El Salvador

El Salvador is a relatively small country; however, it is a land of captivating beauty that extends from its volcanic landscapes to its Pacific coastline. Its beauty lies in a combination of natural landscapes, cultural richness, and the warmth of its people. The food is rich in flavor and a blend of indigenous, Spanish, and other Central American influences. A must-try is the pupusas!

TIPS for El Salvador

• The currency is USD 

• If using transportation with a hotel/uber/taxi, try to keep in touch with transportation people/get their number in case you need a ride. 

• Uber is cheaper; however, if the destination you are going to is far or out of the way, you may have an issue getting an Uber ride back. I recommend using transportation services where the person waits for you and takes you back to your hotel. It's more expensive but worth it (also feels safer). - I will include the people I used for transportation below. Highly recommend!

• Everything is relatively cheap. The most expensive part is transportation. Although the country is small, many activities are far from each other (ex: 1 hour or 2 hour ride - depending on location). 

Things to do in El Salvador

•  Los Chorros Water Park

• Santa Ana Volcano Hike - 1.5 hours each way (the hike trail)

• Black Sand beaches - El Coco 

• Rainbow Slide - Albania Cafe or Picnic Steakhouse

• Cafe Albania

  • Zip Line: $13 - Bike over cables: $10 - Surfboard over cables: $10 - Butterfly Swing: $1 - The Swing: $5 - The Maze: $3 - Rainbow Slide: $8 - All activities package: $40 (save $10)

• Santa Teresa Hot Springs

  • Entrance to Santa Teresa Hot Springs* $10 per person

  • Massage: $25 for half an hour (half body and face mask included)

  • Mud Bath: $10 -NOTE: Massages and the mud bath is available from 8 am to 4 pm Monday to Friday. Saturday and Sunday from 8 am to 5 pm - Please bring your towel, as Termales de Santa Teresa does not provide towel service.

• Jet Ski on Lago Coatepeque

• Salt water pools in La Libertad

• Tamanique Waterfalls

• Nawi Beach House - $20 Day Pass

  • Before going to the facilities, it is necessary to purchase your Day pass in advance. It would be best if you can do it within 24 hours. You can find the link to purchase the pass here: https://nawibeachhouse.com/

  • Nawi beach includes free horseback riding. It has to be scheduled through their website https://daypass.zohobookings.com/#/customer/horsebackridingnawi

• El Tunco - Nightlife - bboutique

• Capital City of San Salvador

Where to Stay

During my stay, I was able to experience two beautiful hotels. One along the beach/ocean side (B Boutique Hotel) and the other hotel is located inland, showing you the beauty of the rainforest and lake (Cardedeu hotel). 

• B Boutique Hotel: Imagine waking up to the gentle sound of waves crashing against the shore, the soft sunlight filtering through the windows, casting a warm glow over your room. The view from your beachfront/oceanfront room is nothing short of breathtaking. The waters stretch as far as the eye can see and the mountainous region adds to the picturesque scene. This stay was everything and Alex, the receptionist/staff made the stay even better with his helpful advice, services, and quick response to anything needed for the stay. Booking the hotel is an unconventional process. There is no option to book or reserve through their website. Therefore, you have to reach out to them through WhatsApp and make a reservation to stay. I negotiated and even got a discounted price! 

• Hotel Cardedeu - Staying in a hotel room with open windows that overlook an expansive rainforest and lake is a truly enchanting experience, immersing you in the raw beauty and tranquility of nature. This stay was nothing short of serene. 

• Honorable Mention: Mizata Tree House
  

Places to Eat

• Betos - Located at B Boutique Hotel

• La pampa - Located at Hotel Cardedeu

• Delikat

• Faisca do Brazil

• NAU lounge

• Hacienda Real
  

5 Day Itinerary