{"id":150068,"date":"2023-03-14T09:08:15","date_gmt":"2023-03-14T09:08:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/?p=150068"},"modified":"2026-09-17T13:35:43","modified_gmt":"2026-09-17T13:35:43","slug":"where-to-go-in-el-salvador-a-2-week-itinerary-of-this-small-but-sensational-country","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/where-to-go-in-el-salvador-a-2-week-itinerary-of-this-small-but-sensational-country\/","title":{"rendered":"Where to go in El Salvador, a 2-week itinerary of this small but sensational country"},"content":{"rendered":"

El Salvador is fast becoming a popular spot on the backpacker trail. In 2021, I spent two weeks there and had absolutely no idea what to expect. It turned out to be one of my favourite countries for both its wonderfully friendly locals and the \u2018untouched\u2019 feel it still possesses. From towering volcanoes to world-class surfing to coffee plantations as far as the eye can see, the smallest country in Central America is jam-packed with things to do. Read on for where to go in El Salvador.<\/p>\n

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Jump straight to:<\/h4>\n
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  1. \n

    El Tunco<\/span><\/a><\/h4>\n<\/li>\n
  2. \n

    San Salvador<\/span><\/a><\/h4>\n<\/li>\n
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    Santa Ana<\/span><\/a><\/h4>\n<\/li>\n
  4. \n

    Suchitoto<\/span><\/a><\/h4>\n<\/li>\n
  5. \n

    Ruta de las Flores<\/span><\/a><\/h4>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

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    El Tunco ~ 2 days<\/h2>\n

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    If you want to take it easy, catch some waves, and socialise with other backpackers, this is the place to be. Keen surfers could definitely spend more than two days here! Be warned: it is fairly touristy so prices are considerably higher than in the rest of the country. And hey, you\u2019re likely to spend most of your time with other gringos. But meeting other travellers could hardly be considered a downside! All in all, El Tunco has rightfully earned its place as El Salvador\u2019s must-visit beach town.<\/p>\n

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    San Salvador ~ 2 days<\/h2>\n

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    You only need one day to explore the historical centre in San Salvador, just make sure you avoid Mondays as everything is closed! The best way is to take a walking tour or hit the streets yourself. Stop by Catedral Metropolitana, Iglesia el Rosario, Palacio Nacional, Museo de Arte and Parque Cuscatlan to get your cultural fix.<\/p>\n

    Whether you\u2019re a pro or new to diving, take a day trip from San Salvador to Lake Ilopango. This active volcanic crater lake is a really unique place to dive, with its warm fresh water, \u00a0cliffs of volcanic stones and majestic underwater statues.<\/p>\n

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    Santa Ana ~ 4 days<\/h2>\n

    Santa Ana is the best place to stay in El Salvador to use as a base for a wide variety of day trips. It\u2019s also home to one of my favourite hostels<\/a> where the family-run feel is a true home away from home. For the lowdown on activities, costs and how to get there by public transport, keep reading\u2026<\/p>\n

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    Salto de Malacatiupan<\/h3>\n

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    This impressive hot springs waterfall is a gorgeous place to sit in nature, enjoy the sun and take a dip in the very warm water.<\/p>\n

    Cost: <\/strong>Entry is just $1<\/p>\n

    How to get there from Santa Ana:<\/strong><\/p>\n