Best 15 Places To Visit In El Salvador - Updated 2024

1. Perquin

For tourists who are into sightseeing, city walks, and getting to know the culture and history of the places they visit, Perquin is a charming little municipality in El Salvador that is definitely worth a visit. Here, you will find the Museum of Revolution that centers on the colonial era of the country and the Salvadoran Civil War. Also, it has a fair share of stunning natural wonders that make it an ideal destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Invite your friends for a camping activity in the enchanting Llano del Muerto or experience swimming in the rejuvenating waters of Salto El Perol.

2. Santa Tecla

Make the most of your road trip adventure in El Salvador by swinging by the gorgeous town of Santa Tecla in La Libertad. From its Catholic heritage, Santa Tecla got its name from the revered Saint Thecla. This town is where culture and nature converge. It has almost paradise-like places that will surely take your breathe away–El Boqueron National Park, San Salvador Volcano, and Plan de Laguna Botanical Garden, to name a few. Plus, it has a vibrant nightlife–the bustling Paseo El Carmen is a testament to that.

3. San Miguel

After a fulfilling adventure in the lovely town of Santa Tecla and immersing yourself in the town’s offerings, drive to the eastern side of El Salvador, and discover another gorgeous city, named San Miguel. If you are traveling with your family, it is best that you come over the city in November as it hosts a fun-filled festival that is one for the books - the San Miguel Carnival. This captivating festival is full of lights, colors, fantastic rides, and delicious eats. Also, you might want to stop by Basílica Nuestra Señora de la Paz, and say a few prayers of thanks and well wishes, while marveling at the beauty of its red steepled aesthetics.

4. Santa Ana

Are you a big coffee drinker? If so, you might want to explore the city with the biggest coffee industry in the country - Santa Ana. Just like most of the cities and towns of this list, Santa Ana boasts a rich cultural heritage, has stunning landmarks, and is a paradise of breathtaking natural wonders. While in the city, after visiting coffee plantations and sampling local brews, don’t forget to swing by Cathedral of Santa Ana and be captivated by this majestic Gothic structure. If you like nature adventures and physical activities, prepare to be left in awe by the beauty of the scenic views in Lago de Coatepeque.

5. Juayua

Another astonishing town in El Salvador that will captivate your heart is Juayua. Perched atop on the mountainous area of the country, expect picturesque views and the cool breeze of the countryside while in Juayua. Not only that, but the town offers a plethora of natural attractions. Swing by the enchanting Juayua waterfalls and reconnect with nature while swimming and sunbathing to your heart’s content, Plus, this town is a paradise for foodies as it hosts a spectacular food fair where you go on a palatable culinary adventure of Juayua’s local specialties - the Gastronomica Fair.

6. Sonsonate

Need more suggestions for your upcoming El Salvadoran escapade? Add the majestic city if Sonsonate in your travel itinerary. It features a gorgeous landscape of vast plain lands, quaint neighborhoods, and a tranquil ambiance all throughout the city. The views here are as enchanting as most of the other cities on the list. While in Sonsonate, you might want to learn the history of the city and its train and transport heritage in Railway Museum Plaza. Also, say a few prayers at Sonsonate Cathedral before embarking on an exciting adventure to Parque Aquatico Escuco.

7. La Palma

Your El Salvadoran adventure will not be complete without a visit to the charming town of La Palma. Nesting on the Chalatenango department of the country, this little town brags about its gorgeous natural landscape, as well as its vibrant art scene. Breezing through the city, you’ll notice a lot of fascinating graffiti and murals on several walls. Not only that, because of its mountainous topography, there are a lot of safe and scenic hiking routes in La Palma that are popular with tourists.

8. Panchimalco

An ideal hideaway destination for all types of tourists all year round, Panchimalco is a small simple town that is worth discovering. It holds an enthralling history from its Indian heritage during the colonial era in the 16th-century. Also called Panchos, the people of Panchimalco is one of the warmest and friendliest people in El Salvador. its religious festivals are another reason to love this captivating town. When you visit in May, you will witness the colorful Fería de Cultura de las Flores y las Palmas, which features lots of extravagant floats and fireworks show at night.

9. Apopa

Nestled in the San Salvador region of El Salvador, Apopa is a simple and beautiful town in El Salvador. It is where San Salvador and Soyapango interlinks. It might not be a modern metropolis, but the town has a fair share of fantastic hotels and vacation rentals if you wish to explore this side of the country. Also, the food here is definitely worth a try and the people are hospitable. Plus, attractions in Apopa, just like the other towns and cities in El Salvador, are priced in a reasonable bracket that will surely not break your bank.

10. Ahuachapan

Set on the western side of El Salvador, Ahuachapan is a quaint little municipality that is the official capital of the Ahuachapán region. Tourists will be overwhelmed by the number of breathtaking natural wonders that is worth visiting on this side of the country. Marvel at the beauty of nature and the stunning landscape in Ruta de Las Flores Volcano. Experience running through a natural maze just like in the movies in Laberinto de Apaneca. Also, experience the refreshing waters of Salto de Malacatiupan before leaving town.

11. El Mozote

Located in Morazán department, El Mozote is a fascinating village with a grim history. A place that historians are fond of exploring, El Mozote was where the El Mozote massacre took place, and almost a thousand of noncombatants were murdered by the US Government-funded army, called Atlacatl Battalion. Monumento De La Paz y la Reconciliación has become a symbol of that tragic period of time. On a different note, if you visit El Mozote for adventure, you will not be disappointed as it has numerous attractions, such as Llano del Muerto, Cascadas las Pilas, and Casacada la Olomina.

12. Tamanique

Immerse in nature and discover the interesting culture of Tamanique. Known for their vast plains of avocado trees and their thriving coffee industry, the whole landscape of Tamanique is like a paradise on earth. Tourists love exploring the Cascadas Tamanique and are left in awe by its beauty while swimming in its cool waters and enjoying the tranquil surroundings. Also, if you are one that likes outdoor adventures and being in high places that lets you breathe fresh air and admire nature, hike through the routes of Peñon de Comasagua and let your breath be taken away by the views from above.

13. San Vicente

To conclude your El Salvadoran adventure, spend your last day in San Vicente. In this gorgeous city, you will find the marvelous double-peaked volcano that is also named San Vicente. This volcano is one of the highest peaks in the country, drawing tourists from everywhere. Also, you should check out Amapulapa. It is a fantastic waterpark that is surrounded by lush nature and boasts picturesque views - an ideal hideaway destination for families. For couples on a romantic getaway, have a lovely date in Laguna de Apastepeque while enjoying the views of an enchanting lagoon.

14. San Salvador

A breathtaking, densely populated city in El Salvador, San Salvador is the official capital of this Central American nation. It is the economic, cultural, and political hub of El Salvador. When you get to the heart of it, you will be captivated by its overall appearance - a combination of 21st-century modern architecture and colonial structures in one majestic metropolis. Here, you can find a lot of remarkable landmarks such as Monumento al Divino Salvador del Mundo, National Palace, El Rosario Church, and a lot more. Not only that, but it is also a haven of fantastic retail shops, excellent restaurants, and superb recreational areas.

15. Suchitoto (from USD 65.0)

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If you are planning a much-deserved vacation in the beautiful Central American country of El Salvador any time soon, you might want to start the escapade by exploring the charming little municipality of Suchitoto. Aside from its old town charm, Suchitoto captivates tourists with the picturesque views of the mountainous area of Lago Suchitlán. This town is not only a haven for outdoor activities but also has marvelous historic landmarks, including the colonial 18th-century Santa Lucia Church. If its art you are after, Centro Arte para la Paz is a museum and a convent that you should not miss while in town.

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Fall in love with El Salvador

El Salvador is a stunning country in Central America that features majestic and diverse natural landscapes. It has enchanting beaches, marvelous waterfalls, lakes, lagoons, vast plains of coffee plantations, mountainous areas with picturesque views, and other gorgeous natural wonders. Not only that, but it has a rich cultural heritage that is rooted in its colonial heritage. If you are planning to explore this side of America, use this list of the best places to visit in El Salvador as your guide in planning an itinerary.