Beaches, Mountains, Coffee, Culture And Island Hopping In El Salvador (14 days)

El Salvador is a Central American gem known for its diverse culture, stunning landscapes, and friendly people. From the bustling streets of San Salvador, to the tranquil beaches of El Tunco, to the lush rainforests of the Apaneca-Ilamatepec mountain range, there's something for every traveler to enjoy. The country's rich history and vibrant traditions are evident in its colorful markets, delicious cuisine, and lively festivals.

One of the things that makes El Salvador such a special travel destination is its people. Salvadorans are known for their warmth and hospitality, and visitors are sure to feel welcome from the moment they arrive. The country's rich cultural heritage is also on full display, from the ancient ruins of Tazumal, to the colonial architecture of Santa Ana, to the modern street art that adorns the walls of San Salvador.

Another element that makes El Salvador unique is its natural beauty. The country is home to an incredible array of landscapes, from the volcanic peaks of the Santa Ana volcano, to the black sand beaches of La Libertad, to the verdant rainforests of El Imposible National Park. Whether you're looking to surf, hike, or simply relax on the beach, El Salvador has something to offer.

In addition, El Salvador is a budget-friendly option compared to other Central American countries, and also it is becoming a popular destination for eco-tourism, adventure tourism and surf tourism. With its affordable prices, friendly locals, and endless possibilities for adventure, El Salvador is a destination that should not be missed.

We have put together a nice travel itinerary for those who like to take their time and enjoy slow travel. In this tour you’ll get to taste culture, nature, beaches, mountains and more. Our tour starts and ends in San Salvador, but our travel agency can also arrange border crossing and transport with Guatemala and Honduras. 

Tour Summary:

Day 1: Arrival in San Salvador
Day 2: El Tunco
Day 3: Ruta de las Flores - Ataco
Day 4: Coffee Tour Finca El Carmen - Ataco
Day 5: Day tour Los Volcanes National Park and Lake Coatepeque
Day 6: Day tour to El Imposible National Park
Day 7: Suchitoto
Day 8: Suchitoto - Lago Suchitlan
Day 9: Suchitoto – Alegria – Bahia de Jiquilisco

Day 10: Bahía de Jiquilisco – La Unión
Day 11: Day tour Golfo de Fonseca with island hopping
Day 11 and 12: Playa las Flores
Day 13: San Salvador
Day 14: Departure


Tour in depth:

Day 1: Arrival in San Salvador

Meet and greet with our  team at the airport. If there is enough time we can do a city tour in San Salvador today.


Day 2:  El Tunco

After breakfast we’ll go towards El Tunco, one of the most popular places in El Salvador and  located on the Pacific coast of El Salvador. El Tunco is a small but vibrant surf town known for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and world-class waves. With its laid-back atmosphere, friendly locals, and delicious street food, it's the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and reconnect with nature. Today we’ll take it easy and show you around in this little paradise. We’ll stay overnight in El Tunco. 

Day 3. Ruta de las Flores - Ataco

After the beach, it’s now time for the mountains. We’ll head to the Ruta de las Flores. This region has great panoramic viewpoints over the coffee plantations, lagoons and the dense cloud forest. We’ll pass by the beautiful small villages of Juayua and Nahuizalco. Our end destination is Concepcion de Ataco, the last town on the famous Ruta de las Flores. Many houses here are beautifully colorfully decorated with colorful murals and we can find many shops with authentic arts and crafts. You will spend the night in this beautiful area at an altitude of approximately 1,400 meters. Coffee is grown here on the slopes of the Cerrito de Apaneca. This is your base to explore the spectacular surroundings for the next few days. Overnight in in the village of Concepción de Ataco.

Day 4. Coffee Tour Finca El Carmen - Ataco 

Finca El Carmen is a coffee plantation in the middle of the Apaneca region. El Carmen grows and produces its own coffee. Today's coffee tour starts with tasting the local coffee, which is made the old way with a wooden coffee machine and cloth as a filter. Then the guide takes you through the different areas of the plantation to show you the different stages in the production process. The coffee is exported for companies like Starbucks, American Airlines and Holiday Inn. If there is still time, a stop can be made on the way back at the waterfalls of Calera in Juayua. A series of impressive water springs that come through rock formations and form several waterfalls. Overnight in Ataco. 

Day 5. Day tour Los Volcanes National Park and Lake Coatepeque

Today we will go on a hiking tour in the National Park “Los Volcanes”, here are the volcanoes of Izalco, Santa Ana and Cerro Verde. The volcanoes are located in a beautiful environment with an enormous biodiversity. You can climb the Izalco volcano (1,952 meters) or the highest volcano in El Salvador, the Santa Ana (2,365 meters). This tough hike takes about 4 hours to the top and you’ll be treated with a fantastic view from the top. The descent is much faster. In a few hours you are down again. Or you can take an easier walk through the national park, this tour is much flatter and goes through the woods with different viewpoints to the top of the volcano of Izalco, Lake Coatepeque and the volcano of Santa Ana.

If time allows we will also visit Lake Coatepeque with beautiful clear blue water that is surrounded by the volcanoes Santa Ana and Izalco. Coatepeque was nominated as one of the 7 natural wonders. The lake is about 6 km wide and 120 meters deep. After our tour we will return to Concepcion de Ataco.

Day 6. Day tour to  El Imposible National Park

Today you will visit the El Imposible National Park, located in a mountainous area and with dry tropical vegetation. There are a number of beautiful trails possible in the park, including one of approximately 8/9 km to the highest peak of the park, Cerro Leon. Another trail of about 6/7 km runs through a beautiful valley.

Today you take a day walk through this jungle that contains more than 500 species of plants, 285 species of birds and many species of butterflies. Bring your swimsuit, because you can cool off in the rivers! Overnight at Hotel Fleur de Lis.

Day 7. Suchitoto

In the morning you will be taken to Joya de Ceren; an archaeological site listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1993, as it is the only place in Mayan culture where you can observe the day-to-day lifestyle of these pre-Colombian inhabitants. This has been preserved because it was buried under volcanic lava. Then you will continue to the town of Suchitoto. This city has beautiful colonial buildings and church, several art galleries and restaurants. Many restaurants have a panoramic view of Lake Suchitlan, a dammed river. The ecosystem has a lot of ornithological interest for the amount and variety of zoologists, pelicans, herons and storks. A local guide will take you through the history and colonial architecture of Suchitoto. 

Day 8. Suchitoto - Lago Suchitlan

Suchitoto is the most beautiful town in El Salvador and therefore a very relaxed place to take it easy for a day. You can fill in this day as you want with our guide. It is possible to make a nice boat trip on Lago Suchitlan. A visit to the house and museum of the Salvadoran painter and writer Alejandro Cotto is also recommended. You can also take a walk along the river where the Zacamil suspension bridge, various viewpoints and El Cubo give color to the walk. 

Day 9. Suchitoto – Alegria – Bahia de Jiquilisco

You will leave Suchitoto and head for Alegria, a small picturesque village located at 1,240 meters in the mountains and famous for the many flowers everywhere. The famous Salvadoran writer Alberto Marferrer lived here (1886 – 1932). Nearby is the lagoon of Alegria. This has a beautiful green color due to the amount of sulfur in this crater lake. The water is very warm and has several geysers. After this you will be taken to Bahia de Jiquilisco. 

Day 10. Bahía de Jiquilisco – La Unión

You will be taken to Bahia de Jiquilisco today. This Pacific mangrove forest formed by a large number of canals is home to more than 17 different bird species. You can do optional excursions here, such as kayaking through the channels deep into the mangrove forest and with a little luck spotting various birds, crabs, turtles and fish. You can also do a bicycle tour to visit the spider monkey population, or go in search of turtles with the organization ICAPO that are studied and examined by a biologist (no activities included).

In the afternoon you will be transferred to the hotel near the port of La Union. 

Day 11. Day tour Golfo de Fonseca with island hopping

Golfo de Fonseca, that's the name of the gulf that El Salvador, Honduras and Nicaragua share with beautiful volcanic islands, small fishing villages and black sand beaches. During today's boat trip you will hopefully see dolphins, pelicans, various birds and sometimes even whales (November–January). You will moor on the Zacatillo where you can enjoy the beach. Everywhere you have beautiful views of the various islands with their volcanic peaks. At the end of the afternoon you sail back to La Union. 

Day 11 and 12. Playa las Flores

On day 11 you will be taken to one of the most beautiful beaches in El Salvador; Playa Las Flores. A volcanic black sand beach on the east coast of El Salvador. You can relax here on the beach during your stay or you can try your first surf lesson! Two nights at Hotel Miraflores.

Day 13. San Salvador

In the morning you will be transferred to the airport of San Salvador for the return flight to the Netherlands.

Day 14.  Departure 

Today we’ll bring you to the airport. We can also transport you to the border between El Salvador and Guatemala or Honduras and arrange your 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