Whether you’re interested in hiking, art, history or food, El Salvador has it all. This small, friendly and easy-to-navigate Central American country makes for a unique vacation destination.
Here are five spots worth a visit during a trip to El Salvador.
Santa Ana
The second-largest city in El Salvador, Santa Ana, features attractions in town and not far from the city. Take a look at Catedral de Santa Ana, a neo-gothic cathedral build in 1913, the colonial façade of the Town Hall and the mint green renaissance style El Teatro Nacional de Santa Ana, which started as a theatre, switched to a movie house and is now back to its original use where you can catch a performance for less than $3.
Suchitoto
This small and very walkable colonial city is worth a couple of days for anyone exploring El Salvador. If you happen to be visiting on a weekend, check out the arts market featuring locally produced crafts, jewellery, clothing and more. Cute bars and restaurants abound and there are many hikes to be done not far from town.
Juayúa
Charming Juayúa is a draw on its own, thanks to the cobblestone streets that were made for aimless exploring, but most visit for the weekend fería gastronómica (food fair). Bring your appetite and sample all kinds of local delicacies from fried yucca to grilled meats and fresh fruit juices. Work off your tasty treats with a short hike to Chorros de la Calera waterfalls and take a swim. Ask around for a guide, or talk to your hotel to set you up with one.
Tacuba
If hiking and waterfalls sound good to you, then a stop to visit the tropical mountain forest in Parque Nacional El Imposible is a must on any El Salvador itinerary. Stay in the tiny town of Tacuba at the base of the park or opt for a budget-friendly accommodation in town. Book hikes of varying lengths and degrees of difficulty though Imposible Tours.
Beach and surf spots
El Salvador is known as a great place to catch a wave, for both experienced surfers and beginners. La Liberdad is the largest beach area, but can feel more like a city rather than a low-key beach spot. Instead, head to Playa El Zonte, Playa El Tunco or Playa El Sunzal where you’ll find sparkling black sand beaches, budget-friendly accommodations and the opportunity to learn to surf. Ask around about where to get lessons, which are often available through various hostels and guesthouses.
Lead photo: Otto Rodriguez used under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike license
