Things To Do
in El Salvador
El Salvador is the smallest and most densely populated country in Central America, known for its Pacific Ocean beaches, surf spots, and mountainous landscape. It has a rich history marked by ancient Mayan sites such as Tazumal and colonial architecture in its capital, San Salvador, which also serves as the cultural and financial hub of the nation.
Despite its natural beauty and cultural heritage, El Salvador has faced challenges such as natural disasters, economic instability, and high crime rates, but it continues to work towards growth and development.
- "¿Qué tal?" - How are you?
- "Todo bien" - Everything is fine
- "Gracias" - Thank you
- "Por favor" - Please
- "Hasta luego" - See you later
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $20 - $100
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $5 - $30
- ☕ Coffee: $1 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.25 - $1
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $30 - $70
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $25 - $55
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a sunrise at Playa El Tunco, a popular surfing spot. Enjoy a refreshing breakfast at a local café overlooking the beach.
Spend your afternoon lounging on the beach or catching waves. Visit the nearby rocks and explore the tide pools for unique marine life.
As the sun sets, enjoy fresh seafood at a beachside restaurant. End your day with a bonfire on the beach, perfect for stargazing.
Begin with a hike in the Montecristo Cloud Forest. Keep an eye out for diverse wildlife and breathtaking views.
Enjoy a picnic lunch at one of the scenic lookout points in the forest. Afterward, go zip-lining for an adrenaline rush through the treetops.
Return to your lodge for dinner and share stories with other travelers. Optionally, take a nighttime walk to experience the forest's unique sounds.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Stunning natural landscapes, including beaches, volcanoes, and mountains.
- Rich cultural heritage with vibrant traditions, festivals, and food.
- Growing tourism industry, providing opportunities for investment and entrepreneurship.
- Relatively low cost of living compared to many Western countries.
- Efforts to improve safety and security in urban areas.
- Higher crime rates in certain areas, particularly gang violence.
- Limited access to quality healthcare in rural regions.
- Economic instability and dependence on remittances from abroad.
- Political challenges and concerns over governance and corruption.
- Infrastructure issues, such as inconsistent electricity and water supply.
Best Activities in El Salvador
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
El Salvador is known for its world-class surfing spots such as El Sunzal and El Tunco, with consistent waves for surfers of all levels.
Explore the natural beauty of El Salvador by hiking in places like El Imposible National Park and the Santa Ana Volcano.
Discover the stunning beaches along El Salvador's coastline, including Playa El Zonte and Playa El Cuco.
Tours
Uncover the best of El Salvador with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in El Salvador
Visit one of these nice places.
Offers breathtaking views of the crater and surrounding landscape.
Provides stunning panoramic views of the San Salvador Volcano and the city below.
A charming colonial town with picturesque views of Lake Suchitlán and the surrounding countryside.
Perfect for capturing beautiful sunsets and beach scenes.
Food in El Salvador
El Salvador Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A must-try traditional Salvadoran dish made of a thick corn tortilla filled with cheese, pork, beans, or loroco (edible flower buds). Enjoy authentic pupusas at Antojitos Típicos Tita in San Salvador or the bustling stalls at the street market in Olocuilta.
Must-Try!
Fried yuca, often served as a side dish or appetizer, is a popular staple in Salvadoran cuisine. Head to the coastal towns like La Libertad to savor this delightful dish alongside freshly caught seafood.
A savory soup made from cow's feet simmered to tender perfection with vegetables and spices. Sample this hearty dish at local spots in Santa Ana or San Miguel for an authentic culinary experience.
Unique Experiences
Get to know El Salvador better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
This bustling market in San Salvador offers a myriad of street food options, from savory tamales to grilled meats and fresh tropical juices. It's a great place to immerse in local flavors and culinary traditions.
Located in San Salvador, these food stalls offer a diverse range of street food including empanadas, corn-based specialties, and various grilled dishes. It's an ideal spot to explore street food culture.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In El Salvador, it is customary to greet people with a handshake, and among friends and family, a kiss on the cheek is a common form of greeting.
It is important to use formal titles such as 'senor' (Mr.) and 'senora' (Mrs.) when addressing elders as a sign of respect in Salvadoran culture.
El Salvador is predominantly Catholic, so it is important to show respect for religious customs and traditions, including attending church services and participating in religious festivals.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of El Salvador with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in El Salvador
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not mandatory in El Salvador, but it is appreciated for good service. It is customary to leave a 10% tip at restaurants if a service charge is not already included in the bill.
In El Salvador, cash is widely used for transactions, although major credit cards are also accepted in many establishments. It's important to have some cash on hand as many smaller vendors may not accept cards.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into El Salvador.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
The dry season is the best time to visit El Salvador, with sunny weather and minimal rainfall. Expect perfect conditions for outdoor activities and exploring the country's natural beauty.
During the rainy season, El Salvador experiences heavier rainfall and potential for tropical storms. However, this period also brings lush green landscapes and is a great time for surfing due to the consistent waves.
El Salvador at Night
Hiking in El Salvador
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A popular park featuring the San Salvador Volcano, offering various trails with stunning views and diverse flora and fauna.
A national park that includes hiking opportunities around several volcanoes, including Izalco and Cerro Verde, with beautiful landscapes and vantage points.
Home to a variety of volcanic formations, this park offers hiking trails through lush vegetation, leading to breathtaking views of volcanoes and the surrounding area.
A picturesque route with several charming towns, the trail includes multiple hiking paths that connect the stunning waterfalls, coffee plantations, and lush hills.
A beautiful cloud forest reserve with hiking trails that allow visitors to experience unique ecosystems and diverse wildlife.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into El Salvador through these rare and unique activities.
Airports
How to reach El Salvador by plane.
The main international airport serving San Salvador, the capital of El Salvador.
Located in La Mesa, Honduras, this airport is approximately 149 kilometers from San Salvador.
Located in Gulfport, Mississippi, USA, this airport is approximately 180 kilometers from the border.
Located in Managua, Nicaragua, this airport is approximately 200 kilometers from San Salvador.
This airport is located in San José, Costa Rica, approximately 294 kilometers from El Salvador.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The largest demographic group, characterized by a mix of Indigenous and Spanish ancestry, comprising about 90% of the population.
Comprising various groups, including the Pipil, Lenca, and others, they represent approximately 1-2% of the population, with a rich cultural heritage.
Primarily descended from Spanish colonizers, this group makes up about 5% of the population, with significant influence in business and politics.
This group, including descendants of African slaves, constitutes about 1% of the population and is primarily found in coastal areas.
A small but growing demographic, including descendants of Chinese and other Asian immigrants, making up less than 1% of the population.
The Soul of El Salvador
Discover the essence of El Salvador through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Soccer (fútbol) is the most popular sport in El Salvador, with a rich culture of local clubs and a passionate national team.
El Salvador is known for its excellent surfing beaches, making surfing a popular sport, especially among locals and tourists alike.
Basketball has a growing following in El Salvador, with many schools and local leagues promoting the sport across the country.
Baseball is also popular, with many people engaged in playing and following the local leagues and teams.
Beach volleyball is particularly popular in coastal areas, complementing El Salvador's vibrant beach culture.
Traffic
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While Salvadoran cuisine prominently features meat and dairy, many restaurants and food stalls offer vegetarian options such as bean and cheese pupusas, plantain-based dishes, or fresh fruit smoothies. Look out for eateries that cater specifically to vegetarian and vegan preferences in urban areas.
For those with gluten sensitivities, traditional Salvadoran cuisine offers some naturally gluten-free options like yuca frita, fresh ceviche, and grilled fish or shrimp. Additionally, modern establishments in tourist areas and cities often provide gluten-free menu items and are accommodating to specific dietary needs.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of El Salvador with these cultural adventures.
Healthcare
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting El Salvador.