It seems that most backpackers travelling around Central America skip El Salvador due to safety concerns or lack of things to do. Here is my list of 10 reasons why you shouldn’t miss this awesome country:
Pupusas, Pupusas, Pupusas!
Everybody who has been to El Salvador knows this typical and very popular dish. Pupusas are similar to tortillas, just thicker and stuffed with cheese, beans, meat, loroco or other ingredients. They are normally served with “Curtido” (Cabbage Slaw) and tomato sauce. There are Pupuserias in almost every street corner and they only cost between $0.30 and $0.50.
Probably the best Pupusas you can eat in El Salvador you will find in Olocuilta. If you not that much into street food but you like to try Pupusas, I can recommend a restaurant called SENKALI in San Salvador.
Surfing in El Tunco
Maybe the most famous place in El Salvador! Many backpackers who a travelling from Guatemala to Nicaragua or the other way around are stopping by this sleepy little surfer town. The waves are great to learn to surf, there are a lot of bars and restaurants and the atmosphere is perfect to relax and chill out.
Sun-soaking in El Cuco
It is located in the south of the country in the San Miguel department and is probably the most beautiful beach in El Salvador. If you don’t know where to stay, definitely check out the hostel La Tortuga Verde.
Hiking the Santa Ana volcano
Looking for some adventures? Then you should hike the Santa Ana volcano! If you are staying near the Lake Coatepeque or in Santa Ana, it’s easy to get to there by public bus. Depending on your fitness it’s approximately a 4 to 5 hour hike to the top and apart from the last few hundert meters it isn't that difficult. The view is amazing and looking down to the torques lake inside the crater is breathtaking.
Suchitoto
Suchitoto is a small colonial town near to the Lake Suchitlan. Due to contamination, you can’t swim in the lake but you definitely should take a boat ride to Isla Los Pajaros (Bird Island). Another popular spot near Suchitoto is the Waterfall Los Tercios. Don’t forget to check out one of the Pupuserias at the main plaza!
Puerta del Diablo
If you stay in San Salvador Puerta del Diablo perhaps is the best place to escape the big city tumult and noise for a few hours. It’s just a short bus trip away from the city and popular among locals and tourists.
Visiting the Ruta de las Flores
The Ruta de las Flores is a series of beautiful small villages and maybe the best place to try traditional food and to buy souvenirs at the weekend markets. Ziplining, coffee tours and visiting the seven waterfalls are just some of the many activities the area is offering.
Learning about the civil war in Perquin & Mozote
If you want to know more about the history and the civil war in El Salvador you have to visit Perquin and its Museo de la Revolución. The museum is rustic and may not look like that much from the outside, but it is definitely worthwhile to check it out. All the rooms are covered with newspapers, photos and artefacts from the war and you can learn a lot about the guerrilla movement in El Salvador.
You maybe have heard of the terrible Mozote massacre – in 1981 during the civil war more than 800 innocent children, men and women were killed by the Salvadoran Army. All the names of the victims are listed one a memorial wall in the centre of the town and you can learn more about what happened from a local volunteer tour guide.
Laguna de Alegria
Alegria is another small town in the highlands. It is located in the Usulután department and is considered as one of the most beautiful towns in El Salvador. Most travellers come to this town to visit the Laguna de Alegria. It’s a lagoon inside the crater of the dormant volcano Tecapa and not even 2km away from the centre of the town.
Cool down in La Palma & El Pital
The unique climate makes La Palma and El Pital the perfect destination to escape the heat at least for a few days. The small town La Palma is located in Chalatenango department near the border to Honduras. Its renowned for its traditional craftwork and the painted murals.
El Pital is located about 12km to the north of La Palma and with 2750m above sea level the highest point in El Salvador. It is one of the best places for mountain biking, birdwatching and camping in El Salvador – just be prepared for some cold nights!
All photos were taken by myself. Thank you for reading!