There is no better time to visit El Salvador than now as the country is still not affected by mass tourism! Two weeks are sufficient to discover the splendours of this country during which you will appreciate its coasts, green mountains, cultural and historical sites and the hospitality of the locals.
El Salvador has 320 kilometers of coastline near the Pacific coast with wild deserted beaches and home to deep green mangroves rich in fauna and flora. The black sand beaches in the west of the country offer a unique sight and the sea is a delight for surfers looking for the perfect wave.
El Salvador’s national parks are home to many animals which you can also find in Costa Rica: otters, deers, spider monkeys, pumas, toucans, quetzals as well as many species of colorful butterflies, which you can observe at the forest of the Monte Cristo National Park. Be sure to also visit the largest national park in El Salvador: the Impossible National Park, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its name refers to the difficulty of traversing the park by the farmers who transported the coffee. Today it is home to over 500 plant species, 100 mammal species, 53 amphibians and reptiles, 285 birds and over 5,000 species of butterflies.
Besides it natural beauty, the kindness and hospitality by the locals is reason enough to visit El Salvador. Salvadorans are proud of their country and happy to meet with you. Our main reasons why we think you should come to El Salvador:
– El Salvador is a surfer’s paradise with great waves and long black sand beaches
– El Salvador has plenty of variety: beaches, green parks, archaeological sites, waterfalls, picturesque villages and volcanoes
– A genuine hospitality and authentic local vibe.
1. El Salvador Is Free From Mass Tourism
Because of its turbulent history, El Salvador didn’t have too many tourists in the last few decades. After the civil war, conflicts between rival gangs drove up the homicide rate until a few years back. Since President Nayib Bukele came to power in 2019, the government has carried out an effective crackdown on the gangs and tourist sites are secured by the police. The situation is now stabilized and risks are reduced for international visitors, which doesn’t mean you should be reckless. It is necessary to remain vigilant and update yourself on current security.
Due to its size and well-developed road network, two weeks is plenty to visit El Salvador. Although you can easily spend more time there to immerse yourself in the local culture or just relax.
2. There Are Plenty Of Great Natural Sites And Hiking Routes In El Salvador
With two mountain ranges, 23 volcanos and several national parks, there are plenty of hiking opportunities for nature and hiking enthusiasts.
In the north of El Salvador, the trails in the Volcanoes National Park (Parque nacional de los volcanes) let you access the summits of three majestic volcanoes: Santa Ana, Cerro Verde and the Izalco. The Santa Ana volcano is 2382 meters above sea level and has a magnificent crater lake which changes color every few years. The top of Cerro Verde is located at 2030 meters above sea level and is covered with a dense cloudy forest. The Izalco Volcano offers a much more mineral landscape.
The south of El Salvador neighbors the Gulf of Fonseca. From the summit of the Conchagua, you have a fantastic view of the many volcanic islands surrounded by turquoise water.
Beyond the geological riches, the country is home to incredible flora and fauna. Thus, botanic enthusiasts will find a great diversity of orchids, bromeliads, agaves and palm trees and if you’re lucky you might encounter one of the many animals such as deer, otters, foxes or birds.
3. Picturesque Colonial Towns Waiting To Be Explored
Not too far from the capital the Flower Route winds through six historical towns: Ahuachapán, Nahuizalco, Concepción de Ataco, Apaneca, Juayúa, and Salcoatitán. These communities, built in the 18th century on the mountainside, enjoy a cool and pleasant climate. They are usually organized around the church and a lively central square. Tourists can discover local crafts, ceramics, tannery, painting, in small stalls or traditional markets. Further east, in the immediate vicinity of Lake Suchitlán, Suchitoto is the former capital of the country. With a well-preserved typical architecture, visitors find themselves immersed in a calm and authentic atmosphere.
It is pleasant to get lost in the countless cobbled streets, to admire the colorful facades, the beautiful balconies and the doors with such a particular aesthetic. To discover the cities, its many workshops, museums and quaint cafes, we advise you to plan at least two days.
4. El Salvador Is Home To World Class Surf Spots
The villages of the Salvadoran Pacific coast are the perfect bases from where to “ride the waves”, relax and party. In Mizata, El Tunco or El Zonte, a typical day starts with a good surf session, followed by some relaxing and socialising. The surfing scene has been increasing little by little over the last few decades, although it’s still somewhat of a hidden gem, although El Salvador started to host international competitions. For those who are looking for surf lessons, there are many options and professional teachers. You don’t even have to be a surfer to enjoy these towns as you can just simply relax and enjoy the tranquil vibes of these seaside resorts. The villages offer accommodation for all budgets, yoga schools, trendy restaurants and cocktail bars. Finally, after nightfall, tourists and locals meet in nightclubs to share a few dance steps to Latin rhythms.
5. Discover Exotic Flavors
El Salvador’s most popular culinary specialty is, without a doubt, pupusa. These small corn flour patties are usually filled with cheese, beans or chicharrón (fried pork rind). There are also some more original fillings such as garlic, blackberry or mushrooms. The pupusa is such a part of the daily life of Salvadorans, that it has been declared, by legislative decree, the national dish of the country. Do not hesitate to visit the street stalls or the pupuserias to taste quality dishes.
Thanks to the proximity of the ocean, the main course usually consists of freshly caught fish, seafood or shellfish. Finally, exotic fruits, ripe and available in abundance, serve as a healthy and sweet dessert. After the meal, coffee lovers will not be left out. The volcanic region, with rich soils, provides high quality coffee beans. Without a doubt, El Salvador produces a tasty Arabica!
El Salvador is rapidly gaining popularity with travelers from all over the world. Visiting El Salvador is becoming easier and easier: the country is well served from Europe or North America. In addition, the 4-month visa is obtained free of charge at the border. If this atypical and (still) authentic destination tempts you, now is the time to go there!
6. Witness The Beginning Of The Bitcoin Revolution
El Salvador used to be a very little-talked about country, which was only known for gang violence and its civil war. That changed when President Bukele came to power and started with some radical changes in the country. In the last few years crime has dropped tremendously and the government has heavily invested in tourism. El Salvador is probably best known for being the first country to make Bitcoin legal tender. Bitcoin is now omnipresent in El Salvador and all citizens have the right to use the Chivo Wallet and receive 30 usd worth of Bitcoin. Having access to the Bitcoin ecosystem helps the unbanked to control their money without depending on a centralized entity such as central banks. The use of Bitcoin is especially widespread in coastal villages such as El Zonte, El Tunco, Punta Mango and other places, where you can pay with Bitcoin, use Bitcoin ATMs, etc. One of the driving mechanisms here is the Bitcoin Beach Project. Be sure to try to learn more about this exciting project and try to make your first Bitcoin payments! It is also possible to book your tour to El Salvador with Bitcoin through our agency!
