El Salvador

Say ‘Hola’ to the Republic of El Salvador! With a territory spanning 20,742 square kilometres, this little country is known as the heart of the Americas. From beaches, great shopping and Mayan ruins, to picturesque colonial cities, this destination offers something for every traveller. You may want to tour El Salvador’s volcanic formations, some of which are still active today. With El Salvador’s average annual temperature of 77ºF (25ºC) everyday is a great day to explore! We invite you to come and visit a true hidden treasure.

Beaches

El Salvador is every beach lover’s paradise. It has 300 kilometres of coastline, coupled with lots of sunny warm weather. Come visit Costa del Sol, a popular destination among tourists and locals. As you contemplate the beautiful tropical scenery, enjoy mouth-watering fresh seafood dishes.

El Salvador’s beaches are not only perfect for sunbathing and relaxation, but the Pacific Ocean waves are ideal for the surfer in you. El Espino, El Coco, El Zunzal and Garita Palmera (close to the Guatemalan border) are some of the most popular beaches that you may want to visit. With an array from white to black sands, no two of El Salvador’s beaches are the same. We welcome you to experience it for yourself!

San Salvador

With a population over one million residents, El Salvador’s capital city (San Salvador), rests at the foot of the dormant Quezaltepec volcano. When sightseeing in the city, you do not want to forget your camera. San Salvador has beautiful colonial buildings, which are excellent for the photographer in you. This remarkable city also offers historic landmarks, marketplaces and delicious food. Walk through the city’s main plaza, Plaza Barrios, and take advantage of its charming shops. Pick up some souvenirs at the Mercado Ex Cuartel and some goodies at the Mercado Central, or learn about the country’s history at the Museo Nacional.

You may want to visit the Teatro Nacional, which has been operating since 1917. A famous landmark is the Catedral Metropolitana, the burial place of Archbishop Oscar Romero, El Salvador’s national hero. Hungry? Indulge in El Salvador’s traditional foods, such as Pupusas, corn flour tortillas stuffed with cheese and meat, which are cooked over a grill. How about some fried Cassava and meat served with coleslaw. You are guaranteed to be licking your fingers.

National Parks

Need to unwind and relax? We have the perfect spot for you: Los Chorros. A favourite place of relaxation, Los Chorros offers a series of large natural pools feeding from one pool to the next with refreshing spring water that originates from overhanging volcanic cliffs.

An advantage of visiting a tropical country, like El Salvador, is its natural beauty. At an altitude of 7,000 feet, El Trifinio National Park is located on the borders of Honduras and Guatemala. Within this natural splendour, you may catch a glimpse of the local wildlife, such as pumas, spider monkeys, toucans, striped owls and anteaters to name a few.

Ever visited a Botanical Garden? Not like this one. La Laguna Botanical Garden is one of a kind. Located inside an extinct volcano, this 7-acre botanical garden surrounds a small lagoon formed at the bottom of the crater. Here, locals have taken pride in displaying rare species of local and foreign flora for over a century. This is definitely worth the visit.

At a distance of about 12 kilometres from the city of San Salvador, you will find Balboa Park. This park is also known for it’s abundant plant life and myriads of birds. Here, you can hike through winding trails and see some examples of pre-Colombian style sculptures. Exhausted? Sit down to soak it all in at one of the many outdoor cafes you will find Balboa Park.

A trip to El Salvador is definitely not complete until you visit the Tazumal ruins. Tazumal, meaning “ the pyramid where the victims are burned”, is located two hours away from the capital city and on the outskirts of Chalchuapa city. The Chalchuapa site holds a group of flat-topped steeped pyramids. This national treasure is estimated to date as far back as 5,000 B.C, making these pyramids the oldest structures in the country. This Mayan escape into the origins of the Salvadorian people will make your excursion a trip to remember.