Why travel to
- Experience the Culture and Cuisine: El Salvador has a vibrant culture with a diverse range of traditional music, dancing, art, and food. The country is known for its own local forms of music and dance such as pasillo, cumbia and pion. Its cuisine also offers a wide range of dishes and flavours, from traditional Salvadoran dishes to more exotic fare.
- Enjoy Beautiful Beaches: El Salvador is bordered by both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, giving visitors access to some of the most beautiful beaches in Central America. White sand and lush vegetation provide the perfect backdrop for a relaxing day at the beach. The country is also home to many surf spots and is known as an up-and-coming surfing destination.
- Explore Ancient Mayan Ruins: El Salvador is home to many Mayan ruins, including the El Boqueron archaeological site which dates back to the Early Postclassic period. Here visitors can explore the plazas, temples and pyramids of this ancient civilization.
- Unwind in the Mountainous Areas: El Salvador is home to the Great Volcano Chain, a series of volcanoes set amidst picturesque landscapes. The area is ideal for relaxing hikes and exploration of the rugged terrain. It's also home to two national parks – El Imposible and Cerro Verde.
Cost of living
Living in El Salvador is generally considered affordable due to the lower cost of living. The cost of living varies depending on lifestyle, city, and other factors, but some of the most significant costs include renting or buying a home, transportation, food, and entertainment.
Safety
Travel to El Salvador is generally considered safe, however there is a higher-than-average rate of crime, particularly in the major cities. We suggest conducting research and taking basic precautions if you are travelling to El Salvador.
Food to try
- Pupusas - A traditional El Salvadorian dish, these are thick, handmade corn tortillas filled with cheese, beans, pork, and other fillings and then cooked on a grill or pan.
- Curried Plantains - Plantains are boiled and then cooked with spices such as cumin and garlic, and sometimes coconut milk, before being served as a side dish.
- Quesadilla - El Salvadorian quesadillas are triangular pastries filled with cheese and fried to perfection. They are often served with cream and lettuce.
- Yuca Frita - Fried yuca (cassava) is a popular snack in El Salvador. It is often served with a dipping sauce like Lemon Aioli or Garlic Mayonnaise.
- Salvadorian-style Tamales - These tamales are steamed and stuffed with pork, chicken, or beans and served with rice and a tomato-based sauce.
Places to visit
- El Imposible National Park – situated on El Salvador's far eastern border with Honduras, El Imposible National Park covers 22,540 hectares of the stunning landscape featuring cascading waterfalls, virgin forests and steep canyons. It is home to rare species of orchids, birds and mammals, as well as a breeding ground for the American crocodile.
- Joya de Cerén – Joya de Cerén is an archaeological world heritage site dating back to 600 AD, most famously known as El Salvador’s Pompeii. It is a unique site where the remains of a pre-Hispanic village have been buried under volcanic ash for centuries.
- Cerro Verde National Park – boasting one of the most majestic views of El Salvador, Cerro Verde National Park is home to the majestic volcano Ilamatepeque. Here you can be enchanted by the beauty of clouds rolling down the green fields, and the footprints of hundreds of birds.
- Ruta de las Flores – this scenic route boasts some of the best Spanish colonial architecture, archaeological sites, waterfalls, and views of volcano-fuelled cloud forests in El Salvador. On your way, you can appreciate the colorful towns of Apaneca, Ataco and Juayua declared as World Heritage Town by UNESCO.
- La Libertad – the beach town of La Libertad has everything from beautiful beaches and surf spots to wonderful nightlife and restaurants. Activities like snorkelling, fishing, diving and swimming can be enjoyed here and the town is also home to the main El Salvadorian fishing production.
Souvenirs
- Handmade clay Oxcart - El Salvador is known for its traditional oxcart decorations, made out of clay and painted in vivid colours. Grab a souvenir to remember this unique craftsmanship.
- Artisan Jewelry - El Salvador is known for its beautiful artisan crafted jewelry made from natural and semi-precious stones.
- Wooden masks - Wooden masks are a popular souvenir item in El Salvador. Crafted by local artisans, they depict folk traditions of the local people.
- Coffee beans - El Salvador produces some of the best coffee in Central America, so make sure to bring home some beans to remember your trip.
- Santiago de Maria Plantation Rum - This traditional rum made from wild cane is a great souvenir to remind you of your time in El Salvador.
- Hand-made hammocks - A colourful and unique souvenir, hammocks from El Salvador are tightly woven and provide comfort for a more restful night's sleep.
- Textiles - Local some female artisans make fabulous textiles and fabrics, such as intricate tablecloths and embroidered wall hangings.
- Salvadorean Embera - A traditional shawl with a bold design, the Salvaedorean Embera is perfect for a special occasion or just to bring a bit of the country home.
- Handmade pottery - El Salvador has a long history of pottery craftsmanship. Souvenirs come in a variety of colors and styles, with some pieces even depicting local legends.
- Puppet figures - Puppet figures are a unique souvenir from El Salvador. Legends and stories from the country come alive in these locally crafted figures.