Unforgettable Adventures: My El Salvador Itinerary

By Alejandra Mendoza - Posted on April 1, 2025 - Ale Around the World

I can't even begin to describe how stunning El Salvador is. Yes, I was born there, but that's not the reason I love it more than any other country for tourism. El Salvador has so much to offer, despite being the smallest country in Central America. Since moving to Canada in 2016, I've been back to El Salvador twice. It's gone from being the most dangerous country in the world to one of the safest. Trust me, as someone who grew up there and has returned now that it's safe, I can feel a huge difference.

In this blog, I'll share all the places I visited on both trips. I'll show you what this incredible country has to offer. Since I have lots of family in El Salvador, I don't need to rent a hotel. But on my last trip, my husband and I rented an Airbnb that was super close to everything and really comfortable and beautiful. For transportation, I recommend renting a vehicle - it's way cheaper than in other countries. I paid around $45 per day for a 6-person vehicle. And make sure to have cash on you at all times, as many places only accept cash.

When you land at the airport, make sure to stop by Olocuilta for some delicious Pupusas, which are a must-try in El Salvador. There are plenty of restaurants to choose from, so don't miss out on this tasty dish. I recommend trying the Pupusas made from rice flour - they're my personal favorite. On your way to Olocuilta, you can also check out the coconut stands along the road.

Next up, head to La Libertad Port, a coastal city known for its pier, seafood market, and handicrafts. Don't forget to visit Sunset Park, where you can enjoy rides like the Ferris wheel and Roller Coaster. And of course, make sure to dine at one of the seafood restaurants by the beach. You might even get a visit from mariachis or a band playing music at your table for a small fee. Also, you should visit the Punta Roca park with stunning palm trees and beautiful beach view.

If you're a surfer, El Tunco is the place to be. This famous beach is known for its great waves and is a hotspot for surfers. The beach gets its name from a big rock that supposedly looks like a pig - although I personally don't see it. You can also take a horse ride along the beach, shopping souvenirs and enjoy the vibrant nightlife with plenty of clubs and bars right by the beach.

Cerro Verde is an incredible place to visit in El Salvador. The scenery and views are absolutely magical. There are many aesthetic restaurants to choose from, but I highly recommend Cráter Restaurant & Coffee Shop and Casa 1800. Both places offer stunning views of the lake and Santa Ana volcano, and their food is delicious.

Another must-see in El Salvador is the Santa Ana Cathedral. This beautiful cathedral is located in the central square of Santa Ana. It has a striking white neo-gothic facade and is quite impressive. You can even feed the pigeons that gather around the cathedral. At night, the cathedral is beautifully lit up. Around the cathedral, you can also find a small park, the national theater, and plenty of food stalls and souvenir shops. It's a great place to explore and learn about the culture of El Salvador.

Suchitoto is a charming colonial town in El Salvador, having cobblestone streets, colonial houses, vibrant cultural traditions, and stunning views of Lake Suchitlán. One of the must-see attractions is the Santa Lucia Church, a beautiful architectural gem dating back to 1853. Surrounding the church there is a small park where you can shop for souvenirs, street food, and dine at local restaurants. Don't miss the opportunity to explore small museums like the 1,000 Plates, showcasing a fascinating collection of plates, money, and badges from around the world. When it comes to dining, El Tejado, Casa 1800, and Donde Polo are top recommendations for delicious Salvadoran cuisine with picturesque views of Lake Suchitlán. Be sure to also visit this man-made lake, which features 66 islands waiting to be explored. Take a boat tour to discover some of the islands, with the hour-long tour for $40 you will be visiting El Ermitano Island. This island has a unique history, as it was once home to Don Carlos Lemus, who lived in a small cave on the island from 1989 to 2022. While there, you can also hike to the top of the island to see the remains of a small plane crash.

The Panoramic Route offers a variety of restaurants and hotels as you drive along. The highlight of this route is the breathtaking view of Ilopango Lake. I highly recommend stopping to eat at Kiosko San Francisco. The food is delicious, the view is stunning, and there are plenty of aesthetic spots to enjoy. If you're looking for a place to stay, I suggest checking out 3 Piedras Hotel. Nestled in the mountains, Tres Piedras offers a cozy retreat with a cooked-to-order breakfast and a charming coffee shop. Relax by the outdoor pool or explore the nearby trails. The rooms are absolutely beautiful, with a bathtub inside and a clear glass window to help you enjoy the view of the lake.

Explore Historic Downtown San Salvador: There is so much to do at this square! You can check out the new library, which has amazing infrastructure and offers a wide range of cultural attractions. There are dedicated spaces for children, robotics enthusiasts, comic, film, and series lovers, as well as a gaming area and an art gallery. Don't forget to visit the National Palace, built between 1905 and 1911, to learn more about the politics, culture, and social evolution of El Salvador. Entrance is only around $3 and includes a guided tour. The metropolitan cathedral with its stunning architecture is also must-see. You can shop for clothing, shoes, fruits, souvenirs, and more. And make sure to grab a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants in the area - I recommend Pipiris Nais restaurant. It has a rooftop where you can enjoy the view of the historic square and plenty of aesthetic spots for great photos.

Check out Planes del Rendero: If you're looking for a cool climate, green areas, and spectacular views just a few minutes from the capital, this is the place for you. You can see the entire city of San Salvador from here. Be sure to dine at my favorite restaurant, Los Boomwalos, which offers a variety of delicious Salvadoran cuisine.

The Flower Route, or Ruta de las Flores, is one of the most popular tourist spots in El Salvador. It's home to charming towns like Nahuizalco, Juayua, Apaneca, and Ataco. One of my top picks in Apaneca is Cafe Albania, an outdoor adventure park set on a aesthetic coffee farm. They've got cool activities like hanging bikes, a colorful slide, and a maze. And let me tell you, the food there is absolutely delicious.

Coatepeque Lake is my favorite lake in El Salvador. It's located in Santa Ana, just a 1.5-hour drive from the capital. If you go, make sure to check out Las Palmeras restaurant. It's a gorgeous spot with a pool and serving up tasty dishes. They even have a floating restaurant . And if you're up for a lake tour, hop on a boat for at least 45 minutes. You'll cruise past stunning mansions owned by the country's elite, and the boat driver will fill you in on all the lake's history. It's a super interesting tour that's definitely worth your time.

When visiting El Salvador, you can't miss out on the beautiful beaches. Some top recommendations include Los Acantilados restaurant and hotel, which offers stunning views and access to an ocean water pool. Yali Hotel, Las Hojas, and Beach Break Hotel are also great options for delicious food and aesthetic spots for photos. For a unique experience, consider staying at Mizata, where you can sleep in tree houses and bungalows. This place is a bit pricey, but totally worth it with amenities like horseback riding, picnics, a sushi bar, and yoga classes.

If you're looking for some tasty eats, El Salvador has got you covered. Tipicos Margoth is perfect for breakfast and traditional Salvadoran dishes at a great price. For some fried chicken, check out Pollo Campero and Pollo Campestre. Caliches is the spot for seafood lovers, while Los Cachis serves up the best pupusas with birria meat. And don't forget about Casa1800 Los Naranjos, where you can enjoy delicious food with a view of the Izalco volcano.

The San Salvador Volcano is a stunning destination that you can easily drive to the top of. Once you reach the top, you'll find a park called El Boqueron where you can take a short 10-minute hike to see the volcano crater. The view from up there is absolutely breathtaking. Along the way to the park, you'll come across plenty of restaurants with amazing views of the city. I highly recommend checking out El Atico Volcan and Picnic Steak House, which offer fun attractions like a large colorful slide and a Jurassic picnic experience.

El Escuco Waterfall is located about 2 hours from San Salvador. The road to get there is a bit rocky, and you'll even get to drive across a river, which is pretty cool. It's about a 15-minute walk to reach the waterfall, and let me tell you, it's truly amazing. The water may be a bit chilly, but it's perfect for a refreshing swim. And if you're feeling adventurous, you can even try rappelling.

La Puerta del Diablo, or the Port of the Devil, consists of two giant stones that have taken on the form of a portal, offering a beautiful view. You can also hike to this spot and snap a picture on its clear glass bridge.