Things To Do
in Santo Tomás
Santo Tomás is a small municipality located in the department of San Salvador in El Salvador. It is known for its picturesque landscapes, including lush green hills and forests. The town is a popular destination for outdoor activities such as hiking and bird watching, with opportunities to explore various natural attractions.
Santo Tomás also has a vibrant local culture, highlighted by traditional food, festivals, and friendly residents.
- "¿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): $25 - $75
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $5 - $15
- ☕ Coffee: $1 - $3
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.50 - $1
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $30 - $60
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $20 - $40
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a local breakfast, trying traditional dishes like pupusas. Afterward, explore the vibrant markets to soak in the local culture.
Visit the nearby natural parks for hiking and enjoying the beautiful landscapes. Pack a picnic to relax at one of the scenic spots.
As the sun sets, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. Take a stroll around the town square to enjoy the evening atmosphere.
Kick off the day with an early hike to a nearby viewpoint for breathtaking views. The cool morning air is perfect for capturing stunning photographs.
Spend your afternoon visiting historical sites, learning about the local heritage. Don't forget to try some local snacks sold by vendors.
Enjoy a cultural event if available, showcasing local music and dance. Wrap up your day with a relaxing evening at a café.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich cultural heritage and history
- Access to beautiful natural landscapes
- Growing sense of community and local engagement
- Affordable cost of living compared to larger cities
- Opportunities for ecotourism and outdoor activities
- Limited access to advanced healthcare facilities
- Economic challenges and lower job opportunities
- Issues with infrastructure and public services
- Higher crime rates compared to other regions
- Language barrier for non-Spanish speakers
Best Activities in Santo Tomás
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the diverse flora and fauna in this beautiful national park with stunning trails and breathtaking views.
Enjoy the renowned surf breaks in El Zonte, known for its consistent waves and laid-back atmosphere.
Discover the natural beauty of this eco-park, home to a variety of bird species and picturesque waterfalls.
Tours
Uncover the best of Santo Tomás with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Santo Tomás
Visit one of these nice places.
Offers panoramic views of Santo Tomás and the surrounding landscape, ideal for photography.
Provides stunning views of the town and its surroundings, a great spot for photography enthusiasts.
A hill that offers breathtaking views of the town and the natural beauty of the area, perfect for photography lovers.
Food in Santo Tomás
Santo Tomás Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Pupusas are iconic thick tortillas stuffed with various fillings such as cheese, beans, and pork. They are often served with curtido, a pickled cabbage slaw, and tomato salsa. Must-try vendors: Doña Goya's Pupuseria, Pupuseria Dona Tita.
Must-Try!
Yucca Frita is deep-fried cassava, a popular side dish or snack. It's crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, often served with a tangy tomato sauce. Recommended spot: Comedor Mary's.
Sopa de Pata is a savory soup made from cow's feet, vegetables, and spices, creating a hearty and flavorful dish. Enjoy it at Las Delicias de la Abuela.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Santo Tomás better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A bustling market where you can find fresh produce, local spices, and a variety of street food stalls offering pupusas, tamales, and fresh fruit juices.
In the evenings, Parque Central transforms into a lively hub of street food vendors offering a range of local snacks and dishes. Don't miss the opportunity to try the diverse offerings here.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Santo Tomás, El Salvador, it's important to be mindful of personal space and avoid standing too close to others, especially when interacting with someone of the opposite gender.
When meeting someone for the first time or interacting with elders, it is respectful to use formal greetings and titles such as 'Señor' (Mr.) and 'Señora' (Mrs.).
During mealtime, it is customary to wait for the host to start eating before beginning your meal. Additionally, it is polite to compliment the food and express gratitude towards the host.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Santo Tomás with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Santo Tomás
Ensure a smooth experience
In Santo Tomás, El Salvador, tipping is not a common practice. However, in some upscale restaurants or hotels, a service charge may be included in the bill, in which case additional tipping is not expected.
Payment in Santo Tomás, El Salvador is predominantly done in cash. Credit and debit cards are accepted in some larger establishments, but it's advisable to carry local currency for transactions. ATMs are available in the area for cash withdrawals.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Santo Tomás.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to visit Santo Tomás, El Salvador. Expect sunny and warm weather with minimal rainfall, making it ideal for outdoor activities and beach trips.
Expect increased rainfall and higher humidity during this season. While the lush greenery is beautiful, outdoor activities may be limited due to the rain.
Santo Tomás at Night
Hiking in Santo Tomás
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A picturesque national park that offers several hiking trails with stunning views of the Izalco Volcano and surrounding lush landscapes.
A popular hiking destination that leads to the summit of the Santa Ana Volcano, providing breathtaking vistas of the crater lake and surrounding mountains.
Home to multiple volcanoes with various trails, this park is ideal for hiking enthusiasts seeking diverse terrains and spectacular sights.
A rugged and biodiverse park, featuring challenging hiking trails that wind through deep canyons and dense forests, appealing to adventurous hikers.
A protected area known for its cloud forests and rich biodiversity, offering tranquil hiking paths and opportunities for bird watching.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Santo Tomás through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Santo Tomás by plane.
The main international airport serving San Salvador and the surrounding areas in El Salvador.
Another name for San Óscar Romero International Airport, crucial for international travel in and out of El Salvador.
Located in Guatemala City, Guatemala, approximately 250 km from Santo Tomás, serving as a major hub in Central America.
Situated in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, about 360 km from Santo Tomás, known for its challenging approach due to mountainous terrain.
Located in Managua, Nicaragua, roughly 400 km from Santo Tomás, it is the largest airport in Nicaragua.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The largest demographic group, comprising individuals of mixed European and indigenous descent.
Includes various indigenous groups, primarily the Nahua-Pipil, who maintain cultural and traditional practices.
Comprises the descendants of European immigrants and their descendants, typically associated with a higher socioeconomic status.
Represents a smaller demographic group, primarily of Afro-descendant heritage, with roots in the African diaspora.
Includes individuals of Asian descent, such as those with Chinese or other Asian ancestry, making up a minor part of the population.
The Soul of Santo Tomás
Discover the essence of Santo Tomás through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football is the most popular sport in Santo Tomás and throughout El Salvador, with local clubs and a passionate fan base.
Basketball enjoys popularity among the youth, with many local courts and community teams. It is widely played in schools.
Baseball has a significant following in El Salvador and is popular in Santo Tomás, with many local leagues and teams.
Volleyball is played recreationally in Santo Tomás, especially in schools and among community groups.
Rugby is growing in popularity in El Salvador, with Santo Tomás having local teams and a developing player base.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Santo Tomás.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While traditional Salvadoran cuisine leans heavily on meat, many eateries in Santo Tomás now offer vegetarian and vegan alternatives, especially in the form of bean or cheese-based pupusas, grilled vegetable plates, and fresh fruit smoothies.
Several restaurants and cafes in Santo Tomás provide gluten-free alternatives, including corn-based tortillas, salads, and rice-based dishes. It's advisable to communicate your dietary needs to ensure a pleasant dining experience.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Santo Tomás with these cultural adventures.
