The smallest country in Central America, El Salvador is made up of a rich landscape of volcanoes, lakes, black-sand beaches and Maya sites. With eco-tourism gaining traction and some of the best waves in the world, it is a nature enthusiast’s delight and a paradise for surfers.
Capital San Salvador is a volcano-ringed city, acting as the base for exploring nearby mountains, volcanoes and short day trips. The city houses a cluster of attractions which include beautiful churches like Iglesia El Rosario, museums and a central plaza. Suchitoto is the country’s cultural capital, dotted with buildings from the Spanish-era, hosts a variety of festivals and has an abundance of outdoor activities.
Ruta de la Flores or the Flower Route, is a 32 km route that snakes its way through pretty Spanish and indigenous villages, verdant landscapes of coffee plantations and colourful wildflowers in springtime. This scenic route is a great way to explore the country’s nature and culture.
National Parks are El Salvador’s prime attractions, and Parque Nacional El Imposible is the largest in the country, located along the border with Guatemala. Packed with tropical forests and striking waterfalls, it is considered to be the best hiking region in the country. Parque Nacional Cerro Verde (also known as Parque Nacional Los Volcanes), easily accessible from San Salvador offers superb birdwatching, and its three volcanoes – Cerro Verde, Izalco and Santa Ana, are the main highlights.
Like its neighbouring countries, El Salvador also contains several Maya archeological sites, the best of which is Tazumal in the town of Chalchuapa. This well-preserved Maya complex has a series of ancient buildings, pyramids and tombs and the treasures within are a joy to behold.
The country’s Pacific coastline is blessed with numerous lovely beaches. The La Costa del Bálsamo region offers top-notch surfing in its stunning beaches like Playa El Tunco and Playa El Zonte. Other notable beaches are Playa El Cuco and El Sunzal.
El Salvador presents travellers the opportunity to reconnect with nature. It is a highly underrated destination in the region and a visit to this country is no less than an adventure.
National Parks are El Salvador’s prime attractions, and Parque Nacional El Imposible is the largest in the country.
