The best places to visit in El Salvador

Ah, Central America. 

Time and time again, the countries squeezed into the land strip between North and South America are given praise like no tomorrow. Idyllic beaches, tropical scenery, and friendly locals get bounced around on a daily. 

However, fame goes towards the larger and more popular of these Central American countries. Namely, Costa Rica and Panama.

What a shame. 

Of course, these countries are fantastic in their own right; offering incredible scenery, wondrous nature, and enthralling history. 

Yet, one country is seemingly forgotten more times than not: El Salvador. 

Tucked into the Pacific coastline of Central America, bordering Guatemala to the North and Honduras to the East, the small country of El Salvador can be found. 

Despite being one of the smallest countries in the entire isthmus, there are plenty of beautiful places to be found in El Salvador – from Mayan ruins to active volcano lakes, there is something to discover around every corner. 

Reads on to discover just some of the very best places in El Salvador. 

Lake Llopango 

Journey into central El Salvador, and the great lake of Llopango will present itself. What was once an active volcano nearly 1500 years ago, is now a vast expanse of fresh water. 

Although a beautiful site today, the history of Llopango is far from. Thousands of years ago, a huge eruption occurred, killing thousands and displacing many more. Over millennia, the hollowed caldera has filled with rainwater, creating a newfound oasis. 

Fast-forward to the present day, and the 28²mi lake attracts those from far and wide. One of the main activities is scuba diving within the lake. Incredibly, the lake is home to a rich diversity of fish life and great statues that bewitch many a traveler, in the underwater geothermal museum. 

Tazumal 

El Salvador is rich in cultural history. Being so close to Mexico, this ancient Mayan ruin is the El Salvadorian equivalent of Chichen Itzá. In the northern city of Chalchuapa, this is one of the most impressive cultural landmarks of El Salvador.

Tazumal sheds a light on what life was like as far back as 5000BC. On-site, you will find the informative museum that delves into the life of residents, as well as the gruesome human sacrifices that used to occur here. The largest of structures of the ruins reaches an impressive 24 meters and contains tombs with secret vessels and bedazzling jewelry. 

La Libertad 

If surfing is what you’re into, La Libertad will give you just that. Infamous for waves reaching up to 4 meters in the wet season (May-October), this is a beach that has great appeal for the surf community around the world. If advanced surfing is not your forte, fear not. The summer months of November to April provide gentle waves, perfect for those wanting to try surfing for the very first time. 

However, for those wishing to give surfing a wide berth altogether, fortunately, the food on offer here is some of the best in El Salvador. So much so, a yearly gastronomic festival is held to celebrate the seafood. 

El Tunco 

A bougee beach town, El Tunco is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. Unfortunately for some, the beach isn’t the typical tropical paradise of soft, golden sand. Instead, small black pebbles make up the majority of this beach. But it’s what’s on the inside that counts, right? 

Venture inland and a wealth of opportunities can be had. Explore the quaint side streets and hippy cafes. Or party the night away in style – numerous bars play local music, creating an ambient scene. However, the true focal point is Tamanique Waterfall. 

Just 30 minutes away from the main beach of El Tunco, Tamanique is surrounded by rolling hills, alive with nature. The waterfalls themselves comprise a series of 4 cascading falls. Some allow you to jump into deep pools, others are just to simply marvel out. Regardless, they are a beautiful way to immerse yourself into life at El Tunco. 

San Salvador

No trip to El Salvador would be complete without visiting the capital, San Salvador. Now a modern city, boasting skyrises, economical hubs, and gastronomic delights, San Salvador remains in touch with its historical side, with narrow streets, outdoor markets, and historic monuments. 

Whilst here, check out Iglesia El Rosario. This church has spectacular rainbow glass, in the very center of the city. Within these bustling cities, there are many museums, art galleries, and botanical gardens to be discovered, as well as many local food vendors offering local specialties: Pupusas – a simple, stuffed tortilla. 

Santa Ana

Whilst on the hype of cities, you certainly cannot miss the second largest city in El Salvador: Santa Ana. This is humble, yet a beautiful city that has made its wealth from the coffee industry. Streets are lined with tropical flora, and the city has some cultural hotspots, such as the Cathedral de Santa Ana.

Santa Ana is also the ideal spot to make day trips to the surrounding regions. Within the vicinity, the mighty Ilamatepec Volcano rises. This is the largest volcano in the entire country. One of the top attractions of El Salvador, visitors have the opportunity to climb the slopes of the volcano to reach the summit. At the top, witness awe-inspiring views of the surrounding landscapes and the emerald-green lagoon. 

Montecristo National Park 

For those wishing to get in touch with nature once more, venture no further than the Montecristo National Park. Found in the northwestern region of the country, boarding Honduras, this protected cloud forest is a haven for life. 

Within the forest, multiple hiking routes can be found. one of the most popular, and spectacular, is the hike to El Trifino – the highest point in the park. Many endangered and elusive species call Montecristo home, including anteaters, puma, and spider monkeys. 

Due to the distance from the cities, it is recommended to camp at least one night within the National Park.