A Taste Of El Salvador (7 days)

Welcome to El Salvador, the smallest nation in all of Central America and long left aside by travelers. Thanks to massive investments in the tourism industry and drastic drops in crime rate El Salvador is slowly but steadily gaining attention from international tourists as it is now safer and easier to travel throughout the country. Seven to fourteen days is a good amount of days to cover most of El Salvador. A lot of people combine their travel to El Salvador with a visit to other Latin American countries such as Honduras and Guatemala. Our travel agency can easily arrange a multi-country tour if you’d like.

For this tour we’ll start in the bustling capital San Salvador in which we’ll explore the city center with its many markets, colorful houses and busy squares, followed by a visit to the San Salvador volcano just outside the city. We’ll then continue our way to the Cerro Verde National park, home to the famous Izalco Volcano and where epic views are guaranteed. Our journey will take us then to one of the most beautiful parts of El Salvador: the Ruta de las Flores, one of the many highlights the country has to offer. Here you’ll admire green hills, charming little towns and coffee plantations. We’ll have a stop in the historical city of Suchitoto and will admire the beauty of the nearby Lago de Suchitlan and then we’re off to another scenic route: Ruta de la Paz, which is less known among visitors, but offers a great off the beaten track experience, followed by a tour to Jiquilisco Bay where we can see sea turtles among other animals.

Our tours are run in English and of course Spanish if you’d like. We use midrange and upper midrange accommodation. All of our tours start and end at the airport of San Salvador, but if you’re arriving from or going to Guatemala or Honduras, we can customize your trip and help you with border crossing and transport between El Salvador and Honduras or Guatemala. Find below one of our programme and do not hesitate to contact us in case you have any questions about your tour in El Salvador. 

Tour Summary:

Day 1: Arrival in San Salvador
Day 2: San Salvador City Tour And El Boqueron Volcano visit
Day 3: Izalco Volcano and Ruta de las Flores
Day 4: Suchitoto and Lake Suchitlan
Day 5: Ruta de la Paz
Day 6: Jiquilisco Bay with sea turtle visit
Day 7: Departure

 

Tour in depth:

Day 1: Arrival in San Salvador 

Meet and greet at the airport of San Salvador today. 

Day 2: San Salvador Cultural City Tour And El Boqueron Volcano visit

San Salvador is a busy city with a vibrant nightlife, several important cultural landmarks, historical buildings, a lot of shopping opportunities in malls and markets and is a great way to get to know more about Salvadoran culture.

We will start our day by visiting the old city center (centro viejo) in which we’ll visit important landmarks like the Iglesia Rosaria, a significant cultural site in the city. The church was built in the 1960s and is known for its modernist architecture, which is characterized by its use of geometric shapes and clean lines. The church is made of concrete and glass and has a distinctive circular shape.

Inside the church, visitors can see a number of interesting features, including stained glass windows, a large altar, and a number of sculptures and paintings. The church is also home to a number of religious artifacts and works of art. 

Another important stop is the National Theatre. The theater was built in the 1920s and is a beautiful example of neoclassical architecture, with a grand facade and ornate interior. The theater is home to a number of performance spaces, including a main auditorium with seating for over 1,000 people, as well as smaller theaters and rehearsal spaces. The National Theater of El Salvador hosts a variety of performing arts events throughout the year, including concerts, plays, ballets, and operas. The theater is also home to the National Symphony Orchestra of El Salvador. The theater is a must-see destination for anyone interested in the arts and culture of El Salvador.

We’ll make other stops such as Plaza Libertad, the national palace, important markets and squares and more. At noon we’ll have pupusas, the national food of El Salvador and then we’ll head to El Boqueron, just outside the city. From this ancient volcano we’ll have a good view over San Salvador. On our way back, you can also make a stop at the famous rainbow slide of San Salvador. 

 

Day 3: Izalco Volcano and Ruta de las Flores 

We’ll continue our tour to Izalco, at the edge of the Cerro Verde National Park and named after the Izalco volcano. We’ll go on a hiking tour in the area to reach some good viewpoints of the Izalco volcano as well as the Coatepeque Lake.  Cerro Verde is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers, and is known for its beautiful landscapes and diverse plant and animal life, including a number of endangered species such as the quetzal, a colorful bird found in Central and South America. We will now enter the Ruta de las Flores which will take us first to Nahuizalco.

Nahuizalco has a long history dating back to pre-Columbian times, and the town is home to a number of interesting cultural sites such as the Church of San Juan Bautista, which was built in the 18th century and is a beautiful example of colonial architecture, and the Nahuizalco Museum, which displays a number of artifacts and works of art from the town's history. In addition to its cultural attractions, Nahuizalco is also known for its traditional handicrafts, including baskets, pottery, and textiles. Visitors to the town can visit local artisan workshops and galleries to see these crafts being made and purchase souvenirs.

We’ll pass the town of Juayúa and will visit the Juayúa Waterfall, located just outside of town and a popular spot for swimming and picnicking, surrounded by beautiful forests and gardens. Juayúa is also known for its delicious local cuisine, and the town hosts a number of food festivals throughout the year, including the famous "Food Festival of Juayúa," which is held annually in November. During the festival, visitors can try a variety of local dishes and drinks, as well as purchase handicrafts and other souvenirs.

We’ll then finally arrive at Concepcion de Ataco, famous for its colorful murals and the town is a  hotspot for artists. It is beautifully located between green hills and coffee plantations and known for the best coffee in El Salvador. 

Day 4: Suchitoto and Lake Suchitlan 

Today on the menu: Suchitoto and Lake Suchitlan. We’ll start the day with a visit to the historic center of Suchitoto, a charming colonial town located in the department of Cuscatlán in El Salvador. Suchitoto is known for its well-preserved colonial architecture, art galleries, and cultural events. We’ll have a stroll through the cobblestone streets and admire the beautiful colonial houses, churches, and plazas. One of the highlights is the Iglesia de Nuestra Señora del Rosario, a stunning 17th-century church that is one of the main landmarks of the town. We’ll head over to the Suchitoto Artisans Market, where you can find a variety of handmade crafts and souvenirs made by local artisans.

After exploring the town, we’ll take a short drive to Lake Suchitlán, a large crater lake that is located just a few kilometers outside of Suchitoto. Here we’ll spend the afternoon enjoying the beautiful natural surroundings of the lake, which is home to a variety of birds and other wildlife. You can take a boat tour to see the lake up close, or simply relax on the shores and take in the stunning views.

Day 5: Ruta de la Paz

Today we’ll explore a part of the Ruta de la Paz, which starts in Perquin and we’ll make sure to also stop in Mozote, to visit an important monument remembering the victims of a massacre which took place in the area.

The Ruta de la Paz (Route of Peace) is a historical and cultural route that winds its way through the central and western regions of El Salvador. It is a tribute to the country's tumultuous past and its ongoing efforts towards peace and reconciliation.

The route was created in the aftermath of El Salvador's brutal civil war, which lasted from 1980 to 1992 and claimed the lives of over 75,000 people. It was designed to promote dialogue and understanding between different communities and to encourage tourism to the region.

The Ruta de la Paz passes through some of the most beautiful and historically significant sites in El Salvador. Along the way, visitors can learn about the country's rich history, culture, and traditions, as well as the efforts to promote peace and reconciliation. The Ruta de la Paz is a great way to discover the natural beauty and cultural richness of El Salvador, while also learning about the country's challenging past and its journey towards peace.

Day 6: Jiquilisco Bay with sea turtle visit

Today we’ll go to Jiquilisco Bay to explore this beautiful area and we’ll go look for sea turtles. Jiquilisco Bay is a large bay located on the Pacific coast of El Salvador, in the department of Usulután. It is an important ecological and economic hub, known for its rich biodiversity, mangrove forests, and abundant fish and shellfish populations.

The bay is home to a variety of ecosystems, including mangrove forests, coastal lagoons, coral reefs, and sandy beaches. It is also a major breeding and feeding ground for a wide range of marine species, including sharks, rays, dolphins, sea turtles, and many types of fish.

Jiquilisco Bay is an important source of livelihood for local communities, who rely on the bay for fishing, aquaculture, and tourism. The bay is also home to several protected areas, including the Jiquilisco Bay Biosphere Reserve and the Isla de Meanguera Marine National Park, which help to preserve the region's natural beauty and biodiversity.

In recent years, Jiquilisco Bay has faced a number of environmental challenges, including pollution, overfishing, and habitat destruction. However, there have been efforts to address these issues and to promote sustainable development in the region. Jiquilisco Bay is a unique and beautiful destination that offers a range of ecological, cultural, and economic opportunities. It is a great place to explore the natural beauty of El Salvador and to learn about the country's rich marine life and cultural heritage.

Day 7: Departure

Today we’ll bring you to the airport of San Salvador and make sure you’re on time for your flight back home. If you want to continue your travel overland to Honduras or Guatemala, please let us know if you need any assistance for border crossing and transport. 

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