Five Days In El Salvador: Archeology, Beaches, Coffee And Mountains

El Salvador is a country located in Central America, bordered by Honduras to the north, Guatemala to the west, and the Pacific Ocean to the south. It is known for its beautiful beaches, national parks, and Mayan ruins. The country also has a rich history and culture, with a mix of indigenous, European, and African influences.

As a travel destination, El Salvador offers a range of activities for visitors. The country's long coastline means that there are plenty of opportunities for surfing, swimming, and sunbathing. The national parks are home to a variety of flora and fauna, and are popular for hiking, birdwatching, and horseback riding. The Mayan ruins of Tazumal and Joya de Cerén are also popular tourist attractions, offering a glimpse into the country's ancient history.

El Salvador's capital city, San Salvador, is home to several museums and cultural attractions, including the National Museum of Anthropology, the National Theatre, and the Metropolitan Cathedral. The city is also known for its vibrant nightlife, with a range of bars, clubs, and restaurants. Overall, El Salvador is a diverse and fascinating country, with something to offer travelers of all interests.

For your tour in El Salvador you’ll start your tour with a visit to the archeological sites of the Mayan ruins of Tazumal and Joya de Céren. We’ll then visit a coffee processing facility in Concepcion de Ataco and drive down the famous Ruta de las Flores. On our last day we’ll discover the beaches of El Zonte and Tunco, before we head back to San Salvador. 

Our tour starts and ends at the international airport of El Salvador and it’s also possible to pick you up and drop you off at  the border with Guatemala of Honduras. 

All of our tour programmes in El Salvador are run in English or Spanish and our vehicles are up to standard. We only use midrange to upper midrange hotels. It is possible to upgrade your travel in El Salvador to luxurious hotels, and yes, as a true Salvadoran tour company we also accept payments in Bitcoin of course! 

Summary of your tour: 

Day 1: Arrival in San Salvador
Day 2: Joya de Cerén and Tazumal and Ataco
Day 3: Coffee and Ruta de Las Flores
Day 4: Tunco And El Zonte Beach
Day 5: Departure 

 

Tour in depth:

Day 1: Arrival in San Salvador 

Our team will pick you up at the airport and bring you to your hotel. If you’d arrive before noon, we’ll have a city tour in the afternoon. 

Day 2: Joya de Cerén and Tazumal and Ataco 

Today is all about ancient history. Well start with a visit to Tazumal, a Mayan archaeological site located in Chalchuapa, El Salvador. It is one of the most important Mayan ruins in Central America, and is a popular tourist attraction in the region. The site consists of a series of structures, including pyramids, plazas, and ball courts, which were built between the 5th and 9th centuries AD.

Tazumal is known for its well-preserved Mayan buildings and artifacts, which provide insight into the culture and daily life of the ancient Mayans. The site is also home to several burial chambers, which contain the remains of Mayan nobles and other important figures.

After Tazumal, we’ll go to Joya de Cerén, an archaeological site located in El Salvador, about 14 kilometers northwest of the town of San Andrés. The site consists of the remains of a small village that was buried by a volcanic eruption around 600 AD. The village, known as Cerén, was inhabited by the Maya people, and the site is now considered one of the most important examples of Maya daily life in Central America.

The village of Cerén was discovered in the 1970s, when farmers were clearing land to plant crops. The site was quickly recognized as an important archaeological find, and excavations have been ongoing since then. The village was found to be well-preserved, thanks to the layers of ash that covered it after the volcanic eruption.

Today, Joya de Cerén is a popular tourist attraction in El Salvador. Visitors to the site can explore the remains of the village, including the houses, workshops, and storage areas. The site also has a small museum, which displays artifacts and other objects that were recovered during the excavations.

Afterwards we’ll go to Ataco and check in at our hotel. 

Day 3: Coffee and Ruta de Las Flores 

We’ll start our day at Ataco. Concepción de Ataco is a small town located in the department of Ahuachapán in western El Salvador. It is known for its colorful houses and cobblestone streets, as well as its vibrant art scene. The town is located in the central highlands of El Salvador, at an altitude of about 1,300 meters above sea level.

Concepción de Ataco is popular with tourists for its picturesque streets, which are lined with colorful houses and colonial-style buildings. The town is also home to several art galleries, which showcase the work of local artists. In addition, the town is known for its production of coffee, so today we’ll visit local coffee plantations and learn about the coffee-making process.

Other attractions in Concepción de Ataco include the Church of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción, which dates back to the 19th century, and the Mirador de Ataco, a lookout point that offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

After exploring the town we’ll continue the rest of the Ruta de las flores as Ataco is located along this road. The Ruta de las Flores (Flower Route) is a scenic drive through the central highlands of El Salvador, passing through several small towns that are known for their production of flowers, coffee, and other agricultural products. The route is named for the colorful flowers that can be found in the region, which include roses, marigolds, and poinsettias.

The Ruta de las Flores is a popular tourist destination in El Salvador, and it is known for its picturesque towns and villages, as well as its beautiful landscapes. The route passes through several towns, including Ahuachapán, Ataco, and Apaneca, which are known for their colonial-style architecture, artisanal products, and outdoor recreation opportunities.

Day 4: Tunco And El Zonte Beach

Today we’ll drive to the beaches of El Zonte and Tunco to admire the black volcanic sands. 

Tunco is a small town located in El Salvador and is known for its beautiful beaches and surf culture, and is a popular destination for tourists and surfers from around the world. Tunco is located on the Pacific Coast, and is known for its warm, tropical climate and beautiful sandy beaches. The town is also home to a number of restaurants, cafes, and shops, making it a great place to relax and enjoy the laid-back beach lifestyle. In addition to its natural beauty and recreational opportunities, Tunco is also known for its rich cultural heritage, with a number of historic sites and landmarks to explore.

El Zonte is located just a short distance from the larger town of La Libertad, and is known for its laid-back atmosphere and relaxed way of life. The beach at El Zonte is known for its strong waves, making it a popular spot for surfing, and the area is also home to a number of other outdoor recreational activities, including fishing, snorkeling, and birdwatching. In addition to its natural beauty and recreational opportunities.

Today we’ll visit both of these beaches and if there’s time we’ll also pass by Libertad. In the late afternoon we’ll go towards San Salvador. 

Day 5: Departure  

Today we’ll bring you to the international airport of San Salvador for your flight back. We can also assist you for border crossing from El Salvador to Guatemala or Honduras and can arrange your transport as well if needed. 

Included: 

- Accommodation in midrange/upper midrange hotels/guesthouses
- All transport in private vehicles
- Professional, local English speaking guide  (or Spanish of course)

- All entrance fees and activities as describes 

Not included: 

- Visa and tourist pass 

- Flights 

- Meals and drinks 

- Tips and gratuities