Best Things to Do in El Salvador

El Salvador sits between Guatemala and Honduras on the Pacific coast of Central America. Once among the most dangerous countries in the world due to MS-13 and Barrio 18 gang violence, El Salvador has experienced a dramatic security transformation since 2022 under President Nayib Bukele’s state of emergency crackdown, which has reduced homicides by over 80% and resulted in the mass imprisonment of gang members. Tourist arrivals have risen substantially. The things to do in El Salvador are anchored by its Pacific coast surf beaches (El Tunco, El Sunzal, and Punta Roca near La Libertad), its volcanic landscape (Santa Ana/Ilamatepec volcano has the most beautiful crater lake in Central America; Izalco was called the “Lighthouse of the Pacific” for its constant eruptions for 200 years), its colonial towns (Suchitoto, a lakeside colonial town in the north, is the country’s most charming), and the Ruta de las Flores, a mountain road through coffee-growing villages known for flower festivals and artisanal crafts. Joya de Cerén is a UNESCO World Heritage Site — a Maya village preserved under volcanic ash, the “Pompeii of the Americas.”Best time to visitNovember through April is the dry season and generally the best time, with warm, sunny days and manageable temperatures. May through October is the rainy season; afternoons bring heavy showers but mornings are often clear. December through February is the peak season with the most visitors and the highest prices. The Ruta de las Flores blossom festival (typically November-December) is the country’s most colorful cultural event.Getting aroundMonseñor Óscar Arnulfo Romero International Airport is 45 km southeast of San Salvador. Within the country, buses are the primary public transport; rental cars significantly expand access. El Tunco and La Libertad are 45 minutes from San Salvador by bus or car. Suchitoto is 47 km north of San Salvador. Santa Ana Volcano is accessible via tour from Santa Ana city (2 hours from San Salvador). Most itineraries are manageable without a car using shuttle buses from tourist hostels.What to eatPupusas — thick corn tortillas stuffed with cheese, beans, loroco (edible flower), or chicharrón and served with curtido (fermented cabbage slaw) and tomato sauce — are the national food of El Salvador, consumed for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Every town has pupuserias; judging the best is a national pastime. Yuca frita (fried cassava with chicharrón), sopa de res (beef vegetable soup), and tamales are common. Cacao: El Salvador grows some of Central America’s finest cacao; artisan chocolate shops in Santa Ana and Suchitoto are worth seeking out.FAQIs El Salvador safe now?Significantly safer than before 2022. The government’s mass gang crackdown has reduced homicides dramatically (from one of the world’s highest rates to one of the region’s lowest by 2023-2024). Tourist areas like El Tunco, Suchitoto, and the Santa Ana region are generally well-regarded by travelers. The crackdown itself has drawn human rights criticism (tens of thousands imprisoned with reduced due process); this is an ethical consideration for some travelers. Check current travel advisories and use established tour operators for remote areas.What is Bitcoin City in El Salvador?El Salvador became the first country to adopt Bitcoin as legal tender in 2021 under President Bukele, and announced plans for a Bitcoin City to be built near Conchagua Volcano funded by Bitcoin bonds. As of 2024-2025, the Bitcoin City project remains in early stages. The Bitcoin legal tender mandate was effectively scaled back in 2024 as part of an IMF loan agreement. US dollars remain the primary currency for all transactions.