When people plan trips to Central America, they often think about countries like Costa Rica. That's no surprise given the culture, history, and biodiversity. But El Salvador should be on your short list, as well. There are numerous reasons to plan a trip, including the best pupusas you've ever eaten in your life.
The US Dollar is accepted as currency
El Salvador has two currencies, Bitcoin and the US Dollar. Shopping is a breeze and all major credit cards are accepted. Food is fairly inexpensive. It's $5.00 to $15.00 on average per meal. Sodas, juices, and beers are $1.00 to $3.00 and spirits are on the higher end from $15.00 to $25.00. Some brands to try are Pilsner, Golden, and Suprema. Other commonly known drinks are Horchata and Kolashampan.
If shopping for souvenirs, have cash on hand when visiting vendors at flea markets or street markets. For souvenirs, it is typical for shopping malls to close at 8:00 PM, other general stores and plazas may stay open later. Also visit an artisan market and buy yourself some bags of traditional coffee, Obleas wafer candy, wood carvings, or even a hammock.
Driving is recommended and there will be traffic
Driving is the most convenient and fastest way to get around. Most visitors rent a car from the airport but you can easily reserve online with most rental cars companies in advance. Automatic cars are less expensive with more availability than Manual cars, and driving is on the right. Roads can be narrow, with many sharp turns and and hills due to the varying elevation throughout the country.
Traffic is common, so be prepared. A distance of 20 miles could take up to an hour or longer especially in San Salvador. At night, many areas don't have much street lighting. Unless experienced and familiar with the roads it's best to be back at your accommodations before sunset.
If deciding to commute, the next best option would be rideshare such as InDrive or Uber. Taxis are also common. The bus system is unique in the country as there different types: microbuses known as "Chicken buses" are renovated school buses for $0.25 per ride. Prepare to wave them down or stand with other locals waiting for them. Local buses and air-conditioned buses cost from $0.20 to $0.35 per ride.
Surfing is among the best in the world
The La Libertad department is where you'll find the most surfing. EL Tunco known as "Surf City" is hotspot among tourists looking to catch a few waves and enjoy the many nearby shops and restaurants. In the dry season between May to October, this area can be busy. Head north to El Zonte if you prefer a quieter experience.
Several junior and professional competitions, such as Surf City El Salvador Pro, ISA World Longboard Championship, and the ISA World Surfing Games, are hosted in the area. If staying Thursday through Sunday, check out Sunset Park and ride the Ferris Wheel or the other attractions.
You can take a hike of the volcano
Santa Ana Volcano is the highest volcano in the El Salvador and a tourist favorite. The hike starts in Cerro Verde National Park and costs $6.00 for entry for foreigners and $3.00 for the guide. It's moderately strenuous, and takes 2.5 to 4 hours to complete. Be sure to bring plenty of water, snacks, sunscreen, and good walking shoes.
You’ll see views of Lake Coatepeque and the crater lake once you reach the summit. Arrive early, as guides typically only do tours in the morning starting at 10:00 AM. And punctuality is a must. Once guides have started the hike, there is no way to join. You could hire a private guide. However, be prepared for this to cost more. Plus, the crater lake closes at 1:00 PM.
The best pupusas in Olocuilta
Olocuilta in the La Paz department is is known for their pupusas, the national dish of El Salvador. Come hungry and fill up as each will cost from $1.00 to $5.00. Try common fillings such as bean, cheese, pork, and jalapeno. You can also get the Pupusas Locas which is a much larger version, similar to the size of a small pizza, and has more fillings.
Make sure to top them with curtido and red salsa. Locations such as Pupusería Silvia Olocuilta and Pupusería Yancy, Pupusería Esmeralda are open 24 hours. Eat like the locals and have them for breakfast or dinner.
There are two rainbow slides
The Picnic Steak House restaurant is located at the beginning of the El Boqueron volcano. For $5.00, ages 12 and up may ride though a waiver must be signed in advance. Have lunch and and take in the sights beforehand for a full experience. You can grab a burger or steak, then take a stroll throughout the restaurant for some unique photo opportunities and amazing views.
The second slide is located in Albania Cafe in Apaneca. It's larger and steeper for $10,00 per ride. Both locations can get busy in the afternoon and evenings, but it's worth the wait and an experience that can't be missed.
Several archaeological sites are close to one another
There are five sites to see Mayan ruins that are quite close together. Tazumal and Casa Blanca Archaeological sites are both in Chalchuapa just minutes from one another north of Santa Ana . The San Andres Archaeological Park is located in Opico, 11 miles from the Joy de Ceren Archaeological Park. All have $5,00 entry fees and allow you to explore the pyramids, tombs, and artifacts at the on site museums.
Make a day trip and see at least two sites, or take a longer trip and visit Cihuatan, the largest Mayan ruins in Central America. All locations are open until 4:00 PM, and are closed on Mondays. Excavations are still ongoing in El Salvador. Two researchers, Jan Szymański and Gabriela Prejs, from the University of Warsaw recently discovered puppet artifacts in San Isidro.
San Salvador is a hub for the arts
There is no shortage of things to do in the city capital. The art scene offers some of the best experiences to visit. Murals, sculpture, and street art show themes of the culture and history of the country. The Museum of Art displays both virtual and temporary exhibitions throughout the year.
For $10.00, tourists can see ballet performances from the National Folkloric Ballet and the National Ballet of El Salvador. You can watch the El Salvador Symphony Orchestra at the Teatro Nacional. And you can see a show at the Teatro Célula or La Galera Teatro. San Salvador also has the most opportunities for shopping. Be sure to stop at the National Palace along your way to the local bodegas and markets.