What to do in El Salvador- A Guide to Adventure, Culture, and Natural Beauty
El Salvador is fast becoming one of the most desirable countries in Central America to visit. With its beautiful beaches along the Pacific Coast, charming colonial towns and rugged volcanic landscapes, this small but diverse country has a huge amount to offer for adventurous travellers. Whether you’re seeking adrenaline-pumping adventures, immersive cultural experiences, or simply relaxation under the sun, El Salvador has it all. Here’s a guide on what to do in El Salvador:
1. Surfing along the Pacific Coast: El Salvador is renowned for its world-class surfing beaches, attracting surfers from around the globe. Head to spots like El Tunco, La Libertad, or El Zonte to catch some of the best waves in the region. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a novice looking to learn, there are surf schools and rental shops dotted along the coast to cater to all levels.
El Salvador has recently hosted some of the world’s top surfing championships and you’re sure to be able to watch some pros catching the waves and then in the evening enjoy the lively bar and club scene with open air parties.
2. Explore the Ruta de las Flores: If you’re deciding what to do in El Salvador and you’re a foodie or a culture lover – then the Ruta de las Flores (Route of the Flowers) is a must. This scenic route winds through picturesque towns such as Juayúa, Apaneca, and Ataco, known for their colorful murals, artisanal crafts, and delicious local cuisine. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the Juayúa Food Festival held every weekend, where you can sample a variety of traditional dishes and artisanal products.
Another highlight is the coffee tour at the El Carmen Coffee farm in Ataco. You can learn about the whole coffee process and try a variety of the flavours at the end of the tour. It’s easy to get a local bus to the town of Juayúa – the starting point of Ruta de las Flores- from San Salvador.
3. Hike the Volcanoes: El Salvador is home to a chain of impressive volcanoes, offering breathtaking vistas and thrilling hiking opportunities. Take on the challenge of hiking the Santa Ana Volcano, the country’s highest peak, and be rewarded with panoramic views of the turquoise Coatepeque Lake from its summit. Other popular volcanoes for hiking include the Izalco Volcano and the San Salvador Volcano, both offering unique landscapes and hiking experiences.
To hike the highest volcano in El Salvador, it is possible to do it yourself, but it’s worthwhile taking a guide. A tour typically includes transportation to the trailhead and a knowledgeable guide to lead you to the summit, where you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. If you’re an active person and are deciding what to do in El Salvador then make sure to pack your hiking boots as you’ll love some of the volcano hikes.
4. Discover Mayan Ruins: Whilst Guatemala might be more famous for its ancient ruins – if you’re a history lover and you’re wondering what to do in El Salvador, then you’ll be delighted with the number of ancient Mayan sites in the country. A great option is visiting the UNESCO World Heritage site of Joya de Cerén, where you can explore remarkably preserved ruins. Additionally, don’t miss the impressive Tazumal ruins near the town of Chalchuapa, showcasing intricate stone carvings and pyramids dating back over a thousand years.
5. Relax on the Beaches of El Cuco: Escape the crowds and unwind on the pristine beaches of El Cuco on El Salvador’s eastern coast. Not as busy as some of the other beach areas, El Coco is famous for its volcanic black sand that seems to sparkle in the sunlight as well as a laid-back atmosphere perfect for relaxation.
Make sure to try the freshly caught seafood often cooked on open grills – whilst if you’re after more activities then take a boat ride to discover hidden coves and pristine islets offshore.
6. Experience Ecotourism in El Imposible National Park: Nature lovers will find paradise in El Imposible National Park, a biodiverse haven teeming with lush rainforests, cascading waterfalls, and abundant wildlife. Take on some of the hiking trails that wind through the park’s rugged terrain. There is some amazing wildlife to spot including birds like kingfishers, howler monkeys, and even if you’re very lucky – jaguars. The park also offers camping facilities, allowing visitors to stay within the park and wake up in nature. It is home to more than 500 species of plants, more than 100 species of mammals, 53 species of amphibians and reptiles, 285 species of birds, and more than 5,000 species of butterflies,
7. Sample Salvadoran Cuisine: No visit to El Salvador is complete without indulging in its delicious cuisine, which reflects a blend of indigenous, Spanish, and African influences. Taste traditional dishes such as pupusas, thick corn tortillas stuffed with cheese, beans and sometimes pork, served with curtido (a tangy cabbage slaw) and tomato salsa. You can find pupuserías (pupusa stands) throughout El Salvador, where you can enjoy these delicious treats for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Other must-try dishes include yuca frita (fried cassava), empanadas, and mariscada (seafood stew). Food is always such an important part of a trip for me and when I was deciding what to do in El Salvador, I knew that sampling the local flavours was high up my list. I’ve made a YouTube video below showing some of my favourite foods in the country.
8. Relax in Thermal Springs: Unwind and rejuvenate your body and mind in the natural thermal springs of Santa Teresa, nestled in the lush mountains of Ahuachapán. These therapeutic hot springs are rich in minerals and are believed to have healing properties. Spend a day soaking in the warm waters surrounded by tranquil forest scenery, and emerge feeling refreshed and revitalized.
9. Stay by Lago de Coatepeque – Indulge in tranquility at Lago de Coatepeque, a stunning crater lake surrounded by verdant hills and lush forests. To reach Lago de Coatepeque, you can take a scenic drive or bus ride from San Salvador to the town of Coatepeque, situated on the shores of the lake. The bus dropped us off quite a walk from where we were staying but it’s a pleasant walk – albeit a bit hot! Once there, you can rent a boat or kayak to explore the waters of the lake or simply relax on the shores and take in the views.
There are some fun hostels to stay at in the area and more popping up all the time. My top recommendations for accommodation are Hotel Equinoccio & Captain Morgan Hostel.
10. Visit Suchitoto
Immerse yourself in the colonial charm and artistic vibe of Suchitoto, a historic town perched atop a hill overlooking Lake Suchitlán. To reach Suchitoto from San Salvador, you can take a bus or drive to the town, which is located just over an hour away. Once there, you can wander through cobblestone streets lined with colorful colonial buildings and multi coloured walls, visit art galleries and handicraft shops, and explore nearby attractions such as Los Tercios Waterfall and Cinquera Forest. Casa 1800 is a top place to stay and has a lovely garden restaurant with amazing views over the lake.
You can also visit traditional cigar rollers and watch artisans at work both inside galleries as well as in some private homes that open their windows to display their work.
11. Discover the Gulf of Fonseca
Explore the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the Gulf of Fonseca, a scenic bay shared by El Salvador, Honduras, and Nicaragua. To visit the Gulf of Fonseca from San Salvador, you can take a bus or drive to the coastal town of La Unión, situated on the eastern shores of El Salvador. From there, you can arrange for boat tours to explore the islands and mangrove forests of the gulf, as well as visit historic sites such as the Fortress of San Fernando.
A lovely island to visit for the day is Zacatillo, reachable by boat. On the island there are a couple of Air Bnbs to stay at as well as a couple of simple beachside restaurants and bars. Otherwise, enjoy the water which is as warm as bath water! When many travellers are planning what to do in El Salvador they often miss out the east of the country, which is a shame as it’s home to some of the country’s best wildlife and natural beauty.
12. Spend some time in historic San Salvador
Only a few years back then many travellers and locals would not have visited San Salvador due to its reputation as being dangerous, but recently the city has cleaned up its act as well as literally cleaned up its streets. It’s likely the city will be your port of entry and if you’re wondering what to do in El Salvador on your first day in the country then do spend a day wandering around the historic centre.
Some highlights include Zona Rosa, a trendy area filled with bars and restaurants, the Metropolitan Cathedral of San Salvador which dominates the skyline, Club La Dalia – a historic pool hall and bar, and
Mercado Central to try some local treats.
I hope this guide has helped you decide what to do in El Salvador. It’s a brilliant country and one of the friendliest I’ve ever visited – so pack your bags and get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey through the enchanting landscapes of El Salvador.
A Life Well Travelled 