Best Places to Visit in El Salvador: All things you want to know

If you’re planning a trip to El Salvador, it’s essential to consider the country’s various destinations. This small country in Central America boasts an incredible mix of beaches, volcanoes, and lush forests that are perfect for anyone looking for an adventure. Whether you’re seeking the thrill of surfing on the Pacific coast or relaxing in a hot spring near the mountains, El Salvador is full of surprises.

One of my favourites is the Ruta de las Flores, a scenic route that takes you through charming towns like Ataco, where you’ll find cozy cafes and vibrant coffee shops. It’s the perfect spot for remote work, offering a beautiful and peaceful environment that lets you do the job while enjoying the country’s natural beauty.

As you explore, you’ll come across some dirt roads that lead to lesser-known locations. This means renting a car, even a small car if you’re tackling the more challenging roads, will be incredibly useful. While driving through the dry season improves road conditions, it’s still important to be cautious, especially if venturing into areas with less-developed infrastructure.

The social media buzz surrounding Instagram and TikTok is growing as travelers share their experiences zipping through volcanoes on a rainbow slide or soaring through the trees with ziplining adventures. Although gang violence and the scars of the civil war can’t be overlooked, tourism is thriving and steadily reshaping the economy of this beautiful country. So, don’t be discouraged by some of the negative headlines—the tourism industry in El Salvador is becoming more assertive, offering many experiences you won’t find anywhere else in Central America.

Here’s the itinerary:

Day 1: Fly to San Salvador; stay in the city for the night. 

Day 2: Hike Volcan Santa Ana and explore the Ruta de las Flores

Day 3-6: Rest in Ataco

Days 7-9: Head to the beach! 

Days 10-11 Explore the capital San Salvador

Day 12: Good-bye to El Salvador and return home

San Salvador

San Salvador, the vibrant home of El Salvador’s international airport, is the perfect starting point for your travel adventure. As a seasoned traveler, I always recommend driving carefully and avoiding long-distance night journeys, making the city an ideal first destination for weary tourists arriving in the late afternoon or evening. The town offers a delightful airport experience that sets the tone for your upcoming exploration.

This bustling capital is a food lover’s paradise, offering an incredible array of culinary experiences that blend local and international flavors. Restaurants here provide exceptional value, with prices that make fine dining surprisingly affordable, allowing tourists to indulge in gastronomic delights without breaking the bank. From street-side eateries to sophisticated dining establishments, San Salvador promises a memorable culinary journey that reflects the rich cultural tapestry of this vibrant city.

Things to do 

Just 20 minutes from downtown, the iconic rainbow slide at Picnic Steakhouse offers a fun and unique experience for just $5 per person. The restaurant’s beautiful views and varied menu create the perfect backdrop for this unique attraction, making it a must-visit destination in San Salvador. Sliding down this unexpected gem provides an unforgettable moment that captures the city’s playful spirit.

San Salvador is an excellent base for exploring incredible nearby attractions, with Volcan Santa Ana just an hour’s drive away for adventurous day trip enthusiasts. Transportation options are plentiful, whether you’re driving your car or joining organized attractions that showcase the region’s natural wonders. The city blends urban excitement with easy access to breathtaking natural landscapes, offering travelers a perfect mix of adventure and convenience.

Where to stay

San Salvador offers travelers an array of luxurious and lovely hotels that promise comfort and exceptional experiences. During my journey, I discovered the Las Magnolias Boutique Hotel, a charming accommodation that epitomizes the city’s hospitality with its comfortable rooms, delicious morning breakfast, and reliable Wi-Fi. These thoughtfully designed hotels provide more than just a place to rest—they offer a warm welcome that reflects the genuine spirit of El Salvador.

La Ruta de las Flores

La Ruta de las Flores, or the Route of the Flowers, winds through the picturesque countryside of El Salvador, offering travelers a breathtaking road trip experience. This famous route meanders through charming small towns, where vibrant flowers are growing alongside the scenic road, creating a living canvas that captivates every traveler. Weekends come alive with local food festivals, transforming these quaint towns into vibrant celebrations of culture and culinary delights.

Juayua Food Festival

Juayua, a charming small town in El Salvador, transforms its center of town into a vibrant culinary playground during weekend food festivals. Under massive large tents, visitors can explore an incredible array of food stalls offering local gastronomic specialties that tantalize every taste bud. From succulent grilled meat and fresh seafood to traditional pupusas, travelers can sip on a refreshing pina colada served in a fresh pineapple while sampling the incredible variety of dishes that make this famous town a must-visit destination.

Ataco

Ataco, a charming country town nestled along the Ruta de Las Flores, sits just a 45-minute drive from Juayua, offering the perfect base for travelers and digital nomads. During the week, this quiet destination provided an ideal environment for working remotely, where my friend and I found solace in its peaceful atmosphere. As the weekend approaches, Ataco transforms, with evenings becoming increasingly livelier as people gather in the main square, bringing a vibrant energy to this nearby gem of El Salvador.

Things to do

Just a 20-minute drive from the center of Ataco, the Santa Teresa Hot Springs offer a serene spa experience with multiple pools featuring different temperatures. These natural thermal pools provide the perfect retreat for travelers seeking relaxation, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the healing warmth of El Salvador’s landscape.

For adventure lovers and adrenaline junkies, Cafe Albania presents an exhilarating adventure park that challenges even those with a fear of heights. With unique attractions like a labyrinth, zip lines, and a daring bicycle-zipline hybrid suspended above the park, this destination promises fun and excitement for those brave enough to explore its thrilling landscape.

Where to stay

Casa Victoria, an exceptional Airbnb nestled in the center of Ataco, stands out as a remarkable accommodation choice for travelers. This historic home offers more than just a place to stay, with kind staff preparing delicious breakfast every morning and a charming garden that provides a serene backdrop to your journey.

Working travelers will appreciate the strong and stable wifi, which easily supports video conferencing and remote work needs. My friend and I spent an entire week here, experiencing what I can confidently describe as the best experience in an Airbnb, making Casa Victoria a must-visit located gem in El Salvador’s beautiful landscape.

El Salvador’s Beaches

El Salvador, known as the Land of Volcanoes in Central America, offers an incredible coastal experience beyond traditional surfing destinations. El Zonte and La Libertad have quickly emerged as premier beaches for wave enthusiasts, attracting professional and amateur surfers worldwide. Even for non-surfers, these beaches promise breathtaking landscapes and unique experiences.

La Garza Hostel presents an extraordinary option for travelers seeking both comfort and affordability. Located a 30-40 minute drive from La Libertad, this accommodation offers beach access, tropical gardens, and an infinity pool, transforming a simple hostel stay into a near luxury resort experience. Starting at just $18 USD for a dorm bed, it provides remarkable value and supports remote work with a stable connection.

Culinary adventurers will find paradise at Restaurante La Perlita, a hidden gem on a seaside cliff. Here, seafood takes center stage with incredible dishes like seafood-stuffed lobster and tender shrimp nestled in a rich, creamy sauce. The restaurant offers not just exceptional cuisine but also stunning views of waves crashing against rocks, creating a sensory experience that captures the essence of coastal El Salvador.

The region’s charm extends beyond its surf and food. Travelers can explore diverse nature and charming towns, offering a unique glimpse into the country’s rich cultural landscape. From bustling coastal areas to serene inland locations like Ataco, El Salvador presents a multifaceted destination that rewards curious explorers.

With so many places to visit and experiences to embrace, two weeks feels almost too short to appreciate this remarkable country fully. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, culinary delights, or cultural immersion, El Salvador promises an unforgettable journey that will leave you eager to return.