El Salvador, a charming Central American nation, boasts an array of attractions, ranging from stunning beaches and majestic volcanoes to quaint towns brimming with picturesque charm and a vibrant cultural heritage. In this blog post, I will share my firsthand experience and present a week-long itinerary that highlights the finest activities and sights to explore in El Salvador.
DAY 1-2: EXPLORE SAN SALVADOR
Begin your tour by exploring the bustling capital city of San Salvador. Visit the historic city center where you will find the National Palace, the Metropolitan Cathedral and the National Museum of Anthropology. Stroll through the beautiful La Laguna Botanical Gardens and sample delicious street food at Mercado Central. In the evening, head to the bohemian district of La Zona Rosa, with its trendy bars and restaurants.
DAY 3-4: BEACH TIME IN LA LIBERTAD
Salvador has some of the best surfing spots in the world and La Libertad is the perfect place to catch the waves. Spend days relaxing on the beach, surfing, or exploring the nearby towns of El Tunco and El Zonte. Don’t miss the breathtaking sunsets from La Libertad marina.
Day 5-6: Trekking and Volcanic Adventure
El Salvador is known for its impressive volcanoes, and hiking to the top of these is a must during your visit. Take a day trip to Parque Nacional Los Volcanes, where you can hike to the top of El Salvador’s tallest volcano, Santa Ana. The hike is tough, but worth it for the beautiful views from the top. Unfortunately I was not able to do the volcano hike due to my bad feet condition on these days. On day six, head to the town of Suchitoto, known for its charming colonial architecture and cobbled streets. With the car it is 90 minutes drive. From there, you can visit Lago de Coatepeque, a beautiful crater lake surrounded by mountains and volcanoes.
Day 7: Final Day
On your last day in El Salvador, take time to shop for last-minute souvenirs and enjoy a final meal of pupusas, a famous Salvadoran dish made with tortillas stuffed with cheese, beans and meat. Then it’s time to say goodbye to this beautiful country and go home.
Conclusion
El Salvador may be small, but it’s packed with adventure, culture and natural beauty. This itinerary covers some of the best things to do and see during the week, but there’s plenty more to explore. This guide should help you to plan your trip to El Salvador and inspire you to explore all the beauty of this central american country.
Find out more about El Salvador and jump over to the El Salvador Overview Page