Overview & Highlights
A unique opportunity to explore a rising star in Central America with forest-clad hills, volcanoes, quiet colonial towns, world-famous Pacific surf and exceptionally friendly people.
This holiday includes some remote rural areas where the friendly guides and general tranquillity will soon set you at ease. It's a broad-based trip, including gentle outdoor activities as well as visits to highlights by car and boat, delivering an authentic experience of the cultural as well as the natural richness and variety of the republic.
Owing to its complicated recent history El Salvador has yet to establish itself as a sought-after tourist destination, but this is one of its attractions: you will find truly unspoilt landscapes and a genuine welcome from the local population. It’s a small country, easy to get around by land and you’ll be distracted from some uneven road surfaces by the captivating scenery through which you will pass. Outstanding, both literally at metaphorically, are the dominant volcanoes which stud the countryside – you’ll get to view the cones of el Boquerón, Santa Ana and Izalco as you visit national parks established between areas of , richly fertile, intensively farmed farming country peppered with coffee plantations. Also in the rugged interior you’ll drive along the famed “route of the flowers”, drop in on preserved colonial artisan towns such as Suchitoto and little-visited Mayan archaeological sites. The coast is not neglected, with a boat trip on the Gulf of Fonseca and a short time to view the surfing on a Pacific beach.
- El Boquerón volcano
- El Tazumal archaeological site
- Route of the Flowers excursion
- Coffee plantation tour
- Cerro Verde National Park visit
- Chocolate plantation tour
- Pupusa workshop – making El Salvador’s national dish
- Half day boat trip on the Gulf of Fonseca with lunch
- Perkin: Peace Museum
- Perkin: local hike
- Perkin: El Monzote visit
- Joya de Cerén archaeological site
- Cinquera National Park walk
- San Salvador city tour
- La Libertad fish market and lunch
Outline itinerary
Day 1
Arrive in El Salvador. Transfer to hotel in the capital, San Salvador
Day 2
El Boquerón volcano; Mayan ruins of El Tazumal; colonial Ataco
Day 3
Artisan villages along the ‘Route of the Flowers’; visit coffee plantation.
Day 4
Santa Ana volcano and Cerro Verde National Park; drive to Jiquilisco Bay.
Day 5
Chocolate plantation tour and optional kayaking; on to La Union.
Day 6
Boat trip on the Gulf of Fonseca; drive to Perquin.
Day 7
Walks in Perquin. Discover El Mozote & Perquin's Peace Museum.
Day 8
Drive to El Salvador’s ‘Pompeii’ Joya de Cerén; continue to colonial Suchitoto.
Day 9
At leisure in Suchitoto
Day 10
Visit San Salvador’s historic centre. Overnight on Pacific coast.
Day 11
Transfer to airport for international flight.
Things to do
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Accommodation
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Our exciting range of articles on Latin America explore everything from iconic destinations and lesser-known cultural gems to delicious traditional recipes. You’ll also find exclusive travel tips, first-hand client reviews and the chance to get your personal questions answered by our travel experts.
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