Mary Tilson

Costa del Sol in El Salvador Image © Mary Tilson

The Best Things to Do in El Salvador

I decided to make my way down with an open mind and healthy curiosity and left pleasantly surprised.

After five weeks teaching yoga and traveling cross-country, my experience reconfirmed that if you play it smart, the limited number of tourists in El Salvador actually makes it an opportune time to visit.

Remember to check El Salvador travel warnings and register your trip and make sure you get travel insurance before traveling.

Hire a guide and hike Santa Ana Volcano Image © Mary Tilson

From the stunning coastline overlooking the Pacific Ocean, up into the mountains where iconic pastel-colored villages boast views of the volcanos there are so many things to do in El Salvador. 

But I think these are the top things to see in this beautiful place on your first visit: 

1. Do the Santa Ana Volcano Hike

Pictures will never do this experience justice.

The tour begins at the National Park where you get a stunning view of Izalco Volcano.

The trail for the Santa Ana Volcano hike is about a 90-minute drive from San Salvador (El Salvador’s capital city) in the Cerro Verde National Park.

You can hire guides prior to arrival or at the park’s entrance, as well as a security guard who is required to enter the trail.

There is a beautiful, scenic route that begins in the forest, leading into dry, rocky trails until you reach the summit.

At the top of Santa Ana, you can peer into an Emerald Blue lagoon.

It is a truly unique experience and a must-do in El Salvador.

Mary relaxes by the pool at Hotel Juayua in Ruta de los Flores, El Salvador. Image © Mary Tilson

2. Travel Back in Time and Visit the Mayan Ruins

Spend a day trip visiting all of the main attractions, most notably Joya de Ceren (Jewel of Ceren) which was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in ’93.

The village was evacuated just before a volcanic eruption, and remains surprisingly well-intact giving you the feeling of time traveling to get a glimpse at Mayan Village life.

Organizing a guide is a great way to support the country’s slowly growing tourism industry.

Salvadorean Tours paired us up with Benjamin, who blew us away with his knowledge of history, governmental affairs, and very impressive birdwatching expertise!

Hotel Juayua offers a home away from home in Ruta de Las Flores. Image © Mary Tilson

3. Spoil Your Senses in Ruta De Las Flores

From the hot springs to the breathtaking mountain views to food festivals filled with the best El Salvadoran eats, la Ruta de Las Flores makes for the perfect weekend getaway.

I highly recommend a tour of one of the coffee plantations while you’re up there.

You can easily organize a shuttle from the popular coffee spot Point Break Café in El Tunco (see below) for about US $20.

There is a lovely guesthouse, Hotel Juayua, which was a great find among the simplistic accommodation options in town.

For about US $60 per night, you get a traditional breakfast, a pool with a stunning view of the mountains, a private bed and bath, and a bonfire for roasting marshmallows and mingling with fellow travelers.

Take a coffee plantation tour in Ruta De Las Flores. Image © Mary Tilson

Trying the local favourite, Pupusas is a must in El Salvador. Image © Mary Tilson

4. Eat Like a Local at a Pupeseria

You definitely can’t travel to El Salvador without enjoying the local food and of course the most famous local dish – Pupusas.

These delicious stuffed corn tortillas come with a variety of fillings including beans, cheese, loroco (edible flowers), jalapeños, or meat.

They’re also served with a spicy cabbage slaw called curtido, which adds a nice, healthy crunch. 

During our day at the Mayan Ruins we learned that remains preserved at Joya de Ceren show this local dish dates back as far as 2,000 years ago.

If you want to make a fun day adventure out of it, visit one of the Pupuserias in Tamanique, and then hire a local guide to help you walk off your lunch as you make your way down to the stunning waterfalls below. 

Relaxing with a post-lunch swim at a waterfall in Tamanique. Image © Mary Tilson

An incredible sunrise at El Tunco Beach, El Salvador. Image © Mary Tilson

5. Surf, Yoga, Eat, and Retreat in El Tunco

El Tunco is a popular hub where surfers and backpackers have been gathering for years to catch waves from sunrise until sunset.

The El Tunco yoga community is also rapidly expanding, offering studio vinyasa and restorative yoga, breathing workshops, full moon gatherings on the beach, and even teacher training.

Known as one of the best beaches in El Salvador, it’s the perfect place for surfers.

I got a very reasonable $US25 surf lesson with one of the local guys, which was fun and added value entertainment for any spectators on the beach, I’m sure.

Stay at Boca Olas Resort, El Tunco

Boca Olas Resort is situated on the beach within walking distance of Balance Yoga Retreat.

You can wake up for sunrise yoga, live within walking distance of the ocean – perfect for the surfers, and enjoy delicious, healthy meals starting at $US160 per night.

It also puts you just far enough outside of the party scene to get a good night’s sleep.

You can of course, still find suitable backpacker hostels under ten bucks per night and find yourself right in the center of the action on the beach.

The cool surf town of El Tunco, El Salvador. Image © Mary Tilson

Where to Eat and Drink in El Tunco

I started most days at Point Break Café where the friendly owner.

Enzo not only appreciates quality coffee, grown locally but honors the ritual of sipping slowly and enjoying good company.

Being more of a touristy town, El Tunco has a variety of dining options when you’ve had one too many pupusas (a must-try local dish noted below).

Day Café is a go-to for clean, healthy meals, as with the Pizza Shop Tunco Veloz just across the street.

For a night out, hit up the cliffside restaurant Beto’s just a short 10 min. drive from town.

Mary practices yoga at sunset in El Tunco. Image © Mary Tilson

5. Take a Boat Ride Along the Pacific Coastline in Costa Del Sol

With great luck, we were connected to Javier, a local El Salvadoran fisherman, whose love for his country is contagious.

Javier offers various Costa Del Sol boat trips, such as birdwatching in the mangroves and deep sea fishing.

We followed his advice to start the day at 5:30 am, with pickup at our resort, so we could catch the sunrise from the ocean coming up over the volcanos. The beautiful scenery was absolutely worth the early start.

If you have time, top off the day with horse riding down Javier’s private beach, which we now look back on as our “unicorn ride”.

The mirrored reflection of the colorful skies on the sand was like walking through watercolor.

Breathtaking boat trip down the Costa del Sol, El Salvador. Image © Mary Tilson

Javier, a local El Salvadoran fisherman offers various Costa Del Sol boat trips. Image © Mary Tilson

Mary’s “unicorn ride” down Javier’s private beach on the Costa del Sol, El Salvador. Image © Mary Tilson

Surfers at sunset from Las Flores Resort, El Salvador. Image © Mary Tilson

 6. Enjoy Barefoot Luxury in Las Flores

Las Flores Resort is stand out as one of the best resorts in El Salvador. 

A great place if you’re looking to have a relaxing time at the beach with delicious food, yoga, surf, and spa, without the crowds, Las Flores Resort is worth every penny.

This barefoot luxury resort’s dedication to sustainability and quality service shines through in every aspect of the experience.

It may come at a slightly higher price point than the rest, but if you can swing it – I say treat yourself. It’s a nice place to relax after your days of sightseeing.

Have a relaxing time at the beach with delicious food, yoga, surfing, and a spa at Las Flores Resort. Image © Mary Tilson

So, if you were wondering whether El Salvador is safe and worth visiting, I hope this travel guide has given you some insight into the beauty that the smallest country in Central America has in store.

Mary Tilson

Mary Tilson is an international yoga teacher, retreat leader, and passionate world traveler. She has completed over 1,000+ certified training hours in Eastern and Western approaches to yoga and healing in order to make her teaching accessible to all levels.

Mary loves seeking out new learning opportunities, outdoor adventure and building community on one of her retreats held in exotic locations around the world.

sunandmoonsoberliving.com/

Mary Tilson

Las Flores Resort offers beautiful beach views from its 15 villas. Image © Mary Tilson

Las Flores Resort

A deep respect for the environment shines through in the work of El Salvadoran architect Rodrigo Barraza Dominguez, who has tastefully integrated 15 ocean view villas into the lush, tropical landscape. While the exterior blends right into its surroundings, we were pleasantly surprised by the modern amenities including excellent Wi-Fi connection, large bathroom with organic toiletries, ample closet space, AC, and a TV, although it’s hard to imagine why you’d ever choose to use it.

Respect for the surroundings in the name of sustainability is key at Las Flores Resort. Image © Mary Tilson

The resort had a great atmosphere and the friendly security guards created a feeling of safety without disturbing the experience in any way. This is a point I feel worth making after friends and family members raised their concerns about my trip to El Salvador.

Las Flores Boathouse offers fishing trips and surf lessons. Image © Mary Tilson

Yoga and Surfing at Las Flores Beach

The environment is best suited for those with an appreciation for sustainable, environmentally friendly travel, and attuning to earth’s natural rhythms. I started each morning with sunrise yoga from an ocean view yoga shala at the top of the hill, where you can spot avid surfers ready to catch the first waves of the day.

Mary farewells the day with sunset yoga on Playa Las Flores. Image © Mary Tilson

Las Flores Boathouse offers surf lessons for beginners as well as fishing trips. Onsite facilities also include an infinity pool with swim-up bar, spa and children’s playground.

Las Flores is one of the most famous surf beaches in El Salvador. Image © Mary Tilson

For nature lovers, like Jessie and I, something as simple as walking on Las Flores Beach, where large cliffs create cave-like formations can become a magical adventure in itself. During sunrise and sunset, the wet sand became a mirror reflection for the water coloured skies.

Mary enjoying the calm and quiet at Las Flores Resort. Image © Mary Tilson

Authentic Salvadoran Food

Culinary experiences are a big one for us, as we’re both equally passionate about maintaining a healthy, balanced diet while traveling as we are getting a true taste of every country we visit. Unlike some of our more adventurous trips to the local Pupuserias in El Salvador, Las Flores restaurant guarantees all fresh fruits and vegetables are cleaned with purified water and food preparation is held to the highest standards. I was grateful for the staff who approached me with a selection of vegetarian-friendly options in addition to the daily specials at every meal. My favourites were the El Salvadoran breakfast, veggie tacos and abundance of fresh fruit and juices. Jessie was also very pleased by locally sourced fish dishes.

Beyond the food quality itself, the warm, friendly service team who quickly learned to call you by name made every meal that much more nourishing. The whole experience of eating in the open air restaurant, just close enough to enjoy the sounds and views of waves crashing was right on point. 

Paradise found at Las Flores Beach, El Salvador. Image © Mary Tilson

How to Get to Las Flores Resort

Las Flores Resort provides roundtrip transportation to the international airport located approximately two hours by car. Although the property itself sits on one of the most idyllic, paradise beaches, I definitely recommend leaving time to see some of the other wonders of El Salvador, of which there are many.

Read our El Salvador Travel Guide

Las Flores Resort

Playa Las Flores, San Miguel, El Salvador

Website |  Check Prices and Availability

The Fit Traveller was a guest of Las Flores Resort for this stay. As always, the opinions, words and images are authentically our own.

Mary Tilson

Mary Tilson is an international yoga teacher, retreat leader, and passionate world traveler. She has completed over 1,000+ certified training hours in Eastern and Western approaches to yoga and healing in order to make her teaching accessible to all levels.

Mary loves seeking out new learning opportunities, outdoor adventure and building community on one of her retreats held in exotic locations around the world.

sunandmoonsoberliving.com/