el salvador tourist destinations

• Central America
• El Salvador
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The Most Beautiful Places to Visit in El Salvador

Tucked at the bottom of Central America on the way to nowhere, El Salvador often gets overlooked even by overlanding backpackers. Which is a shame – with Mayan ruins, avenues of smoking volcanoes, sleepy Spanish-colonial villages set in flower-filled valleys and long, broad stretches of surf-friendly Pacific coast, it’s as enchanting as its more celebrated neighbors. And at around the same size of New Jersey, you can see the most beautiful spots at your leisure in a few days.

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Tazumal is the most impressive Mayan ruin in El Salvador – first settled around 5,000 BCE, archaeologists estimate, and abandoned in the 13th century. The architectural complex was excavated and extensively restored in the 1940s and ’50s, but many of the ruins remain unexcavated. Tazumal is believed to have been an important center of trade, and its language in the K’iche’ language means “pyramid where the victims were burned.” Explore this vast site and learn about the history of the Maya civilization through the on-site museum.

Playa El Tunco

Welcome to a funky two-street beach town, very popular with backpackers and surfers – waves on the pebbly black beaches are best early in the morning. Stroll the quaint streets or visit the beach caves when the tide is low. Playa El Tunco is popular with Salvadorans as well as travelers, and is always packed on weekends. Don’t miss the stunning sunsets every evening (top tip: there’s an amazing view from the hotel Monkey Lala). At night, the bars are fabulously upbeat – and the crowd can get quite rowdy.

Head northeast of the capital, San Salvador, and you’ll reach this former colonial city. It suffered structural damage in the Civil War (1980-1992), but now it’s a great mountain getaway, and a national magnet for culture, with arts and food festivals forever filling the streets. You might amble round the cobblestone streets gazing up at beautifully preserved Spanish-colonial buildings. Head beyond town for waterfalls and caves. Or take your binoculars to Lake Suchitlán, where migratory species include the country’s largest duck populations.

Ruta de las Flores

Named for the wildflowers that grow roadside (at their best from November to February), this Flower Route leads you through some of the most beautiful villages in El Salvador. From Sonsonate you drive for some 25mi (40km), through Juayúa, Ataco, Apaneca and Ahuachapán. Along the way, you’ll pass Spanish-colonial buildings, towering churches, weekend markets and great little pit-stops for food, not to mention stunning views of waterfalls and coffee plantations. You’ll have more independence if you self-drive, but the trail can also be covered by bus.

Playa el Esteron

Here’s a charming stretch of coast that, for whatever reason, somehow isn’t as popular as many of the others in El Salvador. The surf is gentle, and the ambience is tranquil thanks to the absence of the usual shore crowd, heavy on rowdy backpackers. The sands stretch out endlessly in either direction, not quite as black as the kind you find further west. If you need a tranquil beach getaway in El Salvador, stop at Playa El Esteron for a lazy beach day in beautiful, if unremitting, sunshine. You’re bound to end up swigging cold beer and swinging in a rented hammock as you watch the sunset colors form.

Lake Llopango

What used to be a volcano 1,500 years ago is now a blue expanse of freshwater in central El Salvador. At an altitude of 1,450ft (442m), edged by towering cliffs, it is much loved by divers and boating enthusiasts. An eruption, sometime between CE 410 and CE 535, shattered the cone, killing and displacing hundreds of thousands of people for miles around. The bowl-like caldera that remained filled to form the 28sqmi (72sqkm) Lake Ilopango. Travelers are bewitched by its serene beauty, and locals dive for fish in waters that fall away to 787ft (240m) or more.

Montecristo National Park

This national park is nature with the volume turned up to 11 – from the highest peak (El Trifino, at 7,933ft/2,418m) to the lowest valleys. It looks like a long-lost world, with dense canopy of oaks and laurel trees soaring up to 100ft (30m) above, and mushrooms, lichens and mosses running rampant across the forest floor. And yet you can visit easily as part of a tour. You might glimpse the rare likes of pumas and anteaters, spider monkeys and and coyotes. Even if you don’t, sightings of squirrels and porcupines, black shrew-mice and white-tailed deer are common. All that and 300 bird species, including quetzals, green toucans and white-faced quails. Keep your eyes peeled.

Puerta del Diablo

The past is dark – filled with death and horror – but today the views are awesome and uplifting, ensuring a steady flow of tourists. Devil’s Door is a rock formation composed of two tall boulders, forming a window out over the lush El Salvadoran landscape. From the viewpoint, accessed along a winding pathway, you’ll see the indigenous town Panchimalco directly below, Lake Ilopango to the left, and the twin-peaked San Vicente volcano straight ahead with the Pacific beyond. Unsurprisingly, for the intrepid, there are more than 60 rock climbing routes in the area, with zip lining, canopy tours, caving and rappelling on the agenda, too.

A drive of some 40mi (65km) from San Salvador brings you to Santa Ana, the second-largest city in the country. An idyll of tree-lined streets and vibrant buildings, it amassed its wealth from the coffee industry. It feels grand, and there’s a blossoming cultural scene, drawn by the all-round beauty. It’s a good place to base yourself if heading out to explore the Tazumal ruins or the Ruta de las Flores. While here, make sure you explore Santa Ana’s towering neo-Gothic cathedral, completed in 1913, with an exterior liberally covered in intricate carvings.

Coatepeque Caldera

Filling a volcanic caldera forged tens of thousands of years ago – much older than Ilopango – Lago de Coatepeque is one of the larger lakes in the country. Surrounded by steep slopes, the clean blue water descends 394ft (120m) – a miraculous view seen from the highway on the ridge of the crater as you approach. There’s plenty to do – perhaps taking a kayak or boat out over the rippled depths. As you paddle, notice the beach houses on the shores: weekend getaways for the very lucky.

When it comes to pre-Colombian ruins, neighboring Guatemala gets all the limelight. Which is good news, because while Tikal is tourist-teeming, El Salvador’s more modest Mayan cities are deserted. Even though they’re just 45 minutes north of San Salvador, you’ll have the pyramids and ancient ball courts at Cihuatán to yourself, if you come midweek. With no roads nearby, the air is meditatively still, except for the calls of toucans and tanagers in the surrounding forest.

Laguna de Alegria

Central El Salvador is rugged with forest-swathed volcanoes, cut with plunging valleys and dotted with crater lakes. Emerald green, iris-round and sitting in a bowl of rainforest at the summit of Tecapa volcano, the Laguna de Alegria in the Cerro Verde mountains, is one of the prettiest. It’s easy to reach by road from the nearby village of Alegria (aka “Happiness”), and trails run from the shore into the surrounding forest to hot springs and fumaroles.

Playa el Espino

Many of El Salvador’s beaches are sticky and muscavado-brown. Not Espino, a place of palm-tree shade and demerara sand stretching for more than 12mi (20km) between the waterfall-laced Periquera mountains and the wild, dolphin-populated bays of Jiquilisco. Things get busy around the village, where there are restaurants, hotels and surf shops. However, the sand is empty and wild at the beach’s eastern and western extremities, with more nesting turtles and cawing terns than tourists.

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Alex Robinson contributed additional reporting to this article.

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Top 18 Best El Salvador Tourist Attractions you must Visit

Apart from history, this country has a lot of natural beauties . These are in the forms of the volcano, volcanic terrain, lakes, seacoast, and more. El Salvador is a bit behind from its famous neighbors, CostaRica, and Panama. But what visitors don’t realize is that El Salvador is a small country. It has a large collection of national parks and historical sites.

There are many reasons to visit El Salvador . It has fantastic beaches where you can spend your evening after a tiring day. Other than that, there are archeological sites filled with mysteries and historical stories. You can also perform many outdoor activities, including hiking and climbing stunning views. El Salvador offers travelers a huge variety of foods, which will make you want to travel to El Salvador.

Some Facts About El Salvador

You will find plenty of crafters and artists. They make jugs, bowls, and plates so you can decorate your home after a vacation to El Salvador. And when you arrive at

El Salvador is most famous for its warm welcome for tourists. There are many travel guides to guide you to visit every part of El Salvador without your time.

Despite retaining its dated reputation for being an unsafe country. But now El Salvador is one of Central America’s safest countries to visit. You should also keep in mind that crime happens anywhere. Even if you are visiting El Salvador, you have to stay alert. To know more about the tourist attraction in El Salvador, keep reading.

Top 18 Best El Salvador Tourist Attractions You must Visit:

1. san salvador.

The first place that comes in our list of the best El Salvador tourist attractions is San Salvador. San Salvador is one of the most famous El Salvador cities. It is the capital city of El Salvador and is in the central plateau region. It is also the second-largest city in Central America. Despite the colossal size, many visitors appreciate this place. This is because of its easy-going atmosphere.

San Salvador has some unique aspects, even if its country’s largest metropolis visitors are a few minutes away from the city’s inspiring natural beauty. From amazing volcanoes and stunning crater lakes to the best parks in the country.

Tazumal is also among the most popular El Salvador tourist attractions. It is the most famous Mayan ruin in El Salvador. And the estimation done by the archeologist suggests that this place dates back to 5000BC. But people left the place during AD 1200. The architectural complex faced expensive restoration and evacuation during the 1940s and 50s. But there are still many ruins that have not undergone evacuation yet.

Many believe that Tazumal is an important center of trade. And the language in the K’iche means pyramid, where they would burn the victims. You can explore this vast site and get to learn more about the history of the Maya civilization. This is possible through an onsite museum.

3. Suchitoto

The next place that comes in our list of the best El Salvador tourist attractions is Suchitoto. Suchitoto is 50km northeast of the capital city. This tourist destination is a formal colonial city and is a current cultural hub of the country. Food festivals and Arts occur all the time. The streets usually have a lot of visitors around the country and beyond. You can also enjoy a stroll on this city’s cobblestone streets to have a fantastic and amazing view. With well-preserved Spanish colonial buildings and hike around the area to find waterfalls and caves.

This city is in a bird migration zone. The country’s civil war that was from 1980-1992 caused damage to this city. But now it has turned into a great mountain getaway for all the tourists.

4. Ruta De Las Flores

Ruta de la Flores is among the most visited El Salvador tourist attractions. It is a trail that leads the visitors through the most beautiful villages of El Salvador. It is popular for the wildflowers that grow along the road, and it looks best when it’s winters. The travel route starts from Sonsonate through Juayua, Ataco, for around 40km. And along the trail, you will see a lot of the culture and history of the area. From all Spanish colonial buildings to all the famous local food options. Everything has something special. The area has stunning views and weekend markets. Here you can get souvenirs for your family or friends.

While traveling, the travelers will find an amazing waterfall, towering churches, landscapes. You can visit the place by driving a car. It will give you much more control over where you want to stop. You can also trial and can also travel by bus.

5. The Cerro El Pital

The Pital Hill comes with many nature and adventure destinations, making it one of the best El Salvador tourist attractions. This captures the tourist attraction in El Salvador. This is something you will not want to miss. This is the most mountainous and elevated place in El Salvador. The hills are one of the most important in the department of Chalatenango. They have more elevation of more than 2,700 meters above sea level. This is the best place to visit for tourists who are winter lovers. And that’s because the temperature reaches 10-degree Celsius at night.

Many tourists consider this place as one of the best places to go camping in El Salvador. It also has a huge variety of hotels. And the most amazing part of all is that they have a lot of camping areas. Most of them offer hikes to the surroundings such as the Zumpal river, vegetables, and fruit crops. If you are a lover of nature , photography, then this is the best place to visit in El Salvador.

6. El Tunco Beach

El Salvador is very famous for its beautiful beaches. Each year many tourists chose El Salvador as a destination for surfing because of the best waves. There are many beaches in the country. And they all are wonderful, but El Tunco Beach is the most visited beach . The name of this beach is “El Tunco” because of the rock formation on the shore of the place. It is quite like the shape of a pig in El Salvador.

Besides having these beautiful and a huge variety of beaches and strange rock formations. It also has a variety of hotels of all sorts of prices, restaurants, bars and also surf lessons here. El Salvador is an extraordinary country. It is full of amazing culture, adventure, surfing, and more. It assures you that you will have beautiful memories after visiting this famous place in El Salvador.

7. Montecristo National Park

Montecristo National Park is a national park that is full of high peaks and low valleys, and a dense canopy. This makes it one of the most visited El Salvador tourist attractions. The laurel trees and cloud forest of oaks can grow up to almost 30m tall. And mushrooms, mosses, and lichens grow all over the forest floor. You can also take a tour through the park to experience the beauty of a natural rainforest.

Most visitors will see rare animals like spiders, monkeys, pumas, coyotes, and agoutis. But the most common ones are squirrels, porcupines, black shrew mice, and white-tailed deer. There are 300 bird species, including green toucans, white-faced quails, and quetzals. All these are only in the Montecristo National park.

8. Puerto del Diablo

Puerto del Diablo is popular for having a dark past featuring death and horror. This makes the tourist keep visiting this place again and again. Puerto del Diablo is not only among the most visited El Salvador tourist attractions, but it is also one of the creepiest. The striking of this place is ‘Devil Door’. The rock formation comprises two tall boulders. This forms a window looking out at El Salvador’s lush landscape. A pathway leads you up to the viewpoint where you will see the indigenous town Panchimalco from there.

You can also view the lake IloPango on the left side and the twin-peaked San Vicente volcano straight ahead. There are almost more than 60 established rock climbing routes in these areas. They also have adventurous activities like Zip lining, caving, canopy tours, and rappelling.

9. Coatepeque Caldera

This volcanic caldera came into being tens of thousands of years ago. Lake Coatepeque is one of the largest lakes in the country. It has clean, blue water that reaches into a depth of 120m. Plus it also has very steep mountainous slopes in the surroundings. The amazing attractions in Coatepeque Caldera make it one of the best tourist attractions in El Salvador.

There’s also a highway which is on the ridge of the crater. It gives onlookers incredible panoramic views. The visitors can get up close and personal with the lake by taking a boat onto the water. The beach houses which are around the shore of the lake are popular weekend getaways.

10. Santa Ana

Santa Ana is a place for those looking for a bit of a mix between San Salvador’s modern city life ten Santa Ana is the best choice. It is one of the most popular El Salvador attractions so far. It is also the second-largest city in El Salvador. You can spend the days here in happiness as the streets are very peaceful. Also, this city has a lot of museums which attract the tourist’s attention.

There are also fantastic bars and restaurants in Santa Ana. So you can flavor all the famous food in this country. You can also find the Santa Ana Volcano, which is the highest volcano in El Salvador. Plus a lot of other lush green mountains.

There’s a zoo in Santa Ana located on 20 acres at Prentice park with plants and animals. This zoo includes fascinating rides and attractions. There are also many interesting animals for tourists to see including Howler monkeys, green iguanas, white-faced saki monkeys, giant anteaters, and birds.

11. The Ancient Ruins Of Joya de Ceren

Among so many places in El Salvador, Joya de Ceren is worth a visit. The ruins of Joya de Ceran are in the liberation department of El Salvador. They are also known as ‘Pompeii of America.’ This habitat is more than 3000 years old. The Mayan people were living here under threat from the local volcano. But in the end, they had to evacuate this place because of the rising fear of volcanoes. This makes Joya de Ceren one of the most historical El Salvador tourist attractions.

This city went under volcanic ash only to be safer much later. But now this has become a tourist spot for tourists who love the mysterious history of this place.

12. Cerro Verde National Park

It is a popular belief that this park was named after the volcano Cerro Verde. It contains three different volcanoes. The other two volcanoes are Santa Ana, Izalco. Verde is the most popular. And one of the main reasons for its popularity is its magnificent peaks and cloud forest. This gives an incredible view of the countryside. It’s a great tourist attraction for tourists who love discovering, making it one of the best El Salvador tourist attractions.

Cerro Verde has a beautiful park. And awesome viewpoints from which you view the majestic volcanoes and the park is an excellent place for bird watching, outdoor games, walking on the trails and due to the frequent rains, constant mist and high humidity the area is always greener so you enjoy the healthy air.

13. El Zonte Beach

The next place that comes in our list of the best El Salvador tourist attractions is the El Zonte Beach. The humble little hippie beach town in EL Zonte is in the south of San Salvador. The beach is massive boulders, and the waves on the beach are trashy. It is not ideal for swimming in the water, but it’s better for experienced surfers.

This is a perfect place for tourists to enjoy their day. And that’s because of the cheap and rustic hotels, cheap food, and beverages. All these attract tourists to have a visit.

14. Costo del Sol

This area is popular for a reason, which is that it’s gorgeous. And popular means it’s sparsely populated and has a very beautiful and amazing beach view. That’s why Costo del Sol is among the most popular El Salvador tourist attractions.

This area also has a theme park named Atlantis Water Park. It has some lush jungle and exotic wildlife in its surroundings. It’s definitely worth a visit. You can also ride many rides and coasters here, which is amazing if you are on vacation with your kids.

15. Pelourinho

Next up in our list of the best El Salvador tourist attractions comes Pelourinho. Pelourinho is a tourist spot that was the governmental and residential center. But that’s when the city was the capital of the colony of Brazil. This beautiful city is the finest ensemble of the 17 and 18 centrum buildings in Latin America.

It is best for tourists who want to have more knowledge of the historical matter of Pelourinho. You can see the colorful buildings which attract the tourists a lot.

16. Playa El Esternón beach

Playa El Esteron beach is a beautiful beach and is as popular as other beaches in El Salvador. The surf is gentle, and the beach is always quiet because the area is not filled with much crowd. If you want to have a peaceful and good day with your friends or alone you can visit this beach. The Playa El Esteron beach is among the most popular beaches when we talk about El Salvador tourist attractions.

The food at Playa El Esternon beach is quite amazing. Tourists love visiting this spot because of the food there. There are so many varieties including seafood such as calamari, shrimp, clam, crab, lobster, fried stuffed fish, shrimp cooked in butter, these are the most authentic food you will ever find in El Salvador.

17. Playa El Sunzal Beach

This beach is located around La Liberated, tranquil El Salvador Beach, which is quite striking, with beautiful black glittering sand. Tourists who love swimming or surfing this beach has shops, swimsuit stores and so much more. And it’s the best place for tourists who surf.

There are also many hotels available at Playa El Sunzal Beach. There is nothing like waking up to the sound of huge waves and the sea air floating into your bedroom. These are one of the best hotels in El Sunzal beach Casa de Mar Hotel And Villa, Kayu Hotel, Hotel, and Bar La Guitarra, Los Almendros El Sunzal. They provide you all the facilities with the best services.

18. Playa El Majahual

This is a busy village of El Majahual, which is a top El Salvador backpacker destination. This beach is one of the cleanest beaches because its sand is really smooth, and the water is also quite clear, which attracts the tourist to visit this spot.

This village is very famous for restaurants here because they have delightful and tasty varieties of food which will leave the tourists shocked. Here are the top 5 restaurants famous for their delicious food El Majahaul, Rancho pacifico Azul, Rancho Benitez, Rock, and Roe Fish Shop. Tourists can go here and enjoy all types of food they crave for.

El Majahaul beach is one of the most visited beaches. It’s an excellent tropical beach to visit and relax with your family and friends and this beach is mostly crowded. The shores are filled with stores made out of palm trees and woods selling hand made souvenirs.

So these are 18 of the best El Salvador tourist attractions. Exploring these things to do in El Salvador is a must when it comes to tourism. But most people do not know much about tourist attractions and famous places in El Salvador. Tourism in El Salvador is no doubt an interesting and enjoyable experience. All the tourist attractions that we mentioned above provide the best views, enjoyment, and more.

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Best things to do in El Salvador  | 30 destinations and tips!

El Salvador is the smallest country in Central America and one of the region’s least visited. But that will soon change, as the security situation has finally improved. El Salvador is a hidden gem with beautiful beaches, shimmering lakes, volcanoes you can climb, national parks and pretty colonial villages. Not to mention the waves; they belong to the best in the world. El Salvador is a country where you can still walk around a Mayan temple by yourself and be on the edge of a volcano crater with only a few other visitors. But what to do in El Salvador? In this article you will find an overview of the most beautiful destinations and best things to do in El Salvador, including tips for hotels, tours, transportation, safety, and culinary and cultural experiences. I am sure El Salvador will be on your bucket list after reading this article.

• Enjoy the Pacific Coast  

El Boqueron volcano

National park el imposible, try the pupasa, traveling in el salvador – transportation and tours, best things to do in el salvador  | 30 destinations and tips  .

Suchitoto is one of the most beautiful destinations in El Salvador. This small colonial town is located on Lake Suchitlán, which provides beautiful views. You can stroll around the streets for hours, past colored houses and flowers, have a chat with the locals and enjoy the lovely atmosphere.

You can also get acquainted with the blue gold of El Salvador, Indigo. At Arte Iñil, beautiful products are sold and different workshops take place. Do not forget to visit the waterfall Los Tercios because of its special formation. And of course you have to try the El Salvadoran pupusa. In the evening when it cools down, you will see countless stalls with local people preparing their pupusas in front of you.

Suchitoto is a wonderful place to stay in El Salvador. In the next article you will find the best things to do in Suchitoto in El Salvador, including tips for activities, tours, waterfalls, hotels and restaurants.

Tips for hotels in Suchitoto El Salvador

• Casa 1800 Suchitoto
• Los Almendros de San Lorenzo

Ruta de las Flores – best things to do in El Salvador

One of the most beautiful itineraries you can make in El Salvador is La Ruta de las Flores – the flower route. This route runs from Sonsonate to Ahuachapán and is known for its many coffee fields, waterfalls and small villages with flowers, murals, markets and little shops

Each village has its own atmosphere and things to do. And the surroundings offer waterfalls and lakes, that you can reach in an adventurous way. Take your time for this route. Even though the distances are short, there is a lot to do and experience.

Curious about La Ruta de las Flores in El Salvador? I loved this area so much that I ended up spending a full week here. In the next article I will tell you everything you want to know about La Ruta de Las Flores in El Salvador , with tips for things to do, tours, transportation, hotels and restaurants.

Tips for hotels along La Ruta de las Flores in El Salvador

• Casa 1800 in Los Naranjos
• Casa 1800 Ataco
• Hotels in Juayua
• Hotels in Ataco

Santa Ana volcano hike

Where in some countries you have to hike for hours to reach the top of a volcano, in El Salvador you can reach the top of Ilamantepec volcano , better known as the Santa Ana, within 1.5 hours. At 2300 meters, Santa Ana is the highest volcano in the country. At the top you look straight into the crater, which consists of a beautiful green crater lake. Moreover, on a clear day you have an amazing view of the surroundings. But the way up is also worth it. You walk through a misty forest and pass special trees and plants. Of course there are a few steep parts, but the walk is doable for anyone with a normal physical condition. The Santa Ana volcano hike is one of the top things to do in El Salvador that you should not miss.

Do you also want to hike the Santa Ana volcano? A guide is mandatory. You can book a tour  here .

Enjoy the Pacific Coast  

A visit to the beach of El Salvador should not be missed in this list with tips and things to do. You will find several good beaches, each with its own atmosphere. My personal favorite is El Zonte, because it is quiet and super nice. In the morning the surfers are in the water early and apart from surfing not much happens. There is a wide and beautiful black sand beach where you can take walks and visit caves.

Hotels along the coast

A stay at hotel Palo Verde makes your trip complete. This wonderful hotel with swimming pool and restaurant is located on the beach and is one of the first sustainable hotels in El Salvador. Trust me, a place you don’t want to leave anymore. Curious about a stay at Palo Verde? In the next article you can read everything you want to know about this sustainable surf hotel, including the story of a passionate entrepreneur. Are you looking for a party vibe? Then you want to book a hotel in El Tunco .

Scenic things to do in El salvador

Cerro verde.

Cerro Verde offers one of the most beautiful views of the Santa Ana Volcano and Lake Coatepeque. And when it is clear, you can even see the coast and  Guatemala   with volcanoes such as Fuego,  Acatenango   and Pacaya in the distance. Cerro Verde is an inactive volcano, located 2030 meters above sea level. The crater is eroded and covered by a thick cloud forest. Cerro Verde is part of El Salvador’s Los Volcanes National Park, which consists of five volcanoes: Santa Ana, Izalco, San Marcelino, Coatepeque, and Cerro Verde. You can drive to the top by car, take short walks, visit an orchid garden and go for some bird watching.

Try to make a reservation at  Casa 1800 Cerro Verde , located on the Cerro Verde and one of the most beautiful hotels in El Salvador. From the restaurant but also from your own room you look straight out over the Santa Ana volcano. You can also walk to a platform during sunset where you enjoy the most magical sunset. Are you curious about other unique hotels in El Salvador? In  the next article   you will find an overview of the best places to stay in El Salvador.

Cerro Verde can be reached from Santa Ana. Read more about the best things to do in Santa Ana in El Salvador here .

• Conchagua volcano

Curious about the most beautiful viewpoint in El Salvador? In the southeast of El Salvador, near the border with Nicaragua, there is the Conchagua volcano. And from the viewpoint Mirador Espíritu de la Montaña, you can observe this 1200-meters high inactive volcano. But once at the top, it’s not just the volcano you see, on the platform you have a 360 degree view of the Gulf of Fonseca, overlooking the islands of El Salvador, Honduras and Nicaragua. Of course you have to be a bit lucky with the weather but wow, this view will leave you speechless. It is one of the things to do, that you should not miss, when visiting El Salvador.

The Conchagua volcano can be easily reached by four-wheel drive. It is also possible to spend the night at the top. Do you want to visit the Conchagua volcano? Check the prices and availability and book your tour  here . In this article you can read more about visiting the Conchagua volcano.

Viewpoints & chairs of Casa 1800

If you see something about El Salvador on Instagram, there is a good chance that you will come across the chairs of Casa 1800. And that is for a good reason. Casa 1800 has managed to claim some of the most beautiful viewpoints and build a restaurant and boutique hotel around them. From a platform, including a big wooden chair you can take great shots of the Santa Ana volcano, Lake Suchitlán, the Izalco volcano and the valley around Ataco. You can even explore El Salvador by going on a special chair route, where you stay in all Casa 1800 hotels. Casa 1800 is one of the best things to do in El Salvador if you want to spend the night in lovely boutique hotels or if you just want to take great pictures.

Hotels Casa 1800

This is an overview of Casa 1800 hotels in El Salvador:

• Casa  1800 Ce rro Verde
• Casa 1800 Los Naranjos

I stayed in 3 of the 4 Casa 1800 hotels myself. In the next article you’ll read more about my stay at Casa 1800 in El Salvador.

Coatepeque Lake

When you are in El Salvador you should definitely visit the Lago de Coatepeque. This crater lake located in the Los Volcanes National Park was created more than 70,000 years ago and is one of the largest lakes in El Salvador (26 km2). You can enjoy the views, take a boat trip and eat delicious fish in one of the surrounding restaurants. It is recommended to book a hotel on the lake, so that you can fully enjoy the surroundings. Lago de Coatepeque, is half an hour’s drive from Santa Ana.

Hotels around Coatepeque

• Hotel Equinoccio  

Lago de Suchitlán

Lake Suchitlán is one of the largest lakes in El Salvador with 135 km2. It was artificially created in 1976 along with the construction of the Cerrón Grande Dam, which was to provide electricity to the area. Today Lake Suchitlán is an important reserve for fish and birds. Especially early in the morning and at the end of the afternoon, when it is not so hot, numerous birds can be seen here. In the harbor of Suchitoto – Puerto Turistico San Juan – it is easy to find a skipper and rent a boat.

Tip: One of the best things to do in Suchitoto in El Salvador is to take a boat trip on the lake around sunset. The sky becomes truly magical.

The Izalco volcano

Another volcano that you can climb in El Salvador is the Izalco. This volcano is located at an altitude of 1950 meters but is more difficult to reach because you first have to walk all the way down to climb up again. And then of course the same way back. A guide is also required here. Don’t feel like a steep climb? Then you can also  book a tour  where you enjoy views of both the Cerro Verde and the Izalco volcano.

Because of its location, the Izalco volcano is also called the “The lighthouse of the Pacific”. The erupting volcano is said to have served as a landmark for ships for years up to 1966. The black-colored cone volcano is the youngest in the country with a height of 1950 meters.

• Bahia de Jiquilisco

When you think of the largest mangrove forest in Central America, you may not immediately think of El Salvador. Yet Bahia de Jiquilisco , with 100,000 hectares, is the largest mangrove area in the region. You will find small islands, bays, canals, sandy beaches, forests and a freshwater lagoon. There are numerous national and migratory birds, many of which are endangered species. It is also an important breeding ground for turtles, including the hawksbill turtle, an endangered sea turtle species that emerge here annually between August and January and nest along the banks.

Discover the bay and surroundings

The best way to explore the nature reserve is by boat. You sail quietly through the channels, along the mangrove where you observe birds and occasionally see a turtle head sticking out of the water. If you’re lucky and get here on a clear day, the peaks of the volcanoes rise above the mangrove in the distance. Along the way, stop at one of the islands for a swim and a walk on the beach with hundreds of pink crabs. Impossible to photograph them because as soon as you take a few steps closer, they disappear under the sand.

Do you want to visit Bahia de Jiquilisco? You can book a tour to Bahia de Jiquilisco  here .

Hotel tips Bahia de Jiquilisco El Salvador

Are you planning to visit Bahia de Jiquilisco? Then you want to spend the night at Puerto Barrillas. You sleep in comfortable cottages right on the water. From your cottage you immediately board the boat for a beautiful trip

From Puerto Barrillas you can visit a private sanctuary for monkeys. They have been rescued from captivity and now live here in freedom. With your visit you support this local project.

Less than a 20-minute drive from the center of San Salvador, on top of the San Salvador volcano, is  El Boqueron national park . This volcano caused an eruption in 1917 that destroyed large parts of the city. Today you can visit the inactive volcano, which consists of two craters. And it is definitely one of the things to do in San Salvador during a morning or afternoon. There are hiking trails, surrounded by pine trees and flowers, that allow you to view the crater from different sides. It is also a popular place for the locals, especially on weekends.

There are numerous restaurants with views over San Salvador on the road up to the volcano. I recommend Pampa or Picnic where you can enjoy tasty dishes in an outdoor setting surrounded by fountains, a slide and photo spots. Do you want to visit El Boqueron?  Here  you will find a number of tours from San Salvador.

Active things to do in El Salvador

Laguna verde.

One of the best things to do when you are around La Ruta de las Flores in El Salvador is to visit Laguna Verde.  This lake is surrounded by mountains and lots of greenery and is located near the village of Apaneca. It is a nice place to walk, picnic or take a boat trip. But the road to get there is probably the most fun. With a buggy you drive from Apaneca, through villages and past coffee plantations, to the lake within 20 minutes. Of course together with a guide who accompanies you during the buggy tour. Even if you are not that adventurous, this trip is highly recommended!

Do you also want to go on a buggy tour? Here   you will find prices and availability. Want to read more about Laguna Verde? Continue reading in my article about the best things to do around La Ruta de las Flores in El Salvador.

The waterfalls route – adventurous things to do in El Salvador

Do you want to see 10 different waterfalls in 2 hours? Along La Ruta de las Flores in El Salvador you can make a spectacular hike along waterfalls: La Ruta de las Siete Cascadas. With a local guide you walk through a tropical area with flowers and trees, through the river past seven waterfalls. The highlight is the ascent of a 55-meter high waterfall. Yes really, you climb over the rocks of the waterfall, with your bare hands and your shoes on. Quite nerve-racking but once you are at the top, you actually want to go back and do it again. After the hike of the seven waterfalls, you’ll continue the trail past coffee plantations to the three waterfalls of Chorros de la Calera. Here you can take a dip and cool off a bit from the sweaty hike.

La ruta de las siete cascadas & Chorros De La Calera are part of La Ruta de las Flores in El Salvador, an interesting route along coffee fields, waterfalls and small villages with flowers, street art, markets and nice shops.

Surfers have known their way to El Salvador for years and that makes perfect sense. El Salvador is one of the very best places in the world to surf. The weather is always nice, the water warm and 95% of the year there are perfect waves. It won’t surprise you if I tell you that one of the best things to do when you are in El Salvador is to take a surf lesson. Or just rent a board yourself and enjoy the great waves. The people on the coast do nothing else than surfing and are happy to share their knowledge and passion with you. Of all the surf lessons I’ve taken in my life, I had the best lesson and the most fun here.

You want to go surfing in El Tunco or in El Zonte. If you choose El Zonte, book an overnight stay at Palo Verde, a hotel that is all about surfing and sustainability. You can book a surf lesson with the Alex Novoa.

Looking for a place to go hiking in El Salvador? Then take a look at tours in the Imposible National Park, a large tropical forest known for its great diversity of flora and fauna. You will find idyllic rivers and gorges surrounded by greenery. With 4000 hectares, it is also the largest national park in the country. Imposible means impossible and refers to the dangerous canyon that took the lives of many farmers and mules, who transported coffee to the port of the Pacific Ocean. It is also the habitat of wild bears, countless birds of prey, butterflies, cougars and other felines. Of course they are not easy to spot, but the fact that they live there says something about the environment where you are.

It is good to know that you have to walk quite a bit to see the most beautiful places in the park. You also need a special permit to enter the park and a guide is mandatory. It is therefore important to plan your trip in time. Keep in mind that it is warm so dress lightly and bring plenty of water.

Cultural things to do in El Salvador

San salvador.

A visit to the capital of El Salvador, San Salvador , should not be missed. What used to be one of the most dangerous cities in the world is now a great place where you can enjoy yourself as a tourist. Visit the old center and observe buildings such as the cathedral, the palace, the national theater and the el Rosario church. In the different museums you can learn more about archaeology, modern art or El Salvador’s famous artist Fernando Llort.

San Benito is one of the nicest neighborhoods to stay in with fine restaurants, lunchrooms and wine bars. Book a night at Nico Urban Hotel and reserve a table at El Xolo, one of Latin America’s best restaurants. 

In the next article you can read more about what to do in San Salvador with tips for places to visit and your stay.

Hotels San Salvador

• Hyatt Centric
• Hotel Barceló
• Nico Urban Hotel

Santa Ana city

Santa Ana is the second city of El Salvador and the capital of the province. The city is a good starting point for amazing volcano tours in the surroundings, a visit to Lake Coatepeque and the Mayan ruins of Tazumal. But the center is also worth exploring. On the central square called Parque Libertad, you will find a number of beautiful buildings including the cathedral, which is also on the Unesco World Heritage List, the town hall and the national theater. It is nice to sit on a bench to observe daily life and schedule a lunch at Simmer Down, a lovely place on the plaza, with tasty pizzas and pastas.

Curious about Santa Ana? In the next article you will find a city guide with many things to do in Santa Ana El Salvador.

Learn more about coffee

Did you know that El Salvador exports fantastic coffee? There are many coffee plantations along La Ruta de las Flores and it is recommended to visit one of them. And where you have many  tours around coffee plantations in a country like Colombia , in El Salvador you can visit small factories as well, showing you a different part of the process. The quantities are smaller than in the surrounding countries but due to the high quality, El Salvador can compete well with its neighboring countries.

During a visit you will learn more about the process: From the moment the beans are brought in to the moment of export. And of course you can also taste coffee yourself afterwards. Check out one of the tours here .

Meet Fernando Llort – cultural things to do in El Salvador

From the first moment I was introduced to his work I was impressed.  Fernando Llort  is one of El Salvador’s most important artists and even seen as the national artist. His art colors the country’s official logos. Fernando Llort’s work can be described as colorful, folkloric and a bit childish. It is sometimes compared to that of Miró and Picasso.

Fundación Fernando Llort – El Arbol de Dios, located in San Salvador is a small museum with a shop and workshop where his work is honored. The town of La Palma also plays an important role. For years, Fernando Llort lived here and taught the locals how to make money by creating art. If you are interested in art, looking for the works of Fernando Llort is for sure one of the things you want to do in El Salvador

Curious about what to do in San Salvador? In the next article you will find a comprehensive guide to San Salvador.

Tips for archaeological things to do in El Salvador

Many people think that Mayan ruins can only be seen in Mexico, Honduras and Guatemala. But El Salvador also has a number of archaeological sites. Perhaps less spectacular than Tikal , Copán and the Mayan temples in Mexico, nevertheless worth a visit. Especially if you are interested in history. Moreover, there is a good chance that you are one of the few visitors walking around here. Here are a few tips for archaeological things to do in El Salvador.

One of the things to do in El Salvador if you are interested in Maya history is to visit Tazumal . This Mayan pyramid is located in the middle of the town Chalchuapa, near the border with Guatemala, and is part of a larger archaeological complex. Tazumal is known for its great Mayan pyramid and is considered the most important and best preserved ruin in El Salvador. The pyramid was used as a temple and consists of several platforms, connected by long staircases. There would be tombs under the pyramid.

During your visit, you can walk around and observe the temple from different sides. Along the way you will come across a number of small structures and a former ball court, which played an important role in Mayan life.

Tazumal was an important Mayan settlement between 100 BC to about 1200 AD. Do you want to visit Tazumal from Santa Ana? You can easily book a tour  here.

Joya de Cerén

One of the other things to do in El Salvador if you are interested in archaeology is to visit Joya de Cerén, also called the Pompeii of El Salvador. This former Maya community was destroyed by a large eruption of the Laguna Caldera volcano around 600 AD and completely disappeared under the lava. Multiple eruptions of other volcanoes followed over the years. You can visit this archaeological site today, walking along the excavations, being able to observe the different layers of lava from the volcanic eruptions. In the museum you will learn more about the people who lived here.

Do you want to visit Joya de Ceren? Check prices and availability and book an interesting archaeological tour from San Salvador  here .

What makes Joya de Cerén special is that it is the only ruin complex where houses (made of clay) of the local population have survived. Most Mayan complexes contained temples that belonged to the elite. The site therefore provides a unique view of daily life from that time. Unesco even declared it a World Heritage Site in 1993.

Joya de Cerén was accidentally discovered in 1976 and there is still a lot of research to be done. Only 5% has been excavated. Do not expect spectacular Mayan temples or ruins here. It is the story and history that make your visit to Joya de Cerén worth the visit. Joya de Cerén can best be visited from Santa Ana or San Salvador .

The pupusa can call itself the national dish of El Salvador and there is even a national pupusa day, taking place on the second Sunday in November. A pupusa is a type of flatbread, made with cornmeal or rice flour. It is filled with ingredients that you choose yourself, such as cheese, beans, chicken, meat, loroco, pumpkin and much more. And you eat it together with curtido (a fermented coleslaw), sauce and of course with your hands. Everywhere in El Salvador you will find pupuserias and stalls on the streets that prepare pupusas right in front of your eyes. I love it!

Mini travel guide El Salvador

Best time to visit el salvador.

El Salvador can be visited all year round. However, the best time to travel is from November to April. That is the dry period with the least chance of rain. Keep in mind that it can get very hot in parts of the country during the months of March and April. April to October is the rainy period, meaning there can be some heavy showers at the end of the day. But compared to countries like Costa Rica , it rains considerably less in El Salvador. On the coast, temperatures are warm all year round. In the mountains it is cooler and temperatures can drop considerably, especially in the evening.

Unfortunately, El Salvador does not have the best reputation when it comes to safety. For years El Salvador was even one of the most dangerous countries in the world. This was mainly because of the ruling gangs and involved violence. But this has changed and El Salvador became so much saver. 

Of course, safety also has to do with your own travel behaviour. Just like in any other Central and South American country, you have to pay attention, look after your belongings and don’t stroll around the suburbs of a city you don’t know. Especially not at night. Today (April 2023) there is absolutely no reason anymore to not visit San Salvador. Local people are friendly, helpful and only too proud to show you their country.

Note: El Salvador is a country I visited several times over the years. Even when the safety situation was challenging, there have been always parts in El Salvador that you could visit easily and very safe. It is important to always be well informed before you go out.

Because El Salvador is a small country, travel distances are relatively short. From the capital you can be within 1.5 hours at the coast, in colonial villages, on the edge of a beautiful lake or in a national park surrounded by volcanoes. You can see a lot in a short time. There are several ways to explore the country. For example, you can book hotels at a number of destinations and make trips from here or rent a car and make a tour through the country.

Interested in traveling around El Salvador? You can find my tips for an El Salvador itinerary here .

Curious about tours in El Salvador? This is an overview with tours and things to do in El Salvador:

• City tour San Salvador
• El Boqueron
• Archaeological tour – Joya de Cerén & Maya temple Tazumal
• Tour to Suchitoto
• Hike to the Ilamantepec – Santa Ana volcano
• Cerro Verde + Izalco volcano
• Volcanoes, Coatepeque lake & Ruta de las Flores
• Ruta de las Flores Full Day
• Ruta de las Flores Full Day + hotsprings
• Buggytour Apaneca + Laguna Verde
• More tours in El Salvador

Need a rental car for your trip to El Salvador? Use  Rental Cars  to search and compare your car rental options. A quick and easy tool and no need to have up multiple tabs trying to figure out which company is the most affordable. They also have great discounts and cancellation policies. 

Private guiding

Are you curious about El Salvador? I love traveling through El Salvador and would love to convince you to pay a visit too. Do you have questions? Please send me an email or message on instagram.

Hotels  in El Salvador

In every country I look out for the most beautiful and unique place to stay. Interior design, a nice atmosphere, a lovely setting and good service are important topics for me, when choosing a hotel. In addition, I like to support the locals and love a sustainable approach around a hotel. Are you curious about my favorite hotels in El Salvador? In  the next article you will find an overview of the best boutique hotels in El Salvador.

More about El Salvador

Did you enjoy reading this article with tips and things to do in El Salvador? El Salvador is a small country in Central America with so much to offer. Let me take you on a journey along the most beautiful destinations and things to do in El Salvador. In the next articles you will find my El Salvador travel guides with lots of inspiration and tips. 

• Best things to do in Suchitoto
• Things to do in San Salvador – a comprehensive travel guide
• Santa Ana city guide
• Conchagua volcano – everything you want to know
• Ruta de las Flores – everything you want to know
• Boutique hotels in El Salvador

This article may contain affiliate links. If you purchase something using one of our links, we may receive a commission at no extra cost to you, which helps us keep this blog alive. Thank you for your support! Please see our  disclosures  for more information.

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• Nature and Adventure
• Towns and cities
• Arqueological Parks
• Home of the right surf
• Between volcanoes and the sea
• Tour Operators
• Tourist transportation
• Independents guides
• About El Salvador

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Nomadic Matt's Travel Site

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El Salvador Travel Guide

Last Updated: September 1, 2023

El Salvador is the smallest and most densely populated country in Central America . Somewhat bypassed on the tourist trail (it’s tucked away from the main route people take through Central America), this country is filled with natural beauty, forests, beaches, and even the opportunity to view some archaeological sites.

While the country has had a turbulent past (it was ruled by a dictator from 1931-1979 and then experienced a civil war from 1980-1992), El Salvador has slowly been coming into its own and is now a popular spot for intrepid backpackers looking to get off the beaten path.

El Salvador is the perfect place to experience the great outdoors without the crowds as you make your way around Central America. Everyone is super friendly and generally happy to have visitors and the crowds here are much smaller than you’ll find in neighboring Costa Rica and Panama .

The prices are lower too.

This travel guide to El Salvador can help you plan your trip, save money, stay safe, and make the more of your time in this underrated destination!

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on El Salvador

Top 5 Things to See and Do in El Salvador

1. Visit the Montecristo Cloud Forest

This cloud forest is home to diverse flora and fauna, including ferns, orchids, mosses, spider monkeys, and anteaters. The area is incredibly biodiverse and is believed to contain 7% of the world’s species. Within the cloud forest, you can explore Trifinio Fraternity Biosphere Reserve, established in 1987, which was the first protected area in El Salvador. Hike to the highest point, El Trifinio, with an altitude of 2,400 meters (7,874 feet), where the borders of El Salvador, Honduras , and Guatemala converge. One of the most popular attractions in the cloud forest is the Garden of the Hundred Years which contains over 100 different types of orchids. There’s a limit to how many people can visit the park each day, so it’s best to arrive early.

2. Hang out in El Tunco

One hour outside of San Salvador is this backpacker’s paradise. The tiny town is packed with hostels and is a popular place for relaxing beach vacations and lively party weekends. The name of the town translates to ‘the pig’ and it’s named after the landmark just offshore — a huge rock that resembles a pig. Cheap hostels, cheap drinks, a great party scene, and world-class surfing await in this beachside town. Besides the nightlife, El Tunco is known for its beautiful black sand beaches and gorgeous sunsets.

3. Go to Puerta del Diablo

Also known as the Devil’s Door, this rock formation serves as a lookout, offering sprawling views over San Salvador, the Pacific Ocean, and the surrounding mountains. Nowadays, it’s a beautiful place to visit and a popular tourist attraction, but its history is shrouded in darkness. During the civil war, it was a site where prisoners were held and tortured. Once a single rock, the formation has now separated into three boulders. The climb to the overlook is steep, with an ascent of 1,250 meters (4,101 feet). Take the bus from San Salvador and then it’s a quick walk to the boulders.

4. See the Cihuatán Ruins

Cihuatan was founded after the collapse of the Mayans around 900 CE and quickly became a regional capital. It lasted for 100 years before unknown invaders burned the city in the 10th century. It’s located near the modern-day town of Aguilares, about 30 kilometers (19 miles) outside of San Salvador. The Pre-Columbian archeological site covers over 180 acres and includes pyramids, Mesoamerican ball courts, and religious sites which were first excavated in the 1970s. By the 1980s, over 900 structures had been uncovered. You can visit the ruins and the museum explaining the history of the area as a day trip from El Salvador. Admission is $3 USD.

5. Visit La Libertad

La Libertad is a popular beach town alternative to El Tunco, with Punta Roca offering huge waves for surfing. The port city was established in 1770 and is a tropical paradise, with beautiful sandy beaches, palm trees, and opportunities to surf, sunbathe, and snorkel or scuba dive. Nearby you can explore Walter Thilo Deininger National Park which is rich in wildlife. If you want a real taste of the local life, visit the busy daily fish market on the waterfront. Otherwise, this place is all about relaxing, enjoying reggae music, and soaking up the sun.

Other Things to See and Do in El Salvador

1. hike the volcanoes.

El Salvador has its share of volcanoes to explore, and the best place to see several of them is Cerro Verde National Park. This park is home to Cerro Verde, Izalco, and Ilamatepec. The trails all allow you to get up close to the volcanoes, including a walk around the Cerro Verde crater, where you’ll find a cloud forest full of tropical birds and plant life. Ilamatepec is the highest point in the park, at 2,381 meters (7,811 feet) at the summit. There are lots of tours from San Salvador starting from about $85 USD, or you can show up and just pay the $3 USD entrance fee.

2. Visit Joya de Cerén

Joya de Cerén is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that tells a story about the everyday lives of the Mayans. Once a small Mayan farming settlement, the town was buried under volcanic ash in 595 BCE when the Laguna Caldera Volcano erupted. The site includes a Temazcal (sauna), and other important buildings like storehouses, a kitchen, and a religious building meant for communal events. There’s also an excellent preserved shaman’s home and a collection of agricultural tools. This site is the Mayan version of Pompeii . It’s $7 USD to visit.

3. Get cultural in San Salvador

Although most people don’t spend a lot of time in San Salvador, there are a few highlights to see. Most of the city’s activity centers around the Plaza el Salvador del Mundo, where you’ll see the iconic Savior of the World statue (with Jesus standing on a globe). Walk around downtown, try some pupusas (delicious El Salvadorian flatbread stuffed with cheese, pork, squash, or refried beans), and visit the domed Metropolitan Cathedral which is filled with colorful stained glass. At the National Palace, peruse the old government rooms and the courtyards, and if you want to do some souvenir shopping, head to the National Handicrafts market for some local artwork. (Note: Sometimes downtown San Salvador experiences gang violence. Read our safety section to learn how to keep yourself safe.)

4. Go diving

El Salvador has some of the best diving in Central America. The warm waters of Los Cóbanos (a resort beach area on the westside of El Salvador) contain reefs, underwater rock formations, and even shipwrecks. If you’re a beginner, you can learn to dive in volcanic crater lakes like Coatepeque and Ilopango, where the freshwater provides mild conditions for anyone who isn’t ready to tackle the open waters. There’s not a lot of marine life to see in the lakes, but visibility is clear and the azure waters of the lakes are stunning. Expect to pay around $85 USD for a two-dive trip and around $415 USD for an Open Water certification course.

5. Visit El Imposible National Park

This is the largest park in El Salvador and is named for its deep gorge. It’s part of the Apaneca Ilamatepec mountain range, with mangrove forests and a total of eight rivers, as well as plenty of waterfalls. You might see pumas, anteaters, antelopes, and even wild boars while here. Due to the delicate nature of the park, you’ll need to have a guide to explore it (you’re not allowed to hike alone). It’s $6 USD for the park entrance fee, and then you can request a guide (it’s usually about $10 USD for a group). You can also do a day trip from San Salvador with Impossible Tours for $130 USD.

6. Spend a day at Los Chorros

Los Chorros is a nature park composed of a series of natural swimming pools that cascade from overhanging volcanic cliffs, set against a backdrop of ferns, flowers, and moss. It’s 20 minutes outside of San Salvador. For only $3 USD to visit, it’s one of the most scenic ways to beat the heat!

7. Shop at La Gran Via

Located in the heart of San Salvador, this is an outdoor shopping center filled with restaurants, movie theaters, music, bars, live shows, and more. This is a nice place for an afternoon out, and at night it’s where the locals come for drinks and clubbing.

8. Tour the Museum of Popular Art

This museum is home to some of the country’s most valuable Salvadoran works, including works from over 177 artists such as paintings, sketch drawings, and sculptures from Rosa Mena Valenzuela and Salarrué (the most well-known writer and painter in El Salvador). It also has a huge showcase of miniature pottery, wood carvings, weaving, and jewelry. It’s a quirky, family-friendly place to visit. There are often craft-making sessions that you’re invited to join. Admission is only $1.50 USD.

9. Wander through colonial Suchitoto

Suchitoto (“Suchi”) is a small colonial town located on Lake Suchitlan in the mountainous northern region. Well-known around the country for its artistic community, most weekends draw hordes of Salvadorans from San Salvador (and other neighboring towns) looking to visit the many galleries and markets. There are easy looped walking trails all around Suchi that can take you to the lake, various waterfalls, and even caves to explore. Just find a trailhead and start walking!

10. Hang out on the Coatepeque Caldera

If you’re not learning how to dive here, spend at least a day on the caldera just enjoying the still, bright blue lake and its quiet village of El Congo in western El Salvador. You can hire a boat to take you around, go for a swim, or visit some of the village’s small restaurants.

11. Take the Ruta de Las Flores

The “Route of the Flowers” is a popular day trip from San Salvador, where you can visit small colonial towns and villages as well as coffee plantations. Pause in colorful towns like Nahuizalco, Apaneca, Juayua, and Ataco, where the main squares are busy with cafes and markets, and the buildings are covered in murals. Apaneca and Ataco are home to some of the best-known coffee plantations, like the El Carmen Estate, and if you’re visiting between November and February you’ll see the coffee beans flowering. You can do the route on your own, or take a tour from the city for around $90 USD.

El Salvador Travel Costs

Accommodation – During peak season, a bed in an 8-10-bed dorm costs $10-15 USD. Free Wi-Fi is standard and many hostels also include free breakfast. Private rooms with an ensuite bathroom cost around $25 USD per night (there is no real difference in prices during the high or low season).

Nightly rates for a budget two-star hotel room start at $40 USD. You’ll pay about $60 USD for a place on the beach, or a place with a pool

There are lots of Airbnb options in El Salvador. Private rooms start around $15-20 USD though they average double (or even triple) that. An entire home or apartment starts around $30 USD though prices usually average closer to $75-100 USD.

Food – Like its neighborhoods, the cuisine here is a mix of indigenous traditional foods with influence from the Spanish conquest. Pork, seafood, and corn are major staples and can be found at most meals. Pupusa is the national dish, a thick flatbread stuffed with cheese, chicharrón (pork), and refried beans. Cured pork, deep-fried cassava, tamales, and meat soups are other common meals.

Overall, food in El Salvador is very affordable. Like most Central American countries, you can find big plates of rice and beans for $3-5 USD. Breakfasts of eggs and plantains are also $3-5 USD. Fill up on the pupusas for less than $1 USD each.

Mid-range meals of pizza or a fried fish dinner are about $8-10 USD. A vegetarian meal is about $5-8 USD. A burger and fries is $10 USD. A beer to go with it will only cost between $1.50-3 USD.

There are some “high-end” dining spots around El Salvador, but most dining is pretty casual. You can find seafood dishes like ceviche between $15-19 USD, while a nice steak dinner ranges from $16-24 USD. Pasta dishes are between $12-15 USD.

Overall, the food is very cheap here, so take advantage of it when you can! If you do plan on cooking your own meals expect to spend around $25-35 USD per week, depending on your diet.

However, that said, given how few places have kitchen facilities, I wouldn’t buy a lot of groceries if I was here. I’d just get the cheap local eats!

Backpacking El Salvador Suggested Budgets

If you’re backpacking El Salvador, you’ll spend as little as $35 USD per day. This budget covers a hostel dorm, cooking some meals and eating cheap street food, limiting your drinking, taking the bus to get around, and doing most cheap and free activities like swimming and hiking.

A mid-range budget of about $90 USD covers staying in a private Airbnb room, taking the occasional taxi, enjoying a few beers at the bar, and eating out for all your meals. You’ll also be able to visit more museums, ruins, and parks or do some guided hikes.

On a “luxury” budget of $245 USD or more per day, you can stay in a hotel, eat any meals you want, enjoy as many drinks as you want, take taxis to get around, and do lots of tours. This amount of money goes a long way in a country like this and you’ll want for absolutely nothing if you’re coming here for luxury. The country is your oyster if you’re spending this or more!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages — some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in USD.

El Salvador Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

El Salvador is one of the cheapest countries in Central America, so you’ll find it easy to save money here without much effort. Regardless, here are some ways to save money during your visit:

• Snack on fruit – Fruit in Central America is super affordable. You can pick up a bag of mangos for around $0.50 USD at any roadside stall or market vendor, and even smoothies will cost less than $3 USD. Eat healthily and save money!
• Show up without reservations – It’s easy to just show up in a town like La Libertad or El Tunco and just barter for a room. If there’s availability, you could get your room for a fraction of what you’d be paying by booking online. A lot of accommodations don’t even have online reservation systems, so showing up and booking a room is the only way to do it in some cases.
• Go camping – While hostels are pretty cheap, you can camp at many of them for half the cost (for as little as $6 USD per night). Bring your gear and sleep under the stars!
• Stay with a local – Couchsurfing connects you with locals who will not only give you a free place to stay but also serve as a local tour guide and introduce you to the cool stuff only locals know about in town. There are not a ton of hosts here, however, so be sure to send your requests early.

Where to Stay in El Salvador

Hostels in El Salvador are affordable, fun, and safe. Here are my suggested places to stay in the country:

• Hostal Cumbres del Volcan Flor Blanca (San Salvador)
• Hostel Casa Verde (Santa Ana)
• Hostal Punta El Zonte (La Libertad)

How to Get Around El Salvador

Bus – Buses are the primary way to get around El Salvador’s cities as well as the country as a whole. You can get just about anywhere in one of El Salvador’s brightly painted school buses. Cities and towns often have designated bus depots with rides that cost less than $0.50 USD. You can easily move between towns for about $2-5 USD (it’s $2 USD to travel between San Salvador and Both La Libertad and El Tunco). San Salvador to Suchitoto is $1 USD. Fares may go up by 25% on the weekends due to more traffic.

Minivans – In most touristy areas in El Salvador you’ll find small tour offices that sell seats on minivans or minibusses. They’ll take you just about anywhere you need to go in the country (and onward into neighboring countries). These minivans cost more than the regular buses, but you still shouldn’t have to pay more than $10 USD wherever you’re going. You can also barter prices in this case, and if you can round up people from your hostel/accommodations to book as a group, you’ll save even more money.

Taxi – Taxis are easy to come by in El Salvador, although in smaller towns they take the form of tuk-tuks. Most are unmetered, so make sure you negotiate your price beforehand. Tuk-tuks are the cheapest option, and you can get a few blocks for less than $1 USD. Ask your hotel/hostel staff for price estimates before you head out so you know you’re not getting ripped off.

Car rental – Rentals start at $25 USD per day. Driving here is relatively safe compared to other Central American countries as the roads are much better maintained. You need to be 21 in order to rent a car here. An IDP (International Driving Permit) is also required.

For the best car rental prices, use Discover Cars .

When to Go to El Salvador

Like the rest of Central America, El Salvador’s dry season is between November and April, while the rainy season is between May and October.

The dry season is peak season, with travelers escaping the cold temperatures up north. Daily highs average about 30°C (86°F) here, and it rarely ever dips below 10°C (50°F). This is definitely the best time to visit.

Prices don’t fluctuate much in the off-season, so you have no real reason to visit during the rainy season. On the other hand, April to October is the best time for serious surfers.

How to Stay Safe in El Salvador

Unfortunately, El Salvador has a high rate of gang violence. Although it’s rarely targeted at foreigners, you should avoid certain areas. Most of that crime takes place in San Salvador, so avoid parts of Soyapango, Apopoa, and Mejicanos at all costs. Also, avoid the area around the Tica bus station in San Salvador, as there are sometimes attacks there against tourists. You’re not likely to spend a lot of time in these neighborhoods, however, and the more touristy places are patrolled by policemen.

La Libertad, Soyapango, and Usulutan also have some gang activity. Like San Salvador, police heavily patrol touristy areas.

In any destination, don’t be out on the street (or beach) alone after dark. Avoid traveling at night in general, as hijackings or muggings are known to happen.

You might encounter petty crimes, like theft, especially on public transportation. Do not flash any of your valuables around, or keep them at all. Credit card skimming is also a problem here, so try to use only ATMs at shopping malls, hotels, or banks.

You can more about common travel scams to avoid when you travel.

Solo female travelers should be cautious here. In addition to the tips above, the standard precautions apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone intoxicated, etc.).

If you experience an emergency, dial 911 for assistance.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

El Salvador Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!

El Salvador Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on Central America travel and continue planning your trip:

Do You Need Travel Insurance for Costa Rica?

The Best Tour Companies in Costa Rica

The 6 Best Hostels in Panama City, Panama

Is Belize Safe to Visit?

Is Central America Safe to Visit?

How to Get Around Central America on a Budget

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• Booking Resources
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El Salvador Travel Guide And Tips How To Stay Safe

Planning a journey to El Salvador? You’ve arrived at the perfect page!

As a travel enthusiast who has explored the beauty of this Central American gem, I’m thrilled to present a comprehensive El Salvador travel guide .

Whether you’re into beautiful beaches, green landscapes, history, or just soaking in local vibes, this guide has all the info you need!

We’ll chat about the basics – like where is El Salvador located, how to get there, best things to do, great places to stay, and more!

So, if you’re someone who loves nature, enjoys a good adventure, or just wants to soak up some local culture, keep reading for the ultimate El Salvador travel guide. Let’s dive in!

Key Takeaways

• El Salvador is a small but mighty Central American country with diverse landscapes and a rich history.
• Before you go, it’s important to know essential information about traveling to El Salvador, including the currency, language, and safety precautions.
• This El Salvador travel guide covers everything you need to know, from travel logistics to cultural insights, to make the most of your trip.

Related Posts:

• El Salvador

About El Salvador

If you’re planning a trip to El Salvador, there are a few things you should know before you go. Here’s some essential information to help you prepare for your trip.

Where is El Salvador located?

Where is El Salvador located? That is a question I have heard very often. The location question arises because the country is not particularly overrun with tourists.

In short, it is not a popular destination. The country is located in Central America and borders Guatemala and Honduras.

To illustrate, I have attached a map with the location of El Salvador.

Fact! Tourism is one of the major industries of the country. San Salvador offers tourists amazing beaches and the best surfing spots on the pacific coast. El Salvador received 707,000 tourists in 2020, which places them 113th in the world in absolute terms.

It is clear that smaller countries consistently rank lower than absolute numbers of visitors.

If we relate the number of tourists to the number of inhabitants of Salvador we get a somewhat more similar picture: with 0.11 tourists per capita, Salvador ranked 118th in the world. In Central America, in 5th place, behind Panama .

History of El Salvador

El Salvador has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. The country was once inhabited by the Maya and Pipil civilizations, and was later colonized by the Spanish in the 16th century.

El Salvador gained independence from Spain in 1821 and has since experienced periods of political turmoil and civil war. Today, the country is a democratic republic with a growing economy.

Language of El Salvador

The official language of El Salvador is Spanish. While many people in the country do speak English, it’s always a good idea to learn some basic Spanish phrases to help you get around and communicate with locals.

El Salvador Currency

The official currency of El Salvador is the US dollar, so there’s no need to exchange your money. However, it’s always a good idea to carry small bills and coins for purchases at local markets and street vendors.

Time in El Salvador

El Salvador is in the Central Standard Time zone, which is 6 hours behind Coordinated Universal Time (UTC-6). Keep this in mind when planning your travel itinerary or scheduling activities.

Weather in El Salvador

El Salvador has a tropical climate, with an average temperature of around 80°F (27°C) year-round.

The rainy season runs from May to October, so be sure to pack a raincoat or umbrella if you’re traveling during this time. The dry season runs from November to April, which is the best time to visit if you’re looking for sunny weather.

Travel Advisory for El Salvador

It’s important to be aware of any travel advisories before visiting a foreign country .

As of November 2023, the U.S. Department of State has a Level 2 Travel Advisory for El Salvador, which means travelers should exercise increased caution due to crime. Be sure to research the current situation and take necessary safety precautions while traveling.

Electricity

El Salvador uses the same electrical outlets as the United States, with a voltage of 120V. If you’re traveling from a different country, you may need a voltage converter and/or adapter to use your electronic devices.

It’s important to take necessary health precautions before traveling to El Salvador.

The CDC recommends getting vaccinated for hepatitis A and B, typhoid, and rabies, as well as taking malaria medication if you’re visiting certain areas.

Be sure to drink bottled or purified water and avoid street food to prevent foodborne illnesses.

Emergency Services

In case of an emergency, dial 911 in El Salvador.

It’s a good idea to have a copy of your passport and other important documents with you at all times, and to keep emergency contact information on hand.

El Salvador economy

In 2020, El Salvador generated about 661.01 million euros in the tourism sector alone.

That corresponds to 3.1% of the gross domestic product and about 4% of all international tourism revenues in Central America. Tourism is one of the most important sectors of El Salvador’s economy .

Often unknown, this country has something to surprise between volcanoes and lakes and between colonial cities and beaches of the Salvadoran coast. 

Travel Logistics

When planning a trip to El Salvador, there are several important travel logistics to consider. Here are some key points to keep in mind:

Flights to El Salvador

There are several airlines that offer flights to El Salvador, including American Airlines, Delta, United, and Avianca.

You can find cheap flights to El Salvador by using flight search engines like Kayak or Skyscanner.

If you’re flying from Los Angeles, you can find direct flights to El Salvador from LAX .

↳ For a seamless and affordable flight booking experience, secure your tickets by  clicking here

Flight Duration

The flight duration to El Salvador depends on your departure location. For example, a flight from Los Angeles to San Salvador takes around 5 hours. If you’re flying from New York, the flight can take around 7 hours.

Distance from El Salvador to Other Countries

El Salvador is located in Central America and shares borders with Guatemala and Honduras. It is also close to Nicaragua and Costa Rica . If you’re planning a multi-country trip, El Salvador can be a great addition to your itinerary.

Payment Methods

In El Salvador, the official currency is the US dollar. Credit cards are widely accepted in major cities, but it’s always a good idea to carry cash for smaller purchases. Bitcoin is also accepted in some places, particularly in tourist areas.

• 7 Top El Salvador resorts with the best ocean views

Exploring El Salvador

El Salvador is a small Central American country that boasts a rich culture, stunning landscapes, and friendly locals.

San Salvador

The capital city of El Salvador is San Salvador, which is a great place to start your journey. Here you can explore the historic downtown area, visit the National Palace, Catedral Metropolitana, and the Antiguo Cuscatlán.

Best beaches in El Salvador

If you’re looking to relax on some of the best beaches in El Salvador , head to La Libertad. This surf city El Salvador has some of the best waves in the world and is a popular spot for surfers from all over the globe.

One of the most popular beaches in La Libertad is El Tunco, which is known for its black sand and vibrant nightlife.

Ruta de las Flores El Salvador

If you’re interested in exploring more of El Salvador’s natural beauty, take a trip along the Ruta de las Flores.

This scenic route takes you through picturesque villages, coffee plantations, and stunning landscapes.

Along the way, you’ll have the opportunity to visit some of the best places to visit in El Salvador, including the charming town of Juayúa and the stunning waterfalls of Los Chorros.

When it comes to accommodation, Yali Hotel El Salvador is a great option. Located in the heart of San Salvador, this hotel offers comfortable rooms, great amenities, and a convenient location.

There are plenty of things to do in El Salvador, from exploring the country’s rich history and culture to enjoying outdoor activities like hiking, surfing, and snorkeling. Whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation, El Salvador has something to offer everyone.

• San Salvador Travel Guide 2024
• Lesser known volcanoes to visit in El Salvador

Culinary Delights

El Salvador is known for its vibrant and diverse culinary scene that reflects the country’s cultural heritage.

The cuisine is influenced by a mix of indigenous and Spanish cultures, as well as the flavors of neighboring countries like Mexico and Guatemala. If you’re a foodie, you’ll definitely want to explore the delicious food in El Salvador.

Traditional food in El Salvador

One of the most popular dishes in El Salvador is the pupusa, a traditional Salvadoran dish made of cornmeal or rice flour filled with cheese, beans, and/or meat. You can find pupusas in almost every corner of the country, and each region has its own specialty.

Some of the best pupusas in El Salvador can be found in La Libertad, a coastal town known for its seafood and street food scene.

Typical El Salvador food

Another must-try dish is the yuca con chicharrón, a hearty dish made of fried cassava (yuca) and pork cracklings (chicharrón). This dish is often served with curtido, a pickled cabbage slaw, and tomato sauce.

If you’re a seafood lover, you’ll be delighted to know that El Salvador offers plenty of fresh seafood dishes. Pescado a la Plancha, or grilled fish, is a coastal favorite often served with rice, salad, and fried plantains.

For something a bit different, try Salvadoran ceviche. Unlike its Peruvian counterpart, Salvadoran ceviche often features shrimp and is served with a tomato-based sauce, giving it a unique twist.

When it comes to drinks, you can’t leave El Salvador without trying the horchata, a refreshing drink made of ground rice, cinnamon, and vanilla. Another popular drink is the tamarindo, a sweet and tangy drink made of tamarind fruit.

Best restaurants in El Salvador

If you’re looking for the best restaurants in El Salvador, San Salvador, the capital city, has plenty of options.

Some of the best El Salvadorian food can be found in La Pampa Argentina , a steakhouse that also serves traditional Salvadoran dishes, and La Ventana , a restaurant that offers a modern twist on Salvadoran cuisine.

Overall, El Salvador offers a wide variety of delicious and unique dishes that are sure to satisfy any foodie’s palate. Make sure to try the traditional food in El Salvador and explore the local street food scene for a truly authentic culinary experience.

El Salvador Interesting Facts

El Salvador is a small country, but it has a lot to offer travelers. Here are some interesting facts about El Salvador:

• El Salvador is the smallest country in Central America.
• The country is known for its beautiful beaches, lush forests, and stunning volcanoes.
• El Salvador is also home to many ancient ruins and archaeological sites, including the Mayan ruins of Tazumal and Joya de Cerén.
• El Salvador is one of the few countries in the world that does not have a standing army.

El Salvador Facts About Culture

El Salvador has a rich and diverse culture that is influenced by its indigenous roots, Spanish colonial past, and modern-day influences. Here are some interesting facts about El Salvador’s culture:

• El Salvador is known for its vibrant music and dance scene, including the national dance, the “punta.”
• The country is also famous for its arts and crafts, including pottery, weaving, and woodcarving.
• El Salvador has a strong tradition of Catholicism, with many religious festivals and celebrations throughout the year.
• Family is very important in El Salvadorian culture, and extended families often live together and support each other.

What is El Salvador Famous For?

El Salvador is famous for its beautiful landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture. Here are some things that El Salvador is known for:

• Surfing: El Salvador has some of the best surfing in the world, with world-class waves at spots like El Sunzal and La Libertad.
• Coffee: El Salvador is known for its high-quality coffee, which is grown in the country’s lush mountain regions.
• Pupusas: This traditional Salvadorian dish is a thick corn tortilla filled with cheese, beans, and/or meat, and is often served with a side of curtido (a pickled cabbage relish).
• Volcanoes: El Salvador has over 20 active volcanoes, including Santa Ana, which is the highest volcano in the country.

Practical Tips and Recommendations

When planning your trip to El Salvador, there are a few practical tips and recommendations to keep in mind to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. Here are some things to consider:

Travel Tips for El Salvador

El Salvador is a relatively safe country, but it’s always a good idea to take precautions. Avoid walking alone at night, especially in areas that are unfamiliar to you. Be aware of your surroundings and keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded areas.

If you plan on driving in El Salvador, be prepared for heavy traffic and chaotic driving conditions. It’s also important to note that many roads are in poor condition, so take caution when driving and consider hiring a local driver.

What to Pack for El Salvador

El Salvador has a tropical climate, so lightweight and breathable clothing is recommended. Pack comfortable shoes for walking and hiking, as well as swimwear for the beaches. Don’t forget to bring sunscreen, insect repellent, and a hat to protect yourself from the sun.

Does El Salvador Have Uber?

Yes, Uber is available in El Salvador. It’s a convenient and affordable way to get around, especially in the cities. However, be aware that Uber drivers may not be familiar with all areas of the country, so be prepared to provide directions if necessary.

Is El Salvador Expensive?

El Salvador is generally an affordable destination, especially compared to other Central American countries. However, prices can vary depending on where you go and what you do. Expect to pay more in tourist areas and for activities like surfing and zip-lining.

• Plan your perfect one week itinerary in El Salvador

Safety and Concerns

The country has had a reputation for high levels of crime and violence in the past, but the situation has improved significantly in recent years.

According to  ElSalvadorInfo.net , the homicide rate in El Salvador has declined to its lowest level in over 30 years. This means that, overall, it is safe to visit El Salvador in 2023.

That being said, it is important to exercise caution and take certain precautions to ensure your safety while traveling in El Salvador.

The U.S. Department of State has issued a travel advisory for El Salvador, urging travelers to reconsider travel due to crime.

The advisory notes that while the government has taken steps to improve security, crime remains a serious problem in the country. It is recommended that travelers exercise increased caution, especially when visiting certain areas.

One of the main concerns in El Salvador is the gang problem.

Gangs, or “maras,” are present in many parts of the country and are responsible for a significant amount of the crime.

It is important to be aware of your surroundings and avoid areas where gangs are known to operate. Avoiding wearing flashy jewelry or carrying large amounts of cash can also help reduce the risk of becoming a target.

When traveling in El Salvador, it is also important to be aware of the local laws and customs. The possession of drugs, including marijuana, is illegal and can result in severe penalties. It is also important to avoid political demonstrations and large gatherings, as these can sometimes turn violent.

Overall, while there are still safety concerns in El Salvador, it is possible to have a safe and enjoyable trip by taking certain precautions.

By staying aware of your surroundings, avoiding high-risk areas, and following local laws and customs, you can minimize your risk and have a great experience in this beautiful country.

Safe places to visit in El Salvador 

There are many safe places to visit in El Salvador. I tried to avoid cities and see as many places outside of them as possible. It was a very thoughtful decision. 

Lac Coatepeque

A stunning blue pool nestled beneath the peaks of the Cerro Verde, Izalco, and Santa Ana volcanoes and bordered by sloping sugar and coffee plantations.

Lake Coatepeque is one of El Salvador’s most enchanting natural attractions, located at the edge of Cerro Verde National Park. It is nearly 6 km long.

There are many safe places to visit in El Salvador. I tried to avoid cities and see as many places outside of them as possible. It was a very thoughtful decision.

Volcan Santa Ana (Volcán Ilamatepec)

Cerro Verde National Park’s star attraction is also its most threatening – Santa Ana Volcano (Volcán Ilamatepec), El Salvador’s largest and most active volcano , which last erupted in 2005 when the force of the eruption hurled car-sized rocks. For more than 1.5 km.

Parc national du Cerro Verde

With its trio of volcanic peaks encircled by lush jungle, an extensive network of hiking trails, and the nearby crater lake of Coatepeque, Cerro Verde National Park presents some of the most stunning scenery in El Salvador.

Parc National El Boquerón

With a trio of peaks surrounding the spectacular volcanic crater of El Boqueron, the wildflower-covered slopes of El Boquerón National Park are a scenic hiking spot, and less than a 30-minute drive from San Salvador, it is a popular choice for a day trip from the Capital.

Théâtre national d’El Salvador

Built between 1911 and 1917, the magnificent National Theater of El Salvador (Teatro Nacional de San Salvador) in San Salvador is not only one of the city’s main monuments but also a national monument and the oldest theater in Central America.

The archaeological site of Joya de Cerén 83

A pre-Columbian Mayan agricultural village dating back to 600 A.D. and the only UNESCO World Heritage Site in El Salvador, the impressive ruins of Joya de Cerén were discovered in 1976 and have since become one of the most visited archaeological sites in the country.

El Imposible National Park

The largest of El Salvador’s four national parks, El Imposible National Park, is home to one of the world’s most fragile ecosystems, providing a haven for several endangered plant and animal species.

It is located on one of the country’s most important historical trade routes; El Impossible is known for its treacherously steep gorge that has claimed the lives of many travelers and mules over the years.

Why is El Salvador dangerous?

El Salvador has a bad reputation, which it is struggling to shake off: a legacy of the civil war, which ended more than two decades ago, and the violence between rival gangs, which generates a very high homicide rate.

However, the victims are mainly linked to criminal groups or victims of their racketeering. The risks are much lower for tourists, especially since the tourist police have taken the initiative to secure some of the most important sites.

Guards will escort you, for example, to the top of the Santa Ana volcano to ensure you don’t get robbed on the way!

It would be best if you avoided unsafe neighborhoods, did not hang around in the city after dark – as everywhere in Latin America, in fact -and remained discreet in all circumstances.

For withdrawals from ATMs, do not take large sums of money and prefer shopping centers, hotels, or banks, which are safer.

El Salvador dangerous areas

In El Salvador, there are many dangerous areas that I do not recommend going to, especially tourists.

On the other hand, there are also many safe places for tourists. San Salvador and Santa Ana are considered the most dangerous cities.

There are also places where you can feel 100% secure. Importantly, gang violence very rarely targets tourists. Shootouts occur between rival gangs. 

Interestingly, it gets dangerous in most Latin American countries when the sun goes down. That doesn’t just apply to moving as a pedestrian.

When driving a car after dark, it’s good to remember to keep your windows closed. Car hijackings are common.

The mentioned attacks are possible and shared in the Capital, San Salvador, and outside the city. There have been cases of criminals following tourists from the airport to their accommodation. In case of an attack, it is better to hand over valuables than risk your life. 

Most violent crimes came from gangs like MS-13 or 18th Street Gang. After Salvadorans elected Nayib Bukele as president, the crime rate dropped nearly 60 percent in one year. The drop was also likely due to the coronavirus pandemic and numerous blockades in the streets.

Apopa 

Apopa is classified as a dangerous place. The place is a suburb of San Salvador. The gang’s Barrio 18 and MS-13 are active there.

Apopa is a relatively safe place for tourists but certainly less safe than downtown El Salvador. The crime rate is still high there. That’s because of fights between rival gangs.

Sonsonate is one of the most dangerous place in El Salvador. The locality has the highest homicide rate. Gang members are there and is a strategic place in the trafficking of drugs to other countries.

Lake Ilopango has become a popular tourist destination in recent years. Nature-filled crater lake with a volcanic caldera. Ilopango is one of the most dangerous volcanoes in the world.

This fact alone makes this place one of the most hazardous in El Salvador. Let me add that the risk of eruption is shallow.

As a tourist, it is worth remembering that this place is potentially dangerous because of robberies, car thefts, and pickpockets. It is worth going there with an experienced guide who knows the area very well. 

Mexicanos is a place known as a suburb of San Salvador. Locals often buy vegetables and fruits there that come in from the surrounding areas. It is not a place with many activities for tourists or accommodations. It is worth avoiding this place due to gang activity.

Izalco is a stratovolcano located just over an hour’s drive from the capital city of El Salvador. The famous volcano is located near the Santa Ana Volcano.

Tourists are very eager to visit and climb this volcano. It is equally an ideal place for all kinds of thieves. Tourists are very keen to see and climb this volcano. It is similarly a perfect place for all sorts of thieves. You will certainly be shocked when an armed bodyguard accompanies you on your climb.

Beyond Borders

If you’re planning a trip to Central America, you may be wondering how El Salvador compares to its neighboring countries.

Here’s a brief comparison of El Salvador versus Costa Rica and Panama , as well as Peru versus El Salvador.

El Salvador vs Costa Rica

Costa Rica is often touted as one of the most popular travel destinations in Central America, but El Salvador has its own unique charm.

While Costa Rica is known for its lush rainforests and eco-tourism, El Salvador offers visitors a chance to explore its cultural and historical sites, as well as its beautiful beaches and natural reserves.

In terms of safety, both countries have their own issues, but El Salvador has made significant strides in recent years to improve its security situation.

El Salvador also tends to be less crowded and less expensive than Costa Rica, making it a great option for budget-conscious travelers.

El Salvador vs Panama

Panama is another popular destination in Central America , known for its canal and vibrant city life. However, El Salvador offers a more laid-back and relaxed atmosphere, with plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities and adventure .

Both countries have a rich history and culture, but El Salvador’s indigenous heritage and Mayan ruins set it apart from Panama. Additionally, El Salvador’s beaches are less crowded and more pristine than those in Panama.

Peru vs El Salvador

While Peru is located in South America, it’s worth comparing to El Salvador as both countries offer visitors a chance to explore ancient ruins and cultural sites.

Peru is known for its impressive Machu Picchu and Inca heritage, while El Salvador’s Joya de Cerén offers a glimpse into the daily life of the Mayan people.

In terms of natural beauty, Peru’s Andes Mountains and Amazon rainforest are unmatched, but El Salvador’s Montecristo Cloud Forest and Ruta de las Flores offer their own unique charm.

Additionally, El Salvador tends to be less crowded and more affordable than Peru, making it a great option for budget-conscious travelers.

Overall, El Salvador offers visitors a chance to explore a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Whether you’re looking to relax on the beach, explore ancient ruins, or hike through lush forests, El Salvador has something for everyone.

FAQ El Salvador Travel Guide

What are some must-see views in el salvador.

El Salvador has a lot of natural beauty to offer. Some must-see views include the Montecristo Cloud Forest, the Santa Ana Volcano, and the El Boqueron National Park.

These locations offer stunning views of the natural landscape of El Salvador.

What should be included in an El Salvador travel itinerary?

When planning your El Salvador travel itinerary, it is important to include a mix of natural and cultural experiences.

Some must-visit destinations include the colonial town of Suchitoto, the Mayan ruins of Tazumal, and the beautiful beaches of La Libertad. Additionally, make sure to try some of the delicious local cuisine and visit the local markets.

What are the current travel advisories for El Salvador?

As of November 2023, the US Department of State has issued a Level 3 Travel Advisory for El Salvador, recommending travelers to reconsider travel due to crime. It is important to stay aware of your surroundings and take necessary precautions to ensure your safety.

What are the requirements for traveling to El Salvador?

All travelers to El Salvador must have a valid passport and a return ticket. Visitors from certain countries may also require a visa.

What are some all-inclusive vacation packages for El Salvador?

There are a variety of all-inclusive vacation packages available for El Salvador. Some popular options include beach resorts in La Libertad and eco-lodges in the Montecristo Cloud Forest. It is important to research and compare packages to find the best fit for your travel needs and budget.

What are some recommended activities to do in El Salvador?

El Salvador has a lot of activities to offer visitors. Some recommended activities include surfing at El Tunco Beach, hiking the Santa Ana Volcano , exploring the Joya de Cerén archaeological site, and visiting the San Salvador Cathedral.

Additionally, make sure to try some of the delicious local cuisine and visit the local markets.

What is El Salvador’s National Dish?

El Salvador’s national dish is the pupusa, which is a thick corn tortilla filled with cheese, beans, and/or meat. Pupusas are often served with a side of curtido, which is a pickled cabbage relish. Pupusas are a staple of Salvadorian cuisine and can be found at street vendors and restaurants throughout the country.

In conclusion, El Salvador is a hidden gem in Central America that is worth a visit. With its beautiful beaches, stunning natural landscapes, rich culture, and delicious cuisine, there are many reasons to visit El Salvador.

Here are some of the top reasons to consider visiting this amazing country:

• Beaches : El Salvador is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Central America. From El Tunco to El Zonte, the country’s coastline is dotted with picturesque beaches that offer great surfing, swimming, and sunbathing opportunities.
• Natural Landscapes : El Salvador is a biodiverse country with lush forests, volcanic lakes, and cloud forests. The Montecristo Cloud Forest is a must-visit for nature lovers, as it is home to diverse flora and fauna.
• Rich Culture : El Salvador has a rich cultural heritage that is reflected in its art, music, and architecture. The country’s colonial-era towns, such as Suchitoto, are a testament to its history and offer a glimpse into its past.
• Delicious Cuisine : El Salvador is famous for its delicious cuisine, especially its national dish, pupusas. These stuffed tortillas are a must-try when visiting the country, and you can find them in almost every street corner.
• Affordability : El Salvador is an affordable destination, with low prices for accommodation, food, and transportation. You can travel on a budget and still enjoy all the country has to offer.
• Friendly People : Salvadorans are known for their warm hospitality and friendly nature. You’ll feel welcome and at home when visiting the country.
• Adventure Activities : El Salvador offers a range of adventure activities, from hiking to surfing to zip-lining. You can explore the country’s natural landscapes and get your adrenaline pumping at the same time.
• Mayan Sites : El Salvador has several Mayan sites that are worth a visit, such as Joya de Cerén and Tazumal. These ancient ruins offer a glimpse into the country’s pre-Columbian history.
• Off the Beaten Path : El Salvador is still relatively undiscovered by tourists, which means you can explore the country’s hidden gems without the crowds.
• Easy to Get Around : El Salvador is a small country, which makes it easy to get around. You can travel from one end of the country to the other in just a few hours, making it a great destination for a short trip.

Overall, El Salvador is a fantastic destination that offers something for everyone.

Whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, or culture, you’ll find it all in this beautiful country.

So why not add El Salvador to your travel bucket list and start planning your trip today with the help of my El Salvador travel guide?

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I’m Magdalena – Globetrotter, Free Spirit, and your personal travel guide. Since 2017, I’ve been calling France my home while exploring and falling in love with 35+ diverse countries, from the frost-kissed ski towns to the sun-kissed beaches of Costa Rica and El Salvador. Thrive and Wander is a testament to my adventures, filled with destination guides, travel itineraries, and tips for solo female travel. So grab your backpack, let go of your fears, and join me on this journey to explore our beautiful world!

12 Places to visit in El Salvador. Get to know them today.

The best places to visit in El Salvador are the colorful towns of Apaneca, Juayua, or Suchitoto. Also, natural areas such as the Cerro Verde National park and the Planes of Renderos. Urban areas such as Santa Ana or the San Salvador historic district are fantastic places to visit.

This small nation undoubtedly has many places that could have been included in the following list. Nevertheless, it had to be narrowed down to the top 12.

• 1. Cerro Verde National Park
• 2. The Chalchuapa Archaeological Site

3. Suchitoto and the Surrounding Area

4. the san salvador historic district.

• 5. The City of Santa Ana
• 6. The Gulf of Fonseca
• 7. The Town of Juayua
• 8. Los Planes de Renderos
• 10. The Beaches of El Salvador
• 11. Ilopango Lake
• 12. El Imposible National Park

1. Cerro Verde National Park.

For anyone who likes nature, the Cerro Verde National Park is the place to visit. Here, at this park, you will find three volcanoes, Izalco, Santa Ana, and Cerro Verde.

The Izalco and Santa Ana volcanoes are the most popular in the country when it comes to hiking to the summit. Whereas the Cerro Verde Volcano is more of a mountain covered with dense vegetation.

From any of these three volcanoes, you will get amazing views of the surrounding area. Nonetheless, if you hike to the summit of either Santa Ana or Izalco, the scenes are even better. Also, from the summit of either volcano, you will be able to see the Pacific Ocean and Lake Coatepeque .

SEE ALSO: What is the Best Time to Visit El Salvador? Deciding on the Best Time to Explore El Salvador!

2. The Chalchuapa archaeological site.

The area known as the Chalchuapa archaeological site is home to some of the best Maya ruins in El Salvador. It is the ideal place to visit and get to know about the Salvadoran Indigenous culture.

The area is home to sites such as El Tazumal , Casa Blanca , Trapiche, Las Victorias, and a few others; these are some of the best Indigenous ruins in the country.

It is located in the municipality of Chalchuapa , about 15 kilometers from the city of Santa Ana.

The Suchitoto area is a fantastic place to spend a day or a few days; this area is home to the colorful town of Suchitoto and Lake Suchitlan. Furthermore, the iconic Guazapa volcano is not that far away.

Suchitoto is a colorful colonial town with plenty of customs and traditions; it is a peaceful town that still has cobblestone streets and adobe homes. Additionally, Lake Suchitlan , the largest man-made lake in El Salvador, is a few kilometers away.

In the Suchitoto area, you will get to explore the colonial town and the remarkable artificial lake. Also, you can venture a little further away and explore the Guazapa volcano , with all its civil war history.

The San Salvador historic District is a must-see touristic spot in the country. Why is that? Well, it has iconic buildings such as the National Palace and the National theater.

Furthermore, it has astonishing parks such as Gerardo Barrios plaza, Liberty Plaza, and Plaza Francisco Morazan. These plazas have been at the center of many historic events n the country.

Also, here, you will find notable churches such as the National Cathedral , El Rosario Church , and El Calvario Church. Undoubtedly, these are three of the best churches in El Salvador .

All things considered, the San Salvador historic district is definitely one of the best places to visit in El Salvador.

5. The city of Santa Ana.

The city of Santa Ana is the second largest in the country and one of the top places to visit in El Salvador. Some of the best tourist locations in the nation are near the city.

In the city, you can visit the downtown area and explore the Santa Ana cathedral and the Santa Ana theater. Also, the city is well-known for its shopping and gastronomy.

By all means, if you venture outside the city, you will find great touristic spots. For instance, Lake Coatepeque, Cerro Verde National Park, and the Chalchuapa archaeological area are not far away.

This city is in an ideal location to stay in and take day trips to explore tourist spots located nearby.

6. The Gulf of Fonseca area.

Another of the best places to visit in El Salvador is the Gulf of Fonseca area . This tri-national body of water has islands to explore, the Conchagua Volcano to hike, and amazing beaches to relax.

Here, you can take a boat ride and explore some of the islands. Meanguera, Conchagüita, Zacatillo, Conchagua, and Martin Perez are some of the islands belonging to El Salvador that you can explore.

Emphatically, the Conchagua Volcano is a top place to visit around the Gulf of Fonseca. This volcano has fantastic locations for hiking and camping. Additionally, from high up in the volcano, you will get amazing views of the Gulf and its islands.

If you don’t want to venture into the nearby islands or hike the Conchagua volcano, you can simply unwind at any of the many beaches in the area.

7. The town of Juayua.

The colorful town of Juayua is located at a high altitude in the western part of the country. This small town is one of the main attractions in the La Ruta de Las Flores tourist route.

The town is well-known for the astonishing murals it has all over, painted by local artists. Also, it is known for its gastronomy, which you can taste every day, but especially on the weekend food festival. Moreover, the area produces some of the best coffee beans in El Salvador, which you can sample all over Juayua.

8. Los Planes de Renderos.

Los Planes de Renderos is an area located in the department of San Salvador, near the nation’s capital. It is shared among the municipalities of San Salvador, Panchimalco , and San Marcos.

In the Planes of Renderos, you can enjoy the pleasant climate and also the fantastic natural views. Furthermore, you can enjoy the outdoors at the natural parks and then taste the local gastronomy at various locations. . When visiting the area, I recommend doing the following. Spend the day exploring one of these spots, Balboa Park, La Familia Park, or the devil’s doorway area.

Afterward, towards dinner time, go to the El Mirador area. Here, you can try the local gastronomy that includes most of the typical Salvadoran foods . Additionally, you will be able to see astonishing night views of the city of San Salvador and the surrounding areas.

Apaneca is another one of the colorful towns, which is part of the La Ruta de La Flores tourist route. It is a mountain town, with a relaxed environment, located at an elevation of over 1,400 meters above sea level.

Apaneca is known for numerous things, which include the Labyrinth of Albania, coffee production, and extreme sports activities. Undoubtedly, Apaneca is one of the top places to visit in El Salvador.

10-The beaches of El Salvador.

The beaches of El Salvador are part of the best places to visit in the country. The country has fantastic Pacific Ocean beaches that offer different things to visitors. It is difficult to narrow it down to a single beach or a few beaches.

If you like surfing in a crowded area, go to El Tunco, Punta Roca, El Sunzal, or El Zonte beach. On the other hand, you can visit a secluded surfing spot such as Mizata, Las Flores, or Punta Mango beach. All of these beaches are part of the best surf spots in El Salvador .

If you like the beach for relaxation, go to El Tunco, La Costa del Sol, El Majahual, or La Libertad beach. Keep in mind that these beaches get crowded, especially on the weekends. On the contrary, beaches such as San Diego, El Espino , Los Cobanos , or San Blas, don’t get as crowded.

11- Ilopango Lake

Ilopango Lake is an active volcanic caldera located near the city of San Salvador. This crater lake is shared between the departments of San Salvador, Cuscatlan, and La Paz.

Lake Ilopango is a result of extensive volcanic eruptions that occurred thousands of years ago. The outburst happened between 410 and 535 AD, it desolated the Mayan cities in the area.

12- El Imposible National Park

For Nature lovers, the El Imposible National Park is one of the top places to visit in the country. This national protected area is the largest in the country. It is located at a high elevation in the department of Ahuachapan.

The park has plenty of space with abundant flora and fauna for visitors to explore and enjoy. Also, it has a comprehensive ecosystem that works as a sanctuary for a diverse population of wildlife.

In this astonishing natural area, you will find over 500 species of plants, in addition to an extensive number of mammals, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and butterflies.

Places to visit in El Salvador

Without a doubt, many people who read this post will disagree with the places I have listed. Not that they don’t belong there, but that others should have been included.

For being such a small country, El Salvador has plenty of locations that can be considered a top place to visit . So, when possible, visit one of the top places to visit in El Salvador and enjoy everything they have to offer .

More About El Salvador

• El Salvador travel guide.
• Is El Salvador safe to visit?

Exploring Volcanoes in El Salvador: A Journey Through the Land of Volcanoes

Traveling to El Salvador with Tattoos, Should you be Worried?

What are you looking for?

17 top things to do in el salvador in 2024.

Despite spending less than 2 weeks here, I really loved El Salvador!

So much so, it made the list of our favourite backpacking destinations around the world .

El Salvador is actually the smallest country in Central America wedged between Guatemala and Honduras.

It’s a country of volcanoes, beauty and a reputation for violence in the past.

But that shouldn't worry you.

A stop here should be on every Central America backpacking itinerary and we are going to inspire you with the top things to do in El Salvador !

Need somewhere to stay? Check out our guide on where to stay in El Salvador

Travellerspoint

Top Things To Do In El Salvador

Let's get down to business! This guide will cover all the best things to do in El Salvador as well as a few final travel tips .

1. Hiking the Santa Ana Volcano

This was probably my favorite thing to do in all of El Salvador. 

The Santa Ana volcano is one of many incredible volcanoes that you can hike in the country , and is known for its stunning blue/green crater lake that’s in the middle of the crater (which you can see once you reach the top). 

This is one of the top tourist attractions in El Salvador, so of course you can expect many other groups to be hiking here and also some crowds at the top (although the earlier you go, the less there will be).

Whilst you don’t need to be in excellent physical condition, it can be somewhat demanding and will take around 2 hours to walk up from the trailhead.

I’ve written about my experience climbing the Santa Ana Volcano and how you can visit without a guide.

However, booking an organized tour does have its benefits. With this full day tour you’ll have all transport and entrance permits included. You’ll also get to visit Lake Coatepeque along the way.

Those who want zero crowds can head on this private early-morning tour . Given it’s a faster-paced rhythm up (to get there before others), you’ll want to make sure you’re in decent physical condition for this tour.

The Santa Ana Volcano is located within the Cerro Verde National Park , and the trail is open from 8:00am until 4:00pm daily (which is the same for all other hikes in the Los Volcanes National Park region).

Book your Santa Ana Volcano Hike right here!

2. Take a coffee plantation tour

El Salvador is one of the best coffee regions that you can visit in Latin America, and they really do produce some amazing coffee.

I am a coffee fanatic, so I was actually very excited to come to Central America in general to taste all the amazing coffees.

The coffee of El Salvador is my second favorite in the region (Nicaragua has to be first!).

One of the best ways to get immersed in all things coffee is to take a tour around a plantation. We highly suggest heading on this full-day coffee plantation tour where you will learn about how the coffee is made and of course brew your own cup! You’ll also get to visit the stunning town of Ataco too.

Those who simply want to drink the good stuff without a tour can also find numerous coffee shops throughout Santa Ana.

Some of the very best are located around the Parque Libertad , such as Santein Café and Tostao Coffee Bar.

Book your awesome coffee tour right here

3. Visit The Mayan Ruins of Tazumal and Joya De Cerén

So everywhere in Central America has its own batch of Mayan Ruins, and El Salvador is no different.

Now, I’ll be upfront and say we personally didn’t visit the Mayan ruins. We planned too, but I’d already seen about 5 sets and the capital of the Mayan world: Tikal, and just didn’t feel like seeing any more.

However our writer George did, and has pitched in his thoughts here!

If you want to see Mayan ruins that are completely uncrowded (as in you could be the only ones there), then you will love the ruins in El Salvador.

Joya de Cerén is definitely the most popular of the two, however I found that actually Tazumal was pretty impressive.

Here you can see a well-preserved pyramid, along with all kinds of cacti and green plants around (which make for a great photo op). Tazumal Ruins are located within the town of Chalchuapa , and are open from 9:00am until 4:00pm, Tuesday through to Saturday.

Both sites are easy to reach from Santa Ana via chicken bus, which leave frequently near the Bus Terminal de Francisco Lara Pineda . You’ll want the 218 Bus, which leaves from around 10a Avenida Sur ( just ask a local for the exact bus stop since it can be tricky to find - you’ll find many speak good English here ).

So whilst you can see many pyramids throughout Central America, I think these are a great opportunity to experience the ancient Mayans' fine work without the crowds.

We highly suggest booking this full day tour , where you’ll visit both Joya de Cerén and Tazumal. As well as having a knowledgeable guide teach you about both sites as you walk around, you’ll also get to stop for a scenic lunch at Lake Coatepeque.

This fantastic tour takes you to ALL the Mayan ruins in El Salvador

4. Visit the Santa Ana cathedral

Santa Ana is a really underrated city , and is full of architectural delights and local gems.

It’s the second biggest city in El Salvador (after San Salvador ), and it’s actually quite cute.

There is a lovely square that’s got a great pizza restaurant, and is also home to the beautiful Santa Ana Cathedral !

Also known as the Cathedral of Our Lady Saint Anne, this neo-Gothic church is known for its incredible exterior and imposing twin towers.

It’s definitely worth a visit if you're in the area.

The Santa Ana Cathedral is located next to the Parque Libertad , and is open all days of the week from 6:00-11:45am, and then from 3:00-6:00pm.

5. Surf at El Tunco

El Salvador is home to some of the best surfing in the world , and it’s got something both for the beginners and pros out there.

Head to the beaches of El Tunco and El Sunzal for an amazing time surfing. It costs roughly $20 for a lesson and a days board rental.

El Tunco itself is also a backpacker hub, so it’s got lots of great restaurants and bars. 

The weekend is when this place really comes to life with fantastic parties and live music!

It’s worth heading to La Guitarra at least once, where you can watch live music whilst sipping on cocktails next to the Pacific Ocean.

We stayed in a place called the Casa De Mar hotel which was right on the beachfront and had the best surf break in the area literally in front of it!

The beaches are the most touristy part of El Salvador, so if for some reason, you are really concerned about safety, then this is one of the safest places to visit in El Salvador.

Ps, I suggest El Tunco because it’s where we went, but there are plenty of other beautiful beaches in El Salvador including La Libertad, Costa Del Sol and much more.

If you’re in San Salvador and don’t have much time (but want to visit the beach), then we highly suggest heading on this awesome day tour . Here you’ll have all transport sorted to and from El Tunco, where you’ll also get to visit the incredible waterfalls of El Tamanique.

Be sure to check out: The Best Hotels In El Tunco

6. Visit the waterfalls of El Salvador

There are a variety of waterfalls in El Salvador that are worth visiting, and I love waterfalls, so that’s why they’ve made it on my list of top things to do in El Salvador!

The Tamanique Waterfalls are one of these, which are easily visited from El Tunco with a day trip. 

You can head here with this organized tour , or you can rent a moped for the day and visit them yourself independently. It’s a 30 minute hike, however you can swim in the waterfalls which makes it worth the trip.

Alternatively, if you’re staying in San Salvador then you can also head on this day tour to the falls which includes all transport.

Then there is the Seven Waterfall hike which is for those who love chasing waterfalls and hiking!

One of them is located in the incredible town of Juayúa and the other one is in the Parque Nacional El Imposible.

Juayúa is the main base for visiting the waterfalls, and here you’ll literally visit seven waterfalls which are all stunning in their own right.

Some of them are more difficult to reach and you will need to use ropes, so be careful and remember to bring solid hiking shoes with you!

We didn’t visit waterfalls in El Salvador, because it kind of takes a lot to impress us waterfall-wise nowadays (we’ve seen A LOT), but actually I regret not visiting some of the waterfalls here.

This post from Champagne roads will fill you in on ALL the waterfalls in El Salvador, even the ones the guide books don’t mention.

She spent 3 months in El Salvador and had seen around 20, so I think it’s a great resource!

Oh, and you can fly a drone legally in this country, which means you’re going to catch some pretty awesome shots.

If you can, rent a car and you’ll get to see much more of the waterfalls and the unseen El Salvador.

Take this tour to visit some of the BEST waterfalls in El Salvador

7. Visit the Ruta De Flores

The Ruta de Las Flores is a winding route of about 20 miles that goes through coffee plantations, brightly colored colonial towns and colonial architecture. 

The five main towns on the Ruta de Las Flores include Salcoatitán, Nahuizalco,  Apaneca, Ataco and Juayúa.

You can get buses from each place to the next, and there are a variety of hotels and hostels along the way. It’s also easy to get here from San Salvador, and you can see the numerous options here on Moovit .

If you want to see the true natural beauty of El Salvador, then this is the place to be.

Now if you’ve only got time to visit one small town, then make it Juayúa! It’s definitely one of the best places to see along the Ruta de Flores, and one of those must-visit gems in El Salvador.

Whilst you can visit independently, sometimes taking an organized tour will make everything much more simple. We recommend this day tour from San Salvador , which includes private transport as well as extra time at the thermal hot springs of Santa Teresa.

You can also head on this alternative group tour , which includes visits to food markets, novel activities in each town as well as round-trip transport from the capital.

8. Go shopping in the capital

San Salvador is actually quite a commercialized city, and it’s home to the biggest shopping mall in all of Central America.

So, if you’ve got some spare cash or need some new clothes, then be sure to hit the Metrocentro and shop until you drop! 

They also have some cool arcade shops and cinemas, so you can also chill here and have a touristy day!

If you’re thinking of things to buy in El Salvador as a present or gift, then this is also a good alternative place to find them. Here you can find everything from coffee to novel domestic goods.

The Multicentro is open from 7:00am-9:00pm all days of the week.

Before or after the mall we recommend taking a city tour too (where you will see many of San Salvador’s top highlights). On this half-day tour , you'll have all logistics sorted as you visit impressive sites such as La Iglesia Rosario as well as the Catedral Metropolitana.

Take this half day tour to see the best sights in San Salvador

9. Visit the San Salvador Volcano

The San Salvador Volcano is another incredible peak which is located in the El Boquerón National Park. 

It’s located just outside of the capital, and you can visit the “peak” by heading to the park and then on a 15-20 minute hike upwards to the summit.

You’ll get to see a crater, which is fairly green and it’s probably not the type of crater you’re picturing in your mind (not like the Santa Ana crater).

But it’s easy to hop in an uber to the entrance and walk up! It’s got beautiful views of the city, and it’s definitely one of the top things to do in San Salvador !

You can also fly a drone over to get some cool shots.

It’s important to note that the volcano hiking path (as well as the El Boquerón National Park in general) is open from 8:00am until 5:00pm daily.

You can head on this day trip where you’ll hike to the summit, which also includes Pupusa Tastings and a city tour of the capital.

You can also go with a tour if you’d prefer!

10. Explore Lake Ilopango

This is another one of the great things to do in El Salvador. 

Actually, Lake Ilopango is more like a beach. I say that because it’s got little “beaches” around it and the locals all flock there like it’s the beach ( temperatures are pretty hot year-round which makes it perfect for sunbathing ).

There are lots of restaurants to dine by the lake, and you can rent a boat and have a romantic boat ride on the lake too!

Located east of San Salvador , it’s a really cool place to explore for the day. You can get there and back via Uber for around $8 which isn’t bad!

There is a random little waterpark by the lake too, which I think is mainly for kids, but if you’ve got children, then this is a pretty good place to take them.

You can also visit Lake Ilopango with this guided tour , where you’ll take kayaks out around the lake and enjoy the awesome volcanic landscapes and wildlife.

11. Explore the colonial town of Suchitoto

This is El Salvador's equivalent to the Antigua of Guatemala, except much smaller and much less touristy. 

There aren’t exactly many accommodation options up in Suchitoto, so most people opt to explore the colonial town on a day trip from the capital .

You’ll find that they’re pretty good value tours too, which include all transport and visit various attractions with your own local guide.

But, if you wish, you can go there yourself, either by Uber or by taking the local chicken buses from San Salvador . I would ask your hotel to guide you on what buses to get!

Suchitoto is full of cute churches, colorful buildings and a nice market too! 

It’s also close to another beautiful lake, so it’s definitely worth visiting for a day to see both attractions.

You can also head here on this half-day trip from San Salvador if you have less time free, where you’ll visit the main highlights such as the Saint Lucia Church and the House of Crafts.

Suchitoto is located roughly 50 km north of San Salvador , and can be reached in around an hour and a half using public transport.

Take this awesome valued tour to Suchitoto

12. Swim at Lake Coatepeque Caldera

So, when you hike the Santa Ana volcano, you’ll see this incredible lake from the views at the top. 

It’s a vast lake and a beautiful place to visit, either after your hike or just on a day trip!

You can get there via chicken bus or taxi, and it’s only an hours drive from Santa Ana .

There are lots of lovely restaurants around the lake for a bite, and you can also swim or rent some kayaks and spend the day relaxing at the lake.

You can stay overnight (or for a few days) to enjoy the more relaxed setting. Captain Morgan Hostel is the perfect place to stay, offering both private rooms and dorm beds. They also have an on-site bar, garden and sun terrace right on the lake.

If you like to have everything sorted for you in advance, then you can head on this day tour from Santa Ana , where you’ll also hike the volcano and have all transport included.

Are you staying in San Salvador? Then you can join this convenient tour , where you’ll spend plenty of time at Lake Coatepeque (including both hotel pick-up and drop-off).

13. Eat Pupusa

Pupusas are one of the most common and popular foods you can find in El Salvador - and you’ll find people selling them on the streets everywhere!

It’s basically like a round bread type thing stuffed with either cheese and beans, or mince and cheese. I’ve had both and they’re delicious!

They typically cost around $1 for 2 although I’ve seen 3 or 4 for $1 too. If you want a quick lunch, or a quick snack, then you have to eat pupusas!

They’re also really good when you want food after a night of drinking. A little lady sells them on the streets of El Tunco at like 2-3am haha ( perfect for reducing those day-long hangovers! ).

You’ll also want to head to Pupuseria Tita at least once whilst in Santa Ana, who are highly-renowned for their tasty pupusas. They’re open from 5:00pm until 9:00pm, Tuesday until Sunday.

14. Visit the El Imposible National Park

Literally meaning “The Impossible Natural Park”, this region already has an awesome name, so it’s worth visiting!

It’s a great spot for hiking and camping, and if you’ve got a spare night or two, you should definitely get your hands on a tent and spend time here.

The surroundings of El Imposible National Park are beautiful, so be sure to bring your camera fully-charged with you!

It’s best to visit during the week as it’s less busy. The region is open for both hiking and camping all hours of the day, all days of the week (except when it’s closed on Sundays).

Btw, it’s steep walking, so it’s not for the faint hearted.

There are 3 main trails: Cerro Leon (8 km) , Los Enganches (11km) and Piedra Sellada (8 km).

You can opt to visit with a tour, or you can make a DIY trip on your own.

It’s free to camp and you can rent tents at the entrance (I think), and it’s $6 to enter the park.

Transport to and from will be via chicken buses and won’t cost more than $1.

You can also join an organized tour in order to save yourself the hassle. On this day trip you’ll spend time exploring various breathtaking waterfalls, which are perfect for a quick cool-off from the hot El Salvadorian sun.

The El Imposible National Park is located close to the Guatemalan border , with the closest city of Santa Ana roughly 2.5 hours away.

You can do an organised tour here to save hassle.

15. Visit San Andrés, El Salvador

San Andrés is a pre-columbian archaeological site that’s really worth the visit, and therefore easily makes our list of top things to do in El Salvador.

This is one of the largest pre-Hispanic archaeological sites in the country , and is only 45 minutes from San Salvador .

As a result it’s a worthwhile day trip to do from the capital, and you can use either  Uber or chicken buses to get there.

Or, you could rent a driver for the day to take you there amongst other sights in the area.

If you’re in San Salvador, then we recommend joining this day tour where you’ll visit San Andrés ruins, as well as the ruins of Tazumal and Joys de Cerén.

Those up for more adventure can instead head with this action-packed tour that also visits numerous volcanoes and Lake Coatepeque!

16. Camp at Conchagua

This is a great area of natural beauty and one Bradley and I missed out on. 

Actually most of the research is in Spanish on Google, so it’s hard to get exact information, but this is a wonderful place to camp.

It’s better to visit Conchagua via car and actually some people opt to sleep in their car rather than camp, but that’s up to you.

Conchagua Volcano is the only one that is located in the coastal plains of El Salvador, which offers a completely different setting compared to the rest further in-land.

There is a viewpoint here called Soul of the mountain, which is said to offer some of the most beautiful views in all of El Salvador!

The owner of the “viewpoint” organizes a tour that costs $10 for transport to and from and entrance to the viewpoint, which isn’t bad.

He is called Luis Diaz and his contact number is +503 7824 7766. You can gain more information via him!

Conchagua Volcano is located right in the extreme south-east of El Salvador , close to Honduras. The closest city to the region is San Miguel, which is around an hours drive away.

17. Chill at The Santa Teresa Hot Springs

When it comes to El Salvador attractions, this should easily make the list. 

However the Santa Teresa Hot Springs is actually quite an undiscovered hidden gem of El Salvador, and it doesn't make it on many of the backpacking itineraries or lists of things to do in El Salvador. But it should!

I love a good hot spring, and there is actually a “luxury” resort area here called the Santa Teresa Park which offers you the unique opportunity to appreciate the largest Ausol in Central America.

Here you can also see the magic pool, trail of the lagoons, the romantic pool as well as the blue lagoon, which all together make the hot springs of Santa Teresa the main tourist destination in the West of El Salvador.

These are beautiful hot springs, all well organized, and I REGRET NOT KNOWING ABOUT THEM!

I wish I had gone, but even when I did my initial research, this wasn’t on the list of things to do in El Salvador, so if you go to El Salvador, please go and tell me what you think!

You can head on this day tour from the capital , which includes pick-up and drop-off and gives you plenty of time to really relax at this underrated site.

The Santa Teresa Hot Springs are located close to the city of Ahuachapan , and are open from 8:00am until 10:00pm all days of the week.

So there you have it, my guide on the top things to do in El Salvador! I hope this guide has given you some inspiration to the many amazing and different things there are to do in El Salvador.

It’s truly an undiscovered country that’s slowly but surely rising in popularity, so if you can, visit before it becomes overly backpackery (not a word but I like it haha), and so you have it all to yourself (and whilst there are no drone laws!!)

On that note, be sure to check out our guide on the best travel drones .

Why visit El Salvador?

El Salvador is often overlooked by backpackers but it shouldn’t be.

It’s home to the stunning Santa Ana volcano, amazing waterfalls and natural beauty, and some of the best surf in the world, that’s consistent all year round!

Simply scratch the surface and you’ll soon discover a country with amazing places to visit, people to meet and beauty to discover.

Is El Salvador safe to visit?

Yes. I am well aware of the reputation that El Salvador has for having one of the highest homicide rates in the world. Which it does, or did.

But the people of El Salvador are actually very much aware of this reputation too. And whilst there is no denying there is violence in the country (just like there is in any country), it doesn’t target tourists.

I have to say, I didn’t feel uneasy for a single minute in El Salvador, and Bradley and I used chicken buses to get from place to place and it felt safe.

The people were friendly, and not once did we feel threatened.

So I can say that it’s safe, or it was for us. Just take normal precautions such as don’t walk around alone at night, don’t get drunk and put yourself in a vulnerable position (especially at night), and don’t flash the cash or expensive jewelry.

Also ,don’t get involved with drugs.

Follow those rules and you will have a fuss free and wonderful experience in El Salvador!

When is the best time to visit El Salvador?

The dry season or summer of El Salvador runs between November and April, so I would say this is the best time to visit.

The wet season runs from May and October.

Bradley and I visited in February and the weather was dry and super warm. El Salvador is a very warm country and the temperature sits at around 33-35 degrees Celsius every day.

Read Also: How To Plan A Trip

How to get to El Salvador?

As I mentioned before, El Salvador is actually quite a small country. You could get from one end to the other in around 4-5 hours.

This means there is only one airport in the country and that’s located in the capital: San Salvador.

You can get flights to San Salvador from a variety of locations, and if you’ve been visiting Mexico or Guatemala, you can get flights for around £60.

If you’re flying from England or the USA the chances are you will have a stopover somewhere before you land in San Salvador.

For those travelling by bus/on land, you can get to the beaches of El Salvador easily by shuttle bus from Guatemala. You can also get to the capital too.

If you want to go to Santa Ana, you will have to leave from Guatemala city, not Antigua as no direct shuttles go to Santa Ana from there.

If you’re coming from the other end (Honduras or Nicaragua), you can use Tica bus to get to San Salvador!

Visa Requirements for El Salvador

El Salvador is part of the C4-4 agreement (El Salvador, Honduras, Guatemala and Nicaragua). This agreement gives tourists 90 days to travel in any of the 4 countries. NOT EACH COUNTRY ( a common mistake).

You can request a 30 day extension, which gives you 120 days in the 4 countries.

If you're from Australia, Belgium, Lavtia, or Croatia you are required to purchase a visa card on arrival which is $10 and lasts 30 days.

You can find more information here.

How long do I need to backpack El Salvador?

Since it’s such a small country, you don't need a lot of time to see everything. I would say 2 weeks is suffice, but you could take it slow and do 3, especially if you are surfing.

You could do it a lot quicker if you’re only making a few stops! I know people who spent less than a week here but I don’t think that’s enough time to get to know the country and truly appreciate its beauty and check off all the top things to do in El Salvador!

Where to after El Salvador?

El Salvador is usually part of a full Central America backpacking list, so depending on whether you’re going north or south, it would make sense to visit Guatemala afterwards, or Nicaragua !

Both countries are amazing, and if you have time, you should definitely visit both. To date, I haven’t visited Honduras as it wasn’t really safe at the time, but I will return and visit it in the future - don’t worry!

Hotels In El Salvador

The hotel industry in El Salvador is nowhere near as big as other countries, so for that reason, I’m going to list a hotel recommendation for each area I visited!

• El Tunco: Casa De Mar ‍
• Santa Ana: Pool House Hostel ‍
• San Salvador: Cinco hotel B&B ‍
• Ruta De Flores: Casa Degraciela Hotel Boutique

You can find the best accommodation in San Salvador here .

The equipment we use when travelling

In case you're wondering what cameras we used for these photos.

• ‍ Canon G7x Mark II : Brilliant little point and shoot, video recording for creating travel videos and vlogging camera. A great all-in-one when you don't want to carry lots of equipment. ‍
• Tripod:  We carry a travel tripod to take some pictures together or get unique shots.
• Memory cards: I use 64G sandisk, sometimes sandisk gold for my drone footage. ‍
• Mavic Pro Drone:  Our baby mavic is high quality, worth a lot of money and worth it for the beauty it captures. There are more new drones out, but this is honestly perfect.

If you’ve got anything else you think I should add to my list of the top things to do in El Salvador, then please comment below.

Happy travelling!

Leave a comment

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5 million people can't be wrong

▷ The 34 Best BEACHES OF EL SALVADOR

The coastal strip and best beaches of el salvador are located in 7 departments full of paradisiacal beaches headed by the department of la libertad, followed by sonsonate and la paz..

Live an unforgettable experience on the beaches of El Salvador if you are one of those who like to travel and know different places. Enjoying the sun , sea, and sand to get out of the routine and rest, or perhaps, live strong emotions practicing your favorite water sport.

The expansion and rapid growth of tourism is the national slogan of El Salvador , for its extensive coastal territory, with a series of stunning beaches that are a delight for domestic and foreign tourists.

BEACHES OF EL SALVADOR. Photo by ElSalvadorViajar.

Bathed by the waters of the Pacific Ocean , the coasts of this country have a charm hard to find elsewhere.

The marine coastal strip has seven departments full of paradisiacal beaches headed by the department of La Libertad , followed by the departments of Sonsonate and La Paz , which concentrate on the best of this tourist attraction.

Let’s get to know this fascinating natural scenery that offers us the Thumb of America to discover what we can see and do in 34 of its most popular and visited beaches, some very famous for the practice of surfing, amateur or professional level.

The Salvadoran coast has the best waves of the Central American continent and is considered a must-see beach destination for lovers of this sport.

Discover relaxing beaches, black, gray, and even golden sands, seas that invite you to swim, and others to the challenge of its waves, unique sunsets, and amazing landscapes, an adventure in these beautiful tropical paradises worth the trip.

La Libertad Department

El tunco beach.

With its dark sands of volcanic origin and its unmistakable rock that resembles a pig or Tunco , you will find one of the most famous beaches of El Salvador. Numerous national and foreign surfers recommend it for the height and strength of its waves.

You can also enjoy a rich and varied cuisine , spend time resting in the sea and sunbathing and watch the most spectacular sunsets.

Even the grand mecca of cinema, Hollywood , was captivated by the landscapes of this beautiful beach. The most renowned national and world surfing championships have had El Sunzal Beach as a venue, which is also ideal for snorkeling or shallow diving.

It stands out for its gastronomy, specializing in seafood and fish, as well as the most important center of pupusódromos, where you can taste the delicious pupusas or corn tortillas, one of the best-known typical foods of El Salvador .

Las Flores Beach

If you are attracted to quiet, comprehensive, and flat places with an excellent tropical climate, you can’t miss Las Flores Beach , one of the best beaches in El Salvador.

All kinds of recreational and sporting activities are possible in this paradise: sunbathing, hiking, boat rides, football and beach volleyball , horseback riding, camping, or enjoying the sea for its sound waves.

El Majahual Beach

Cataloged as the “perfect tourist destination,” El Majahual Beach will captivate you immediately because it combines at the same time a warm tropical climate. These delicate and dark sands highlight its turquoise blue waters and fresh and pleasant breeze, complemented by gentle and soft waves.

Unbeatable for sports such as football and beach volleyball , it also invites you to start surfing, camping, or enjoying romantic bonfires at night on one of the most beautiful beaches of El Salvador.

El Obispo Beach

As in many beaches of El Salvador , you will find black sands characteristic of this territory, with exciting and whimsical rock formations accompanied by a portentous swell that, at certain times, decreases.

The warmth of its inhabitants, even though sometimes it is highly visited, opens windows for a well- deserved rest. Surfing , boat rides, and fishing activities, along with sea and sunbathing, make El Obispo Beach a place of obligatory visit.

El Palmarcito Beach

Lovers of direct contact with nature will experience the best moments in this tourist destination. In El Palmarcito Beach , you will clear your mind leaving behind the worldly noise. If you love photographic memories, don’t forget your camera .

For the more physically active, there is the opportunity to organize a good game of beach football or take advantage of the wind and sea through surfing and body surfing .

El Zonte Beach

Nestled within the municipality of Chiltiupán of this department, El Zonte Beach has one of the complete tourist infrastructures among the beaches of El Salvador. Its broad and flattened shores captivate those who enjoy seeing their tanned bodies.

The incomparable landscapes , the local gastronomy, and the excellent waves to exercise with surfing position it among the places of greater tourist recognition at the international level.

La Paz Beach

The array of activities in La Paz Beach makes it an exceptional tourist destination. One of the most recognized beaches of El Salvador , for the breadth of services for visitors.

It is world-renowned for its swell that allows the deployment of international surfing competitions. At the same time, it offers the opportunity to swim, kayak, or fish and, at certain times of the year, observe the migration of whales.

Mizata Beach

In the municipality of Teotepeque you will find another world-famous tropical paradise. Mizata Beach has hot and crystalline waters. Activities such as surfing and guided tours to different sites, clubs, and bars, have given it high national and international recognition.

San Blas Beach

Another perfect jewel of the tropics is among the beaches of El Salvador . With an extension of one kilometer of dark sands free of stones , this beautiful place is a private and public area, which allows all surfing activists to enjoy its immense swell.

The landscapes of San Blas Beach , the human warmth, the cool breeze, and the beautiful fauna will give you an unparalleled experience.

San Diego Beach

With full public access within the private ranchería, San Diego Beach , with its more than 7 kilometers of extension, is the ideal place to camp, play volleyball and beach soccer, go jogging in the morning or take a pleasant rest.

One of the beaches of El Salvador has security provided by the National Tourism Police.

Taquillo Beach

Part of a Natural Reserve, Taquillo Beach is one of the Beaches of El Salvador , an ecological treasure. It is in an excellent virgin state, where its soft black sands and splendorous wooded landscapes make the first-class frame for videographers and photographers.

Ideal beach for swimming, but not recommended for surfing. It’s a place of ecological tourism. We can practice camping as long as we are equipped with water and food.

La Libertad Beach

It is one of the most famous and crowded beaches in El Salvador . Excellent restaurants, a pleasant tropical climate, cozy accommodations, and its fascinating exit to the Pacific Ocean make La Libertad Beach an attractive coastal stop and recommended tourist destination throughout the year.

Conchalio Beach

The calm waters of this beautiful beach can satisfy the tastes of both swimmers and surfers. One of the few beaches in El Salvador where we will see less tourist influx, which is ideal for those seeking more tranquility. Many hotels and restaurants offer all kinds of amenities if you attend with your family.

Sonsonate Department

Barra salada beach.

A wonderful stay to enjoy well-deserved days of relaxation you will find in the beaches of El Salvador, in the department of Sonsonate, as Barra Salada Beach offers a warm climate where you can take great sunbathing.

Get equipped beforehand with a beach chair, and towels, without forgetting your sunscreen. For fun, you will have access to fishing, volleyball, beach soccer, or delicious picnics outdoors. You will also find cozy accommodations.

Costa Azul Beach

Among the beaches of El Salvador, Costa Azul is one of the most distinguished for diving and other water sports. Its natural landscapes, surrounded by reefs, make it an excellent place for photography.

Its proximity to San Salvador , only one hour away, makes it an undeniable tourist attraction, with a wide variety of services for its visitors.

Los Cóbanos Beach

Located in a protected area, the golden sands of Los Cóbanos Beach invite nationals and foreigners to a large tourism section.

Its limpid waters invite us to practice snorkeling and scuba diving. Beach soccer and golf are other sports present in the place. It is possible to watch whales in the migratory process from its coasts.

Metalío Beach

A set of gentle waves , soft black sands, a shining sun, lush vegetation, and fresh and delicate breeze can provide tourists with an oasis for relaxation. But El Metalío is also an excellent place to exercise the body through football and beach volleyball.

Salinitas Beach

A tourist destination at any time of the year, Salinitas Beach awaits you with its gray sands. The typical activities are sunbathing and sea bathing, but its fame is based on diving, given the diversity of aquatic species that can observe in its crystalline waters.

Barra Ciega

Barra Ciega Beach is part of a rural agricultural area with no exploitation or tourism development. However, it is one of the beaches of El Salvador that offers those who visit it a day of relaxation. For entry, it is advisable to request permission and support from its inhabitants.

La Paz Department

El pimental beach.

El Salvador’s beaches have one of the maximum exponents for ecotourism in El Pimental . Its gentle waves, beautiful ochre-colored sands, protected sea turtle egg farms, and pleasant breeze make this jewel an incomparable place to rest, just 1 hour from San Salvador.

La Zunganera Beach

Regarding relaxation, La Zunganera occupies one of the first places on the beaches of El Salvador . The other color of the sand scattered for several kilometers, with its coconut trees as custodians that also protect us from the sun, make this exotic beach a place to visit.

Costa del Sol Beach

You can’t miss Costa del Sol , the most spacious of the beaches of El Salvador, with its 15 kilometers of natural attractions such as the mouth, mangroves, islands, and estuary, which by its breadth allows many other tourist activities for its holiday infrastructure.

Las Hojas Beach

It is one of the most visited by tourists for its smooth sands , the blue sky of its waters, pleasant waves, calm environment, and excellent tourist configuration. It is a natural paradise for relaxation.

La Puntilla Beach

The privileged position of La Puntilla beach , as a union of the departments of La Paz, Usulután, and San Vicente, apart from the local economic commerce and the captivating boat rides to the mangroves and Tasajera Island, offer all visitors to the beaches of El Salvador a fabulous tourist destination.

San Marcelino Beach

In Costa del Sol’s tourist area, you can visit San Marcelino, where typical beach activities and artisanal fishing are the most common attractions for domestic and foreign tourists.

La Unión Department

El tamarindo beach.

Lovers of tranquility will find in El Tamarindo one of the beaches of El Salvador with an atmosphere that borders almost on the private. Ideal for boat rides, diving, fishing, on the seaside, and on land for volleyball and beach soccer, as well as motorcycle rides.

Las Negras Beaches

Like other beaches of El Salvador located in this same department, Negras Beaches has pools or jacuzzis where you can take a refreshing swim. Its name is due to the color of the sand, which resembles ground coal. As an inlet, adults, and children are safe to enter its waters.

Las Tunas Beach

Countless tourists visit Las Tunas for its gentle waves. In addition, here, you will enjoy natural rock pools that resemble jacuzzis. Your eyes will be impressed by the black color of its sands.

Torola Beach

With an internationally recognized name, we find Torola Beach , located in eastern El Salvador.

The impressive contrast of a blue sea with golden sands is an attraction for tourists since it combines with its calm and shallow waters, allowing the family’s youngest members to enjoy. Photography activities, hikes, and prolonged bathing comprise the distraction of its visitors.

San Miguel Department

With its tourist attraction widely recognized by surfing lovers, who consider it a sanctuary, Las Flores Beach captivates other travelers because of its crystal clear waters. This exotic vegetation surrounds it, and once legal permits are obtained, camping is possible on its ample grounds.

El Cuco Beach

One of the most visited beaches in the department of San Miguel , El Cuco beach is undoubtedly a paradise. It is in the municipality of Chirilagua , with calm waters, a vast beach, and waves that can reach a meter and a half in high season.

It is an ideal place for extreme and aquatic sports.

Ahuachapán Department

Barra de santiago beach.

Among all the beaches of El Salvador, one of the most complete, touristically speaking, is Barra de Santiago Beach : waves up to 2 meters high for the delight of surfers, scuba diving and freediving, boat rides through mangroves, water skiing, sailing, fishing, bird and reptile watching, impeccable hotel infrastructure, bars, and restaurants, as well as an excellent gastronomic network.

Usulatán Department

El espino beach.

El Espino is one of the most extensive beaches in El Salvador , thanks to its being more than 10 kilometers long. Varied activities, soccer, surfing, jogging, warm waters, and an enormous ecosystem, have allowed every day the concurrence of all kinds of tourists to the atmosphere of sea and sun is more remarkable.

Indeed, on the beaches of El Salvador , you will find ideal destinations for a well-deserved and peaceful vacation, days of rest, and endless sports activities.

In short, the best option for enjoyment , with splendid places, a good climate, a pleasant atmosphere, and a high tourist level, make these Salvadoran natural sites a sensational stay.

Other nearby tourist attractions

Redacciones |

4 perfect days in El Salvador

Nov 15, 2022 • 10 min read

Planes de Renderos in El Salvador © Luis Siguenza/Lonely Planet

Rejuvenated and forward-looking, this stunningly beautiful Central American country has momentum building that landed it a spot in our Learn category. 

El Salvador's idyllic beaches are catching the attention of professional surfers from around the world as it works hard to establish itself as Surf City. The country is quietly becoming the place where those in the know come to catch waves and hone their surfing skills.

There's so much to learn about this country. Lonely Planet guidebook author Paige R. Penland plans out your four-day getaway to its coastal waters, quaint towns and volcanoes.

I’ve visited El Salvador a dozen times since 2006, when I was lead author on Lonely Planet Nicaragua & El Salvador . I’ll be taking my 9-year-old son on the next trip, to visit Isla de los Pájaros and the epic waterparks for which this country should be better known. (Search for Apuzunga, Turicentro Atecozol and Canopys del Rio Sunzal to see what I mean.)

Why I think you should visit El Salvador

El Salvador offers almost everything travelers to Latin America are looking for, just three hours by plane from Miami: sunny beaches, quaint colonial towns, stunning volcanoes, colorful handicrafts, low prices and arguably the finest cuisine in Central America .

It is compact, with dramatic topography and excellent (main) roads. You could literally surf La Libertad all morning, relax over lunch in Spanish Colonial Suchitoto and watch sunset from a chilly 8000ft (2400m) at Hostal Miramundo – and only spend about four hours total in the car. 

All of this makes El Salvador an easy escape for North Americans on a long weekend. If time is no object, however, two to four weeks would be ideal.

Budget travelers can enjoy El Salvador on $40 per day, and much less if you plan carefully. Mid-range travelers will be comfortable on $100 per day (not including rental car). Luxury lovers will find a small selection of excellent resorts and restaurants for about half what they’d pay in more-popular Latin American destinations.

Travelers may read the international criticism of El Salvador’s current government and worry that their money is supporting it. There is some truth to that. On balance, however, I think tourism favors the little guy – Jack Ma taught himself English as a tour guide, after all. Think before you spend, and try to support local businesses with El Salvador’s best interests at heart.

El Salvador’s official currency has been the US dollar since 2001, another convenience for US travelers. In 2021, President Bukele made Bitcoin El Salvador’s second official currency, and it’s widely accepted through smartphone apps. That decision was controversial, to say the least – yet tourism has since grown an astonishing 30%.

I appreciate the Bitcoin bump because not every article about El Salvador begins with “war-torn” anymore. It’s not. This is a small country with big dreams, still willing to believe in the future. And that’s the real reason why you should come . 

Start with a perfect day in the capital

This itinerary assumes travelers have rented a car ($40–80/day). If you use public transportation, double travel times or check online bus schedules.

Our journey begins at Romero International Airport – or, if you’ve already been relaxing with the sun and surf along El Salvador’s 186mi (307km) coastline, 20 minutes away in La Libertad. Whether you’ve been here all week or just arrived, we’re headed up to the capital, San Salvador. 

10am – Pupusas for breakfast 

Pull off the highway in Olocuilta, where a tidy strip of pupuserías serve up stacks of the city’s signature rice pupusas , more delicate and refined than the more widely available corn masa versions of El Salvador’s cheap, filling national dish. If you’re looking for a more elegant brunch, enjoy gourmet tamales, omelets and tost secreto (Salvadoran-style avocado toast) at Tu Jardín Secreto. The relaxing garden setting is in Planes de Renderos, a popular escape from the city with parks , horseback rides and the family-friendly, 20-minute hike up Puerta del Diablo, a startling rock formation with views to the Pacific Ocean from the top.

11am – Arrive in Colonia Escalón

Our base in the capital is posh Colonia Escalón, with upscale shopping, dining and accommodation options. After coffee at Tipicos Margoth, catch a cab to the Museum of Anthropology for an overview of El Salvador’s history, including pre-Columbian relics, Spanish Colonial art and exhibits that explore modern challenges, from the civil war to gang violence and mass emigration.

From there, it’s a short walk to the National Craft Market, where artisans sell quality handicrafts from around the country, including comfortable hand-woven hammocks, clever ceramic dioramas from Ilobasco and the colorful naive folk art of La Palma – which you’ll see firsthand tomorrow.

2pm – Head to Centro Historico

Take a taxi to the Centro Historico, home to the National Palace , National Theater and Metropolitan Cathedral , the final resting place of St Oscar Romero. As you explore the city center’s parks, plazas and markets, don’t miss the somber Monument of Memory and Truth in Parque Cuscatlán, engraved with the names of those lost during El Salvador’s civil war (1980–92), and be sure to step inside Iglesia El Rosario to see the symphony of rainbows its windows play upon the sculptural interior.

4:30pm – Check out Volcán San Salvador

Grab a cab to the top of Volcán San Salvador ($20, 40 minutes) and watch the sunset and city lights over exquisite grilled meats and seafood served with sweet potato biscuits at Las Brumas.

9pm – Enjoy San Salvador's nightlife

There’s time for a disco nap before the country’s best nightlife begins. Look forward to an ever-changing assortment of clubs and bars: enjoy laid-back city views at The Rooftop, dinner and live music at Republik and all-night dance parties at AliVE. 

A perfect day in the Central Highlands

10am – Arrive at Suchitoto’s tiny Puerto San Juan , a cheerful cluster of souvenir stores, restaurants and a dock overlooking Lake Suchitlán, just 45 minutes from the capital. Boats ($35) offer one-hour tours around the islands , including Isla de Los Pájaros (“Bird Island”), its trees shrieking and singing with the voices of some 400 species of mostly migratory birds: jabiru storks, seagulls, cormorants, pelicans and many more. 

Noon – Lunch at Villa Balanza

After lunch at artsy Villa Balanza, it’s time to check in at the meticulously restored, 200-year-old mansion that is now one of El Salvador’s most luxurious properties, Los Almendros de San Lorenzo . The courtyards are hung with marvelous art and Moorish details, and filled with gardens and a sparkling pool: an architectural gem even by Suchitoto’s high standards. 

1:30pm – Stroll through the city

Just strolling the cobbled streets of this breezy Spanish Colonial city is a delight. The rich blue textiles fluttering from the doors are dyed with indigo, grown here since Pipil Mayans ran the place. Arte Añil, across from picturesque Iglesia Santa Lucia, offers classes (90 minutes, $100 per group) where you can try your hand at this ancient art.

4pm – Mayan-influenced art in La Palma

An hour north of Suchitoto is La Palma, birthplace of the vibrant, Mayan-influenced naive art that has become synonymous with El Salvador itself. It was pioneered by artist Fernando Llort in the 1970s to help local artisans thrive; today, you can visit workshops covered with murals, and watch artists create the vibrant pieces from wood, glass and other materials. After Llort’s most famous piece, on San Salvador’s Metropolitan Cathedral, was destroyed in 2011, artists recreated it using digital mapping and projected it onto the facade.

9pm – Back to Los Almendros for Dinner

Although Suchitoto has several excellent restaurants, we’ll return to Los Almendros for dinner, where chefs use Salvadoran ingredients and French techniques to create award-winning recipes. Try the mariscada , a traditional Salvadoran seafood stew with lobster and cream; the dijon chicken baguette; or the vegetarian lasagna. If you’re game, Suchitoto’s nightlife scene is small but always festive. 

Pyramids and Volcanoes

After a leisurely breakfast at Café 1800 , it’s an hour to Joya de Cerén , also called Central America’s Pompeii. While you’ve probably seen the massive stone pyramids and ballcourts of the Classical Mayan capitals (if not, the ruins of Copán are 5 hours north of Suchitoto), the modest lives of Mayan villagers are mostly lost to time.

Except here. Preserved since 600CE beneath 33ft (10m) of volcanic ash, small, lovingly decorated adobe homes, a temezcal (sweat lodge) and the oldest cultivated yuca (manioc) make this one of Central America’s most important archaeological sites. Fifteen minutes away, San Andrés was the regional Mayan administrative center, with small stone pyramids and the remains of a Spanish Colonial indigo-processing facility.

1pm – Volcanoes in Cerro Verde National Park

It’s another hour to Cerro Verde National Park , with three magnificent volcanoes and several hikes, including an easy half-mile (1km) loop with unforgettable views. Athletic travelers can arrange steep, three- to six-hour guided hikes ($9) to the top of either Izalco Volcano’s barren, steaming cinder cone, or to Santa Ana’s nested calderas and scenic lakes. These hikes leave at 10am and must be done with a guide, which might mean shifting your itinerary.  

4pm – Stay overnight at Lago Coatepeque

There are great places to stay in the park, but we’re headed to the enormous (10 sq miles/25 sq km), sparkling crater lake you were admiring on your hike, Lago Coatepeque. It’s another impossibly scenic hour in the car to the lakeshore, which is lined with hotels, restaurants and bars, most with swimming docks

Lodging along the lakefront runs from $10 to $200 per night, so you’ll have a pick for your budget. Dinner at La Octava Maravilla costs about $20 – and it’s mandatory. I’ll be having the mojarra rellena , a whole fried fish stuffed with shrimp and other shellfish. 

After dinner, order an ice-cold beer at one of the lakefront bars. The party can go all night.

Stop and smell the flowers in El Salvador

After breakfast on the lake, it’s another hour to Entre Ríos Ecopark ($3), outside the town of Izalco. Slip into one of the natural hot and cold pools to relax, or try the water slides. When you’re ready, order brunch right to your hammock.

1pm – Visit Ruta las Flores

Ruta las Flores is El Salvador’s most popular inland attraction, a strand of lovely little towns and accessible natural wonders in the coffee-growing highlands between Sonsonate and the Guatemalan border. If it’s Saturday, we’ll stop at Juayúa’s famed Gastronomic Festival, which runs every weekend with stands selling styrofoam plates piled grilled meats, spiced prawns and tasty rice dishes, and where souvenirs, cocktails and artwork are for sale while live music plays and “Zorro” offers horseback rides. Otherwise, it’s onto Ataco.

3pm – Handicrafts shop at Axul Artesanía

After coffee at El Jardín de Celeste , we’ll explore the ancient city, making sure to visit Axul Artesanía. The handicrafts shop is an experience in itself, with working looms and unique paintings that flirt with high art. The owners are also responsible for for Ataco’s superb collection of selfie-friendly murals. Later, we’ll learn more about the coffee growing all around us on El Carmen Estates ’ plantation tour ($6; 75 minutes).

6pm – Drinks at Casa Degraciela

Wherever we dine in Ataco, we’ll finish with drinks in the courtyard of Casa Degraciela, a sprawling, 150-year-old coffee plantation mansion that’s now a luxurious B&B. Someday we’ll come back, but tonight we’ve reserved the Japón suite at Santa Teresa Hot Springs Resort, just 20 minutes away. 

7pm – Enjoying the private hot spring

We splurged on this spacious suite because it comes with a private hot spring, drawn from the same natural thermal waters that flow like a river through the resort gardens and surrounding coffee plantation. Relax beneath the stars as you plot your return to El Salvador.

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The Evolution of Tourism in El Salvador: Strategies, Challenges, and Economic Impact

Uncover the reasons behind the surge in tourism in El Salvador, explore the implemented strategies, and understand the broader economic impacts of this trend.

by Sofia Alfaro

Sr. Project Assistant

El Salvador, a small country in Central America, experienced a notable boost in tourism in the 1960s. This crucial era marked the emergence of organized tourism, and during this transformative decade, important efforts were made to lay the foundation for the tourism industry’s later development.

In this era, the Instituto Salvadoreño de Turismo (ISTU) was created, an agency authorized to promote the sector's development. At the same time, the financial sector was given support for tourism enterprises, such as the Economic Development Fund (EDF). The EDF was given out by the Central Reserve Bank in 1966, and it introduced lines of credit designed to boost investment in tourism infrastructure.

Although these initiatives were intended to boost infrastructure, the tangible impact remained modest. However, in the following decades, different strategies and programs emerged, achieving more significant economic growth. Of course, there were barriers to this growth, which we’ll explore in more depth below.

Exploring the Growth of Tourism Since the 1960s

In 1979, El Salvador underwent a civil war that lasted until 1992. With the increase in violence, the country was no longer considered safe for travel, and the tourism sector was decimated. Upon the war’s end, El Salvador began to recover, but the country's image as a tourist destination had been marred by the war.

Travel In LATAM: A Look at the Current Travel Behaviors of Latin Americans

On top of that, the civil war was a destabilizing force sociopolitically - food insecurity, poverty, and gang violence filled the vacuum left behind. The specter of past militarized violence, and the lived experience of current more decentralized violence, further broke down the ability for the tourist sector to rebuild after the war. More drastic change was needed.

Jumping forward quite a bit from the years following the war’s end, one arrives at the Covid-19 pandemic. During the COVID-19 pandemic, El Salvador, like many other countries worldwide, faced unprecedented challenges. Border closures and mobility restrictions dealt a severe blow to the already challenged tourism sector, causing widespread disruption to businesses and livelihoods. However, despite the adversity, by 2022, El Salvador managed to recover 96% of pre-pandemic tourism.

Recent Government Initiatives and Policies

In recent years, the current administration of President Nayib Bukele has implemented policies focused on improving security throughout the country, significantly boosting tourism. Simultaneously, various strategies have been deployed to improve infrastructure and revitalize key tourist destinations, with the restoration of the Historic Center of El Salvador being one of the most notable transformations.

At the same time, efforts are underway to promote initiatives such as Surf City, which aims to improve El Salvador's coastal areas and attract investment. Successful surfing competitions have recently been held in El Salvador, solidifying its attractiveness as a top choice for surfers worldwide.

The recent implementation of the National Tourism Plan 2030 presents a series of strategies to be developed in the coming decade to bolster the tourism sector as one of the main socio-economic engines of the country. Marketing strategies have been an essential part of tourism growth thus far and they constitute some of the action in Plan 2030. Building tourism in El Salvador would put it on the international radar and motivate investment, thus generating employment and benefiting the overall economy.

According to the latest trends report from WTTC and ForwardKeys, for the first half of 2024, El Salvador has demonstrated an impressive 157% growth in tourism compared to the same period in 2019. Building on this momentum, the WTTC projects that El Salvador will emerge as the leader in international tourist arrivals in Latin America for the January to June period this year. 

These projections align with the growth forecasts set out by the Ministry of Tourism (Mitur), which anticipates approximately 3.8 million foreign visitors in 2024. If this estimate is achieved, it would surpass the historical milestone of 3.4 million arrivals recorded in 2023, with the consequent generation of foreign exchange estimated at US$3.793 million.

As market researchers, we want to be ahead of the curve. We want to see emerging trends, markets, and brands before they’ve made themselves obvious. What the data and strategy from El Salvador tell us is that it is one such market. When we advise our clients, forecast the next few years, and seek out participants, it’s important to keep this rising market in mind.

Sofia Alfaro

The views, opinions, data, and methodologies expressed above are those of the contributor(s) and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official policies, positions, or beliefs of Greenbook.

Comments are moderated to ensure respect towards the author and to prevent spam or self-promotion. Your comment may be edited, rejected, or approved based on these criteria. By commenting, you accept these terms and take responsibility for your contributions.

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Love Exploring

Ranked: The Most Popular Movie Locations Around The World

Posted: May 23, 2024 | Last updated: May 23, 2024

Stars of the silver screen

Some places and monuments are synonymous with Hollywood, but have you ever wondered which places are the most filmed in the world? Guess no more, because NetCredit has created a definitive list for movie buffs and travel fanatics alike. Using IMDb's Advanced Search function, the finance experts have rounded up the most popular set locations in every country – and these are the top 30. From famous landmarks to lesser-known destinations, these places are forever captured on film.

30. Acropolis, Athens, Greece

In at number 30 is the UNESCO World Heritage Site Acropolis. Dating back some 2,500 years, this majestic citadel stands proud on a hillside plot overlooking the city of Athens, so it's no real wonder that this ancient landmark is Greece's most filmed place. From the 1989 Woody Allen-directed comedy New York Stories  to the notorious documentary The Last Partisan , the Acropolis has been the backdrop for a number of high-profile films, and we can certainly understand why.

29. San Salvador, El Salvador

El Salvador's bustling capital San Salvador is a rising star of the travel world. The city offers endless museums, theaters and historic landmarks. And it seems many directors agree, since San Salvador is one of the world's most-filmed locations. Celebrated in various movies and television shows, the city was most recently used as the backdrop for the smash hit Spanish drama Jalón, which follows the story of a Salvadoran taxi driver.

28. Sierra Madre Occidental, Mexico

This one might seem like a bit of a curve ball, but this Mexican mountain range makes for one seriously spectacular film set. Reaching heights of up to 10,863 feet (3,311m), the volcanic landscape of Sierra Madre Occidental was deemed perfect for Westerns, including the likes of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid and, of course, The Treasure of the Sierra Madre – the 1948 classic that starred Humphrey Bogart.

Discover secrets of the world's most beautiful mountains

27. Praha hlavni nadrazi, Prague, Czech Republic

The Astronomical Clock. The Charles Bridge. Praha hlavni nadrazi train station... all iconic Prague attractions, right? Okay, maybe not all of them. Yet despite Prague's captivating offerings, its seemingly ordinary travel hub has been named the most filmed location in Czech Republic. With 35 IMDb credits, the train station has featured in the likes of Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol and Doctor Zhivago . If you happen to pass through, remember to acknowledge this destination.

Read more: Beautiful images of the world's train stations

26. Danube Delta, Romania

Covering an area of over a thousand square miles (2,590sq km), the Danube Delta river spans Tulcea County in Romania all the way to Odessa Oblast in Ukraine. A dramatic and picturesque landscape, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the largest rivers in Europe. Home to over 300 species of birds and 45 freshwater fish, the Danube Delta has been filmed for countless nature documentaries, including Sir David Attenborough's acclaimed series Seven Worlds, One Planet .

25. De Kleine Komedie, Amsterdam, Netherlands

If you had to guess the Netherland's most filmed spot, you might consider Dam Square or the Red Light District in Amsterdam, or even Binnenhof or Peace Palace in The Hague – but you'd be wrong. The country's most captured place is De Kleine Komedie, which happens to be the oldest theater in Amsterdam. Dating back to 1788, the theater has appeared in 37 films or TV shows, most of which were live recordings of comedy or cabaret shows performed here.

24. Alexanderplatz, Berlin, Germany

Berlin, Germany's historic capital, is a rich and diverse place. From the Brandenburg Gate to the remnants of the infamous Berlin Wall, this European capital offers something for every tourist. Yet it's Alexanderplatz, the city's urban public square and transport hub, that is Germany's most-filmed destination. With 38 location credits, Alexanderplatz can be seen in the likes of The Bourne Supremacy and the award-winning television series Killing Eve .

23. Taj Mahal, India

As one of India's most famous landmarks, the Taj Mahal has to be seen to be believed. The spectacular, ultra-symmetrical marble mausoleum sits on the bank of the River Yamuna and normally attracts around eight million visitors a year. So, it's really no wonder that the 17th century monument is India's most-filmed spot. As well as appearing in a plethora of Bollywood hits, including Jeans and Youngistaan , the tomb can also be spotted in the Hollywood classic Armageddon .

22. Palace of Culture and Science, Warsaw, Poland

Another slightly unusual listing on the top 30 movie locations around the world is the Palace of Culture and Science in Warsaw. Poland's bustling capital is home to plenty of unique attractions, yet this public and cultural institution is perhaps the city's most notable. As the second tallest building in the country, it's home to cinemas, theaters and libraries, and has played host to numerous movie sets, including the Polish thriller Jack Strong .

21. Machu Picchu, Peru

It will come as no surprise that Machu Picchu is not only Peru's most famous destination, but also the country's most documented. Built in the 15th century, the Incan citadel is set high in the Andes Mountains and its beauty is truly incomparable. A major must-visit spot for travelers the world over, Machu Picchu welcomes more than one million visitors a year and features in the likes of The Motorcycle Diaries and Secret of the Incas , the film that inspired Raiders of the Lost Ark .

20. Damascus, Syria

With 45 location credits, the Syrian capital of Damascus is one of the world's most filmed cities. With a long and complicated history, many misjudge this historic place. Founded during the Early Bronze Age, Damascus is considered to be one of the oldest cities in the Middle East and is now protected by UNESCO. Thanks to its ancient center, spectacular architecture and history of conflict, Damascus has played host to various films, including the critically acclaimed documentary The War Show .

19. Tirana, Albania

Considered to be one of Europe's up-and-coming cities, Tirana has plenty to offer. From its vibrant Soviet-era architecture to its modernist National History Museum, Albania's capital is well worth a visit. Coming in at number 19 in the world, Tirana has 46 location credits, mostly for Albanian films and shorts, including The Van and The Albanian .

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18. Lake Balaton, Hungary

Admired for its azure waters, pretty resort towns and surrounding volcanic scenery, Lake Balaton is one of Hungary's greatest natural assets. The freshwater lake, which is Europe's largest, can be found at the base of Balaton Uplands National Park and is well worth a visit for its hiking trails alone. As well as plenty of Hungarian movies, the lake was also the setting for the 2015 comedy hit Spy , staring Jude Law and Melissa McCarthy.

17. Red Square, Moscow, Russia

One of Russia's most spectacular offerings, Red Square has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1990. It's home to some seriously incredible architecture, including Saint Basil's Cathedral and the Kremlin, a fortification of fairy-tale proportions. So, we're not at all surprised that this magnificent square is Russia's most filmed spot, and the 17th most filmed place in the world. You can spot it in the 1997 version of Anna Karenina , The Bourne Supremacy and Resident Evil: Retribution .

16. Mount Everest, Nepal

Probably best-known as the set for the 2015 action movie Everest , the world's tallest mountain range is also one of the finest. Located in Nepal, Mount Everest soars up more than 29,000 feet (8,849m) and typically attracts tens of thousands of visitors every year. Interestingly, Everest , which starred Jake Gyllenhaal, Josh Brolin and Keira Knightley, was partly filmed at the mountain's famous Base Camp, but many scenes were actually filmed at Cinecitta Studios in Rome.

15. Amazon Rainforest, Brazil

Spanning much of northwestern Brazil, as well as Colombia, Peru and other South American countries, the Amazon Rainforest covers an area of 3.4 million square miles (8.8m sq km). With 49 movie location credits on IMDb, the world’s largest tropical rainforest has mostly been used for capturing remarkable wildlife for important documentaries, including David Attenborough's award-winning Netflix series Our Planet . It also featured in the Werner Herzog classic Fitzcarraldo .

14. Galápagos Islands, Ecuador

Since they were discovered in 1535, the Galápagos Islands have captivated visitors. This volcanic archipelago can be found in the heart of the Pacific Ocean, off mainland Ecuador. With an unparalleled natural landscape and renowned wildlife, the island has been used as a location for 50 different movies, most notably, Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World . With such spectacular scenery on offer, we can certainly understand why anyone would want the Galápagos as their backdrop.

13. Copenhagen Airport, Copenhagen, Denmark

When you picture Copenhagen, Denmark's dreamy coastal capital, it's likely you'll think about Amalienborg Palace, Rosenborg Castle or Nyhavn with its watercolor houses. We doubt many keen travelers would even consider the city's airport and yet it is Denmark's most-filmed location. As well as starring in a whole host of Danish movies, the airport is probably most recognizable from the critically acclaimed Nordic noir TV series The Killing .

12. Atacama Desert, Chile

Covering an area of almost 40,540 square miles (105,000sq km), the Atacama Desert is beautiful and vast in equal measure. From the Valley of the Moon, with its unique rocky ridges, to the Atacama Salt Flat, this spectacular plateau is a travel essential. Many directors seem to agree, because Chile's renowned desert has been captured in 50 different movies and documentaries, including Spy Kids and the James Bond franchise instalment Quantum of Solace .

11. St Mark's Square, Venice, Italy

Few cities compare to the beauty and charm of Venice. A place entirely its own, this Italian island is home to an estimated 300 bridges and one seriously stunning piazza, St Mark's Square. So, it doesn't surprise us to learn that this dreamy public square is Italy's most filmed destination. Home to a spectacular basilica and the unique Doge's Palace, the square has appeared in many films and TV shows over the decades, including Casino Royale and The Da Vinci Code sequel Inferno .

10. Senaatintori, Helsinki, Finland

Just one place higher on the list of the most filmed locations in the world is another of Europe's pretty public squares. Senaatintori can be found in the Finnish capital of Helsinki and is certainly one of the city's finest offerings. Though likely not as well-known as St Mark's Square, Senaatintori has 59 location credits on IMDb. Keen movie fans may recognize it from the Michael Moore documentary Where to Invade Next , as well as the popular Finnish drama The Unknown Soldier .

9. Sydney Opera House, Sydney, Australia

As one of the most iconic and recognizable buildings in the world, the Sydney Opera House is a marvel of modern architecture. The performing arts venue overlooks the waters of Sydney Harbour and has been used as a set for some 65 films and television shows. From Mission: Impossible II to Independence Day , Hollywood clearly has a great love of this distinctive structure. Documentary fans will also remember one daring scene in the 2008 film Man on Wire .

Discover the secrets inside the world's most famous buildings

8. Theater in der Josefstadt, Vienna, Austria

The eighth most-filmed destination in the world might surprise you. The Theater in der Josefstadt in Vienna was founded in 1788 and is the oldest operational theater in the city. Grand and glorious in equal measure, the building is home to a spectacular auditorium decorated with red damask seats, gold detailing and Venetian chandeliers. As Austria's most captured place, IMDb suggests the theater has been the set for various national TV productions, including a telling of the story of Anne Frank.

7. Dakar, Senegal

In at number seven is Dakar, the capital of Senegal. The pretty port city is renowned for its vibrant nightlife and notable museums, but perhaps not for its movie affiliation. And yet, according to IMDb, Dakar has appeared in 71 films or TV shows, including the 1961 action adventure The Guns of Navarone and the 2019 supernatural romantic drama Atlantics , which was shortlisted for the Palme d'Or at the 2019 Cannes Film Festival.

6. Eiffel Tower, Paris, France

As the sixth most-filmed landmark, the Eiffel Tower is Paris' jewel in the crown. The City of Love is home to its fair share of beautiful buildings and unique monuments, but the Eiffel Tower has to be its most famous. Completed in 1889, it soars up 1,063 feet (324m) and is one of those attractions you simply can't resist. Over the decades it's starred in countless movies and TV shows, including iconic scenes in Funny Face , A View to a Kill and, of course, Moulin Rouge.

5. Cabo de Gata-Níjar, Spain

Cabo de Gata-Níjar natural park is the world's fifth most-filmed place, according to NetCredit and IMDb. The magnificent landscape can be found in Andalusia, Spain, and is home to some of Europe's oldest and most-admired geological features. The beautiful coastal stretch has been captured in no less than 99 productions, including the The Good, The Bad and The Ugly , Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade and the movie adaptation of the famous video game Assassin's Creed .

4. Kabul, Afghanistan

In at number four is the capital of Afghanistan, Kabul. As the largest urban center in the country, Kabul has an estimated population of 4.4 million people. With a complex history of political conflict and a unique landscape, Kabul has been used for numerous war dramas, such as 1,000 Times Good Night , as well as plenty of national productions, including Osama .

3. Trafalgar Square, London, UK

Europe’s number one movie location is London's iconic Trafalgar Square. With 131 film credits, this world-renowned destination attracts millions of visitors every single year. Home to a lion-adorned fountain, Nelson's Column and the National Portrait Gallery, this spot is quintessentially London. From 28 Weeks Later to Wonder Woman , V for Vendetta and Skyfall , Trafalgar Square remains one of the world's most recognizable places.

Can you guess these UK landmarks from their close-ups?

2. Niagara Falls, Canada/USA

Over on the Canadian-American border you'll find the second most-filmed place in the world, Niagara Falls. The monumental waterfall boasts three drops and has a total height of 167 feet (51m), but it is the fall's dramatic beauty that makes it so endearing. It's no wonder the destination has been captured in an estimated 142 movies and TV shows. These include everything from Superman II to Bruce Almighty , Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End and the Marilyn Monroe thriller Niagara . Interestingly, the sounds of the falls were also used in the animated hit, WALL-E .

1. Central Park, New York City, New York, USA

From When Harry Met Sally to Ghostbusters , the spectacular urban paradise that is New York City's Central Park has starred in more movies than any actor in history. Making 532 appearances, Central Park spans a remarkable 843 acres and is an essential tourist destination with much to offer. From the boating lake made famous by Sex and the City , to Bethesda Terrace of Home Alone 2: Lost in New York fame, Central Park will forever be an icon – of both travel and Hollywood.

Now discover more of Central Park's incredible secrets

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