Things to do in El Salvador | A Travel Guide for the Intrepid Traveller

El Salvador arrived like an unexpected gift. I received an invitation to come out and teach yoga by the owner of Balance Yoga Retreat, a friendly, surf-enthusiast named Adrian from the States who has called El Salvador his second home for roughly a decade. A little research before committing to the new position presented sharply contrasting views. There were adventurous travelers who experienced the many amazing things to do in El Salvador. They had fallen in love with the smallest of the Central American countries for its raw, natural beauty, hospitable locals, and rich history. Then there were those who had been fed enough statistics to write it off altogether. Can you guess which side I landed on?

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.

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.