In Central America, you can find a small but terribly adorable country called El Salvador. It is the smallest country in the said region but it has a high rate of tourist visits yearly. Since El Salvador is a small country, you can explore its captivating views with utmost convenience because it will not consume a lot of time to hop from one attraction to another. You’ll also meet a lot of diversified locals since the country is densely populated. Moreover, what makes El Salvador one of the most frequented destinations in the world is the awesome beaches you will find here. Some of the popular beaches in the country are Punta Roca and El Tunco. You will not run out of things to do in El Salvador despite its small geographical size. Check out our list of things to do in this lovely Central American country.
1. Journey to the past on a Mayan ruins tour (from USD 69.0)
Take a trip to the historical lane by going on a half-day or full-day tour of the remarkable Mayan ruins in El Salvador. In this tour, you’ll also get the opportunity to learn more about the heritage of pre-Columbian villages of San Andrés and El Salvador’s primary destination which is Joya de Cerén. In this exciting tour package, your hotel pick-up and drop-off, a tour guide, and all taxes and fees are covered. This tour also allows tourists to visit Pompeii of the Americas, which was buried in the 7th century.
El Salvador Mayan Ruins and Joya de Ceren Archaeological Tour
Duration: 9 hours
2. Go on a Peace Route tour to learn about the civil war (from USD 189.0)
Learn more about El Salvador’s historic civil war in the 1980s on this 13-hour Peace Route tour. To make this tour more meaningful, you can meet and interview the veterans of the said war. There will also be a stopover at the Museum of the Revolution to interact with the witnesses of the bloody war’s most unforgettable moments. This Peace Route tour includes perks such as a professional tour guide, hotel pickup and drop-off, and entrance fees.
El Salvador: The Peace Route Tour
Duration: 13 hours
3. Visit Museum of Art of El Salvador and be inspired by contemporary artwork
Museum of Art of El Salvador offers a stunning exhibit of artworks that will really make you say “Wow!” Most of the curated artworks you will find here are made by the local artists of El Salvador. What’s even more exciting, to make you look forward to visiting the Museum of Art of El Salvador, is that it has rooms, each with a different theme. The museum’s staff are friendly and knowledgeable.
Museum of Art of El Salvador
Address: Colonia San Benito, Final Avenida la Revolución, San Salvador, El Salvador
Website: Museo de Arte Popular de El Salvador
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 10am - 6pm (closed on Thu & Fri)
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4. Seek a thrilling adventure at Santa Ana Volcano
Posted by Tours in El Salvador on Tuesday, 3 September 2019
Santa Ana Volcano is known in El Salvador as the highest volcano. It is one of the most frequently visited attractions in the country. You can enjoy a thrilling hike here – if you’re an expert hiker, you can finish the hike within an hour and a half. Or if you’re really looking for an extraordinary thrill, you can set up a short time camp near the crater where you will see and smell the volcanic sulfur. Santa Ana Volcano will surely be a place of adventure for you because it’s not everyday that you get to wander near volcanoes.
Santa Ana Volcano
Address: Parque Nacional Cerro Verde, Santa Ana 2201, El Salvador
Website: Santa Ana Volcano
Opening hours: Sat - Sun: 8am - 5pm
5. Have a refreshing swimming at Chorros De La Calera
At Chorros De La Calera, expect to have a relaxing walk on its trails as you head towards the waterfalls. The place is secure and you will be welcomed by the phenomenal and captivating beauty of the waterfalls. If you want to make the most out of the falls, make sure to visit during weekdays, when there are less visitors. You can go skinny dipping then! It’s best to bring some food and picnic equipment for a more memorable Chorros De La Calera visit.
Chorros De La Calera
Address: Calle Hacia Los Chorros, El Salvador
Website: Calle Hacia Los Chorros, El Salvador
Opening hours: 7am - 5pm (daily)
6. Enjoy a fun nature trip at Coatepeque Caldera
Our beautiful Coatepeque lake. Nuestro hermoso lago de Coatepeque. Santa Ana, El Salvador.
Posted by Beautiful El Salvador on Wednesday, 12 July 2017
Coatepeque Caldera has a charm that is truly jaw-dropping. Once you see the caldera lake surrounding the volcano, your eyes will surely be glued, so be sure to have your cameras ready! The lake water’s cleanliness will surely feel calm. To fully explore this beautiful gem in El Salvador, we suggest for you to take a boat ride.
Coatepeque Caldera
Address: Coatepeque, El Salvador
Website: Coatepeque Caldera
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
7. Take a plunge in Termos del Rio pools
Posted by Termos del Río on Saturday, 31 August 2019
Aside from great beaches, El Salvador has great water parks and one of them is Termos del Rio. You should really visit Termos del Rio because it’s one of the most popular destinations among El Salvador tourists. Having said that, you can expect the place to be crowded, but that’s not going to be a problem because the waterpark’s entire vicinity is really spacious. What makes Termos del Rio stand out is the hot spring pool. You’ll surely come back again once you experience Termos del Rio.
Termos del Rio
Address: KM 39 ½ carretera de San Salvador a Santa Ana, Ciudad Arce 503, El Salvador
Website: Termos del Rio
Opening hours: 8am - 5pm (daily)
8. Explore the stunning El Imposible National Park
El Imposible National Park Photo Search: https://sarahandduncantravel.wordpress.com/2015/10/17/el-imposible-national-park/
Posted by Madalina Dobraca People & Culture on Friday, 29 July 2016
El Imposible National Park looks like a beautiful painting of a forest that has come to life. Unlike many other nature parks, the beauty of El Imposible National Park is unspoiled despite the number of visits it gets yearly. You can visit this breathtaking park if you’re planning a long yet relaxing walk or a challenging hike. You can also meet friendly local guides here.
El Imposible National Park
Address: Ahuachapan, El Salvador
Website: El Imposible National Park
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
9. Go hiking in Walter Thilo Deininger National Park
If you can’t get enough of walking around to explore the beauty of El Salvador, go to Walter Thilo Deininger National Park. Here, you can take a long hike, do rappelling, see amazing wildlife creatures, or enjoy rope games. In other words, Walter Thilo Deininger National Park is a haven for outdoor activities enthusiasts, and if you’re one of them, include this National Park on your El Salvador itinerary.
Walter Thilo Deininger National Park
Address: CA 2, La Libertad, El Salvador
Opening hours: 8am - 4pm (daily)
10. Appreciate the lovely trails in El Boqueron National Park
El Boqueron National Park offers hiking through trails and pine forests. Located 15 minutes from the capital, in the San Salvador Volcano.
Posted by El Salvador Travel on Thursday, 20 March 2014
When someone says El Salvador, one of the ideas that come to mind is hiking because El Salvador has great trail parks, volcanoes and mountains. If you’re looking for a challenging hike where you can catch mesmerizing views of a lake and a neighbouring scenic volcano, go to El Boqueron National Park. The slopes in this park will definitely amaze you because they are embedded with wildflowers. If you’re travelling from San Salvador, make sure to have some snacks and drinks on the way because this is a 20-km (12-mile) journey.
El Boqueron National Park
Address: Calle al Parque Nacional El Boqueron, San Salvador, El Salvador
Opening hours: 7am - 9pm (daily)
11. Take a calming bath in Santa Teresa Hot Springs
Santa Teresa hot springs. El Salvador.
Posted by Memories Abroad on Monday, 29 April 2019
Touring around El Salvador is surely nice and exciting, but it can be tiring. If you want to stop by for a moment, have a relaxing hot spring bath at Santa Teresa Hot Springs. Santa Teresa Hot Springs offers thermal pools where every guest can truly rejuvenate his or her body. Each thermal pool has a different temperature, so you can choose what suits your hot spring bath needs. Aside from the calming thermal pools, you’ll also feel energized by the sight of the entire place, that’s surrounded by scenic views of nature.
Santa Teresa Hot Springs
Address: Ahuachapán, El Salvador
Opening hours: 8am - 10pm (daily)
12. Admire the breathtaking view at Puerta del Diablo
If you’re dreaming of a trip to a sea of clouds, visit Puerta del Diablo. Although the name of the place seems like it suggests something devilish, the place actually looks heavenly. There’s a park nearby, the area where you can buy locally made snacks such as beans and chicharrones, so be sure to snag some so you’ll have something to munch on while enjoying the views of Puerta del Diablo.
Puerta del Diablo
Address: 503 Planes De Renderos, San Salvador, El Salvador 501
Website: Puerta del Diablo
Opening hours: 8am - 6:30pm (daily)
13. Take your kids to Tin Marin Children's Museum
If you’re travelling with kids, take them to Tin Marin Children’s Museum. The activities offered in this museum are enjoyable, not just for the little ones but also for kids at heart. One of the most popular activities here is role-playing, where kids can act out their dream profession – they can be a dentist, a TV reporter, or a firefighter for a day! Kids will surely love this interactive museum not only because of the tons of activities they can get but also because of the approachable and genuinely kid-friendly staff.
Tin Marin Children's Museum
Address: 6° 10° Calle Poniente, entre Gimnasio Nacional y Parque Cuscatlán, Colonia Flor Blanca, San Salvador, San Salvador, El Salvador
Website: Museum of Children’s Tin Marin
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 9am - 5pm (closed on Mon)
14. Learn about El Salvador's history at San Andrés
Ruinas de San Andrés, El Salvador
Posted by Mi Orgullo Es El Salvador on Friday, 26 May 2017
If you’re interested in getting a glimpse of the Mayan history, you should visit San Andrés. San Andrés is one of the biggest pre-Hispanic historical sites in La Libertad, El Salvador. This archaeological site will surely make you appreciate history, especially when you see the Acropolis, one of the site’s main features. You will also see excavated constructions showing traces of places where early Mayan rulers resided. Sound interesting, right? What are you waiting for? Get out and visit San Andrés now!
San Andrés
Address: CA 1, El Salvador
Website: San Andrés
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 9am - 4pm (closed on Mon)
15. Have a beach day at Playa El Cuco
Posted by Playa el cuco on Sunday, 9 July 2017
At Playa El Cuco, you can enjoy bathing at the warm and clean beach or under the sun. You will also meet some locals selling affordable local snacks. The rooms provided have TVs, and you can also have wi-fi access in the dining area. When you’re in Playa El Cuco, you’ll surely feel like you’re getting a slice of paradise. The view of the ocean is simply breathtaking while the soft sand makes for a wonderful spot to simply lie down and bask in the warm El Salvador sun.
Playa El Cuco
Address: El Cuco, El Salvador
Website: Playa El Cuco
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
16. Visit the iconic Monumento al Divino Salvador del Mundo
Your El Salvador trip would not be complete without visiting one of its popular attractions which is Monumento al Divino Salvador del Mundo. The monument holds a special place in every El Salvadoran’s heart because aside from Christ’s statue on top of it, it symbolizes the entire El Salvador populace around the world. It’s best to stroll here at night because of the beautiful lighting surrounding the entire park and monument.
Monumento al Divino Salvador del Mundo
Address: Alameda Franklin Delano Roosevelt, San Salvador, El Salvador
Website: Monumento al Divino Salvador del Mundo
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
17. Be amazed by El Salvador's wildlife scene at Furesa
❗❗Sólo en nuestro refugio vives experiencias increíbles ❗❗ ?Visitanos con tu donación contribuyes a que nuestros ejemplares siempre tengan la mejor atención
Posted by Fundación Refugio Salvaje (FURESA) on Saturday, 27 April 2019
Take a break from the bustling city life full of people and see adorable wildlife creatures instead. When in El Salvador, go to Furesa. At Furesa, you’ll get to see the beautiful wildlife scene in El Salvador. You’ll surely see plenty of animals such as pumas, tigers, monkeys, hippopotamus, panthers, and many more. You can also take part in fun activities such as zip-lining or unwinding near the waterfalls.
Furesa
Address: Carretera a Jayaque, Cantón Las Graditas, Jayaque, La Libertad, El Salvador, Centroamérica, Jayaque El Salvador 503
Website: Furesa
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 9am - 4pm (closed on Mon)
18. Watch impressive shows at Teatro Nacional de El Salvador
If you want to see one of the oldest historical attractions in Central America, go to Teatro Nacional de El Salvador. At Teatro Nacional de El Salvador, you can either watch live performances of just a take a tour inside the building with the help of a professional guide. Even though the theatre building has been in existence since 1917, the interiors and exteriors are still well-maintained. You’ll surely be impressed by the European style of this theatre’s architecture.
Teatro Nacional de El Salvador
Address: San Salvador, El Salvador
Website: Teatro Nacional de El Salvador
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 1am - 4pm (closed on Sat & Sun)
19. Enjoy a family day out at Atlantis Waterpark
No hay mejor domingo que pasarla bien en familia. Ubicados en carretera a la costa del sol kilometro 51.
Posted by Atlantis Park on Sunday, 7 July 2019
One of the major attractions in El Salvador is Atlantis Waterpark. It is a recreational venue is for people all ages, where everyone can enjoy fun water slides, a navigable river, and a lot more water activities that will trigger an adrenaline rush. They also offer bungalow accommodations in case you want to stay overnight, and delicious refreshments and snacks. What’s more exciting are the regular discounts that they have for customers – they never run out of discounted offers monthly!
Atlantis Waterpark
Address: Carrtera a la Costa del Sol, Km 51, La Paz, El Salvador
Website: Atlantis Waterpark
Opening hours: 8am - 5pm (daily)
20. Treat yourself to a sumptuous steak at Tony Roma's
Posted by Tony Roma's on Wednesday, 31 December 2014
If your steak cravings suddenly hit you while you’re in El Salvador, the best place where you can satisfy these cravings is Tony Roma’s. Tony Roma’s offers high-quality steak dishes in a casual dining set up. Moreover, aside from steak dishes, this restaurant also offers a kid-friendly menu and private dining. If you don’t feel like getting out, you can have your steak delivered to you by calling them. Tony Roma’s is not just a steak house, it also is a happy place because they offer happy hour and a full bar where you can chill and relax.
Tony Roma's
Address: Blvd. De Los Heroes, Centro Comercial Metro Centro, San Salvador, El Salvador
Website: Tony Roma’s
Opening hours: 7am - 10pm (daily)
21. Buy unique clothing items at Arte Añil
Posted by Arte Añil on Thursday, 24 March 2016
Arte Añil manufactures clothing, footwear, and accessories in indigo. The designs you’ll see are easy on the eyes and very calming. If you can’t think of any unique things to buy in El Salvador which you can get for your friends or loved ones, you should definitely drop by at Arte Añil. You can also learn how Arte Añil creates their products because they also offer workshops/classes for visitors.
Arte Añil
Address: 25 av Sur y Calle Gerardo Barrios, Mercado Cuscatlan, 2°nivel, San Salvador, El Salvador 503
Website: Arte Añil
Opening hours: 8am - 6pm (daily)
22. Have a mature party at Luxor Club Bar
Editor’s note: establishment is temporarily closed, please check before visiting
If you want to get lost in the moment by partying all night long, Luxor Club Bar is the place to be. You can dance to the loud music and meet locals and tourists who are also partying. You’ll surely forget all your worries because the bar’s ambience is too lively to handle. Please do note, though, that Luxor Club Bar offers fun strictly for adults, so steer clear from bringing kids or minors with you (in case you’re travelling with them).
Luxor Club Bar
Address: Blvd Constitucion #111, San Salvador, El Salvador
Website: Luxor Club Bar
Opening hours: 7pm - 5am (daily)
23. Enjoy cocktails at Bar Circo
Looking for a place with great music, delicious food, beautiful and talented entertainers, and refreshing cocktail mixes? Bar Circo has got you covered! Indulge in the moment of a non-stop party in a zesty ambiance with friendly guests and staff. Their DJ has excellent taste in music so you’ll never feel any kind of dullness while staying at Bar Circo. Also, if you want the best Bar Circo experience, order some cocktail drinks and go up to the rooftop to party or chill so that you can feel the El Salvador night time breeze while having fun.
Bar Circo
Address: Pasaje Istmania 128, San Salvador, El Salvador
Website: Bar Circo
Opening hours: 7pm - 5am (daily)
24. Play bowling at Galaxy Bowling
¡Directo hacia la victoria! ??
Posted by Galaxy Bowling on Sunday, 11 August 2019
Feel like a bowling star just for a day at Galaxy Bowling. Aside from bowling, they have game machines which will take you back in time because those machines are classic and rustic yet still in excellent working condition. What makes Galaxy Bowling sessions more fun is the glow in the dark set up of the place. It’s as if you’re playing bowling somewhere in outer space. You’ll also enjoy bowling here, with the pop tracks Galaxy Bowling is playing. Aside from bowling, you can also look forward to grabbing a bite of comfort foods they offer, such as pizza, nachos, or hamburgers. So, at Galaxy Bowling, you can choose to play arcade games if you’re not into bowling.
Galaxy Bowling
Address: 75 Av Nte o Napoleon viera Altamirano, San Salvador, El Salvador
Website: Galaxy Bowling
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 11am - 10pm; Fri: 11am - 11pm; Sat: 10am - 11pm; Sun: 10am - 9pm
25. Experience El Salvador shopping at Centro Comercial Galerias
Posted by Centro Comercial Galerias on Saturday, 27 October 2018
Just when you think Centro Comercial Galerias is just like any other mall in other parts of the world, check it out and see what sets it apart from the other malls. Centro Comercial Galerias is the only mall in El Salvador with a unique and historical attraction within the vicinity. The attraction is called La Casona, a mansion that’s well-maintained even though it has been existing since the 1950s. Presently, Centro Comercial Galerias houses 133 foreign-owned and local establishments. Overall, it’s a complete shopping center where you can shop, dine, or just have a nice walk. The mall’s location is also great as it is accessible to the main business district of El Salvador.
Centro Comercial Galerias
Address: Paseo General Escalón #3700 San Salvador, El Salvador
Website: Centro Comercial Galerias
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 9am - 8pm; Sun: 9am - 6pm
26. Watch blockbuster films at Cinépolis Galerías
Right after strolling at El Salvador’s wondrous places or mall hopping at Centro Comercial Galerias, why not relax to some good movies at Cinépolis Galerías? At Cinépolis Galerías, you can enjoy local and foreign movies of all genres, on a high-quality screen - you can choose IMAX or their standard resolution cinema. Their customer service is world-class because of the staff being attentive to each customer’s needs. The seats in the cinema are spacious, clean, and comfortable as well. Movie-going is not complete without some snacks, so you can buy some snacks near the cinema. If you have a sweet tooth, they also have a sweets shop inside the establishment, where you can buy pastries and coffee.
Cinépolis Galerías / Tour / Activity
Address: 3er nivel, Paseo Gral. Escalón, San Salvador, El Salvador
Website: Cinépolis Galerías
Opening hours: 11:15am - 9:15pm (daily)
27. Catch a live performance at Teatro Luis Poma
Ya en la función de las 11am. Los esperamos en la segunda función a las 4pm.
Posted by Teatro Luis Poma on Sunday, 1 September 2019
Teatro Luis Poma is a popular theatre arts centre in El Salvador. If you would love to witness stellar theatre performances, you should visit this theatre. It houses 227 comfy seats, so you should be on time in case you’re going to watch an on-demand live performance. The overall appearance of this theatre’s architecture is picturesque, it’s as if you’ve gone inside a medieval European building with a modern touch. Teatro Luis Poma has great location because it’s inside a large shopping centre (Metrocentro) and it is just near public transportation facilities.
Teatro Luis Poma
Address: Metrocentro, San Salvador, EL Salvador
Website: Teatro Luis Poma
Opening hours: Tue - Wed: 2pm - 6pm; Thu - Sun: 2pm - 8:15pm (closed on Mon)
28. Visit the lush Plan de la Laguna Botanical Garden
#TourismInElSalvador Jardín Botánico La Laguna, a revelation in the city, this cool botanical garden, otherwise known as Plan de la Laguna sits at the bottom of a volcanic crater.
Posted by ATTENDMED on Friday, 25 March 2016
If you’re planning to do something memorable while in El Salvador, why not get out and get some fresh air and appreciate nature at Plan de la Laguna Botanical Garden? Plan de la Laguna Botanical Garden is a unique garden because it is situated on the crater of a volcano that erupted more than 2000 years ago. In this lush botanical garden, you can see the rich flora and fauna of El Salvador. If you’re travelling with kids, you can also take them to this cool botanical garden and engage them in nature-friendly activities such as feeding turtles or a school of fish in the garden’s lake. You’ll surely feel the rhythm of nature at Plan de la Laguna Botanical Garden.
Plan de la Laguna Botanical Garden
Address: Pasaje Privado, D, El Salvador
Website: Plan de la Laguna Botanical Garden
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 9am - 5:30pm
29. Admire the wildflower valleys and charming towns on this Flowers Route tour (from USD 79.0)
This Flowers Route tour is perhaps one of the most colourful trips you’ll get to experience in El Salvador. You’ll get to see lovely wildflower-filled valleys or witness artisan workshops and works of art in Nahuizalco and Apaneca villages. If you’re a certified coffeeholic, you can also see coffee plantations and visit the Coffee Museum during the course of this full-day tour. The tour package includes roundtrip hotel transport, a guide, and complimentary drinks.
El Salvador Flowers Route Tour from San Salvador
Duration: 9 hours
Wonderful experiences in El Salvador
With so many things to do in El Salvador, you will never have a hard time appreciating life at its finest. El Salvador is packed with many nice experiences you can have – lovely beach holidays, museum touring, sumptuous local food, challenging hiking – El Salvador will truly etch a special spot in your heart. Feel free to come back again as we presume that you will really do because El Salvador truly rocks! Enjoy your trip and keep safe!
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