EL SALVADOR – 5 DAY TRIP
Depending if you are flying into El Salvador or arriving by land via Guatemala or Honduras, you will need to adjust your itinerary accordingly. Regardless of the point of entry, you can arrive at your desired destination within El Salvador within a few hours.
How to get to San Salvador?
The capital of San Salvador is located approximately 45min from El Salvador's International Airport. If you are entering El Salvador by land from Guatemala or Honduras, you can get to San Salvador by taking local buses from almost anywhere in the country.
Where to stay in San Salvador?
Like most capital cities around the world, San Salvador will offer you the option to stay at International hotel chains, local boutique hotels and hostels. San Salvador has options for all budgets making it an attractive place to visit.
International hotel chains in alphabetical order: Barcelo, Crown Plaza, Hilton, Hyatt and Sheraton to name a few.
Boutique hotels in alphabetical order: Cardedeu, Plaza Hotel & Suites, Mediterraneo, Windsor Plaza.
What to do and see in San Salvador?
The Historic Centre/Old Town (Centro Historico) has been completely remodeled over the last few years and is a must visit! You will find the National Palace, San Salvador Cathedral, the National Library (BINAES) and a large El Salvador sign on the perimeter of Gerardo Barrio Square.
Day 1 - San Salvador
- Gerardo Barrios Square (Plaza Gerardo Barrios aka Centro
Historico)
- Cathedral of San Salvador
- National Palace
- National Library (BINAES) is open 24/7
- Café Fulanos, Café Luz Negra, Le Café, Moris Rooftop
- Morazan Square (Plaza Morazan)
- Liberty square (Plaza Libertad)
- Club Dalia (oldest pool hall in the country)
- Rosario Church
- Central America Gardens
- Sacred Heart Market (Mercado Sagrado Corazon)
- Hula Hula Market (Mercado Hula Hula)
- El Calvario Church
- Sacred Heart Basilica
- Back to Gerardo Barrio Square or your accommodations
Day 2 – San Salvador → El Tunco beach town
- ½ Day trip to Los Planes de Renderos (4hrs)
- Devils Door lookout point (La Puerta del Diablo)
- Café Santa Cruz, Ikatu Café Mirador, El Atico Restaurant for a light bite to eat
- Visit the town of Panchimalco, where the oldest colonial church in the county is located
- Cadejo Brewing Company OR Casa Campo Los Planes Gourmet for lunch
- Drive down to El Tunco beach
- Various hotels: Hotel Roca Sunzal, Boca Olas Resort & Villas, Hotel La Guitarra
- Pargos Restaurant & Hotel, Kako's Gastrobar, Dale Dale Café
Day 3 – Ruta De Las Flores
- From El Tunco head to Beto's Restaurant, Pelicanos Restaurant, Ixchel Restaurant for brunch and enjoy the view
- Travel to Juayua, walk the town and enjoy a coffee at Bloom Coffee
- Travel to Apaneca, visit the central park, nearby coffee shops and make sure to visit the largest labyrinth in Central America, ziplining available
- Travel to Santa Teresa Hot Springs (spend 2-4hrs here)
- Travel back towards Ataco, visit the central park, nearby coffee shops, stay overnight at Casa 1800 Hotel & Restaurant
Day 4 – Santa Ana, Coatepeque Lake
- Travel to the 2nd largest city of Santa Ana, visit the majestic Santa Ana Cathedral, Libertad Central Park, Santa Ana National Theatre
- Travel to Cerro Verde National Park and enjoy the views of Santa Ana Volcano and Izalco Volcano (Volcano hike is optional)
- Travel to Crater Restaurant & Coffee Shop for a quick bite, rest up and enjoy the views
- Travel to Caredeu Hotel, check in, enjoy the spa, the swimming pool overlooking Coatepeque Lake and the restaurant
Day 5 - San Salvador
- Travel to San Andres Archaeological Park
- Travel to Joya of Ceren Archaeological Park (known as the Pompeii of the Americas)
- Museum of Art of El Salvador OR Dr. David Guzman National Museum of Anthropology
- Millenium Plaza and Galerias Mall
- Monument to Divine Saviour of the World (Plaza Divino Salvador del Mundo)
- Cuscatlan Park
- Tour of Cuscatlan Stadium OR tour of Jorge "El Magico" Stadium
- Plaza Futura Shopping Mall
- Bambu City Center
- Brutto Restaurant
- FLY OUT
Written by: J. Lemus