Travel Tips for Exploring El Salvador: A Practical Guide for Your Adventures
Written By: Global Grit and Glam
February 2025
National Palace (El Salvador)
Today, El Salvador is one of my (Beck’s) top three favorite countries. Whilst it may be the smallest country in Central America (and the last one I had the opportunity to visit in that region), it is a land packed with abundant natural beauty, cultural and historical significance, and some of the friendliest, most welcoming people you could ever have the honor to meet.
Known for its active volcanoes, coffee plantations, and pristine beaches along the Pacific coast, El Salvador offers a plethora of experiences for all travelers, whether you consider yourself a bit more on the grit side, or a bit more on the glam side. However, understanding the practicalities of travel to and within El Salvador – everything from entry and exit requirements to local customs – is key to a safe and enriching journey. This guide provides essential travel tips and recommendations for exploring El Salvador, to help you make the most of your visit.
Quick Tips
Quick Tips (El Salvador)
Here are some insider tips to help you make the most of your visit to El Salvador:
Like many countries in the region, El Salvador has two distinct seasons: wet and dry. Make sure to plan your visit accordingly!
Entry and exit requirements for El Salvador are relatively straightforward, especially for citizens of the United States, Canada, and the European Union.
Today, El Salvador is a welcoming and safe place for travellers, having made significant strides in improving safety for foreign visitors.
El Salvador’s tropical climate requires travelers to take certain precautions against illnesses and diseases. Here you’ll find information on recommended vaccinations, how to avoid mosquito-borne illnesses, and how to generally stay healthy on the road.
Getting to El Salvador is easy, whether you choose to enter the country by air, land or sea.
Getting around the country is also easy: transportation options include everything from local “chicken buses” to taxis to private cars and drivers.
There is so much to do and see in El Salvador that it can easily take several weeks to explore everything! Consider visiting some of the more well-known destinations in the country (Ruta de las Flores, Cerro Verde National Park, and the southern beaches of the Pacific coast) as well as some of the more off-the-beaten-path destinations (Suchitoto, Laguna del Alegría, Parque Nacional El Imposible, El Boquerón National Park, Parque Nacional Montecristo and Las Siete Cascadas).
Staying in El Salvador is a treat and caters to all budgets, offering a wide range of accommodation options from charming boutique hotels and guesthouses to eco-lodges and backpacker-friendly beachfront hostels.
No trip to El Salvador is complete without sampling its delicious local cuisine. From pupusas to quesadillas to their famous coffee, make sure to try at least some of the food and drink for which El Salvador is most well known.
Arm yourself with some basic Spanish – the national language of El Salvador – to help support a more authentic visit.
Make sure you stay connected with loved ones back home whilst you’re in El Salvador, through free wifi at cafes, restaurants and hotels, or by purchasing a local SIM card once in-country.
The U.S. dollar (USD) is the official currency of El Salvador. Credit cards are widely accepted, but make sure to also carry some small denominations of cash with you.
Ensure you take note of, and certainly follow, the local laws and customs of El Salvador, to help ensure a smooth – and indeed respectful – visit to the country.
Plan Your Trip
Plan Your Trip (El Salvador)
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Planning a trip to El Salvador? Take advantage of the following recommended resources.
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Search TripAdvisor for things to do In El Salvador
Use GetYourGuide for tours, guides, and skip-the-line-tickets
Check out WeGoTrip for self-guided audio tours available for immediate download
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We highly recommend the The Beach Break Hotel El Zonte.
Book hotels in El Salvador with Trip.com
Search hotels in El Salvador with Booking.com
El Salvador VRBO apartment rentals
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Search Flights To And From San Salvador
We've also relied on Skyscanner and Booking.com as great flight comparison tools for years.
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Car rental in San Salvador
Economy car rental in El Salvador
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While it’s tempting to skip the extra cost, travel insurance should be considered for domestic travel, and it’s a must for international travel.
TravelInsurance.com is an excellent comparison tool.
EKTA provides affordable plans with different coverage levels.
If you're planning outdoor activities like hiking or kayaking, consider travel insurance that covers those activities.
Visit our Resources page for additional planning tips, strategies, and companies we recommend.
Visa Requirements and Travel Documents
Travel Documents (El Salvador)
Traveling to El Salvador is relatively straightforward, especially for citizens of the United States, Canada, and the European Union, who do not need a visa for tourism or business purposes. Visitors should ensure their passports are valid for at least six months from the date of entry into El Salvador, and note that you may need to purchase a tourist card upon arrival.
For an in-depth exploration of travel documents required for entry into, and exit from, El Salvador, consult our article El Salvador Entry and Exit Requirements.
And, as always, check with the El Salvadoran embassy or consulate in your home country before you travel, for the most accurate and up-to-date information on the region.
Travel Advice and Alerts: Health and Safety in El Salvador
Liberty Plaza (San Salvador, El Salvador)
We won’t deny that we knew little about El Salvador before beginning research into our trip, except that for many years the country wasn’t considered safe for visitors. Certainly there were many concerns raised by loved ones when Beck announced a proposed visit to El Salvador, the majority which surrounded safety in a country perceived to be riddled with political instability, civil wars, violence and crime.
There is no doubt that El Salvador is a country with a complicated history. It can, nonetheless, be a fantastic destination for travelers and, to our very pleasant surprise, El Salvador has made significant strides in improving safety for foreign visitors, making it a more welcoming destination than ever before. In fact, Beck found it to be one of the safest and most welcoming countries she’s ever visited (and we know she’s been to quite a few countries…).
Of course, it’s always wise to stay vigilant, no matter where in the world you’re travelling, but today El Salvador is considered generally safe for visitors. It’s important to always remain informed of current safety in any country, and to take necessary precautions as advised. Here are some additional safety tips to help you enjoy your visit to El Salvador with peace of mind:
Avoid traveling alone at night. When and where possible, avoid venturing out solo after dark, especially in remote or urban areas. If you do need to go out at night, make sure to do so in groups, sticking to well-lit, populated areas. Also avoid high-crime areas, which are more common in cities in the north and east of the country and include neighborhoods like Soyapango, Apopa and Mejicanos.
Use reputable taxi services or ride-sharing apps. Taxis are generally easy to find throughout El Salvador – you can easily hail one off the street (we recommend researching in advance the most reputable taxi companies), head to any major tourist area where there are usually an abundance of taxis waiting for customers, or you can always book a taxi in advance through your hotel. Uber is also readily available in San Salvador.
Keep a low profile. It’s always a good idea to avoid showing the rest of the world – including your fellow travelers – obvious signs of wealth (for example, expensive jewelry or fancy electronics), which could otherwise make you an easy target for pickpockets and attract unwanted attention. Always keep your wits about you, especially in crowded public spaces or places tourists generally frequent.
Be mindful of your belongings. Similar to the point above, keep an eye on your belongings at all times, especially in crowded areas or tourist hotspots. Consider carrying your bag on your front through busy markets, and leaving large amounts of cash and your passport in a hotel safe. Carry only what you need for the day, only use credit cards at reputable locations, and consider storing cash in different sections of your clothing or bags as you’re wandering around during the day. Pickpocketing and petty theft can occur, so it’s wise to stay vigilant.
Stay informed: Ensure you always keep up-to-date with local and national news within El Salvador, and be sure to follow any advice given to you by local authorities. Whilst gang violence in El Salvador has decreased significantly, avoid high-risk urban areas and follow local advice on safe zones.
By taking the above precautions and staying vigilant (which, let’s be honest, you should take anywhere you travel!), you’ll be able to focus on enjoying all that El Salvador has to offer, ensuring a smooth, hassle-free, and certainly memorable visit.
And just as with Entry and Exit Requirements to El Salvador, always check with your home country’s travel warnings and safety alerts for El Salvador before you travel, for the most accurate and up-to-date information on the region.
Health Precautions for El Salvador
Souvenirs (El Salvador)
El Salvador’s tropical climate requires travelers to take certain precautions against illnesses and diseases. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that travelers to El Salvador be up-to-date on all routine travel vaccinations, including vaccinations against yellow fever.
Mosquito-borne illnesses like Zika, Dengue Fever and Chikungunya are also present in El Salvador. To protect yourself against potential infection, ensure you are using appropriate insect/bug repellent, wear light-colored, long sleeves and pants, and stay in air-conditioned or screened accommodations where possible.
We also highly recommend taking out travel insurance for your visit to El Salvador, and to carry any essential, properly-labelled medications with you. Our series on international travel essentials can further assist you with these concerns.
Taking the above health precautions will help to ensure a safer trip, but it’s also always recommended to consult with your own healthcare professional or a reputable travel clinic before traveling to El Salvador, to determine what’s best for you.
Language and Communication: Creating Authentic Interactions
Castilian (El Salvador)
Learning The Language
The official national language of El Salvador is Spanish (Castilian) and is spoken by almost all Salvadorans. Whilst English is spoken – or at least understood – in some areas (especially those frequented by tourists), arming yourself with some basic Spanish will go a long way in supporting a more authentic visit, by connecting you more easily with locals and helping you to communicate about basic needs (“Donde esta el baño?”).
A very small number of Pipils (indigenous inhabitants of El Salvador, descendants of several groups of Mexican migrants) speak Nawat or Nicarao.
Salvadorans are known for their warm hospitality and welcoming nature (one of the main reasons this is one of Beck’s favorite countries!): make sure to take the time to engage with locals at markets or during guided tours, to help gain additional insight into Salvadoran culture.
Communication and Technology: Staying Connected
Staying connected with loved ones whilst you’re in El Salvador is relatively easy, with many cafes, restaurants and hotels offering free Wi-Fi. You can also purchase a local SIM card or rent a portable Wi-Fi hotspot for accessing data on the go.
Some recommended phone and internet providers in El Salvador include:
Tigo, a popular phone provider with good coverage throughout the country
Claro, another major phone provider with reliable service and affordable plans
Movistar, a phone provider with a strong network and competitive pricing
And of course, no matter where in the world you choose to travel, you can always stay connected with family and friends back home by taking advantage of free messaging apps like WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger (this is, after all, the 21st century!).
Money Matters: Currency and Using Funds in El Salvador
El Boquerón National Park (El Salvador)
The official currency of El Salvador is the United States dollar (USD), replacing the colon (which was the country’s currency for over a century) in 2001. Bitcoin has also been used as an official currency of El Salvador since September 2021. The use of the U.S. dollar certainly simplifies travel to the region for most Americans.
Credit cards are widely accepted in tourist areas, shopping malls, and larger establishments, but note that cash is preferred – and indeed in some cases necessary – for shopping at local markets, when dining at local restaurants, or when visiting smaller villages. Make sure to carry small dollar bills, as vendors often lack change for larger denominations.
ATMs are available in major cities throughout El Salvador, but may charge fees for foreign transactions. Make sure to always check with your home banking institution for any additional fees that may be incurred when using your debit or credit card abroad.
Tipping, whilst not mandatory in El Salvador, is appreciated. The typical amount to tip is 10%-15% in restaurants; consider rounding up to the nearest dollar for taxi fares.
Laws and Customs in El Salvador
Lake Suchitlan (El Salvador)
Like most countries, El Salvador is governed by certain laws and customs about which all travelers should be aware. Taking note of these laws and customs will help ensure a smooth – and indeed respectful – visit to this country.
Here are some things to keep in mind in the lead up to, and during, your visit:
Dress modestly: El Salvador is a conservative country, so ensure you dress appropriately, especially when visiting archaeological and religious sites.
Drug possession: El Salvador has strict laws against drug possession and trafficking. Do not bring any illegal substances into the country, nor purchase them whilst travelling in-country.
Respect anti-corruption laws: El Salvador also has very strict laws against corruption. Do not bribe officials, nor engage in any corrupt activities that may include embezzlement, money laundering, or negotiating with criminal gangs.
Photography: Be mindful of local laws and regulations surrounding photography. For example, it’s illegal in El Salvador to photograph military installations or schools where minors are present. And like anywhere else in the world, always ask permission before taking someone’s photograph.
By following local laws and customs in El Salvador, you will ensure you’ll avoid any trouble or hassle during your adventures – and ultimately be able to experience this amazing country to the fullest.
Emergency and Consular Assistance
In case of an emergency during your time in El Salvador, it’s essential to know who to contact and what to do. Below are some important phone numbers and tips to keep with you (note that 503 is the country code for El Salvador, and you do not need to include it when dialing from within the country):
Local police: dial 911
Tourist police: (503) 2511-8302 or (503) 2511-8300
Fire department: dial 913
In case of a medical emergency, you can visit a local public hospital or clinic, or contact a private medical facility that may offer better service, care and equipment. We highly recommend purchasing in advance travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and other unexpected events that may occur whilst you’re in El Salvador.
Before leaving your home country, be sure to also note the contact information for your country’s Embassy or Consulate in El Salvador. For example, to report an emergency involving a U.S. citizen in El Salvador, you can reach the U.S. Embassy in San Salvador at (503) 2501 2999.
The Best Time to Visit El Salvador
Casa Dela Abuela (Suchitoto, El Salvador)
El Salvador’s tropical climate makes it a year-round destination, but your experience may vary based on the season you choose to visit. Indeed, the best time to visit may simply depend upon your own preferences and the activities you have planned for your time in El Salvador. Something to keep in mind is that the country has two distinct seasons:
Dry season (November to April)
El Salvador’s Summer is sunny and hot, ideal for hiking, surfing, and exploring historical sites outdoors. It’s ideal for those who prefer warm weather and minimal rainfall, also making it the most popular season for visitors. This is peak tourist season and booking tours and accommodation ahead of time is highly recommended. You will also often find prices are higher during this season.
Rainy season (May to October)
Considered Winter, this time of year is underscored by heavy rains (and the occasional hurricane and tropical storm), offering lush green landscapes and fewer visitors. It also offers El Salvador’s cooler weather and is their coffee harvest season. Most rains fall in the form of afternoon thunderstorms, and some heavy rains may impact road conditions and ease of access to rural areas. This aside, the rainy season is also the time when you’ll likely find lower prices for accommodation, tours and other services.
Aside from El Salvador's distinct seasons, temperatures are also moderated by elevation, with the coastal and low-land areas generally warmer (think hot and humid), and the central mountainous regions generally cooler. Overall, El Salvador is generally warm throughout the year, with average temperatures ranging from the high 50s to high 70s Fahrenheit (14oC to 25oC). Daylight hours remain consistent throughout the year, making it easier to plan activities.
Getting to El Salvador
Catedral Metropolitana de San Salvador (El Salvador)
El Salvador is well-connected and easily accessible, whether you’re arriving by air, land, or sea. Here’s how you can get to this amazing country!
By Air
The Monseñor Óscar Arnulfo Romero y Galdámez International Airport (SAL) in San Salvador is your main gateway to El Salvador. Flights through major airlines that include Avianca, American Airlines, Delta and United, connect El Salvador to the rest of the world. We recommend using XXX to find the best selection of flights for your visit.
By Land
El Salvador shares borders with both Guatemala and Honduras, and you can easily enter El Salvador by bus or car from either country. The border crossings are generally straightforward and well-maintained: US$40 million was spent in 2024 to modernize Salvadoran land border crossings. We recommend using only official land border crossings between these countries.
By Sea
For those arriving by sea, the Port of Acajutla – located near the western border with Guatemala – is a key entry point, accommodating both international cargo ships and cruise ships. You can also access El Salvador by sea through the relatively new port of La Unión, situated at the far eastern end of El Salvador near the borders with Nicaragua and Honduras, although this is primarily used for freight traffic.
Getting Around El Salvador
Juayua Food Festival (El Salvador)
As the smallest country in continental America, El Salvador covers a total area of 21,041 km2 (8,124 sq mi). It’s sometimes referred to as the "Tom Thumb of the Americas" (Pulgarcito de America), making it easy to see a lot in a small amount of time.
El Salvador offers various transportation options to help you explore the country. Main roads are generally well-maintained, especially between major cities like San Salvador, Santa Ana, and La Libertad. Note, however, that road conditions can vary in rural areas, especially during the rainy season, so we recommend exercising caution.
Although we chose to hire a car and private guide for our time in El Salvador, once you’ve arrived public transport is the most common way to get around the country – more specifically, using the local bus network. Buses are an affordable and efficient way to travel within, as well as between, towns, offering an additional glimpse into local life. There are different types of buses in El Salvador, depending upon where and how you want to travel:
Local buses
Also known as "chicken buses" – are a cheap, convenient and colorful option to get around. These former U.S. school buses travel almost everywhere, connecting towns and villages, and with central hubs in larger cities. Most single trips cost less than US$1.
Minibuses
are a little less formal than the local buses, but are just as accessible, easy, and cheap (they charge about 25 cents per trip). The only challenge with minibuses is that they are usually jam-packed – to the point of being overcrowded – so it’s recommended to travel with only a small amount of luggage if choosing this transportation option.
Long-distance bus lines
serve destinations across Central America’s seven countries. They are generally quite modern, comfortable, and equipped with reclining seats, a restroom, air-conditioning, WiFi, and on-board security.
Note also that whilst public transportation (and buses in particular) is readily available in urban areas, it may not reach smaller towns or national parks. For further exploration, you may wish to consider taking a taxi or renting a car.
Taxis are readily available throughout El Salvador, and a great option for shorter trips within a town or city. You can easily hail one off the street or book one ahead of time (we recommend researching in advance the most reputable taxi companies available). Taxis in, for example, San Salvador, calculate fares using a taximeter, based on time and distance travelled. There is only one tariff, as no surcharges apply to differentiate between day, night or weekend trips. Uber is another option for short rides, especially in San Salvador.
For far more flexibility, and the freedom to go where you want and when you want, consider renting a car (as we did) or hiring a local guide (which we also did!). We enjoyed the additional independence this afforded us, going on to recommend the very same driver and guide to friends who visited El Salvador about six months after our own trip. Renting a car also allows you to explore rural areas and embark on spontaneous road trips. Car rental services are readily available in San Salvador and other major cities.
Walking and cycling have also recently become more popular ways to explore El Salvador, especially within its cities and towns. Taking your time either on foot or by bike is a fantastic way to soak in the local ambiance at your own pace.
The Best Things to See and Do in El Salvador
El Salvador offers visitors the perfect blend of adventure, culture, and relaxation. From its cultural highlights and main attractions, this amazing country offers visitors a truly authentic and intimate travel experience. Whether you’re an adventurer looking to hike volcanoes, a history buff excited to explore Mayan ruins and UNESCO World Heritage Sites, or someone simply looking for beautiful beaches upon which to laze away a few days (or weeks!), you’ll certainly find it all in El Salvador.
Here are things to do in El Salvador you won’t want to miss:
Ruta de las Flores: This well-trodden tourist path takes you through the charming colonial towns and villages of western El Salvador. Known for its vibrant markets, colorful murals and lush green coffee plantations.
Cerro Verde National Park (Parque Nacional Los Volcanes): With incredible views over the surrounding landscape, Cerro Verde National Park offers visitors fantastic opportunities for hiking and to experience some of El Salvador’s endemic flora and fauna.
Santa Ana: In the western part of El Salvador, this city is known for its colonial architecture and vibrant cultural scene. Don’t miss the incredible Santa Ana Cathedral and a hike to the top of the nearby Santa Ana Volcano.
El Tunco: A beach town on the Pacific coast of El Salvador, El Tunco is famous for its surfing and chill-out vibe. An excellent place simply to relax, catch some waves and enjoy the lively nightlife.
La Libertad: This department, also on the Pacific coast of El Salvador, is famous for its beaches and cultural scene. Whether you are up for surfing one of its many surf beaches, sunbathing on the white sandy shores, or exploring local markets, La Libertad has a little something for all travelers.
Why not also consider visiting some more off-the-beaten path options, an opportunity to “see a little extra”?
Suchitoto: A charming colonial town, just over an hour north-east of San Salvador.
Laguna del Alegría: Swim in the emerald green waters of this beautiful crater lake.
Parque Nacional El Imposible: Explore the incredible biodiversity found within this large national park.
El Boquerón National Park: Just minutes from the hustle and bustle of the nation’s capital, San Salvador, you’ll find this protected area with great diversity in fauna and flora. Located on the crater of the San Salvador Volcano, it’s one of the most accessible places in El Salvador and makes for an excellent day trip from the capital.
Parque Nacional Montecristo: A unique opportunity to hike through a cloud forest and to the top of El Trifinio, where you’ll find yourself standing at the apex of three different countries at the same time.
Las Siete Cascadas (Seven Waterfalls): Just outside of Juayúa, venture through lush landscapes to these hidden waterfalls.
Cascadas El Chorrerón: Near the border with Honduras, hike to these thundering 40-meter-high waterfalls.
San Salvador: Take a city tour of El Salvador’s vibrant capital city.
Even if you only have time to visit a few of the sites listed above, these recommended destinations will permit you a glimpse into the large variety of what El Salvador has to offer visitors.
Accommodation in El Salvador: Where to Stay
El Salvador caters to all budgets, offering a wide range of accommodation options from charming boutique hotels and guesthouses to eco-lodges and backpacker-friendly beachfront hostels. Whether you’re seeking a budget-friendly hotel like Hotel Anahuac in Juayúa (where we stayed and loved!) or a large chain hotel with a little bit of extra luxury in San Salvador after a long few days on the road, you’ll find El Salvador has a little something for everyone.
We recommend using Booking.com, Expedia, and Airbnb to find the best options for your budget and preferred tastes. For San Salvador, the capital city, you can search for modern hotels with amenities that include private pools and restaurants, and in smaller towns like El Zonte you can search for a cozy guesthouse or a beachside bungalow. For a tranquil beach destination on the Pacific coast that offers some truly unique accommodation options, consider El Cuco in the department of San Miguel, about three hours south-east of San Salvador.
Food and Drink: A Wee Taste of El Salvador
Plan Your Visit (Suchitoto, El Salvador)
No trip to El Salvador is complete without sampling its delicious local cuisine. From pupusas to quesadillas to their famous coffee, you’ll never be short on fabulous food and drink during your time in the region.
Pupusas: El Salvador’s iconic dish can be found almost anywhere in the country, but you’ll want to make sure you check out Olocuilta in particular. You can find pupuserias in almost every town, selling these delicious thick, round corn or rice doughs stuffed with everything from cheese and shredded meat to spinach and beans (and everything in between). Pupusas are usually served with salsa and curtido (pickled cabbage): a must-try for any visitor. For less than US$4, you’ll be treated to an incredibly satisfying and filling local meal every time! Consider, as we did, taking a pupusa-making class whilst you’re in El Salvador.
Sopa de Gallina (India): The star ingredient of this traditional Salvadoran soup (or broth) is free-range chicken (known as gallina india). After being cut into large pieces, the chicken is typically cooked in water and then combined with a variety of chopped vegetables (for example, carrots, onions and tomatoes), herbs and spices (including parsley, red pepper and basil), and other seasonings, to create a delectably rich flavor. Eggs, rice and other meat may also be added.
Pastel de tres Leches: Translated as “three milk cake”, this is a must-try dessert. Whilst it’s believed this cake originated in neighboring Nicaragua, it has become popular throughout Central America, and is a staple at most bakeries and grocery stores across El Salvador. Soaking the cake in three different types of milk (usually sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and a third milk which could be heavy cream, whole milk, or half-and-half) gives it a rich, dense quality, almost like a cheesecake.
Quesadilla: A quick heads up: Salvadoran quesadillas are nothing like your common, typical Mexican quesadilla. We were just as surprised as most! A quesadilla salvadoreña is actually more like a cake: a “pan dulce”, or sweet bread, similar to pound cake (I know, right?). Made with rice flour and white hard cheese or parmesan, this sweet bread is then usually topped with sesame seeds and served with coffee, either as part of breakfast or a snack.
To accompany the above dishes, try some of El Salvador’s popular drinks:
Fresh Coconut Water: A refreshing and hydrating drink, excellent for especially hot days.
Horchata: A sweet, milky drink made from rice, cinnamon and vanilla. Certainly a unique flavor!
Fresh Fruit Juice: Enjoy the fresh fruit juices made from El Salvador’s very own crops: guava, papaya and passionfruit.
Beer: El Salvador might be known for its coffee, but it also has numerous local beers of its own, including Pilsener (the country’s most popular beer, made with natural ingredients) and Regia (an intense-flavored beer that’s been in production for almost 70 years).
Coffee: El Salvador produces some of the world’s finest coffee, so be sure to have a cup o’ Joe or two during your visit. El Salvadoran coffee is known for its smooth, well-balanced flavor, grown in the fertile volcanic soil of the country’s higher altitudes. Be sure to try some of the most popular varieties of coffee grown in El Salvador: Catimor, Pacamara, Bourbon, or Pacas. A tour of one of the numerous coffee plantations spread throughout the country (we recommend visiting one in the Santa Ana region, known for producing some of the best coffee in El Salvador) – where you can participate in a coffee tasting (or coffee “cupping”) experience – is highly recommended for those seeking an authentic, grass roots coffee experience.
Food and Water Safety in El Salvador
Whilst El Salvador offers visitors some wonderful food and drink options, it’s always important to take some necessary precautions to avoid potential food and water safety issues during your visit.
Here are some tips to help you enjoy all the local flavors without getting sick:
Avoid undercooked foods: Don’t eat undercooked meat, seafood or eggs, or unpasteurized dairy products.
Drink bottled or filtered water: Tap water is not safe to drink in El Salvador. Opt instead for commercial bottled or filtered water, which can be purchased cheaply at most supermarkets, small shops and restaurants.
Be careful with street food: Whilst street food is tempting (and can be positively delicious!), avoid eating from street vendors or local markets where food-handling practices may not be up to par.
Practice good hygiene: Wash your hands often, especially before and after eating or handling food. Carry hand sanitizer and/or sanitizing wipes with you at all times, for when running water and soap may not be readily available.
By following the above food and water safety tips, you’ll be able to truly enjoy the fantastic cuisine of El Salvador without any concerns.
Final Thoughts
Final Thoughts (El Salvador)
Embracing the Spirit of El Salvador
With a bit of preparation, and by taking note of the tips and recommendations we’ve provided here, any visit to El Salvador can be a truly stress-free and memorable experience. You’ll be able to enter and leave the country with ease, navigate El Salvador’s diverse landscapes, immerse yourself in its vibrant culture and connect freely with friendly, hospitable locals, and absorb the history of this fascinating land with confidence.
Start planning your journey to El Salvador today, and discover why this magical land has already gripped the hearts of numerous hardy adventurers – and make sure you do so before the word gets out! El Salvador is waiting for you … waiting to welcome you with warm, open arms.
Now … it’s time to plan your trip!
