Summary to this El Salvador Itinerary:
Day 1: San Salvador (Accommodation in El Salvador)
Day 2: Lake Coatepeque (Accommodation in the lake)
Day 3: Santa Ana Volcano (Accommodation in the lake)
Day 4: Ruta de la Flores (Accommodation in the lake)
Day 5: El Tunco and El Sunzal (Accommodation in El Tunco)
Day 6: El Tunco and El Sunzal (Accommodation in El Tunco)
Day 7: El Zonte (Accommodation in El Tunco)
Introduction
There aren’t many countries that can presume to have it all, but El Salvador is one of the few exceptions. This gem in Central America beckons with its bewitching blend of nature, culture, and adventure. From the majestic Santa Ana volcano to the serene beauty of Lake Coatepeque and the vibrant black-sand beaches of El Tunco, this one-week El Salvador itinerary is a whirlwind journey through the heart of El Salvador’s essence. This itinerary promises an unforgettable exploration of this lesser-known travel paradise. If you are fond of less popular destinations that are yet not packed with tourists, then El Salvador is the perfect place for you.
Key Takeaways:
- With this El Salvador itinerary, immerse in diverse landscapes, from lush volcanoes to breathtaking beaches
- Experience the rich Salvadoran culture and indulge in local activities. Don’t forget to try the delicious local dish: pupusas.
- Embark on a thrilling adventure through a carefully curated one-week itinerary
Day 1: Urban Exploration in San Salvador
The capital city of El Salvador, San Salvador, is a vibrant blend of history, culture, and modernity. The city’s rich heritage is reflected in its architectural landmarks like the Metropolitan Cathedral and the National Palace, which bear testimony to its colonial past. To soak in the local culture, consider strolling through the El Rosario Church and exploring the National Theater.
When it comes to local cuisine, the bustling Mercado Cuscatlan offers an array of authentic flavors, including the iconic pupusas, a must-try for any visitor. As night falls, immersing in the lively atmosphere of El Carmen neighborhood, known for its gastronomic scene, can be a delightful experience. Here, the vibrant blend of local eateries, live music, and friendly locals creates a truly authentic ambiance, making it the perfect way to cap off an exhilarating day in San Salvador.
Day 2: Serenity at Lake Coatepeque
Lake Coatepeque, nestled in the heart of El Salvador, offers unparalleled natural beauty and a serene atmosphere. The crystal-clear waters are surrounded by lush green hills, creating a picturesque setting for a variety of recreational activities like swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding.
Lake Coatepeque is the perfect spot to relax and enjoy a perfect day in the sun. I stayed at Captain Morgan hostel and the experience was perfect. They are located right on the shore of the lake and offer many activities.
For a remarkable food experience, I recommend visiting one of the lakeside restaurants, where you can savor traditional Salvadoran cuisine while enjoying panoramic views of the stunning lake. It’s the perfect setting to unwind and immerse yourself in the tranquility of this hidden gem.
Check this article to see the best things to do in Lake Coatepeque!
Day 3: Adventure on the Santa Ana Volcano
Ascending the Santa Ana volcano is a must-do on any trip to El Salvador. El Salvador is full of volcanoes and Santa Ana is the most popular and tallest of them all. The panoramic view from the top revealed the striking beauty of Lake Coatepeque and the verdant landscapes stretching to the horizon. On a clear day, you can even see the ocean.
The entire hike lasts around 4 hours and it’s a fairly easy path. On the top, you’ll get to see the crater and the greenish-blue lagoon that formed inside of it.
You can find all the information about this hike here in this post.
Day 4: Colors and Flavors of the Ruta de las Flores
Ruta de las Flores is a scenic route that joins a group of towns where you can appreciate the local costumes of El Salvador and also engage with the locals.
The most popular towns are: Concepción de Ataco, Apaneca and Juayua.
All of them are full of colorful houses, local food, artisan markets and a very authentic atmosphere.
As you stroll through the cobblestone streets, take some time to appreciate the local products, have a coffee at a coffee shop and see the locals engaging in their daily life activities.
Days 5 and 6: Exploring the black-sand beaches of El Tunco and El Sunzal
No El Salvador itinerary is complete without a visit to some of the countries black-sand beaches. El Tunco is by far the most popular of them all.
The allure of the waves and the relaxed atmosphere makes it an ideal spot for both beach lovers and surfers like me. Exploring the nooks and crannies of El Tunco revealed quaint cafes, artistic shops, and lively beach bars that added a delightful touch to the day. This town is definitely the most touristic in the entire country and it’s where you’ll find the most travelers.
Additionally, the proximity to El Sunzal, another surfing haven, was too tempting to resist. The short journey between these two coastal gems allowed me to experience the best of both worlds, catering to my love for surfing and beachfront relaxation. The two towns are so close to each other that you only have to walk 15 minutes on the beach to get from El Tunco to El Sunzal.
El Sunzal is also a great place to book your accommodation if you want to escape the crowds and the occasional parties you’ll find in El Tunco. But if you want to be in the center of the activity, then El Tunco is your place.
Day 7: The Hidden Gem of El Zonte
El Zonte offers an opportunity to explore a less touristy side of the country while experiencing the authentic charm of a coastal village. It’s only 20 minutes from El Tunco and there’re buses connecting both towns. Be aware that buses stop their service at 5 PM, so make sure to be back in El Tunco on time.
While in El Zonte, you can explore El Zonte Beach, a beautiful black-sand beach with excellent surfing conditions. The beach here has a more local atmosphere in comparison with El Tunco and El Sunzal. The town is also smaller and offers fewer accommodation and restaurant options.
Planning Your Trip:
Currency
The currency used in El Salvador is the US dollar. Bitcoin is an official currency as well, but it’s barely used in daily life.
You should always carry small denominations with you, including coins. It’ll be hard to pay with a $100-dollar bill at a restaurant, for example.
How to get to El Salvador
There’s one international airport in el Salvador located 45 minutes away from the capital, San Salvador, and an hour away from El Tunco. This airport offers many international connections and it’ll be your point of arrival if you’re not in a neighboring country.
If you’re already traveling in Central America, there’re tourist shuttles that connect El Salvador and its neighboring countries: Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. This is a door-to-door service, it’s super safe, and it makes the border crossing simple.
The 2 most common routes among travelers are:
Antigua (Guatemala) – Santa Ana (El Salvador)
Leon (Nicaragua) – El Tunco (El Salvador)
The trip from Antigua to Santa Ana by shuttle lasts around 6 hours and costs $40.
The trip from Leon to San Salvador lasts 12 hours and costs $45.
Transportation in El Salvador
El Salvador started to become a more popular travel destination pretty recently, when the country became a safer place (more on this below). That’s why I noticed that it still doesn’t have all the infrastructure needed to receive many tourists.
There’re basically 3 ways to travel around El Salvador:
-Tourist shuttles
-Public buses (usually called chicken buses)
-Private transportation
Tourist shuttles are very convenient and time-saving. You only need to ask at your hotel/hostel reception, let them know where you are going and they’ll make all the arrangements for you.
It’s a door-to-door service and quite affordable. For example, the trip from Santa Ana to El Tunco costs around $30.
Chicken buses have the advantage of being ridiculously cheap, but they also present a few drawbacks: the service stops around 5 PM, you have to make many connections to get to your destination, and trips are very long.
Private transportation is actually the best option if you’re not traveling solo. It’s a fast, door-to-door service, you don’t have to wait for other passengers and it’s cheaper than taking the shuttle if you’re with at least one more person.
For example, a private car from Santa Ana to El Tunco costs $50.
You can book private transportation at your hotel/hostel reception as well.
Best Time to Visit
When it comes to planning your trip to El Salvador, the climate plays a vital role in determining the best time to visit. The months between November and April are considered the peak tourist season, offering dry, sunny weather and ideal conditions for exploring the varied landscapes.
On the other hand, the months from May to October bring the green season, characterized by lush vegetation and occasional rain showers. While this time may offer fewer crowds and lower prices, it’s essential to be prepared for the possibility of rain during outdoor activities.
The Most Common Question: Is El Salvador Safe?
El Salvador used to have one of the highest criminal rates in the whole world. This wasn’t a long time ago, but everything changed when the president Bukele was elected. And especially since 2021, safety stopped being an issue for travelers in El Salvador.
Today, El Salvador is probably the safest country in Central America and I can say that I never felt unsafe during my trip to El Salvador.
Conclusion to this El Salvador Itinerary
If you’ve been thinking about visiting El Salvador for a while, now is the time! It’s hard nowadays to find such a beautiful country not packed with tourists and that hasn’t lost its local essence. And, in my opinion, El Salvador will soon become a very popular destination, so now it’s the time to enjoy this paradise in Central America, with its untouched nature and local costumes. This one-week El Salvador itinerary is the starting point for your trip!
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