El Salvador

El Salvador is a land of fire and rebirth, where volcanic peaks pierce the sky and black-sand beaches stretch beneath coconut palms. The smallest country in Central America packs staggering diversity—lush coffee highlands, Maya ruins swallowed by jungle, and surf breaks that draw pros worldwide. These lands were once home to the Pipil people, whose Nahuatl language still echoes in place names like “Apaneca” (River of the Wind) and “Izalco” (Obsidian Place). Spanish conquest left colonial gems like Suchitoto’s whitewashed churches, but El Salvador’s spirit remains rooted in its indigenous and mestizo traditions.

Geography here is dramatic and defiant. Over 20 volcanoes—some active, like Santa Ana’s sulfurous crater—form a spine down the country. Earthquakes and eruptions have reshaped the land, while tropical forests cling to slopes where howler monkeys roam. The Pacific coast’s Ruta del Sol (Sun Route) serves up fiery sunsets over fishing villages, while highland towns like Ataco bloom with murals and artisanal coffee. This is a country of resilience, where every hillside tells a story of survival and renewal.

Why Visit El Salvador?

Epic Surf Breaks: World-class waves in La Libertad and El Zonte draw surfers from across the globe.

Volcano Adventures: Hike Santa Ana Volcano for a surreal view into a turquoise crater lake.

Ancient Ruins: Explore pre-Columbian sites like Tazumal and Joya de Cerén, the “Pompeii of the Americas.”

Colonial Towns: Wander through the cobbled streets of Suchitoto, a hub for art and culture.

Natural Wonders: Swim in crater lakes like Coatepeque, or visit the lush highlands of Ruta de las Flores.

Warm, Welcoming People: Known for their hospitality, Salvadorans will make you feel at home.

Smart Travel: Off-Season Deals & Delights

Key Advantages:

Lowest Prices: Flights and accommodation rates are at their absolute lowest.
Fewer Crowds: Major attractions, historical sites, and beaches are significantly less crowded, offering a more intimate experience.
Lush Landscapes: The countryside is incredibly green and vibrant due to the rainfall, perfect for photography and nature lovers.
Authentic Local Vibe: Experience El Salvador like a local, with more opportunities to interact with residents and enjoy a serene atmosphere.
Surfing Opportunities: While some days can be rainy, the rainy season often brings consistent swells for surfing, particularly from May to September.

Main Drawbacks:

Daily Rainfall: Expect daily rain showers, typically in the afternoons. While often brief, they can disrupt outdoor plans.
Humidity: The humidity levels can be high, which might be uncomfortable for some travelers.
Limited Outdoor Activities (some areas): Some unpaved roads or hiking trails might become muddy or inaccessible due to heavy rains.
Mosquitoes: With increased rainfall, mosquito activity can be higher.

Regions:

Ruta de las Flores: This scenic route is particularly lush and beautiful during the rainy season. Towns like Juayúa, Apaneca, and Ataco are charming, and the coffee plantations thrive. The weekend food markets are still active, offering a vibrant local experience.
Coastal Areas (e.g., El Tunco, El Zonte): While you’ll experience rain, the waves can be fantastic for surfing. The beach towns are much quieter, allowing for a relaxed atmosphere. Many surf camps and restaurants remain open.
Suchitoto: This charming colonial town is lovely in the rain, with fewer tourists. You can explore its cobblestone streets, visit art galleries, and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere of Lake Suchitlán.
Santa Ana & Coatepeque Lake: Santa Ana, El Salvador’s second-largest city, offers historical sites that are enjoyable even in the rain. Lake Coatepeque remains a beautiful spot for relaxation, with fewer crowds on its shores.

Key Advantages:

Ideal Weather: Pleasant temperatures with less humidity than the rainy season, and generally sunny days perfect for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
Manageable Crowds: Tourist numbers are lower than during the peak dry season (January-February), but attractions are fully open and vibrant.
Reasonable Prices: Flights and accommodation are more affordable than in the peak dry season, though slightly higher than the deep rainy season.
Festivals & Events: Many vibrant local festivals and cultural events take place, including various religious celebrations and patron saint festivities.
Green Landscapes (Early Dry Season): November and early December still benefit from the recent rains, keeping the landscapes relatively green before they dry out completely.

Main Drawbacks:

Potential for residual rain (November): Early November might still experience some lingering showers from the rainy season.
Increasing crowds (December): As December progresses towards the holidays, crowds will gradually increase, as will prices.
Drying Landscapes (Late Dry Season): By March and April, the landscapes can become quite dry and dusty in some areas.

Regions:

San Salvador: The capital city is enjoyable in the shoulder seasons, with comfortable temperatures for exploring its museums, historical center, and vibrant markets.
Eastern El Salvador (e.g., La Unión, Gulf of Fonseca): This region, including the less-explored eastern beaches and islands, is fantastic to visit with pleasant weather and fewer visitors.
Cerro Verde National Park & Santa Ana Volcano: The hiking conditions are excellent during these months, with clear skies offering panoramic views.
Joya de Cerén & Tazumal: Explore these fascinating Mayan archaeological sites with comfortable temperatures and fewer tour groups.

Mid-Dry Season (January – February): This is El Salvador’s peak tourist season. Prices for flights and accommodation are at their highest, and popular attractions, particularly beaches and surf spots, will be crowded. While the weather is generally perfect for beach activities and exploring, the value for money is significantly lower.

Easter/Semana Santa (March/April – dates vary): While a profoundly significant and vibrant cultural event in El Salvador, Semana Santa sees a massive surge in domestic tourism, leading to fully booked accommodations, crowded public transport, and significantly higher prices, especially in beach areas and towns with major religious processions.

Christmas and New Year Holiday Period (late December – early January): Similar to Easter, this period sees a surge in prices and crowds, especially in cities and popular beach destinations, due to both international and domestic tourism.

Ready To Experience Your Perfect Gateaway?

Essential Trip Information

Visa and Entry Requirements

Most travelers (including U.S., EU, and Canadian citizens) get a 90-day tourist visa on arrival.
Check official requirements here: El Salvador Immigration.
Passports must be valid for at least six months.
Proof of onward travel may be requested (e.g., return ticket).
No COVID-19 restrictions as of 2024 (verify before travel).

Currency

Currency: U.S. Dollar (US$). No local currency—USD is used exclusively.
Best Ways to Handle Money:
- ATMs (look for Banco Agrícola or Scotiabank) dispense USD with fair fees.
- Credit cards (Visa/Mastercard) work in cities; cash is king in rural areas.
- Small bills (US$1–20) are essential for markets and buses.

What to Avoid:
- Exchanging currency (unnecessary; USD is standard).
- Using ATMs in isolated areas (risk of skimming).

Language

Spanish is official; English is limited outside tourist areas.
Key phrases:
- “Buenos días” (Good morning) | “¿Cuánto cuesta?” (How much?) | “Gracias” (Thank you).

Safety & Security

El Salvador has improved significantly in safety, especially in tourist areas.
Be cautious at night in unfamiliar places and avoid flashy valuables.
Stick to well-known tourist regions and use local guides when hiking or exploring remote areas.
Emergency number: 911

Health & Insurance

No vaccinations required, but Typhoid and Hepatitis A are recommended.
Tap water is not safe to drink – always use bottled or filtered water.
Pharmacies are common; travel insurance is highly recommended.

Transportation

Intercity buses are reliable and cheap but basic.
Uber is widely available in San Salvador and El Tunco.
Car rentals are available but traffic can be hectic; drive cautiously.
Domestic flights are rare; distances are short enough for overland travel.

Price Level

El Salvador is generally affordable, especially outside tourist zones.

Accommodation

Budget: Hostels/guesthouses (US$20–50/night)
Mid-range: Boutique hotels (US$60–100/night)
Luxury: 4–5 star hotels/resorts (US$120–200+/night)

Food

Street food: Pupusas, tamales (US$1–3 each)
Casual dining: Local restaurants (US$6–15/person)
Upscale dining: International menus (US$25–50/person)

Drinks

Beer: US$1–3
Cocktails: US$5–10

Transportation

Intercity bus: US$1–5
Local microbuses (colectivos): US$0.25–0.50
Taxis/Uber (San Salvador): US$5–15 per ride

Money-Saving Tips

Eat local: Pupuserías are delicious and cheap.
Use Uber instead of taxis for transparency.
Stay in surf towns mid-week for better deals.

Explore El Salvador

Planning Your Trip

Best Time To Visit

El Salvador has a tropical climate with distinct wet (May–October) and dry (November–April) seasons.

Dry Season (November–April):
- Ideal for travel: Sunny skies, warm temperatures (75–90°F / 24–32°C), and minimal rain.
- Peak tourism: December–March (especially Holy Week—book early).
- Surf season: Consistent Pacific swells (November–March).

Wet Season (May–October):
- Pros: Lush landscapes, fewer tourists, lower prices.
- Cons: Heavy afternoon showers (especially September–October), some rural roads may flood.
- Surfing still great: June–August offers good waves with fewer crowds.

Tip: For best weather and fewer crowds, visit November–early December or April–early May.

Local Customs And Etiquette

Greetings: A handshake or light cheek kiss (among women) is common.
Tipping: 10% is standard in restaurants; small tips for tour guides/drivers appreciated.
Dress: Casual but modest (avoid flashy jewelry in cities). Beachwear is fine at the coast.
Safety: Avoid walking alone at night in cities; use Uber after dark.
Politeness: Salvadorans are warm—a smile and “buenos días” go far.

Budgeting For Your Trip

Accommodation: Hostels (US$15–40), Hotels (US$50–120), Luxury (US$150+).
Food: Street food (pupusas for US$1–2), casual meals (US$5–12), upscale dining (US$30+).
Transport: Local buses (US$0.25–1), shuttles (US$10–30), car rental (US$30–60/day).
Activities: Volcano hikes (guided tours US$20–50), surfing lessons (US$25–40), entrance fees (US$2–5).

Daily Budget:

Budget: US$50–80 (hostel, street food, local transport).
Mid-range: US$120–180 (nice hotels, meals, shuttles, guided tours).
Luxury: US$250+ (premium resorts, private drivers, excursions).

Internet & Mobile

Free Wi-Fi: Available in cafes, most hotels, and tourist towns like El Tunco and San Salvador.
SIM Cards: Claro and Tigo offer tourist plans (US$10–20 for 7–10GB). Easy to buy at the airport or malls.
eSIMs: Compatible phones can use providers like Airalo for instant access.

Travel Insurance

Highly recommended for coverage against natural events (occasional tropical storms) and health issues.
Medical care: Private clinics are available but may require upfront payment—ensure your policy covers El Salvador.
Adventure activities: Confirm your policy includes surfing, hiking volcanoes, and zip-lining.

Accomodation Options

From surf hostels to luxury eco-lodges, El Salvador caters to all budgets.

Budget (US$ $U S$ 40/night):
- Hostels: Selina (El Tunco), Casa Verde (Santa Ana).
- Guesthouses: Simple but clean, especially in surf towns.

Mid-Range (US$ $U S$ 120/night):
- Boutique hotels: Los Almendros de San Lorenzo (Suchitoto), Casa 1800 (San Salvador).
- Beachfront stays: Palo Verde Surf Lodge (El Zonte).

Luxury (US$150+/night):
- Eco-resorts: Rancho Santana (Pacific Coast).
- City luxury: Barceló San Salvador.

Tip: Book ahead for Holy Week (Semana Santa)—top spots fill fast.

Getting Around

El Salvador is a small country—most destinations are within a 3-hour drive. While public transport is widespread, many travelers prefer private options.

Shuttles & Private Transfers:

Common for tourists—safe, reliable, and easy to book online.
Ideal for routes like San Salvador to El Tunco or Ruta de las Flores.

Buses (Chicken Buses):

Colorful and cheap (US$0.25–1), but often crowded and lacking schedules.
Better for local experiences than efficient travel.

Rental Cars:

Recommended if exploring rural areas or volcanoes. Roads are improving, but drive cautiously.
4X4 preferred for mountain routes.

Taxis/Rideshares:

Uber is available in San Salvador and airport area—safer and cheaper than street taxis.
Always agree on a price beforehand if using regular taxis.

Walking:

Safe in tourist hubs like El Tunco and Suchitoto during the day. Avoid isolated streets at night.

Handy Tips

El Salvador uses the U.S. Dollar (US$) as its official currency. Coins in local circulation also include some centavos, but US coins are accepted everywhere.

Exchanging Currency: ATMs are widely available in major cities and shopping areas; avoid airport or hotel exchange counters due to poor rates.
Using Cards: Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted, especially in urban areas. However, always carry cash when visiting rural regions, markets, or small eateries.
Tipping Etiquette:
- Restaurants/Bars: 10–15% is appreciated, though not always expected.
- Taxis/Rideshares: Not required, but rounding up the fare is polite.
- Hotel Staff: US$1–2 per bag for porters; US$2–3 per night for housekeeping.
- Tour Guides: US$5–10 per person for group tours, more for private experiences.

Spanish is the official language of El Salvador. English is spoken in some hotels and tourist services, but learning basic Spanish phrases will go a long way.

Common Phrases:
- “¿Dónde está el baño?” – “Where’s the bathroom?”
- “¿Cuánto cuesta?” – “How much is it?”
- “¿Puede darme un recibo?” – “Can I get a receipt?”

Pro Tip: Salvadorans are warm and polite—greet people with “Buenos días” or “Buenas tardes” before asking questions.

El Salvador has made strides in safety, especially in tourist zones, but caution is still essential.

Avoid isolated areas after dark, particularly in rural zones or unfamiliar neighborhoods in San Salvador.
Keep valuables discreet and use hotel safes.
Emergency Contacts:
- 911: Police, fire, and medical emergencies.
- 913: Tourist Police (special unit for helping travelers).
- Embassy: The U.S. Embassy is located in Antiguo Cuscatlán (San Salvador suburb).

El Salvador uses 120V/60Hz power, compatible with Type A and B plugs—the same as in the U.S. No adapter needed if you’re coming from North America.

Tap water is not recommended for drinking. Stick to bottled or filtered water, which is widely available and inexpensive.

Restaurants will often serve bottled water by default. Ask for “agua embotellada” if unsure.

Government offices, banks, and some shops close on these national holidays:

1 Jan: New Year’s Day
Holy Week (March/April): Semana Santa – dates vary
1 May: Labor Day
10 May: Mother’s Day (heavily celebrated)
15 Sep: Independence Day
1 Nov: All Saints’ Day
25 Dec: Christmas Day

Note: During Semana Santa, many locals head to the beach—expect crowded resorts and limited availability.

Malls and supermarkets: 09:00–20:00 (some open until 22:00).
Pharmacies: Many open 24/7, especially in urban areas (e.g., FarmaValue, SuperFarmacia).
Markets: Open daily, early morning to late afternoon. Best experience: Mercado Central (San Salvador).

Pupusas: El Salvador’s national dish—thick corn tortillas stuffed with cheese, beans, or pork (try them with curtido and salsa).
Yuca Frita con Chicharrón: Fried cassava topped with crispy pork and tangy slaw.
Sopa de Gallina India: Hearty soup made from free-range hen, often served on weekends in rural eateries.
Tamales Pisques: Corn dough filled with refried beans, wrapped in banana leaves and steamed.
Empanadas Saladas: Savory turnovers with meat or cheese fillings.
Pan con Pollo: Salvadoran-style chicken sandwich with tangy tomato sauce and fresh veggies.
Empanadas de Plátano: Sweet plantain pockets filled with milk custard or beans.
Quesadilla Salvadoreña: A rich, cheesy pound cake dusted with sesame seeds.
Atol de Elote: Creamy, warm corn-based drink/dessert, slightly sweet.
Torrejas: Salvadoran-style French toast soaked in cinnamon syrup.

Alcoholic:

Cadejo Beer: Local craft brewery offering IPAs, lagers, and seasonal brews.
Pilsener: El Salvador’s classic national beer—light, crisp, and widely enjoyed.
Suprema: Premium Salvadoran lager with a smooth finish.
Tic Tack: Local sugarcane liquor—strong and typically homemade.
Rum Cihuatán: El Salvador’s premium rum brand, aged and rich in character.

Non-Alcoholic:

Horchata Salvadoreña: Different from Mexican horchata, made with morro seeds, spices, and often served cold.
Ensalada: A tropical fruit drink with finely diced fruits floating in sweet juice.
Atol de Elote: Sweet, thick corn drink served hot (also eaten with a spoon).
Tamarindo Juice: Tart and refreshing tamarind-based beverage.
Maracuyá Juice: Passionfruit juice that balances sweetness with a tangy edge.

Mayan ruins: Visit Joya de Cerén (a UNESCO site dubbed the “Pompeii of the Americas”) and Tazumal.
Colonial towns: Suchitoto—cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, and art galleries.
Indigo workshops: Try natural dye-making at Arte Añil in Suchitoto.
Handicrafts: La Palma is famous for colorful folk art and wooden toys.
Festivals:
- Fiestas Agostinas (early August in San Salvador).
- Día de la Cruz (May 3rd)—homes decorated with flowers and fruits.
Churches: Metropolitan Cathedral and El Rosario Church (known for its striking architecture).
Art Galleries: MARTE (Museum of Art of El Salvador) highlights contemporary artists.
Local markets: Explore Mercado Nacional de Artesanías for textiles and pottery.
Mural culture: Towns like Ataco are covered in vivid street art depicting Salvadoran stories.
Traditional music: Marimba bands often perform at festivals and town fairs.

Surfing: El Tunco and El Zonte are world-class surf spots with relaxed vibes.
Volcano hikes: Trek up Santa Ana Volcano for panoramic views of a turquoise crater lake.
Coffee tours: Explore plantations in Ruta de las Flores—Ataco is a charming base.
Beach lounging: Playa Las Flores and Costa del Sol offer tranquility and warm waters.
Scenic drives: The Ruta de Paz showcases history and mountain landscapes.
Nightlife in San Salvador: Zona Rosa and Paseo El Carmen offer trendy bars and live music.
Museo de la Palabra y la Imagen: Learn about the civil war and cultural memory.
Hot Springs: Termales de Santa Teresa—natural thermal pools near Ahuachapán.
Lake Coatepeque: Take a boat ride or rent a lakeside cabin for a peaceful day trip.
Adventure parks: Zip-lining and canopy tours in Apaneca Adventure Park.

Cadejo Brewing Co. (San Salvador): Craft beers with volcano views and live music.
República Bar: A buzzy nightlife spot with dance floors and DJ sets.
Stanza Café Bar: Cocktail-forward bar with an upscale, loungey vibe.
La Ventana (Suchitoto): Bohemian art bar serving cocktails and local dishes.
La Dalia: Rooftop bar in San Salvador with craft drinks and DJs.
Café Fulanos: Quirky cafe-bar with live acoustic sets and open mics.
Club Aristo: Popular LGBTQ+ friendly club in the capital.
Casa Verde Hostel Bar (Santa Ana): Great for backpackers and casual beers.
Tía Meche’s: Classic Salvadoran cantina with karaoke and ice-cold Pilseners.
Naïf Lounge: Stylish spot for cocktails and sushi in the Zona Rosa district.
Paseo El Carmen (Santa Tecla): Vibrant nightlife strip with dozens of bars, cafés, and open-air venues packed on weekends.