El Salvador

El Salvador's history spans from Indigenous civilizations like the Maya and Pipil through Spanish colonization (16th century) and independence from Spain (1821), eventually becoming a republic in 1841. The nomadic Pipil people origianlly migrated from Mexica. They established their kingdom of Cuzcatlan (Land of Jewels in the 11th century). El Salvador is the smallest country in central America. El Salvador's name comes from the Spanish for "The Savior," a religious tribute to Jesus Christ, given by conquistador Pedro de Alvarado who named the province Provincia de Nuestra Señora Jesús Cristo, El Salvador del Mundo (Province of Our Lord Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world) around 1524. The name was shortened over time, first to San Salvador and then officially as El Salvador when it became a republic, honoring Jesus as the divine savior.  

Language: Spanish

Currency: The US Dollar is the official currency of El Salvador. Carry small USD Bills ($1, $5, $10, $20) as many places lack change for larger bills. You can also use credit cares as Visa/Mastercard are widely available, and Apple Pay.

Entry Requirements: 

• Passport (that doesn't expire for for at least 6 months, and has at least 1 blank page for entry stamps

• Tourist Card or Visa. A tourist card is about $12 and can be purchased upon arrival. A Visa is required for stays longer than 90 days.

Pros

• Culture

• Nature, Volcanic landscapes, Crater lakes

• Beaches, Black sand beaches, surfing

• Less expensive then some other 

Cons

• Safety concerns So you need to stick to well-known tourist routes and areas 

  • Safety Recommendations: Keep valuables secure. Dress modestly. Use ride share or official taxi services

    • Avoid wearing numbers associated with games, specifrically 13 for MS-13, 18 ro Barrikor 18, and 503 for the country code.

  • Know Local emergency numbers (911) and tourist police (POLITUR)

  • Safer as of April 2025 due to crack down on crime by the president of El Salvador

• Crime (Robberies and assaults) remains a high concern; especially at night or in unfamiliar area

• Widespread discrimination against LGBTQ

• Be mindful of mosquito-borne illnesses in rural area

• Prone to hurricanes (June - Nov), floods, earthquakes, and volcanic activity

• Avoid renting cars unless very confident; use official taxis or Uber, and be aware of poor road conditions

Culture & History

• Suchitoto: Wander cobblestone streets in this beautifully preserved colonial town.

• Joya de Cerén: Visit this UNESCO site, a Mayan village frozen in time by volcanic ash, often called the "Pompeii of the Americas".

• San Salvador's Historic Center: Explore plazas, churches (like Iglesia El Rosario), museums (MUNA), and enjoy evening strolls.

• Ilobasco: See artisans crafting traditional ceramics. 

Nature & Adventure

• Santa Ana Volcano Hike: Hike to the summit for incredible views of the crater lake and surrounding landscape.

• El Boquerón National Park: See the massive crater of San Salvador Volcano.

• Ruta de las Flores: Drive this scenic route, stopping in colorful towns like Ataco (murals) and Juayúa (weekend food festival).

• Waterfalls: Trek to Tamanique Waterfalls or Los Chorros for refreshing swims.

• El Tunco/El Zonte: Perfect for surfing, relaxing on the beach, and enjoying beachside nightlife. 

• Lake IIopango

Unique Experiences & Food

• Pupusa Making Class: Learn to make El Salvador's national dish.

• Coffee Farm Tours: Visit a plantation on the Ruta de las Flores.

• Markets & Street Food: Sample local delicacies at markets or food stalls.

• Nawi Beach House (El Tunco): Great photo ops, beach access, and horseback riding. 

Instagram/TikTok Bucketlist

• Rainbow Slide: The distance to the famous Rainbow Slide from El Salvador's International Airport (SAL) depends on which slide you mean, but the popular one near San Salvador (Picnic Steakhouse) is about a 20-30 minute drive, while the much longer one at Café Albania in the Ruta de las Flores is a longer 1.5 to 2-hour journey from the airport.

• Colorful colonial town of Suchitoto

• Volcanic crater leak of Coatepeque

• unique Mayan ruins at Joya de Ceren 

• Los Chorros De La Calera waterfalls - 2 hour drive from san Salvador

• Views of the Gulf of Fonseca from Conchagua volcano - 4 hour drive from San Salvador

• The colorful town of Ataco - walk along cobble streets. Take pictures of the many murals - 2 hour drive from San Salvador

• Malacatiupan Falls waterfall - 2 hour drive from San Salvador

For Surfing & Lively Atmosphere; Closet and Most Accessible to San Salvador:

• El Tunco: The iconic spot, great for all surf levels with consistent waves, surf schools, vibrant nightlife, and many restaurants.

• El Zonte: A more laid-back, bohemian surf town next to El Tunco, perfect for chilling and catching waves.

• Punta Roca (La Libertad): A world-renowned, rocky point break for experienced surfers, located near the La Libertad pier. 

For Swimming & Relaxation:

• La Costa del Sol: Known for golden sands, calmer waters, and beachfront hotels, ideal for relaxing and family fun.

• Playa El Cuco: A tranquil stretch of golden sand with lush vegetation, offering a peaceful escape. 

Unique Experiences:

• Playa Los Cobanos: Features protected reefs, making it great for snorkeling and calmer swimming, plus it has golden sands.

• Playa Las Flores: Known for its beautiful sunsets, nearby local seafood spots, and strong surf. 

Well-known Tourist Areas:

• Ruta de LAs Flores

• Santa Ana Volcano

• Pacific Coast beaches (El Tunco)

Top Tourist Neighborhoods in San Salvador:

• Zona Rosa / San Benito: The heart of modern San Salvador, known for its upscale restaurants, vibrant nightlife, trendy bars, and shopping, making it ideal for a dynamic stay.

• Escalón: A safe, affluent district with a mix of modern living and cultural spots, offering great dining and easy access to other key areas.

• Maquilishuat / Colonia San Francisco: Upscale, leafy neighborhoods with beautiful homes, boutique hotels, and proximity to amenities, often favored by expats and visitors seeking a quieter feel.

• La Gran Vía: A modern hub with a large shopping mall (Multiplaza), cinemas, restaurants, and hotels, great for convenience and entertainment. 

Nearby Beach Destinations (for a different vibe):

• Playa El Tunco (La Libertad): A famous surf town and backpacker hotspot with a lively boardwalk, restaurants, and beach activities, located just outside the city.

• El Zonte: Another popular surf beach known for its relaxed atmosphere, surf schools, and growing number of resorts. 

• Beautidul View
  • Cadejo Brewing Company Huizucar - #1 restaurant recommendation according to TripAdvisor 2025. Availabel for Lunch and Dinner servie)
  • La Pampa Restaurantes - Steakhouse, LAtin
• Good Food
  • Hacienda Real El Salvador - steakhouse, Latin
• Upscale Dinner
  • Brutto El Salvador - American, Asian - beautiful interior
• Other
  • Restuarante Don Li - Good chinese and Japanese food - good suhsi
  • Donkeys Mexicano Fusion - Bambu City Center shopping mall - cheap affordable chain mall restuarant  - goof for Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late Night, Drinks

EXCURSIONS

San Salvador Itinerary

Day 1: Historic Downtown San Salvador and El Boquerón Volcano

Explore the heart of the capital city's history and natural surroundings.

• Morning (Walking Tour): Stroll through the historic center, visiting key landmarks.

  • Metropolitan Cathedral: Home to the tomb of Archbishop Óscar Romero.

  • Iglesia El Rosario: A visually unique church with an avant-garde, brutalist design and stunning stained glass windows that create a rainbow effect inside.

  • National Palace & National Theater: Admire the beautiful architecture of these recently restored buildings in Plaza Barrios and Plaza Morazán.

  • National Library (BINAES): A modern architectural marvel with several levels, open to the public.

  • Plaza Libertad: The oldest square in the city, central to Salvadoran history.

• Afternoon (Volcano & Rainbow Slide): Head to the San Salvador Volcano.

  • Visit El Boquerón National Park for views into the massive crater of the volcano.

  • Experience the fun Rainbow Slide and grab a bite at the nearby Picnic Steak House for great views.

• Dinner:

  • Dine at Hacienda Real El Salvador for an authentic Salvadoran experience, known for its traditional cuisine and ambiance. 

Day 2: Santa Ana Volcano Hike and Lake Coatepeque 

Embark on an adventure to some of El Salvador's most iconic natural wonders. 

• Morning (Volcano Hike): Depart early for Cerro Verde National Park to hike the Santa Ana Volcano (Ilamatepec), the highest volcano in the country. The moderately challenging 4-hour round-trip hike leads to a spectacular view of an emerald green crater lake at the summit. A local guide is required for safety and historical context.

• Afternoon (Lake Views): After the hike, relax and have lunch at a restaurant overlooking Lake Coatepeque, a beautiful crater lake often considered one of the most stunning lakes in the world.

• Dinner:

  • Enjoy dinner at Restaurante Don Li, a popular local choice for its food and atmosphere. 

Day 3: Ruta de las Flores Adventure

Explore the charming colonial towns and unique activities along the "Route of the Flowers."

• Morning/Afternoon (Towns & Adventure): Drive the picturesque Ruta de las Flores.

  • Visit the vibrant town of Concepción de Ataco, famous for its colorful street murals, artisan shops, and coffee.

  • Head to Café Albania adventure park in Apaneca to experience thrilling activities like the famous bicycle zipline or another go on a rainbow slide/giant swing.

• Late Afternoon (Relaxation): Unwind at the Santa Teresa Hot Springs, where you can relax in natural thermal pools after a day of adventure.

• Dinner:

  • For a modern dining experience, try Brutto El Salvador, which is known for its contemporary dishes and chic atmosphere. 

Day 4: Beach Day and Nightlife at El Tunco

Experience El Salvador's famous coast and vibrant nightlife. 

• Day (Beach & Surf): Travel to Playa El Tunco, the heart of the country's "Surf City" scene. Spend the day relaxing on the dark sand beach, watching the surfers, or taking a surf lesson yourself.

• Evening (Nightlife): El Tunco is renowned for its lively atmosphere, beach clubs, and bars that come alive after sunset.

• Dinner:

  • Dine at Cadejo Brewing Company Huizucar. This location offers a great selection of craft beers and food, perfect for a relaxed evening. 

Note: Consider hiring a private tour guide or a reputable tour company like Eco Tours Petate or Alfredo Avalos for the day trips, as they handle the logistics and transportation, making the long days much smoother and safer. 

Budget

• Flights from US: Roundtrip $200 - $400

• Daily budget: $40 - $60 excluding flights and hotels

• Uber/Taxis are around $5 - $15

• Restaurants charge between : $2.50 - $15 for cheap eats to $25-$600 for mid-range dinners

• Is Tipping customary: Yes, you should tip in El Salvador, especially for good service, but it's not always mandatory like in the US; check bills for an included 10% gratuity, tip around that amount if it's missing, and use cash (USD) for smaller tips for hotel staff, drivers, and guides ($1-$2 for maids, $3-$5 for drivers, $5-$10 for guides) for appreciated extra service.