El Salvador itinerary your 7 days plan. El Salvador may not be the most popular destination in Central America, but it is definitely one of the most rewarding. This small country packs a lot of punch, with stunning natural scenery, rich history and culture, delicious food and coffee, and friendly people. Whether you are looking for adventure, relaxation, or both, El Salvador has something for you.

In this post, I will show you how to spend a week in El Salvador, exploring some of the best places and activities that this country has to offer. You will see volcanoes, lakes, beaches, towns, and waterfalls, and experience the warmth and hospitality of the Salvadoran people. You will also learn some tips and tricks to make your trip easier and more enjoyable.

Ready to discover El Salvador? Let’s go!

Day 1 of El Salvador itinerary: San Salvador

San Salvador is the capital and largest city of El Salvador, and a good place to start your trip. It is a modern and dynamic city, with a mix of colonial and contemporary architecture, museums, parks, markets, and restaurants. You can easily spend a day or two here, soaking up the culture and history of the country.

Some of the highlights of San Salvador include:

• Metropolitan Cathedral: This is the main church of the city, and the burial place of Saint Oscar Romero, the archbishop who was assassinated in 1980 for speaking out against human rights violations. The cathedral has a simple exterior, but a beautiful interior with stained glass windows and paintings.
• Iglesia El Rosario: This is a unique church that looks like a concrete bunker from the outside, but a rainbow of colors from the inside. The church was designed by the artist Ruben Martinez, who used metal, glass, and stone to create a stunning effect of light and shadow.
• National Palace: This is a neoclassical building that was the seat of the government until 1974. It is now a museum that showcases the history and art of El Salvador. You can see the presidential office, the hall of mirrors, the blue room, and the murals by Carlos Cañas.
• Parque Cuscatlán: This is a large and green park that is a popular spot for locals and visitors alike. It has playgrounds, fountains, sculptures, and a memorial to the victims of the civil war. It is also home to the Museum of Art of El Salvador (MARTE), which displays works by Salvadoran and international artists.
• Mercado Central: This is a bustling and chaotic market that sells everything from fruits and vegetables to clothes and souvenirs. It is a great place to experience the local life and taste some of the typical dishes, such as pupusas, tamales, and yuca frita.

For accommodation, you can choose from a range of options, from budget hostels to luxury hotels. Some of the best places to stay in San Salvador are:

• La Zona Hostel: This is a cozy and colorful hostel that offers dorms and private rooms, a shared kitchen, a lounge area, and a rooftop terrace. It is located in a safe and trendy neighborhood, close to bars, restaurants, and shops.
• Hotel Arbol de Fuego: This is a charming and eco-friendly hotel that offers spacious and comfortable rooms, a garden, a patio, and a breakfast buffet. It is located in a quiet and residential area, near the university and the museum of anthropology.
• Barceló San Salvador: This is a luxurious and elegant hotel that offers modern and stylish rooms, a pool, a spa, a gym, and a restaurant. It is located in a central and convenient area, near the World Trade Center and the Zona Rosa.

Day 2 of El Salvador itinerary: Santa Ana Volcano and Lake Coatepeque

On your second day, you will leave the city and head to the countryside, where you will see some of the most impressive natural wonders of El Salvador. You will hike to the top of an active volcano and swim in a crater lake, surrounded by stunning views.

The Santa Ana Volcano, also known as Ilamatepec, is the highest and most active volcano in El Salvador. It has a height of 2,381 meters (7,812 feet) and a crater of 3 kilometers (1.9 miles) in diameter. The last eruption was in 2005, when it spewed ash and rocks over the surrounding area.

To hike the Santa Ana Volcano, you will need to join a guided tour that departs from the Cerro Verde National Park. The tour costs $6 per person, and includes the entrance fee, the guide fee, and the security fee. The tour leaves at 11 am, and takes about 4 hours round trip. You will need to bring water, snacks, sunscreen, and a jacket, as the weather can change quickly.

The hike is moderately difficult, but suitable for most people with a reasonable fitness level. The trail is well marked and maintained, and passes through different ecosystems, such as pine forests, coffee plantations, and rocky slopes. The views along the way are spectacular, especially when you reach the summit and see the turquoise lake inside the crater, as well as the neighboring volcanoes of Izalco and Cerro Verde.

After the hike, you can relax and cool off at Lake Coatepeque, one of the most beautiful lakes in El Salvador. It is a volcanic lake that was formed by the collapse of two calderas, and has a surface area of 25.3 square kilometers (9.8 square miles). The lake has clear and blue water, and is surrounded by green hills and forests.

You can enjoy the lake in different ways, such as swimming, kayaking, boating, or jet skiing. You can also have lunch at one of the restaurants or cafes that line the shore, or rent a cabin or a villa if you want to stay overnight.

To get to the Santa Ana Volcano and Lake Coatepeque, you can either rent a car and drive yourself, hire a driver, or take a shuttle. The distance from San Salvador is about 70 kilometers (43 miles), and the travel time is about 1.5 hours. You can also book a day tour from San Salvador that includes transportation, guide, and lunch.

Day 3 of El Salvador itinerary: Ruta de las Flores and Hot Springs

On your third day, you will explore the Ruta de las Flores, or the Flower Route, one of the most popular and scenic routes in El Salvador. It is a stretch of road that connects several charming and colorful towns in the western highlands, where you can see flowers, coffee, art, and culture.

Some of the towns that you can visit along the Ruta de las Flores are:

• Nahuizalco: This is a town that preserves the indigenous traditions and crafts of the Nahua people. You can see the wicker and wood products that they make, such as baskets, furniture, and toys. You can also visit the colonial church and the night market, where you can buy fresh produce and street food.
• Salcoatitán: This is a town that is known for its pottery and ceramics, as well as its coffee culture. You can see the workshops and studios where the artisans create their pieces, and buy some as souvenirs. You can also visit the coffee museum and the coffee plantations, and taste some of the best coffee in the country.
• Juayúa: This is a town that is famous for its gastronomic festival, which takes place every weekend. You can sample a variety of dishes, from local specialties to international cuisines, at the stalls that fill the main square. You can also visit the black Christ church and the nearby waterfalls, where you can hike and swim.
• Ataco: This is a town that is renowned for its murals and paintings, which decorate the walls and buildings of the town. You can see the colorful and artistic expressions of the local culture and history, and admire the creativity and talent of the painters. You can also visit the handicraft market and the mirador, where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the town and the mountains.

To get to the Ruta de las Flores, you can either rent a car and drive yourself, hire a driver, or take a bus. The distance from San Salvador is about 100 kilometers (62 miles), and the travel time is about 2 hours. You can also book a day tour from San Salvador that includes transportation, guide, and lunch.

After visiting the towns of the Ruta de las Flores, you can end your day with a relaxing and soothing experienceYou can end your day with a relaxing and soothing experience at the Santa Teresa Hot Springs, a natural spa that offers thermal pools, mud baths, massages, and other treatments. The hot springs are located in the town of Ahuachapán, about 15 kilometers (9 miles) from Ataco. The water is rich in minerals and has healing properties, and the temperature ranges from 25°C to 45°C (77°F to 113°F). You can enjoy the hot springs in a tranquil and lush setting, surrounded by flowers and trees. The entrance fee is $10 per person, and includes access to the pools, showers, and lockers. You can also book a room or a cabin if you want to stay overnight.

Day 4 of El Salvador itinerary: Lake Ilopango and San Andrés

On your fourth day, you will visit another volcanic lake and an archaeological site, where you will learn more about the ancient and modern history of El Salvador. You will also enjoy some of the best views and sunsets that the country has to offer.

Lake Ilopango is the largest lake in El Salvador, with a surface area of 72 square kilometers (28 square miles). It is also a caldera lake, formed by the collapse of a massive volcano that erupted around 450 AD, and caused a global cooling effect. The lake has four islands, and is home to a variety of wildlife, such as birds, fish, and crocodiles.

You can explore the lake in different ways, such as kayaking, boating, fishing, or diving. You can also visit the islands, such as Isla de los Pájaros, where you can see hundreds of birds, or Isla del Cerro, where you can hike to the top and see the crater. You can also have lunch or dinner at one of the restaurants or resorts that line the shore, or rent a cabin or a tent if you want to stay overnight.

San Andrés is an archaeological site that dates back to the pre-Columbian era, and was the capital of a Maya-Lenca kingdom. It was inhabited from 900 BC to 250 AD, and then again from 600 AD to 900 AD, when it was abandoned due to the Ilopango eruption. It was rediscovered in 1891, and excavated in 1940.

You can see the remains of the pyramids, plazas, palaces, and temples that once stood here, and learn about the culture and religion of the ancient people. You can also visit the museum, where you can see the artifacts and ceramics that were found here, such as the famous indigo pot, which shows the importance of the dye industry in the region.

To get to Lake Ilopango and San Andrés, you can either rent a car and drive yourself, hire a driver, or take a bus. The distance from San Salvador is about 30 kilometers (19 miles), and the travel time is about 45 minutes. You can also book a day tour from San Salvador that includes transportation, guide, and lunch.

Day 5 of El Salvador itinerary: El Tunco and El Zonte

On your fifth day, you will head to the coast, where you will experience some of the best surfing and beach life in El Salvador. You will visit two of the most popular and lively beach towns, El Tunco and El Zonte, where you can catch some waves, relax on the sand, and enjoy the nightlife.

El Tunco is a small and funky town that has become a hotspot for surfers and backpackers from all over the world. It has a rocky beach with consistent and powerful waves, suitable for all levels of surfers. You can rent a board and take a lesson, or join the locals and show off your skills.

El Tunco also has a vibrant and fun atmosphere, with plenty of bars, restaurants, shops, and hostels. You can mingle with other travelers, listen to live music, watch the sunset, and party until dawn. You can also try some of the delicious seafood and local dishes, such as ceviche, pescado frito, and coctel de conchas.

El Zonte is a quieter and more laid-back town, with a sandy beach and a long and smooth wave, ideal for beginners and longboarders. You can also rent a board and take a lesson, or just chill on the beach and watch the surfers. El Zonte also has a few bars, restaurants, and hostels, but with a more relaxed and cozy vibe. You can enjoy a cold beer, a fresh juice, or a smoothie, and chat with the friendly locals and expats.

To get to El Tunco and El Zonte, you can either rent a car and drive yourself, hire a driver, or take a bus. The distance from San Salvador is about 40 kilometers (25 miles), and the travel time is about an hour. You can also book a day tour from San Salvador that includes transportation, guide, and lunch.

For accommodation, you can choose from a range of options, from budget hostels to luxury hotels. Some of the best places to stay in El Tunco and El Zonte are:

• La Guitarra: This is a cozy and colorful hostel that offers dorms and private rooms, a pool, a garden, a kitchen, and a bar. It is located in the heart of El Tunco, close to the beach and the nightlife.
• Papaya Lodge: This is a charming and eco-friendly lodge that offers spacious and comfortable rooms, a pool, a terrace, and a restaurant. It is located in a quiet and green area of El Tunco, away from the noise and the crowds.
• Esencia Nativa: This is a rustic and romantic hotel that offers wooden cabins, a pool, a yoga deck, and a restaurant. It is located on the beachfront of El Zonte, with stunning views of the ocean and the waves.

Day 6 of El Salvador itinerary: Tamanique Waterfalls and La Libertad

On your sixth day, you will visit one of the most beautiful and refreshing waterfalls in El Salvador, and one of the most famous and lively beach towns. You will hike through a forest, jump into a pool, and enjoy some of the best seafood and nightlife in the country.

The Tamanique Waterfalls are a series of cascades and pools that are located in the town of Tamanique, about 10 kilometers (6 miles) from El Tunco. The waterfalls are hidden in a lush and green forest, and offer a natural and fun escape from the heat and the crowds.

To get to the waterfalls, you will need to join a guided tour that departs from El Tunco or El Zonte. The tour costs $15 per person, and includes the transportation, the guide, and the entrance fee. The tour leaves at 9 am, and takes about 4 hours round trip. You will need to bring water, snacks, sunscreen, and a swimsuit.

The hike to the waterfalls is easy to moderate, but with some steep and slippery sections. The trail is well marked and maintained, and passes through a coffee plantation, a corn field, and a bamboo forest. The views along the way are amazing, especially when you reach the waterfalls and see the clear and blue water, and the rocks and trees.

You can enjoy the waterfalls in different ways, such as swimming, jumping, sliding, or relaxing. There are three main waterfalls, each with a different height and depth. The first one is the smallest and the shallowest, the second one is the largest and the deepest, and the third one is the highest and the most adventurous. You can jump from the top of the third waterfall, which is about 12 meters (40 feet) high, into a pool that is about 5 meters (16 feet) deep. This is optional, but highly recommended for thrill-seekers.

After the hike and the waterfalls, you can head to La Libertad, one of the most popular and lively beach towns in El Salvador. It has a long and sandy beach with a pier, a boardwalk, and a market. It is also a surfing destination, with a famous wave called Punta Roca, which attracts surfers from all over the world.

You can enjoy the beach in different ways, such as surfing, swimming, sunbathing, or walking. You can also visit the market, where you can buy fresh seafood, fruits, vegetables, and souvenirs. You can also have lunch or dinner at one of the restaurants or cafes that line the beach, or rent a room or a house if you want to stay overnight.

La Libertad also has a vibrant and fun nightlife, with plenty of bars, clubs, and discos. You can mingle with other travelers and locals, dance to the music, drink the beer, and party until late. You can also try some of the local specialties, such as ceviche, pescado frito, and coctel de conchas.

To get to La Libertad, you can either rent a car and drive yourself, hire a driver, or take a bus. The distance from El Tunco or El Zonte is about 15 kilometers (9 miles), and the travel time is about 20 minutes. You can also book a day tour from El Tunco or El Zonte that includes transportation, guide, and lunch.

Day 7 of El Salvador itinerary: Return to San Salvador or Extend Your Trip

On your seventh day, you will have two options: you can either return to San Salvador and catch your flight back home, or you can extend your trip and explore more of El Salvador. Either way, you will have an unforgettable experience and a lot of memories to share.

If you decide to return to San Salvador, you can either rent a car and drive yourself, hire a driver, or take a bus. The distance from La Libertad is about 35 kilometers (22 miles), and the travel time is about an hour. You can also book a shuttle or a taxi that will take you directly to the airport, which is about 50 kilometers (31 miles) from La Libertad, and the travel time is about 1.5 hours.

If you decide to extend your trip, you can choose from a variety of destinations and activities, depending on your interests and preferences. Some of the places and things that you can do in El Salvador are:

• Suchitoto: This is a colonial town that is known for its cobblestone streets, white houses, and blue lake. You can visit the church, the museum, the art gallery, and the market, and enjoy the culture and history of the town. You can also take a boat ride on the lake, or hike to the nearby waterfalls and caves.
• El Cuco: This is a beach town that is known for its golden sand, calm water, and palm trees. You can relax on the beach, swim in the ocean, or surf on the waves. You can also visit the nearby mangroves, where you can see birds, turtles, and crocodiles.
• Perquín: This is a mountain town that is known for its role in the civil war, as the headquarters of the guerrilla movement. You can visit the museum, the monument, and the murals, and learn about the history and the struggle of the people. You can also hike to the nearby hills and forests, where you can see the remains of the guerrilla camps and the natural beauty of the area.
• Montecristo National Park: This is a natural park that is known for its cloud forest, biodiversity, and views. You can hike to the summit of the Montecristo mountain, which is the highest point in El Salvador, and see the border with Guatemala and Honduras. You can also see a variety of plants and animals, such as orchids, ferns, monkeys, and quetzals.

I hope you enjoyed this blog post about El Salvador itinerary, and that it inspired you to visit this amazing country. El Salvador is a small but rich country, with a lot to offer to travelers who are looking for adventure, culture, and nature. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below. Thank you for reading, and happy travels!