El Salvador

1. What are the best beaches in El Salvador?
Top beaches include El Tunco for its black sand and world-class surfing, El Zonte for a laid-back vibe with great waves, and Playa El Esteron for a quieter escape with golden sand. Costa del Sol offers a long stretch of beach for relaxation, while Playa San Blas is perfect for a secluded getaway.

2. What is the best time to visit El Salvador?
The best time to visit is from November to April, during the dry season, with temperatures between 75°F and 85°F (24°C to 29°C), ideal for outdoor activities like hiking and surfing. May to October is the rainy season, with daily showers, but it’s great for lush landscapes and fewer crowds.

3. Do I need a visa to travel to El Salvador?
US, Canadian, EU, and UK citizens can visit El Salvador visa-free for up to 90 days with a valid passport as part of the CA-4 agreement (which includes Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua). Other nationalities may need a visa, which can be checked via the El Salvador Embassy website. Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay.

4. What are the top things to do in San Salvador?
In San Salvador, visit the National Palace and the Metropolitan Cathedral, explore the Museo de Arte de El Salvador, and hike in El Boquerón National Park for views of the San Salvador Volcano. Stroll through the historic downtown, shop at Mercado Central, and enjoy local food at a pupusería like El Sopón Típico.

5. Is El Salvador expensive to travel to?
El Salvador is budget-friendly, with daily costs averaging $30–$80 per person for accommodation, food, and activities. A mid-range trip can cost $400–$800 for a week. Staying in hostels and eating at local comedores can save money, though tourist areas like El Tunco may be slightly pricier.

6. What are traditional Salvadoran foods to try?
Try pupusas, thick corn tortillas stuffed with cheese, beans, or pork, served with curtido (pickled cabbage). Savor yuca frita with chicharrón, tamales de elote (sweet corn tamales), and sopa de pata, a hearty soup with tripe and vegetables. For dessert, enjoy quesadilla salvadoreña, a cheese pound cake, and wash it down with horchata or a Pilsener beer.

7. What are the best archaeological sites in El Salvador?
Top archaeological sites include Tazumal, a Mayan pyramid complex in Chalchuapa, and Joya de Cerén, a UNESCO World Heritage site known as the “Pompeii of the Americas” for its preserved ancient village. San Andrés features ceremonial structures, while Cihuatán offers insights into post-classic Mayan life with its large ruins.

8. What are the best outdoor activities in El Salvador?
Top outdoor activities include surfing at El Tunco or El Zonte, hiking the volcanoes in El Imposible National Park, and swimming at Lake Coatepeque. Explore the waterfalls of Tamanique, go coffee tasting in the Ruta de las Flores, and take a boat tour on Suchitlán Lake to see migratory birds.

9. What are the best cultural experiences in El Salvador?
Top cultural experiences include visiting the colorful towns of the Ruta de las Flores like Juayúa and Ataco, attending the San Miguel Carnival (November) with music and parades, and exploring the artisan markets in Ilobasco for ceramics. Join a pupusa-making class, visit the Fernando Llort art gallery in Santa Tecla, and experience a local festival like the Day of the Cross in May.

10. How can I travel around El Salvador?
Public buses are the cheapest option, costing $0.50–$2 per ride, connecting San Salvador to places like Santa Ana and La Libertad. Taxis and rideshares like Uber are available in cities, costing $5–$10 for short trips. Renting a car costs $25–$50 per day (driving is on the right), ideal for exploring rural areas like the Ruta de las Flores. Shared shuttles to tourist spots cost $10–$20.