San Salvador holidays
San Salvador holidays at a glance
We think of San Salvador as a large, dynamic city, full of constant movement, diversity and contrast. It reflects many different chapters of the country’s story, from volcanic eruptions and civil war to modern entrepreneurship and artistic creativity.
San Salvador isn’t a city that gives itself up immediately.
Some neighbourhoods have historically been better explored with a guide, though the city has changed a great deal in recent years, and much of the historic centre – once considered off-limits – now welcomes visitors openly, alongside districts that have undergone real regeneration and become centres of innovation, tranquillity and culture.
This all makes San Salvador a city that rewards a little guided exploration – you’ll uncover both the obvious attractions and the lesser-known districts, while getting real insight into the country’s complex history and ongoing transformation.
Why choose Journey Latin America for your holiday to San Salvador
We’ve been planning trips to Central and South America for over 45 years, longer than any other UK specialist. Every holiday is built around you by a Travel Expert who has been to the places they recommend, with support from your first enquiry to the day you fly home.
San Salvador is a city of contrasts, where history, creativity and regeneration create a compelling introduction to modern El Salvador.
When to visit San Salvador
You can visit the capital throughout the year, but it’s worth knowing how the two seasons differ before you decide when to go.
The dry season in Salvador, the days are warm and mostly sunny with moderate humidity.
As the rainy season begins there will be short showers in the afternoon and evenings but as the months progress there is a greater chance of tropical storms as humidity and rainfall increase.
Top Things to do in San Salvador
San Salvador combines history, contemporary culture and fascinating insight into El Salvador’s past and present – there are plenty of things to do in San Salvador, whatever you’re drawn to.
On a guided tour, explore the colonial heart of San Salvador and its revolutionary history.
Discover the country’s most important Mayan site, buried for centuries under volcanic ash.
Tailor-Made San Salvador Tours
Prefer to travel on your own terms? We’ll build a trip around your dates, your pace and the things you most want to see – whether that’s a first run at Machu Picchu, a family adventure mixing history and wildlife, or a food-focused journey through Lima and the Sacred Valley. Our Travel Experts can help shape it with you.
Signature El Salvador: Revolutionary road trip
Places visited: San Salvador · Ruta de las Flores · Gulf of Fonseca and Eastern El Salvador · Suchitoto · Pacific Coast
11 days from £2,775
Undiscovered El Salvador and Nicaragua
Places visited: San Salvador · Ruta de las Flores · Suchitoto · Gulf of Fonseca and Eastern El Salvador · Leon · Ometepe Island · Granada · Rio San Juan
19 days from £4,700
FAQs about visiting San Salvador
San Salvador is one of the most popular destinations, and there’s plenty to think about before you go. Here, our specialists share their best advice.
- When To Go
San Salvador has a semi-tropical climate all year round with temperatures hovering around 30°C. The dry season is Nov-Apr when daytime temperatures can be high. The rainy season, May-Oct, is characterised by mostly evening and nocturnal showers. The city suffers from traffic-induced smog all year round depending on local weather conditions.
For more detailed information visit our When To Go section.
- Language
Spanish
- Getting Local Currency
US dollar. The former local currency( colon) was phased out in 2003. You can obtain US dollar cash or exchange travellers cheques locally in banks and money exchanges (casas de cambio) and may be able to obtain cash advances from a couple of ATMs in San Salvador. You should authorise your bank first, and withdrawals may be limited.
- Time Difference
GMT -6 hrs
- Combines With
Just about anywhere in El Salvador, as the capital is a communications hub and the distances are small.
- Getting There
There are flights via US and European hubs, the journey from London takes around taking around 15 hours.
- Key Events
Holy Week (variable).
El Salvador del Mundo pageant: end July-early August. With processions, floats and church services celebrating the Feast of the Transfiguration.
Dia del Indigena: 12 Dec. Processions honouring the Virgen de Guadelupe.
Ready to start planning?
Tell us where you want to go, and we’ll take it from there. No obligation, no sales pitch – just a conversation with someone who knows the region inside out.