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El Salvador Travel Guide: Best Things to Do, Hotels & Travel Tips
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items El Salvador, our 57th Country, may be one of Central America’s most underrated destinations. Now rated Level 1—Exercise Normal Precautions—by the U.S. State Department, the country surprised and delighted us at every turn. We felt safe throughout our...
Sections
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El Salvador Packing List: 20 Essentials for Beaches, Volcanoes & Rainy Season
Best Things to Do in El Salvador
Hotels in San Salvador, El Salvador
Where to Stay Near Cerro Verde: Volcano Views
Where to Stay on El Salvador’s Pacific Coast: El Tunco, El Zonte & Mizata
Best Things to Do on El Salvador’s Pacific Coast: El Tunco, Surf City & Tamanique
El Salvador Packing List: 20 Essentials for Beaches, Volcanoes & Rainy Season
Wondering what to pack for El Salvador? This El Salvador packing list includes practical travel essentials for the country’s hot weather, tropical beaches, rainy season, insects, cities and cooler volcanic mountain regions. We recommend bringing high...
El Salvador’s strong sun makes a dependable sunscreen one of the most important things to pack. Supergoop! PLAY Everyday Lotion SPF 50 is lightweight, fast-absorbing and suitable for both the face and body. It is also water- and sweat-resistant for u...
Supergoop! PLAY Everyday Lotion SPF 50
Staying hydrated is essential in El Salvador’s heat, particularly during walking tours, archaeological visits, beach days and outdoor excursions. This insulated Hydro Flask keeps water cold and is a convenient size for carrying in a day bag. Fill it ...
Hydro Flask 24-Ounce Insulated Water Bottle
A reliable insect repellent is essential when traveling in El Salvador, particularly during the warm and rainy seasons. Sawyer’s 20% picaridin formula provides long-lasting protection against mosquitoes, ticks, biting flies, gnats, and chiggers witho...
Picaridin vs DEET: Which Is the Best Insect Repellent?
A lightweight daypack is useful for carrying water, sunscreen, insect repellent, rain jackets, camera accessories and other essentials on full-day El Salvador tours. The Osprey Daylite Plus offers organized storage, bottle pockets and a breathable ba...
Best Daypack for El Salvador Tours: Osprey Daylite Plus
This compact multiport charger allows you to charge several devices from one hotel outlet. It has two USB-C ports, one USB-A port and up to 67 watts of output, making it suitable for phones, tablets and many smaller laptops. El Salvador uses the same... We always care these with us
Multiport Charger: Anker Prime 67W Three-Port Charger
A portable charger is extremely useful during full-day tours when phones are being used for photography, video, maps and translation. This compact Anker power bank has a 10,000mAh capacity, fast 30-watt charging and a built-in USB-C cable, reducing t...
Anker Nano Power Bank (30W, Built-In USB-C Cable)
Although much of El Salvador is hot, places at higher elevations—especially Cerro Verde and the surrounding volcano region—can feel surprisingly cool. A lightweight fleece is useful for early mornings, sunset views, mountain hotels and heavily air-co...
Women’s Benton Springs™ Full Zip Fleece Jacket
A lightweight rain jacket is far more practical than a heavy coat in El Salvador. The Columbia Arcadia II is waterproof, breathable and fully seam-sealed, but it packs down easily when the sun returns. It is useful during the rainy season, on waterfa...
Women's Arcadia II Packable Rain Jacket
These hybrid water-and-hiking sandals are a practical choice for an El Salvador itinerary that combines beaches, waterfalls, cobblestone towns and outdoor activities. They provide more traction and toe protection than ordinary flip-flops while still ...
KEEN Women’s Newport H2 Water and Hiking Sandals
A waterproof phone pouch protects a phone from sand, splashes and sudden rain while still allowing access to the touchscreen and camera. This Pelican Marine pouch is IP68-rated, includes a detachable lanyard and has built-in air cushions that help it...
Waterproof Phone Pouch for El Salvador Beaches: Pelican Marine
Especially useful for remote mountain stays, long driving days and unexpected situations when sealed bottled water is unavailable. The GRAYL GeoPress is one of the most useful travel products for destinations where tap-water quality is a concern. Fil... *It is not designed to make ocean water or other saltwater safe to drink.
Best Water Purifier Bottle for El Salvador: 24oz GeoPress
This compact waterproof dry bag helps keep phones, cash, keys, sunscreen and other small essentials together during beach days, boat trips and rainy outdoor excursions. The five-liter size is large enough for the essentials without becoming cumbersom...
Marine Waterproof 5L Dry Bag
The Columbia Watertight II gives men a lightweight, waterproof layer for El Salvador’s rainy season and unpredictable mountain weather. It has fully sealed seams, a breathable mesh lining and a packable design that makes it easy to carry when rain is...
Men's Watertight II Rain Jacket
The Columbia Steens Mountain 2.0 fleece gives men a comfortable layer for Cerro Verde, early volcano departures and cooler mountain evenings. The full-zip design makes it easy to remove as temperatures rise, while the zippered pockets help secure a p...
Men’s Lightweight Fleece for Volcano Trips: Columbia Steens Mountain 2.0
These men’s hybrid water-and-hiking sandals are useful for El Salvador’s beaches, waterfall areas, lakeside stops and casual walking days. The protective toe, adjustable bungee closure and grippy sole make them more secure than standard beach sandals...
Men’s Water and Hiking Sandals: KEEN Newport H2
A breathable linen shirt works well for nicer dinners in San Salvador while remaining comfortable in El Salvador’s warm climate. This short-sleeve Quince shirt can be worn with lightweight trousers or tailored shorts for an outfit that feels polished...
Breathable Men’s Linen Shirt for El Salvador Restaurants
El Salvador is relaxed, but it is still nice to have one polished outfit for dinner in San Salvador, an upscale hotel restaurant or an evening out in the Zona Rosa. This wrinkle-resistant shirt dress has a comfortable, versatile silhouette that can b...
Quince Fluid Crepe Shirt Dress for Evenings out in El Salvador
Best Things to Do in El Salvador
From colorful towns and coffee farms to volcanic landscapes, colonial architecture and the beautifully revitalized center of San Salvador, these experiences capture some of the best of El Salvador. We personally enjoyed several of these tours during ...
Suchitoto was probably our favorite town in El Salvador. Its beautiful cobblestone streets, colorful colonial buildings and relaxed atmosphere make it such a lovely place to explore. At the center of town is the striking white Santa Lucía Church, fac...
Suchitoto Colonial Town & Lake Ilopango Private Tour
We had such a unique and memorable coffee experience at Alquimia Café in San Salvador, recognized as one of the world’s top coffee shops. Instead of simply ordering a cup of coffee, we enjoyed an entire presentation that allowed us to taste Salvadora...
Coffee Experience: Processing, Tasting, and Visit to Alquimia Café
This walking tour is a wonderful way to experience both the history of San Salvador and the exciting revitalization happening throughout its Historic District. We enjoyed seeing beautifully restored plazas and important landmarks alongside the city’s...
San Salvador Historical Center Walking Tour
The Ruta de Las Flores was one of our favorite ways to experience El Salvador. This full-day tour travels from San Salvador through the beautiful Apaneca Mountains, visiting colorful colonial towns, local markets, historic churches, street murals and...
Full-Day Ruta de Las Flores & Coffee Farm Tour
For travelers looking for one of El Salvador’s most memorable outdoor adventures, this highly rated tour combines a guided hike up Santa Ana Volcano with time at beautiful Lake Coatepeque. The trail offers views of Cerro Verde National Park, Izalco V...
Santa Ana Volcano Hike & Lake Coatepeque Tour
Hotels in San Salvador, El Salvador
These four San Salvador hotels offer distinct advantages, from traditional luxury and modern rooftop style to historic-center access and convenient shopping. We personally stayed at Barceló San Salvador and had a wonderful experience; Hyatt Centric, ...
Traditional, old-world elegance - what made our stay especially memorable was the exceptional staff. Everyone was friendly and welcoming, and the bellmen could not have been more helpful. Our room was spacious and comfortable, the air conditioning wo...
*Travel note: Tap water in El Salvador is generally not considered safe for drinking. Use bottled water for drinking, but the tap water is fine for showering—just avoid swallowing it. In Higher end hotels the water is usually treated but check first
*Travel note: Tap water in El Salvador is generally not considered safe for drinking. Use bottled water for drinking, but the tap water is fine for showering—just avoid swallowing it. In Higher end hotels the water is usually treated but check first
Barcelo San Salvador Hotel
Hyatt Centric San Salvador was one of the strongest alternatives we considered for our stay. This stylish, contemporary hotel receives excellent reviews for its friendly staff, comfortable rooms, convenient location and inviting rooftop pool and terr...
Hyatt Centric Las Cascadas San Salvador
City Centro San Salvador is a wonderful option for travelers who want to stay in the heart of the revitalized Historic Center. This intimate Marriott hotel has only 31 rooms and places you near the Metropolitan Cathedral, National Palace, plazas and ...
City Centro by Marriott San Salvador
InterContinental San Salvador–Metrocentro Mall is an excellent choice for travelers who want dependable luxury with shopping, dining and services immediately nearby. The hotel sits beside Metrocentro Mall and offers comfortable accommodations, an out...
InterContinental San Salvador at Metrocentro Mall by IHG
Where to Stay Near Cerro Verde: Volcano Views
Looking for a memorable place to stay near Cerro Verde? Casa 1800 is our pick for its spectacular views of Izalco Volcano, refreshing mountain climate, beautiful sunsets, and peaceful setting near Cerro Verde National Park. We stayed here and loved w...
Simply arriving at Casa 1800 Cerro Verde is spectacular. The winding drive climbs through Cerro Verde National Park until you reach this peaceful mountain retreat, where Izalco Volcano seems to rise directly in front of the hotel. We stayed in a king...
Casa 1800 Cerro Verde Boutique Hotel - Valcano View
Where to Stay on El Salvador’s Pacific Coast: El Tunco, El Zonte & Mizata
Looking for the best hotels on El Salvador’s Pacific Coast? These beachfront and coastal stays include our experience at Mizata by Antiresort along with carefully researched hotel recommendations in El Tunco, El Zonte and the La Libertad area. The pr...
We stayed in one of Mizata’s Beachfront TreeHouses, elevated directly above the volcanic-sand beach with an incredible, unobstructed view of the Pacific. This was more than simply a hotel stay—it was a wonderfully unusual experience that felt like lu...
Most shared areas are open-air and are not air-conditioned. It can become extremely hot and humid, although the ocean breeze offers some relief. Packages and direct-booking offers may include activities such as a beachfront horseback ride, yoga, saun...
Niki’s tip: Reserve the Beachfront TreeHouse, rather than simply an “Ocean View TreeHouse,” if you want the full, unobstructed view. Bring plenty of insect repellent and lightweight clothing, and expect heat in the open-air common areas.
Most shared areas are open-air and are not air-conditioned. It can become extremely hot and humid, although the ocean breeze offers some relief. Packages and direct-booking offers may include activities such as a beachfront horseback ride, yoga, saun...
Niki’s tip: Reserve the Beachfront TreeHouse, rather than simply an “Ocean View TreeHouse,” if you want the full, unobstructed view. Bring plenty of insect repellent and lightweight clothing, and expect heat in the open-air common areas.
Mizata by Antiresort - Mizata
Boca Olas Resort Villas is one of the most highly rated upscale options in El Tunco. Its location makes it convenient for travelers who want access to the beach, restaurants and the town’s well-known surf atmosphere while staying in a quieter resort-...
Boca Olas Resort Villas — El Tunco
Acantilados is a dramatic clifftop hotel in the La Libertad area with sweeping Pacific Ocean views. The property includes an outdoor pool, poolside bar, terrace, restaurant and complimentary cooked-to-order breakfast. Its elevated coastal setting mak...
Acantilados — La Libertad
Hotel Palo Verde is a highly rated coastal hotel near El Zonte and Sunzal Beach. It offers two outdoor pools, complimentary cooked-to-order breakfast, a poolside bar, a terrace and spa services. This is a strong recommendation for travelers who prefe...
Hotel Palo Verde — El Zonte Area
Best Things to Do on El Salvador’s Pacific Coast: El Tunco, Surf City & Tamanique
Looking for the best things to do on El Salvador’s Pacific Coast? These coastal experiences include El Tunco Beach, Surf City, Tamanique Waterfalls, Sunset Park and the scenic La Libertad coastline. Whether you want to hike to waterfalls, take a begi...
This full-day tour combines two of the most popular things to do along El Salvador’s Pacific Coast. The day begins with a guided hike through the tropical scenery surrounding Tamanique, leading to waterfalls and natural pools where travelers can take...
Tamanique Waterfalls Hike & El Tunco Beach Tour
This full-day sightseeing tour is a comfortable way to experience several popular destinations without committing to a strenuous waterfall hike. The itinerary combines the panoramic views at Puerta del Diablo with stops along El Salvador’s Surf City ...
El Salvador Surf City Tour: El Tunco, Sunset Park & Puerta del Diablo
El Tunco is one of El Salvador’s most famous surf destinations, and this two-hour lesson is designed for beginners who want a guided introduction to the sport. A certified English- or Spanish-speaking instructor explains the fundamentals, helps parti...
El Tunco Beach Beginner Surf Lesson With Instructor
This afternoon and evening tour combines the La Libertad waterfront with dinner and nightlife in El Tunco. The first stop is Sunset Park, an oceanfront amusement park where visitors can walk along the waterfront, enjoy views of the Pacific and purcha...
Sunset Park and El Tunco Beach Evening Tour
Explore the mountains and coastline surrounding Mizata on this private 3.5-hour ATV adventure. The route travels along rural roads and natural trails before climbing toward the Texicio viewpoint, where riders can enjoy panoramic views of the Pacific ...
Mizata ATV Tour: Pacific Coast & Texicio Viewpoint
This private full-day experience combines a guided horseback ride along El Salvador’s Pacific shoreline with a relaxing day at Pacific Sunrise Beach Resort. Round-trip transportation is provided from selected San Salvador hotels, followed by access t...
El Salvador Pacific Coast Horseback Ride & Beach Resort Day
(SAL) El Salvador International Airport Guide: SAL Lounges & Travel Tips
Flying through El Salvador International Airport? This SAL airport guide covers lounge access, where to relax before a flight and several helpful things to know when departing El Salvador. The airport has multiple lounges, but admission depends on th...
We used our Priority Pass membership to visit the AeroConnections VIP Lounge near Gate 13 at El Salvador International Airport and enjoyed it very much. It is a cute, comfortable lounge with food, drinks, Wi-Fi, electrical outlets and convenient plac... We enjoyed having a quieter place to sit, recharge and enjoy something to eat away from the main gate area. The lounge is also listed in the American Express Global Lounge Collection. Eligible American Express cardholders generally need to enroll in ... Access and guest policies depend on your specific Priority Pass or participating membership, so check your account before arriving.
SAL El Salvador International Airport: AeroConnections VIP Lounge Near Gate 13
If you are departing from El Salvador International Airport on Avianca, GOL, an Avianca partner or another Star Alliance airline, the Avianca Lounge offers a comfortable place to relax before your flight. Located in the international departures area ...
SAL El Salvador International Airport: Avianca Lounge Access
Eligible American Express cardmembers may have access to an AeroConnections VIP Lounge at El Salvador International Airport after enrolling in the applicable lounge benefit. The American Express lounge directory currently lists a location in the main...
AeroConnections VIP Lounge Access Through American Express
Priority Pass currently lists additional lounge options at El Salvador International Airport, including AeroConnections VIP Lounge 2 and Casa del Ron Aeropuerto. Locations, hours, amenities and access restrictions differ, so use the Priority Pass app...
Other Priority Pass Lounges at SAL
Airport Transfers & Rental Cars in El Salvador
Arriving at El Salvador International Airport and wondering how to reach San Salvador, El Tunco, El Zonte, Santa Ana or another destination? These El Salvador airport transportation options include private airport transfers and rental-car comparison ...
For travelers staying in San Salvador, this private transfer offers direct transportation between El Salvador International Airport and hotels in the city. The approximately 1.5-hour service includes an English- or Spanish-speaking driver, private tr...
Private Airport Transfer to San Salvador Hotels
EconomyBookings allows travelers to compare multiple rental-car companies operating at El Salvador International Airport. Available categories may include economy cars, compact vehicles, SUVs and vans. A rental car can be useful for travelers plannin...
Compare Rental Cars at El Salvador International Airport (SAL)
This private transfer provides 24-hour pickup from El Salvador International Airport with transportation available to San Salvador, El Zonte, Santa Ana and other listed destinations. Travelers are met at the airport and transported directly to their ...
Private Transfer From El Salvador International Airport