El Salvador

Country: El Salvador

Explore El Salvador!

The Republic of El Salvador in Central America is the land of volcanoes, jungles, pristine lakes, as well as cozy colonial towns and the remains of pyramids located on the volcanic highlands. The country's closest neighbors are Honduras and Guatemala. The coast of the Pacific Ocean, washing the country, provides excellent opportunities for diving and snorkeling. The favorite beach of tourists, Los Cabanos, located in the west of El Salvador, also has its own “home” coral reef, almost 160 kilometers long! Here, under the water, you can see the remains of sunken ships. The active San Miguel volcano, 2 km high, and Lake Guidzha are covered with secrets and legends of local Indians and attract lovers of ecological recreation. Two other handsome volcanoes are located on the shores of the Gulf of Fonseca - these are Cosiguana and Conchagua. Another famous natural attraction of El Salvador is the volcanic lake Ilopango.
Lovers of spa holidays and gastronomy come here to soak up the hot volcanic springs and admire the virgin landscapes directly from local restaurants, while enjoying excellent Salvadoran cuisine. Windsurfers, kayakers, water skiers and even divers come to the lake to practice their favorite sport. Another and the largest volcanic lake in the country is also located in the caldera of a dormant volcano - this is Coatepec. Its turquoise waters and rocky shores attract eco-tourists for rock climbing and leisurely canoeing.
The Cerro Verde National Park, where the young active Santa Ana volcano is located, attracts travelers with its cone-shaped shape and the fact that in just an hour you can climb to its mouth and return to the hotel by evening. Cerro Verde Park itself is part of the Los Vulcanes National Park system. These are cloudy rainforests covered entirely with green trees and jungle. The variety of species of trees, orchids, grasses, ogaves, as well as animals that live here - foxes, deer, coyotes, birds, various reptiles are striking here.
Another picturesque place where hiking trails are laid along the crater of the volcano surrounded by mountain peaks is El Boqueron Park. Its panoramic views of the capital city of San Salvador, Ilopango Lake and the Isalco Volcano attract nature lovers and hikers. They can also be offered to go on another extreme hike - along the slopes of the gorge in El Imposible. Here you can see puma, wild boars, anteaters, antelopes.
Enjoy turbulent rivers and waterfalls. But El Salvador is not only nature, but also the colonial heritage of its cities and the remains of the Mayan civilization. For example, Hoya de Seren is a monument of pre-Columbian America of the Maya civilization, a UNESCO monument, or the ancient city of San Andres Salvador. The Tasumal pyramid in the city of Calchuape is also interesting, where you can see the tombs and the former Mayan palace. Colonial architecture is represented by Catholic temples and churches in the cities of El Salvador - in Santa Ana, Suchitoto, San Salvador, Apaneca.

Here are 11 reasons why a trip to El Savador is worth a try:

  • Santa Ana

    One of El Salvador’s biggest cities, Santa Ana is a very pleasant place to explore on foot. The most impressive building in the city is surely the Theatre, with its immaculately restored lavish interior – we oohed and aahed our way around the cavernous interior of this 100 year old architectural masterpiece, built on the profits of the nearby coffee plantations. The cathedral in the main square is also worth a look, while most visitors to the city will enjoy getting lost in the narrow alleys of the street market.
  • Parque Nacional Los Volcanes

    The best day hike is a 4 hour walk which will take you to the crater rim of a volcano that last had a major eruption only 5 years ago. The effort is rewarded generously by the incredible view into the crater when you reach the top.
  • Barra de Santiago

    Arguably El Salvador's most unspoilt beach, this vast sandy expanse doubles as a nature reserve for butterfly and bird species. You can explore the mangroves of the Zapote estuary by boat, try kayaking, canoeing, or fishing. The La Cocotera resort and ecolodge is working to re-establish endangered species like the marine turtle and red macaw.
  • Canopy tour

    For a powerful adrenalin rush, it's hard to beat the spectacular Apaneca Canopy Tour, 150m (492ft) above the tropical forest of western El Savador. Enjoy a bird's-eye view of Apaneca's coffee plantations as you glide over breathtaking mountain scenery. (Not recommended for those with a fear of heights!)
  • Suchitoto

    This picture-perfect colonial town in the north of the country will surely become the hotspot of El Salvador’s nascent tourism boom. Small enough to cover on foot in a short gentle stroll, peaceful and safe, Suchitoto is set above the wonderfully picturesque Lake Suchitlan. The town also has arguably the best hotels in the country, with a handful of high quality yet affordable boutique hotels.
  • Surfing

    El Salvador's Pacific coastline is surfing heaven, with uncrowded waters and world-class breaks. Las Flores, which suits beginners and experts alike, is overlooked by surfers' hotel Miraflores, from where boats head to Punta Mango and the biggest waves in the country. Closest to the capital is El Sunzal (La Libertad).
  • Coffee plantations

    Coffee became El Salvador's most important export in the mid 19th century, and plantations are still dotted around the countryside. Buy the local product when visiting Ecoparque El Espino on the slopes of the Boquerón volcano. Alternatively, book a stay at the Hotel Santa Leticia in Apaneca, a working plantation which offers tours.
  • Exploring Cerro Verde

    Spectacular cloud forest, sweeping views, clean mountain air, exhilarating walks and three volcanoes are right at your finger tips in this 505 hectare (1,250 acre) national park. Expert local guides are on hand to offer advice and visitors are asked to book ahead and bring passports.
  • Fernando Llort Museum

    Born in 1949, Fernando Llort is El Salvador's greatest living artist. He is known for his use of bright colours and for developing a highly individual style that incorporates symbols to represent life in the country of his birth. To view Llort's work, visit his shop and museum, El Arbol de Dios, in San Salvador.
  • Horse riding

    Ecotourism is one of El Salvador's fastest growing activities, and the guides of La Mora are experts in the field. Trek on horseback through beautiful scenery and three climate zones to the summit of the Guazapa volcano, before returning to base to learn how to make maize tortillas.
  • Panchimalco

    Sadly, few of El Salvador's remaining indigenous people retain their old traditions, culture and dress. The Pancho Indians, who give the village of Panchimalco its name, are an exception. The best times to visit are 13-14 September (Patronal festival) or 3 May (harvest procession), colourful occasions when pagan and Christian customs merge.

Cities and sights of El Salvador

There are over 14 large cities and most popular places in El Salvador

San Salvador

Santa Ana

Suchitoto

Juayua

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Tours to El Salvador and exciting itineraries

Travel Advice Information

For travellers to El Salvador

- Food festival in
- Cosmopolitan San Salvador with its bohemian nightlife
- The volcanoes and nature beauty around Santa Ana

Ada Tours travel agency is happy to organize your unforgettable holiday in El Salvador. Located in Central America on the border with Guatemala and Honduras. Beach tours in El Salvador on the Pacific Ocean or on the lakes can be combined with diving, kite surfing and snorkeling, due to the presence of beautiful coral reefs along the ocean shores, as well as a large number of natural reservoirs.
Ecological tours to volcanoes with hiking trails along the calderas of waterfalls or along the gorges in the national parks of the country are perfect for the most active travelers and lovers of outdoor activities. Spa tours to thermal volcanic springs are suitable for romantic couples and as an excellent addition to rich sightseeing tours around the country. We will organize a fascinating route in El Salvador through the monuments of the Mayan era with a tour of the most significant places of the pre-Columbian era of the country, as well as take you through the quiet cozy streets of cities with their colonial architectural monuments. We will be happy to develop a route of any complexity in the delightful country of El Salvador!

Bespoke travel itineraries and Tours to El Salvador by Tour Operator Ada Tours

The Leasure in El Salvador

Ada Tours travel agency is happy to organize your unforgettable holiday in El Salvador. Located in Central America on the border with Guatemala and Honduras. Beach tours in El Salvador on the Pacific Ocean or on the lakes can be combined with diving, kite surfing and snorkeling, due to the presence of beautiful coral reefs along the ocean shores, as well as a large number of natural reservoirs.
Ecological tours to volcanoes with hiking trails along the calderas of waterfalls or along the gorges in the national parks of the country are perfect for the most active travelers and lovers of outdoor activities. Spa tours to thermal volcanic springs are suitable for romantic couples and as an excellent addition to rich sightseeing tours around the country. We will organize a fascinating route in El Salvador through the monuments of the Mayan era with a tour of the most significant places of the pre-Columbian era of the country, as well as take you through the quiet cozy streets of cities with their colonial architectural monuments. We will be happy to develop a route of any complexity in the delightful country of El Salvador!

Bespoke travel itineraries and Tours to El Salvador by Tour Operator Ada Tours