Things To Do
in Santo Tomás
Santo Tomás is a small city in central El Salvador, surrounded by rolling farmland and pine-forested hills. The town centers around a compact plaza, a historic church, and warm, family-friendly streets where locals gather for daily life. Visitors discover a relaxed pace, colourful markets, and easy access to nearby beaches, nature reserves, and coffee farms.
The region blends agricultural heritage with a welcoming atmosphere that makes it easy to linger and explore.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive at Santo Tomás and settle into your accommodation. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a local café, tasting traditional Salvadoran dishes like pupusas or yuca frita. Take a moment to relax and unwind from your journey, soaking in the surroundings.
After lunch, take a stroll around the charming streets of Santo Tomás, admiring the colorful colonial architecture. Visit local artisan shops and perhaps pick up a few handmade souvenirs. Engage with friendly locals and discover the town’s unique traditions.
As the sun sets, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant that offers authentic Salvadoran cuisine. Join a community event or festival if available, experiencing the local music and dance. Wind down the evening with a quiet walk, taking in the peaceful ambiance of the town.
Begin your day with an early breakfast before heading out for a hike in the nearby hills. The fresh air and scenic views will awaken your senses while you explore the lush greenery. Stop for photos at picturesque viewpoints along the trail.
After a morning of adventure, return to town for lunch at a local eatery. Spend your afternoon visiting a nearby nature reserve where you can see diverse flora and fauna. Take part in guided wildlife watching to fully appreciate the rich ecosystem.
Dinner tonight features local seafood specialties at a waterfront restaurant. Relax on the beach, watching the waves crash while sharing stories with fellow travelers. Cap off the night by gazing at the stars above, without the interference of city lights.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $6-10 |
| 🍽️Three-course meal for two (mid-range restaurant) | $25-40 |
| 🚌One-way local transport | $0.25-0.50 |
| 🏨Budget hotel per night | $15-40 |
| ☕Coffee at a local cafe | $1-3 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Friendly, welcoming locals and a relaxed pace
- Rich local cuisine and vibrant street markets
- Limited nightlife compared to larger cities
- Public transport can be less frequent outside urban centers
- "Hola, ¿cómo estás?" - Hello, how are you?
- "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
- "¿Dónde está el baño?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Gracias" - Thank you
- "Una mesa para dos, por favor" - A table for two, please
- "¿Hablas inglés?" - Do you speak English?
- "Ayuda" - Help
Places to Visit in Santo Tomás
Visit one of these nice places.
Historic church with a white façade and wooden doors; best photography in early morning light.
The central plaza is surrounded by pastel-colored buildings and market stalls, perfect for street photography.
A hillside overlook offering views over the city and valley at sunset.
Interior market scenes with vendors, textiles, and produce—great for candid photos.
Food in Santo Tomás
Santo Tomás Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Thick corn tortillas stuffed with cheese and loroco, served with curtido and tomato salsa; widely available at pupuserías and street stalls.
Must-Try!
Tender yuca served with fried pork, typically accompanied by a tangy sauce and fresh cabbage salad.
Tamales wrapped in plantain or corn husks, filled with pork, chicken, or bean options; commonly found at markets and family-run eateries.
A cooling rice-based drink infused with cinnamon and vanilla, perfect for a hot afternoon.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Bustling market where vendors sell fresh produce, tortillas, and snacks; perfect for trying hot, local bites.
Street-food stalls offering grilled meats, arepas, fried snacks, and fruit drinks; great for a casual bite.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet with a friendly 'Buenos días' or 'Buenas tardes'; a handshake is common.
Handle goods gently, ask before taking photos of people, and avoid loud disputes in busy areas.
Dress modestly when visiting churches or religious sites and observe local norms of silence and respect.
Ask before photographing people or vendors; avoid blocking entrances or interrupting performances.
Safety
Tipping in Santo Tomás
Ensure a smooth experience
In restaurants, a tip of around 10% is customary if service isn’t included; for street food and small stalls, rounding up is appreciated.
USD is widely accepted; credit/debit cards are common in larger establishments; cash is preferred for markets and small vendors; ATMs are common in town.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mostly sunny days with cooler evenings in the highlands; great for outdoor activities, but carry sunscreen and water.
Afternoon showers are common; plan morning excursions, bring a light rain jacket, and expect humidity.
Transition periods with varied weather; comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds.
Santo Tomás at Night
Hiking in Santo Tomás
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A short ascent offering panoramic views of the town and valley; suitable for a half-day outing.
Gentle forest trails with birdlife and shade; ideal for morning walks.
Water-side paths through mangroves; possible canoe or kayak excursions with a guide.
Airports
How to reach Santo Tomás by plane.
Main international gateway to El Salvador, located near San Luis Talpa; about a 60–90 minute drive from Santo Tomás depending on traffic.
Airfield near San Salvador used for regional flights and private aviation; not typical for international travelers.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Mix of young professionals and families living in the town center and surrounding neighborhoods.
Agricultural communities in the surrounding countryside, contributing to local markets and cuisine.
People seeking a relaxed gateway to Central El Salvador and nearby nature spots.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The dominant sport; local teams and casual games are common in schools and plazas.
Played in schools and community leagues; occasional local tournaments.
Popular in community centers and gyms; pickup games are common in evenings.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Santo Tomás.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are common at pupuserías and cafes; look for pupusas de queso or loroco, beans, plantains, and salads; confirm there’s no meat in broths or sauces.