michael Cohen, Trump’s fixer, made this payment, Trump is the guy who hired him to do it?

That’s right. If there are other people involved, will jurors still be able to see Donald Trump’s hands behind it all?

Fascinating. And what were some of the responses?

People mostly said, yes, we accept that. So that’s how the prosecution did it.

But the defense had a totally different method of voir dire. They were very focused on their client and people’s opinions about their client.

So what kind of questions do we get from them?

So the lawyer, Todd Blanche, is asking people, what do you make of President Trump? What do you think of President Trump?

And what are some of the responses to that?

Well, there’s this incredible exchange with one of the jurors who absolutely refuses to give his opinion of Donald Trump. They go back and forth and back and forth. And the juror keeps insisting you don’t need to know my opinion of him. All you need to know is that I’m going to be fair and impartial, like I said. And Blanch pushes, and the guy pushes back. And the only way the guy budges is he finally kind of confesses almost at the end that, yes, I am a Democrat, and that’s all we get.

And what ends up happening to this potential juror?

Believe it or not, he got dismissed.

[LAUGHS]: I can believe it. And of course, it’s worth saying that this guy and everybody else is being asked that question just feet from Trump himself.

That’s right. And you might think you were going to get a really kind of spicy, like, popcorn emoji-type exchange from that. But because these are now jurors who have said they can be fair and impartial, who, to some extent, want to be on this jury or at least wouldn’t mind being on this jury, they’re being very restrained.

Mostly, what they are emphasizing — much like that guy just described dis — is that they can be fair. They can be impartial. There’s one woman who gives this really remarkable answer.

She says, I thought about this last night. I stayed up all night. I couldn’t sleep, thinking about whether I could be fair. It’s really important to me, and I can.

What ends up happening to that particular juror?

She’s also dismissed. And she’s dismissed without any reason at all. The defense decides it doesn’t like her. It doesn’t want her on the jury. And they have a certain number of chances to just get rid of jurors — no questions asked.

Other jurors are getting dismissed for cause — I’m doing air quotes with my hands — which means that the lawyers have argued they actually revealed themselves through their answers or through old social media posts, which are brought up in the courtroom, to be either non-credible, meaning they’ve said they can be fair and they can’t, or somehow too biased to be on the jury.

Wait, can I just dial into that for a second? Are lawyers researching the jurors in real time going online and saying — I’m making this up — but Jonah Bromwich is a potential juror, and I’m going to go off into my little corner of the courtroom and Google everything you’ve ever said? Is that what’s happening in the room?

Yeah, there’s a whole profession dedicated to that. It’s called jury consultant, and they’re very good at finding information on people in a hurry. And it certainly looked as if they were in play.

Did a social media post end up getting anybody kicked off this jury?

Yes, there were posts from 2016 era internet. You’ll remember that time as a very heated one on the internet, Facebook memes are a big thing. And so there’s all kinds of lock him up type memes and rhetoric. And some of the potential jurors here have used those. And those jurors are dismissed for a reason.

So we have these two types of dismissals, right? We have these peremptory dismissals — no reason at all given. And we have for cause dismissals.

And the process is called jury selection. But you don’t actually get selected for a jury. The thing is to make it through all these obstacles.

You’re left over.

Right. And so when certain jurors are not dismissed, and they’ve made it through all these stages, by the end of the day, we have gone from zero juror seated to seven jurors who will be participating in Donald Trump’s trial.

Got it. And without going through all seven, just give us a little bit of a sketch of who so far is on this jury. What stands out?

Well, not that much stands out. So we’ve got four men. We’ve got three women. One lives on the Upper East Side. One lives in Chelsea. Obviously, they’re from all over Manhattan.

They have these kind of very normal hobbies like spending time with family and friends. They have somewhat anonymous jobs. We’ve got two lawyers. We’ve got someone who’s worked in sales.

So there’s not that much identifying information. And that’s not an accident . One of the things that often happens with jury selection, whether it be for Donald Trump or for anyone else, is the most interesting jurors — the jurors that kind of catch your attention during the process — they get picked off because they are being so interesting that they interest one or the other side in a negative way. And soon they’re excused. So most of the jurors who are actually seated —

Are not memorable.

Are not that memorable, save one particular juror.

OK. All right, I’ll bite. What do I need to know about that one particular juror?

So let me tell you about a prospective juror who we knew as 374, who will now be juror number five. She’s a middle school teacher from Harlem. And she said that she has friends who have really strong opinions about Trump, but she herself does not. And she insisted several times, I am not a political person.

And then she said this thing that made me quite surprised that the prosecution was fine with having her on the jury. She said, quote, “President Trump speaks his mind, and I’d rather that than someone who’s in office who you don’t know what they’re thinking.”

Hmm. So she expressed approval of President Trump.

Yeah, it was mild approval. But the thing is, especially for the defense in this trial, all you need is one juror. One juror can tie up deliberations in knots, and you can end with a hung jury. And this is actually something that I saw firsthand. In 2019, I was the foreperson on a jury.

How you like that?

Yeah. And the trial was really complicated, but I had thought while we were doing the trial, oh, this is going to be a really easy decision. I thought the defendant in that case was guilty. So we get into deliberations, but there’s this one juror who keeps gumming up the works every time we seem to be making progress, getting a conversation started.

This juror proverbially throws up his hands and says, I am not convicting. This man is innocent. And we talked and we talked. And as the foreperson, I was trying to use all my skills to mediate.

But any time we made any progress, this guy would blow it up. And long story short, hung jury — big victory for the defense lawyer. And we come out of the room. And she points at this juror. The guy —

The defense lawyer.

The defense lawyer points at this juror who blew everything up. And she said, I knew it. I knew I had my guy.

OK. I don’t want to read too much into what you said about that one juror. But should I read between the lines to think that if there’s a hung jury, you wonder if it might be that juror?

That’s what everyone in the courtroom is wondering not just about this juror, but about every single person who was selected. Is this the person who swings the case for me? Is this the person who swings the case against me?

These juries are so complex. It’s 12 people who don’t know each other at the start of the trial and, by the end of the trial, have seen each other every morning and are experiencing the same things, but are not allowed to have talked about the case until deliberations start. In that moment when deliberations start —

You’re going to learn a whole lot about each other.

That’s right. There’s this alchemical moment where suddenly, it all matters. Every personality selected matters. And that’s why jury selection is so important. And that’s why these last two days are actually one of the most important parts of this trial.

OK. So by my math, this trial will require five more jurors to get to 12. I know also they’re going to need to be alternates. But from what you’re saying what looked like a really uphill battle to get an impartial jury or a jury that said it could be impartial — and Trump was very doubtful one could be found — has turned out to not be so hard to find.

That’s right. And in fact, we went from thinking, oh, boy, this is going awfully slowly, to the judge himself saying we could be doing opening arguments as soon as Monday morning. And I think that highlights something that’s really fascinating both about this trial and about the jury selection process overall.

One of the things that lawyers have been arguing about is whether or not it’s important to figure out what jurors’ opinions about Donald Trump are. And the prosecution and, I think, the judge have really said, no, that’s not the key issue here. The key issue is not whether or not people have opinions about Donald Trump.

Right. Who doesn’t have an opinion about Donald Trump?

Exactly. They’re going to. Automatically, they’re going to. The question is whether or not they can be fair and impartial. And the seven people we already have seated, and presumably the five people that we’re going to get over the next few days and however many alternates — we expect six — are all going to have answered that question, not I hate Trump; I love Trump, but I can weigh in on the former president’s innocence or guilt, and I can do it as fairly as humanly possible.

Now, Trump is not happy about this. He said after court yesterday, quote, We have a highly conflicted judge, and he’s rushing this trial.” And I think that he is going to see these beats of the system the criminal justice system as it works on him as he is experiencing it as unfair. That is typically how he talks about it and how he views it.

But what he’s getting is what defendants get. This is the system in New York, in the United States. This is its answer to how do you pick a fair jury? Well, you ask people can you be fair? And you put them through this process, and the outcome is 12 people.

And so I think we’re going to see this over and over again in this trial. We’re going to see Trump experience the criminal justice system.

And its routines.

Yeah, openings, witnesses, evidence, closings. He’s going to go through all of it. And I think, at every turn, it makes sense to expect him to say, well, this is not fair. Well, the judge is doing something wrong. Well, the prosecutors are doing something wrong. Well, the jury is doing something wrong.

But at the end of the day, he’s going to be a defendant, and he’s going to sit, mostly silently if his lawyers can make him do that, and watch this process play itself out. So the system is going to try and treat him like any other defendant, even though, of course —

— he’s not. And he is going to fight back like no other defendant would, like no other defendant could. And that tension, him pushing against the criminal justice system as it strives to treat him, as it would anyone else, is going to be a defining quality of this trial.

Well, Jonah, thank you very much. We appreciate it.

Of course. Thanks so much for having me. [MUSIC PLAYING]

PS, have you ever fallen asleep in a trial?

I have not.

[CHUCKLES]:

Here’s what else you need to know today.

It’s clear the Israelis are making a decision to act. We hope they do so in a way that does as little to escalate this as possible and in a way that, as I said —

During a visit to Jerusalem on Wednesday, Britain’s foreign Secretary left little doubt that Israel would retaliate against Iran for last weekend’s aerial attack, despite pressure from the United States and Britain to stand down. The question now is what form that retaliation will take? “The Times” reports that Israel is weighing several options, including a direct strike on Iran, a cyber attack, or targeted assassinations. And —

Look, history judges us for what we do. This is a critical time right now, critical time on the world stage.

In a plan that could threaten his job, Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson will put a series of foreign aid bills up for a vote this weekend. The bills, especially for aid to Ukraine, are strongly opposed by far-right House Republicans, at least two of whom have threatened to try to oust Johnson over the plan.

I can make a selfish decision and do something that’s different, but I’m doing here what I believe to be the right thing. I think providing lethal aid to Ukraine right now is critically important. I really do. I really — [MUSIC PLAYING]

Today’s episode was produced by Rikki Novetsky, Will Reid, Lynsea Garrison, and Rob Zubko. It was edited by Paige Cowett, contains original music by Marion Lozano, Elisheba Ittoop, and Dan Powell, and was engineered by Chris Wood. Our theme music is by Jim Brunberg and Ben Landsverk of Wonderly Lake.

That’s it for “The Daily.” I’m Michael Barbaro. See you tomorrow.

• April 19, 2024   •   30:42 The Supreme Court Takes Up Homelessness
• April 18, 2024   •   30:07 The Opening Days of Trump’s First Criminal Trial
• April 17, 2024   •   24:52 Are ‘Forever Chemicals’ a Forever Problem?
• April 16, 2024   •   29:29 A.I.’s Original Sin
• April 15, 2024   •   24:07 Iran’s Unprecedented Attack on Israel
• April 14, 2024   •   46:17 The Sunday Read: ‘What I Saw Working at The National Enquirer During Donald Trump’s Rise’
• April 12, 2024   •   34:23 How One Family Lost $900,000 in a Timeshare Scam
• April 11, 2024   •   28:39 The Staggering Success of Trump’s Trial Delay Tactics
• April 10, 2024   •   22:49 Trump’s Abortion Dilemma
• April 9, 2024   •   30:48 How Tesla Planted the Seeds for Its Own Potential Downfall
• April 8, 2024   •   30:28 The Eclipse Chaser
• April 7, 2024 The Sunday Read: ‘What Deathbed Visions Teach Us About Living’

Hosted by Michael Barbaro

Featuring Jonah E. Bromwich

Produced by Rikki Novetsky ,  Will Reid ,  Lynsea Garrison and Rob Szypko

Edited by Paige Cowett

Original music by Dan Powell ,  Marion Lozano and Elisheba Ittoop

Engineered by Chris Wood

Listen and follow The Daily Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music

Political and legal history are being made in a Lower Manhattan courtroom as Donald J. Trump becomes the first former U.S. president to undergo a criminal trial.

Jonah Bromwich, who covers criminal justice in New York, explains what happened during the opening days of the trial, which is tied to Mr. Trump’s role in a hush-money payment to a porn star.

On today’s episode

Jonah E. Bromwich , who covers criminal justice in New York for The New York Times.

Background reading

Here’s a recap of the courtroom proceedings so far.

Mr. Trump’s trial enters its third day with seven jurors chosen.

There are a lot of ways to listen to The Daily. Here’s how.

We aim to make transcripts available the next workday after an episode’s publication. You can find them at the top of the page.

The Daily is made by Rachel Quester, Lynsea Garrison, Clare Toeniskoetter, Paige Cowett, Michael Simon Johnson, Brad Fisher, Chris Wood, Jessica Cheung, Stella Tan, Alexandra Leigh Young, Lisa Chow, Eric Krupke, Marc Georges, Luke Vander Ploeg, M.J. Davis Lin, Dan Powell, Sydney Harper, Mike Benoist, Liz O. Baylen, Asthaa Chaturvedi, Rachelle Bonja, Diana Nguyen, Marion Lozano, Corey Schreppel, Rob Szypko, Elisheba Ittoop, Mooj Zadie, Patricia Willens, Rowan Niemisto, Jody Becker, Rikki Novetsky, John Ketchum, Nina Feldman, Will Reid, Carlos Prieto, Ben Calhoun, Susan Lee, Lexie Diao, Mary Wilson, Alex Stern, Dan Farrell, Sophia Lanman, Shannon Lin, Diane Wong, Devon Taylor, Alyssa Moxley, Summer Thomad, Olivia Natt, Daniel Ramirez and Brendan Klinkenberg.

Our theme music is by Jim Brunberg and Ben Landsverk of Wonderly. Special thanks to Sam Dolnick, Paula Szuchman, Lisa Tobin, Larissa Anderson, Julia Simon, Sofia Milan, Mahima Chablani, Elizabeth Davis-Moorer, Jeffrey Miranda, Renan Borelli, Maddy Masiello, Isabella Anderson and Nina Lassam.

Jonah E. Bromwich covers criminal justice in New York, with a focus on the Manhattan district attorney’s office and state criminal courts in Manhattan. More about Jonah E. Bromwich

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Trump is funneling campaign money into cash-strapped businesses. Experts say it looks bad.

Donald Trump’s main 2024 White House campaign fundraising operation sharply increased spending at the former president's properties in recent months, funneling money into his businesses at a time when he is facing serious legal jeopardy and desperately needs cash.

Trump’s joint fundraising committee wrote three checks in February and one in March to his Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach, Florida, totaling $411,287 and another in March to Trump National Doral Miami for $62,337, according to a report filed to the Federal Election Commission this week.

Federal law and FEC regulations allow donor funds to be spent at a candidate’s business so long as the campaign pays fair market value, experts say. Trump has been doing it for years , shifting millions in campaign cash into his sprawling business empire to pay for expenses such as using his personal aircraft for political events, rent at Trump Tower and events at his properties, which has included hotels and private clubs.

While the practice is legal, some campaign finance experts believe it raises ethical concerns when a candidate is generating personal revenue off running for office.

Donald Trump trial live updates: Latest news on jury selection and what Day 4 will bring

Prep for the polls: See who is running for president and compare where they stand on key issues in our Voter Guide

“When voters see something like this happening it contributes to their distrust of the political system and their elected officials' motives,” said Shanna Ports, senior legal counsel with the Campaign Legal Center, a nonprofit government accountability group.

Trump faces huge legal costs amid multiple civil and criminal cases

The money Trump’s campaign is spending at his businesses could help the former president as he faces a big cash crunch.

Trump has been hit with a pair of large financial judgements after losing two civil lawsuits.

He posted a $91.6 million bond in a defamation case brought by the writer E. Jean Carroll , and a $175 million bond in a fraud case involving falsifying business records. The New York attorney general is challenging whether the deal Trump made to post the larger bond payment is financially sound.

The payments Trump’s campaign has made to his businesses are small compared to his large court-ordered financial judgements, but have been growing in recent months.

The Trump campaign and affiliated political committees paid businesses owned by Trump at least $4.9 million since the start of 2023, according to an analysis by USA TODAY. Most of that money – $4.1 million – went to TAG Air, Inc. for air travel.

Trump lists TAG Air, Inc among his assets on his latest financial disclosure required of presidential candidates, with a value of between $5 million and $25 million. It operates his private aircraft, nicknamed Trump Force One.

Trump's various campaign committees and a super PAC controlled by his supporters also spent at least $809,000 at his properties since the beginning of last year.

Campaign spending at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Doral in Miami

The bulk of the campaign spending at Trump's properties since the start of 2023 — $663,000 — has been at Mar-a-Lago, and most of it occurred in February. It’s not clear what events the money went toward.

A Trump spokeswoman did not respond to specific questions about the campaign spending at his properties but instead sent a statement attacking President Joe Biden.

Other GOP candidates also have been spending considerable campaign cash at Trump properties.

Ohio Republican U.S. Senate candidate Bernie Moreno's campaign spent $109,000 on "event catering" at Mar-a-Lago in April, December and January of 2023, records show. Trump endorsed Moreno in December . Moreno won the primary in March and will face three-term Democratic Sen. Sherrod Brown in November.

Nevada U.S. Senate candidate Jim Marchant's campaign spent about $67,000 at Mar-a-Lago on "event venue rental and catering" in November and December. Trump backed Marchant in his unsuccessful bid to be Nevada's secretary of state in 2022. Marchant is now seeking to unseat first-term Democratic Sen. Jacky Rosen.

A PAC called Giuliani Defense spent $2,400 on fundraising expenses and food at Trump's golf club in Bedminster, New Jersey in January. That PAC has spent $540,000 on legal fees, according to FEC filings. Trump hosted a fundraiser for Rudy Giuliani at Bedminster in September to help with the former New York mayor's legal costs, which stem in part from the criminal charges Giuliani faces in Fulton County, Georgia, for trying to help Trump overturn the 2020 election.

Trump hosted a party at Mar-a-Lago on March 5 with a large group of supporters to watch the Super Tuesday primary election results from 16 states. He also held a fundraiser at Mar-a-Lago in October that drew hundreds of supporters, including U.S. Reps Marjorie Taylor Green and Byron Donalds, Texas attorney general Ken Paxton and the actress Roseanne Barr.

Another fundraiser at Trump National Doral in March was hosted by former Ambassador Carlos Trujillo, with the money benefiting the Make America Great Again, Inc. super PAC.

The Trump Save America Joint Fundraising Committee, which raises money for Trump’s campaign and his Save America leadership PAC accounted for the majority of the spending at Trump properties, with other expenses paid for by Trump’s main campaign committee, the MAGA Inc. super PAC and Save America.

Concerns about Trump's business conflicts go back to 2016 election

Questions about how Trump’s businesses have benefited from his political career have swirled around him throughout the former president’s three campaigns and his four years in the White House.

Under pressure to avoid potential conflicts of interest between his role as president and his vast business dealings, Trump declared after winning the 2016 election that he wouldn't cut any "new deals." The incoming president also put his two adult sons in charge of the family business, which was controlled by a trust that critics said didn't have strong enough requirements to prevent potential ethical conflicts.

Lawsuits accusing Trump of violating the emoluments clauses in the Constitution during his presidency were unsuccessful. Critics said those seeking to influence Trump's administration funneled money into his businesses, including a hotel near the White House in Washington, D.C. that has since been sold and rebranded as a Waldorf Astoria.

America Democracy Legal Fund filed a complaint with the FEC in 2016 alleging “Mr. Trump is using funds from his presidential campaign to further his business and personal interests." The complaint was dismissed, but concerns remain in the minds of some campaign finance experts.

"People should be running for office because they want to serve the public, not because they want to enrich themselves," Ports said. "So the fact that campaigns are allowed to pay the candidate’s business raises those concerns. While legal, it creates kind of a negative impression of the election system."

Richard Briffault, a legislation professor at Columbia Law School, said Trump's use of campaign funds at his businesses may not be illegal, but it's "a little bit dicey."

'Nobody's ever seen anything like it'

Briffault said the only comparable political candidate with such a sprawling business may be former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, who ran for president as a Democrat, but even then, they’re not an exact comparison. “Everything with Trump, nobody’s ever seen anything like it,” he said.

The primary thing Trump’s businesses need to do is charge his campaign and PACs the same amount they would charge any other paying customer for the services. But there’s also an ethical question of whether the campaign and PACs could get a better deal somewhere else.

“How much are they charging? And to what extent are they putting people up who might be staying someplace else that might be cheaper?” Briffault asked. “You could imagine that there could be cheaper venues to these things, but they’re purposely holding them there.” 

Trump's leadership PAC also has been spending vast sums on attorneys as the president faces four criminal cases. He currently is on trial in New York City in a case involving alleged payments to an adult film star during the 2016 presidential campaign to keep her quiet about an alleged sexual affair.

Since days after the 2020 election, the leadership PAC Save America spent more than $72.5 million on legal bills to many of the same firms that are representing him in his civil and criminal cases. That fund accounts for the bulk of his legal spending, but his affiliated committees have spent millions more.

Spending money on legal issues is not unusual for a campaign, but campaign finance experts say Trump has pushed the boundaries of what is allowable.