This El Salvador Travel Guide will introduce you to this often-overlooked Central American gem. Once known as one of the most dangerous countries due to years of civil war and gang activity, El Salvador has seen significant improvements in safety in recent years, making it an emerging destination for adventurous travelers. While tourism is still relatively new here, the country is increasingly drawing attention for its spectacular landscapes and rich cultural heritage.
Famous for its landscape that includes dramatic volcanoes, coffee plantations, and ancient Mayan ruins, El Salvador offers a wide variety of activities for every type of traveler. Whether you’re planning to hike the Santa Ana Volcano, surf the waves at El Tunco, or indulge in upscale dining in San Salvador, this guide will help you prepare for your trip.
Explore my top recommendations for must-see attractions, best places to stay (for any budget), and an introduction to the delicious flavors of Salvadoran cuisine.
Table of Contents
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase or booking through one of my links, then I may earn a small commission. But don’t worry, it’s at no extra cost to you!
Arriving in El Salvador
You will most likely fly into El Salvador International Airport (SAL). It is a small, but modern airport with just one terminal.
Once you land you will proceed to immigration. If you are from the United States or one of the other countries listed below, you will not need a VISA to stay up to 90 days. But you will have to pay $12 for a Tourist card.
VISA Exempt Countries
- United States
- Canada
- Mexico
- Brazil
- Andorra
- Saudia Arabia
- Australia
- Bahamas
- Bahrain
- Barbados
- Belize
- Brunei
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- UAE
- Fiji
- Marchall Islands
- Salmon Islands
- Kuwait
- Latvia
- Macedonia
- Madagascar
- Malaysia
- Qatar
- Dominican Republic
- Saint Lucia
- Singapore
- Tuvalu
- Vanuatu
If you are a citizen of Nicaragua, Honduras, or Guatemala then you can travel freely between the countries without a VISA.
Residents of all other countries must apply for a VISA before arrival. But once you have obtained a VISA for one of these four countries, you can then move freely between them.
Transportation From the Airport to San Salvador
There are several travel options to get from the airport to San Salvador. It is located approximately 50 kilometers (31 miles) from downtown San Salvador and is 40-60 minutes depending on traffic and time of day (morning and evening rush hours will likely take the full hour).
Uber: Uber rates can vary, but in morning rush hour traffic it cost me $30 USD.
Taxi: The official taxi service at the airport is Acopacific, and you will find their taxi desk in the arrivals hall to book a ride to wherever you are headed. Or like with most airports, you will see a crowd of people when you exit the airport. Some are private transfer drivers with signs for whom they are picking up. But there are also taxi drivers looking for a fare. You may try to negotiate the price. I was recently quoted $40 to San Salvador by an outside taxi driver.
Private Transfer: You can book private transfers from the airport to San Salvator through Viator for around $40.
Car Rentals: You can find international car rental agencies like AVIS, Alamo, Budget, and Thrifty, plus several local options on the bottom floor near the arrivals exit.
Best Time to Visit El Salvador
The best time to visit El Salvador is during the dry season, which runs from November to April. During this period, you’ll experience warm, sunny days—ideal for beach trips, hiking, and exploring the country’s natural wonders like volcanoes and national parks.
The rainy season, from May to October, brings heavier showers, especially in the afternoons and evenings, but it’s also a great time to see lush green landscapes. But you should plan any hikes for the morning.
Below is a picture from a cafe overlooking San Salvador right before an afternoon rainstorm came. It had been sunny and beautiful just 20 minutes prior, and the storm came in fast. I suggest carrying an umbrella with you later in the day, as I had to make several afternoon stops at cafes or in sheltered areas to wait out a short rainstorm. And I took Ubers more often in the evenings to avoid getting wet. But overall, there was minimal impact to my enjoyment exploring the country.
Popular Places to Visit in El Salvador
These are some of the best towns and cities to visit in El Salvador
SAN SALVADOR
With a population a little over 500,000 people, San Salvador is the largest city in El Salvador. It offers a blend of modern attractions, museums, and rich history. Key spots to visit include:
- Historic Downtown (Centro Historico) features the National Palace, Metropolitan Cathedral, National Theater, and Libertad Plaza
- Zona Rosa is San Salvador’s upscale dining and nightlife district. It’s also where you’ll find cultural attractions like the Museum of Art (MARTE) and the Museum of Anthropology (MUNA).
- For nature lovers, Parque Nacional El Boquerón is just 20 minutes outside the city and provides incredible views of the Boquerón volcano.
Whether you’re into history, culture, or food, San Salvador has something for everyone. While many people recommend not staying here very long, I actually think there is plenty to do here for a week or so.
Where to Stay in San Salvador
If you are a first-time visitor to San Salvador, I recommend you stay in the San Benito neighborhood if your budget allows. This upscale neighborhood includes the area known as Zona Rosa, a hub for shopping. dining, nightlife, and cultural attractions such as the Museum of Art (MARTE). Staying here means you are within walking distance of so many things and can easily take Ubers or public transportation to see sights in other areas.
Barcelo: This is widely considered one of the top three large hotels in San Salvador. And personally, it’s my favorite of them. It is located directly across from a new shopping mall called Bambu City Center and is walking distance to many of the best restaurants in the city. The rooms are very nice ad large, with a state-of-the-art fitness center on the top floor and even a salon for a haircut. There is an outdoor pool, though it seems to be rarely used. Churchill’s is a bar with a 19th century feel while Strikers Sports bar in on the ground floor.
Sheraton Presidente: This very large hotel is situated right next to the San Salvador Art Museum. It has the largest pool of all the hotels, but very few people ever seem to be in it. But it’s probably the best for kids. The onsite bar and restaurant are fine.
Hyatt Centric: This San Salvador hotel opened in 2021, and so the accommodations are top notch. The third-floor pool deck with bar is the best of all the hotels, despite the pool being fairly small. Lots of solo business travelers seem to stay here. It’s a couple miles south of San Benito and attached to the Soho Cascadas shopping mall complex. It’s a great option if you are ok being 10 minutes away from Zona Rosa.
Kaleo Hotel Boutique: This is my favorite boutique hotel, located just on the outskirts of Zona Rosa. While it doesn’t have a pool or gym like the larger hotels, it is a fraction of the price. Rooms are clean, and there is a small restaurant for breakfast and coffee. Because I tend to spend my days out exploring the city rather than at the hotel, this is my top choice to stay for the money.
Hotel Citlalli: This is also a very basic boutique hotel, but it’s close to a few of my favorite bars and breakfast spots in San Benito. Breakfast is not included in the price of the room, but they have a very basic restaurant that serves a few options. I skipped it every day in favor of exploring the local restaurants.
Read More About the Best Hotels in San Salvador
SANTA ANA
Santa Ana is a top destination in El Salvador, mostly due to its proximity to the natural tourist attractions. It is an excellent home base to venture off to the Santa Ana Volcano, which is an amazing hiking experiences and perhaps the top thing to do when visiting El Salvador. It is also nearby to La Ruta de las Flores, Lake Coatepeque, hot springs, and several coffee plantations.
While the city itself is very underwhelming, there is some colonial charm to be seen with the Santa Ana Cathedral and the Teatro de Santa Ana, two architectural gems. A great time to visit Santa Ana is during the July Festival, which features religious processions, live music, and a large street fair. This is an opportunity to try many of the local foods in one place.
Where to Stay in Santa Ana
There are no large or luxury hotels in the city. But, I do highly recommend Hostel Casa Verde and the Casa Coco Hostel. The latter even offers pupusa making class in the evenings, which ended up being one of the more fun activities I did in El Salvador.
If you want to spend a night or two at Lake Coatepeque, then you’ll find Captain Morgan Hostel to be fun during the day and evening.
EL TUNCO
El Tunco is one of El Salvador’s most famous beach destinations, especially loved by surfers and backpackers. Known for its laid-back vibe and spectacular sunsets, this small coastal village is a hotspot for catching world-class waves, making it a top destination for surf enthusiasts. The beach is also lined with hostels, bars, and casual restaurants, offering a lively nightlife scene.
For non-surfers, El Tunco’s relaxed atmosphere, stunning rock formations, and nearby waterfalls make it a perfect spot for both adventure and relaxation. But one thing the beach is not good for is laying out in the sun. It is not a white sand beach, but rather a very rocky one.
El Tunco is the busiest beach town in the area and has the most night life by far. But La Libertad has become a smaller alternative with some beachside restaurants and a fish market.
Where to Stay in El Tunco
Many hotels in El Tunco can be more expensive than in other areas of El Salvador. But there are a large number of budget accommodations in El Tunco and the surrounding beach towns that cater to younger surfers and backpackers.
In El Tunco, Kali Hostal is a budget option that has both shared and private rooms and is just a short walk to the beach. Hotel Zelen is a great mid-range option that is just steps off the beach. Meanwhile, Mirasurf Hotel & Waves and Boca Olas Resort & Villas are upscale options. If you want to combine surfing and yoga for a full immersion retreat, then Balance Surf & Yoga Retreat can’t be beat.
EL ZONTE
El Zonte, also known as Bitcoin Beach, is much smaller and more laid back than El Tunco. There are limited dining options and almost no nightlife to speak of.
While you can’t tell on Google Maps, the town is divided by a small river that you have to cross either by wading through it or by going back out to the main street and to the other street entrance. The eastern side contains several of the surf schools, budget accommodations, and restaurants. While the more expensive hotels and a more tranquil feel is to the west.
Where to Stay in El Zonte
If you decide to go stay in El Zonte, then Hostal Punta El Zonte was one of my most memorable stays in El Salvador. I spent several nights in a lofted bedroom right on the water. The rain pounded the roof hard in the early night, but became like a white noise machine as the hours went on. And I woke to the early morning sun and sounds of surfers. This could be a stay that you love or hate.
You need to walk down a short dirt road to get to the hostel. While it doesn’t look like much form the outside, the guest rooms were clean and overlooked the beach.
If you prefer something more upscale in El Zonte, the nearby Garten Hotel is one of the nicest hotels in the area with a cliffside pool overlooking the ocean.
Top Things to Do in El Salvador
1. Hike the Santa Ana Volcano: Hiking to the top of the Santa Ana volcano is arguably the best thing to do in El Salvador. The 2-hour hike gives spectacular views of the countryside, including that of Izalco, one of the most iconic volcanos in El Salvador. Upon reaching the top, you are rewarded with a breathtaking view of the turquoise crater lake.
2. Tour the Historic downtown of San Salvador: Explore the heart of San Salvador by visiting the historic downtown area known as El Centro” or “Centro Histórico. Key sites include the National Palace, National Theater, and the Metropolitan Cathedral where the crypt of Archbishop Oscar Romero is located. These landmarks offer a glimpse into the country’s rich history and architectural heritage. There are also several markets that also contain small food courts to try locl cuisine.
3. Surf & Party in El Tunco: The Pacific coast of El Salvador is a surf haven, with El Tunco and nearby El Sunzal offering consistent waves year-round. This is ideal for both beginners and pros and several surf classes are offered in town. El Tunco also features a vibrant nightlife that ranges from dance music at Kaka’s and La Bonita Beach Club to live music at La Guitarra.
4. Dine at the Trendy Restaurants of Zona Rosa: This upscale dining and nightlife district has some of the best high-end restaurants in El Salvador. El Xolo is one of Latin America’s top ranked restaurants, Donde Mikel offers family style platters of meat, and Brutto has a large sushi menu. Then grab cocktails at Nomada or enjoy live music at Republik.
5. Coffee Plantation Tours in the Ruta de las Flores: The scenic Ruta de las Flores offers opportunities to visit coffee plantations, learn about the coffee-making process, and sample freshly brewed Salvadoran coffee while taking in stunning views of rolling hills and wildflowers.
6. Visit Lake Coatepeque: Relax by the shores of Lake Coatepeque, a beautiful volcanic crater lake, where you can swim, kayak, or dine at lakeside restaurants. If you prefer more of a party scene, you can either stay at the Captain Morgan Hostel or get a day pass.
7. Bathe in Natural Hot Springs: There are several hot springs throughout El Salvador, but the Santa Teresa Hot Springs are the most popular. They are about an hour west of Santa Ana, and are also a stop for many tours from San Salvador.
8. Explore Mayan Ruins: While not as impressive as the sites in Mexico and Guatemala, the Mayan ruins in El Salvador offer a fascinating glimpse into ancient history and culture. The most notable sites are Joya de Cerén, Tazumal, and San Andrés.
9. Zipline at Cafe Albania: This popular tourist spot is located near the town of Concepción de Ataco along the Ruta de las Flores. Cafe Albania has adventure activities like a labyrinth, ziplines, a bicycle high wire, and a giant rainbow slide. There is also a smaller rainbow slide at Picnic Steak House outside San Salvador.
Tours & Experiences Thru Viator
Dining in San Salvador
When visiting El Salvador you should make sure to try the local cuisine. The national dish of El Salvador are pupusas, and you can get them pretty much anywhere. But for a local experience you should make sure to try a Papuseria.
But if you want to try upscale dining, you should make sure to do that in San Salvador, and in particular the San Benito neighborhood. This area has a high concentration of some of the best high-end restaurants in El Salvador. So, if you are exploring the rest of the country where you will find plenty of cheap local food, don’t feel guilty about using your time here to try some upscale restaurants.
Breakfast & Coffee
Roots Food Artisans: Coffee shop and cafe with a great breakfast.
LUMA Panderia Experimental: The owner began by selling sourdough bread he made at home until business grew and allowed him to move into this new location and add coffee and food. The tostadas are served on the homemade bread.
The Green House: I surprisingly like this health-conscious restaurant. They have vitamin packed smoothies and eight varieties of avocado toast. The ambiance of sitting in the back garden surrounded by lush greenery puts it over the top.
Top Restaurants
El Xolo: The Mesoamerican influence means that they create dishes based on traditional dishes from Mexico down to Costa Rica. El Xolo jumped to #59 on the list of best restaurants in Central America for 2024. Try what is arguably the best restaurant in El Salvador while you have the opportunity.
Donde Mikel: One of the most famous restaurants in Guatemala City opened a San Salvador location in 2022. The large meat and seafood platters are served in garlic and oil and meant to be shared. Order several sides to go alongside it. The Lomito (beef tenderloin) is a simple but great dish.
Lobby: This gastropub style spot is filled with young professionals in their 20s and 30s. The burgers are good. The pizza is popular, though underwhelming for someone from New York. The smoked wings and carpaccio’s might be my favorite dishes. This is the kind of place you go out with a group of friends or for a casual date night.
Read More About the Best Restaurants in Zona Rosa
Nightlife
These are some of my favorite bars in San Salvador:
Club La Dalia: This is the most iconic and historic bar in San Salvador. Founded in 1937, it’s considered the oldest billiard hall in El Salvador. While some say it appears to be a bit run down, it has a vintage beauty that needs to be seen to be appreciated. I consider this a must-go spot when visiting San Salvador.
Republik: This popular bar in Zona Rosa has live music five nights per week and stays open late.
Nomada: Serves the best cocktails in Zona Rosa.
Salvadorean Food
Here are some of the foods to know and try when visiting in El Salvador.
Papusas: These thick, handmade corn tortillas are the national dish of El Salvador and are stuffed with a variety of fillings.
Yucca Frita: Yucca is also known as cassava, a starchy root vegetable that becomes crispy on the outside and soft on the inside when fried. It’s similar to French fries but with a slightly sweeter taste and a heartier texture. It is often topped with cabbage slaw and pork belly.
Tamales: This dish that traces back to the Myan and Aztec civilizations is masa dough filled with meat or cheese and wrapped in a banana leaf.
Beer: The National brands dominate the market, with Pilsener being the most popular beer in El Salvador. Cadejo Brewing Co is the largest microbrew and has several locations throughout the country.
Tortas: These sandwiches are often made with meat, cheese, avocado, lettuce, tomato, mayonnaise, and ketchup.
More About the Food of El Salvador
Budget
El Salvador can be very inexpensive. So, it’s a great place to visit if you want to backpack the country and travel El Salvador on a budget. Food, drink, and accommodations can readily be found at budget prices, though some things like tours can make it more expensive.
If you have a higher budget though, there are more expensive luxury hotels in San Salvador and the beach areas. And dining at the trendy restaurants in San Salvador’s Zona Rosa can cost more than in many U.S. cities.
Here are some typical costs of things in El Salvador:
Beer
- National Beers like Pilsener and Suprema: $1.50-$2
- Imported and craft beer: $2.50
Street Food
- Pupusas: $0.75 – $1
- Empanadas $1 – $1.50
- Tortas: $1.50 – $2.50
- Horchata
Coffee
- The price of coffee wasn’t as cheap as I thought it would be, since El Salvador is a coffee exporter. Specialty coffees at a coffee shop can range from $3-$4, though basic coffee at local spots can be found for cheaper.
Restaurants
- High-end restaurants in Zona Rosa: Dinners at the nicest restaurants in this area can be as expensive or more than in the U.S. Dinner at El Xolo cost me around $90 (three small plates, two cocktails, and dessert). Brutta was similar and most other restaurants were closer to $50.
- Basic sit-down restaurants will typically run $10-$20 for a meal
Hotels
- San Salvador: Luxury hotels like Barcelo, Hyatt, Sheraton can range from $150 – $200. Mid-range hotels will be more like $40-60.
- El Tunco: Luxury hotels like Garten, Boca Olas, Mirasurf, can be $200+. Mid-range hotels are $40-$80
- Hotels and hostels in Santa Ana are under $40 for private rooms and cheaper for dorm beds.
Uber
- Within cities like San Salvador and Santa Ana are often $4-$5
- Sal Airport to San Salvador: $35
- From city to city can range from $40-$80 depending on time of day, traffic, and distance.
Tours
Some of the towns along Ruta de las Flores and activities like the hot springs aren’t great for public transportation. So you might want to take a day trip that sometimes combines several activities into one guided tour. A tour through Viator that includes Cafe Albania, Santa Teresa Hot Springs, and a stop at Ataco costs around $130 and I was glad I did this as it would be difficult to do on your own unless you rent a car.
You can take a public bus to the Santa Ana volcano, or the Casa Verde hostel in Santa Ana arranges group transportation for just $20 plus $9 for park entrance and a guide.
El Salvador FAQ
Is El Salvador Safe?
Yes. El Salvador went from being one of the most dangerous countries in the world just several years ago to being one of the safest in Central America today.
From 1980-1992, El Salvador experienced a brutal civil war that left deep social and economic scars. And then in more recent years, the country faced severe problems with gang violence, primarily from groups like MS-13 and Barrio 18. While official numbers are hard to find, this violence caused hundreds of thousands to flee and seek asylum in countries like the United States and Canada.
But in recent years, due to Marshall law imposed by the current president, the police and military have been given a lot of leeway to stop, search, and arrest suspected gang members. You will see members of the military carrying large guns everywhere you go. One thing they do is check for the presence of gang tattoos, which can lead to immediate detainment. Many gang members have also moved to Honduras. While there has been some criticism from human rights groups, it seems that most El Salvadoreans support President Bukele and his tough on crime policies.
I would still stay away from areas outside San Salvador like Soyapango, Apopa, Ilopango, and Mejicanos, though there’s likely no reason a tourist would find themselves there.
What is the Best Way to Get Around El Salvador?
Uber: By far the easiest way to get places is with Uber. This was my primary method for getting around each city and even traveling between cities. Traveling within each city typically only cost mew a few dollars. And longer trips like Santa Ana to El Tunco cost me $73 and the trip between the airport and San Salvador under $40.
Public Busses: These busses connect the cities and are very cheap, but I found they tended to take so much longer than Uber that I rarely used them.
Chicken Bus: One mode of transportation you should definitely try is taking what’s referred to as a Chicken Bus. These are typically colorful repurposed American school buses that are widely used by locals. Because they are the cheapest mode of transportation, they can get very busy with locals carrying many types of goods, sometimes including chickens. They definitely aren’t the safest and you’ll need to rely on a local to help you know which one to get on as you won’t be able to find any maps.
What Currency is Used in El Salvador?
El Salvador uses the United States Dollar (USD) as its official currency. This transition from the Salvadoran colón to the USD was made in 2001 to stabilize the economy and facilitate trade and investment. As a result, all prices and transactions within El Salvador are conducted in U.S. dollars, making it convenient for travelers from the United States and other countries who are already familiar with the currency.
Is Bitcoin Also Used in El Salvador?
Yes, El Salvador made headlines by becoming the first country to adopt Bitcoin as legal tender alongside the US dollar in September 2021. This means that businesses across the country are required to accept Bitcoin as long as they have the technological ability to do so.
But in reality, the adoption of Bitcoin has had mixed responses and transactions are rarely conducted using the digital currency. But if you want to try it, make sure to have Bitcoin in a digital wallet. Just have plenty of US dollars to cover most of your transactions.
What is Bitcoin Beach?
“Bitcoin Beach” refers to a community project in the coastal town of El Zonte, just west of El Tunco Beach. This initiative, which began before the national legislation to make Bitcoin legal tender, aimed to create a sustainable Bitcoin economy where residents and businesses could use Bitcoin for daily transactions, including anything from buying groceries to receiving salaries.
The project was reportedly kickstarted by an anonymous donation of Bitcoin with the intention of encouraging sustainable economic development without relying on traditional banking infrastructure.
El Zonte is now often referred to as Bitcoin Beach and has become a model for Bitcoin adoption, despite the fact that most transactions are still made in cash. But it’s a popular spot for crypto enthusiasts, surfers, and beach goers.
Do I need a VISA to visit El Salvador?
If you are form one of the exempt countries listed above, then you do not need to obtain a VISA to Enter El Salvador for up to 90 days. Otherwise, you will need to apply for a VISA before arrival.
How Much is the Immigration Fee to Enter El Salvador
The fee for the VISA exempt countries is currently $12 US dollars.
What is the Central American Single Visa (CA-4)
Unless you come from one of the VISA exempt countries listed above, you will need a VISA to enter El Salvador. But once you have this VISA, you are able to move freely between El Salvador, Nicaragua, Honduras, and Guatemala without having to secure separate VISAs.
Can I Flush Toilet paper?
You can flush toilet paper at the large San Salvador hotels (Barcelo, sheraton, Hyatt). But you should not flush it at most of the boutique hotels, especially those in the smaller towns or at the beach. Make sure to check for signs in the bathroom before flushing any paper.
Thanks for reading and I hope my travel guide for the El Salvador is helpful! Check out some of my other blogs below!