El Salvador weekend travel guide
El Salvador has a lot to offer for visitors, from beautiful beaches to cultural sites and natural attractions. It is important to consider the area where to stay in El Salvador to be close to the touristic activities and more importantly - safe. We stayed at Boca Olas Resort Villas located at Playa El Tunco, La Libertad and it was the center of everything that was open for tourists to explore. I highly recommend. Also, the hotel arranged the airport pick up and drop off for an additional charge which I suggest to do for safety, the drive was pleasant and took about an hour.
Here are some things to do in El Salvador
Visit the Mayan ruins of Tazumal - Tazumal is an impressive Mayan archaeological site located in the town of Chalchuapa. Visitors can explore the ancient pyramids, temples, and plazas that date back over a thousand years.
Relax on the beaches - El Salvador has some beautiful beaches that are perfect for swimming, surfing, or just relaxing. Some popular beaches include El Tunco, El Zonte, and Playa San Blas.
Explore the capital city of San Salvador - San Salvador is a vibrant city with plenty of cultural attractions, including museums, galleries, and historic buildings. Be sure to visit the National Palace and the El Salvador Art Museum.
Take a dip in the Coatepeque Lake and hike volcano Santa Ana - Coatepeque is a stunning crater lake that's perfect for swimming, boating, and relaxing. The lake is surrounded by beautiful hills and is a popular spot for picnics and camping.
Hike in the Montecristo National Park - Montecristo is a pristine cloud forest that's home to an incredible array of flora and fauna. Visitors can hike through the forest and spot a variety of bird species, monkeys, and other wildlife.
Visit the Joya de Cerén archaeological site - Joya de Cerén is a fascinating site that was buried by volcanic ash in the 6th century. The site has been remarkably well-preserved, and visitors can explore the ancient homes and artifacts that were left behind.
Taste the local cuisine - El Salvador has a rich culinary heritage, with dishes like pupusas (thick tortillas filled with cheese, beans, or meat), yuca con chicharrón (fried yuca with pork), and ceviche (raw fish marinated in citrus juice). Be sure to try some of these delicious dishes while you're in the country.
Surfing in El Salvador
El Salvador is known for having some of the best surf breaks in the world. With consistent waves year-round and warm water temperatures, it's no wonder that surfers flock to El Salvador's beaches. Here are some of the top surf spots in El Salvador:
El Tunco - This small beach town is the hub of El Salvador's surf scene. It has several surf breaks, including Sunzal, La Bocana, and La Bocanita, which are suitable for surfers of all levels.
La Libertad - Just a few miles from El Tunco, La Libertad is home to one of El Salvador's most famous surf spots, Punta Roca. It's a powerful right-hand point break that's reserved for experienced surfers.
El Zonte - This laid-back surf town has several surf breaks, including El Zonte Point, which is a fun right-hand point break that's suitable for all levels of surfers.
Mizata - This secluded beach is located about an hour's drive from El Tunco and offers a long left-hand point break that's ideal for intermediate to advanced surfers.
Las Flores - This beautiful beach has a long right-hand point break that's considered one of the best in Central America. It's a consistent wave that's ideal for intermediate to advanced surfers.
Playa El Cuco - This beach is located on the east coast of El Salvador and has several surf breaks, including Las Flores and El Cuco Point, which are suitable for all levels of surfers.
Whether you're a beginner or an experienced surfer, El Salvador has something for everyone. With its warm waters, consistent waves, and friendly locals, it's no wonder that it's become a popular destination for surfers from all over the world.
Hiking The Santa Ana Volcano (Ilamatepec)
The Santa Ana Volcano or Ilamatepec
Hiking the Santa Ana Volcano is a must do activity when in El Salvador! The Santa Ana volcano hiking tour takes approximately 3-4 hours and is a 4.3-mile out-and-back trail. Generally considered a challenging route, it is one of the country's most iconic landmarks and a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
We booked the tour from Viator: Best Day-Tour : Santa Ana Volcano Hiking + Lake Coatepeque. The hike typically starts from Cerro Verde National Park, where you can arrange guides and permits. Most hotels offer transportation and tour guides for this activity and along with additional sightseeing spots the tour takes the whole day.
The trail to the summit of Santa Ana Volcano offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape, including the Coatepeque Caldera and Lake Coatepeque. The hike itself can be challenging, especially the final ascent to the crater rim, but the reward of reaching the top is truly unforgettable.
Make sure to pack plenty of water, snacks, and sunscreen, as well as appropriate hiking gear like sturdy shoes and layers for changing weather conditions. It's also a good idea to check the current trail conditions and weather forecast before embarking on your adventure.
Exploring the Santa Ana Volcano is not just about the physical challenge; it's also an opportunity to connect with nature and appreciate the geological wonders of the region. Don't forget your camera to capture the breathtaking views along the way!
Black sand beaches of El Salvador
El Tunco
El Salvador is blessed with some stunning black sand beaches, and one of the most famous ones is Playa El Tunco. Located on the country's Pacific coast, El Tunco is renowned for its rugged beauty, consistent waves, and vibrant surfing scene. The black sand gives the beach a unique and striking appearance, contrasting with the turquoise waters of the Pacific Ocean.
Aside from surfing, Playa El Tunco offers plenty of other activities such as swimming, sunbathing, and beach volleyball. The beach is also surrounded by cliffs, which provide picturesque viewpoints for watching the sunset over the ocean.
In addition to Playa El Tunco, there are several other black sand beaches worth exploring along El Salvador's coast, each with its own charm and attractions. Whether you're a surfing enthusiast or simply seeking a peaceful escape by the sea, the black sand beaches of El Salvador are sure to leave a lasting impression.
These are just a few of the many things to do in El Salvador. With its stunning natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture, El Salvador is a great destination for travelers who want to experience something unique and unforgettable.
