El Salvador, El Salvador - Travel Guide

El Salvador offers a unique blend of vibrant culture, stunning natural beauty, and a growing surf scene. From volcanic landscapes and picturesque beaches to historical sites and bustling markets, it's an adventurous and authentic Central American experience.

Quick Facts

Recommended Stay7 days

Budget$30/day

Mid-range$50/day

Luxury$300/day

Known For

El SalvadorCentral AmericaSan SalvadorPacific CoastSuchitotoSanta AnaLa Libertad

🇸🇻 Country Information: El Salvador

CapitalSan Salvador

CurrencyUnited States dollar ($)

LanguageSpanish , Nahuatl, English (tourism areas)

Phone Code+503

Electricity115V (Type A, B)

Tap WaterNot recommended

Tipping

Tipping is generally expected in restaurants (10
15%) and for tour guides
For taxi drivers, rounding up the fare is common but not mandatory
For hotel staff, a small tip for porters or housekeepers is appreciated

Money & Payments

ATMs are common in urban areas; it's advisable to withdraw cash there
Credit cards are accepted in hotels and larger businesses, but cash is preferred for smaller vendors and rural areas
Bringing some USD cash is useful, especially for smaller purchases and emergencies
There is no official black market for cash as the USD is the official currency

Cultural Norms

Dress modestly, especially when visiting churches or rural areas
Public displays of affection are generally frowned upon
Punctuality is appreciated, but being a little late is common in social settings
Greet people with a handshake or a light touch on the arm

LGBTQ+ Information

Generally LGBTQ+ friendly. El Salvador has made progress in LGBTQ+ rights, including a ban on discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. However, same-sex marriage is not yet recognized.

Alcohol & Drug Laws

The legal drinking age is 18
Drug laws are strict, and possession of even small amounts can lead to severe penalties

Special Laws

Be aware of local security conditions and follow official travel advisories
Photography of military installations or police is prohibited
Do not display large amounts of cash or expensive jewelry

Common Phrases

NoNo (NOH)

YesSí (SEE)

HelloHola (OH-lah)

PleasePor favor (por fah-VOR)

Excuse meCon permiso (kon per-MEE-soh)

How much?¿Cuánto cuesta? (KWahn-toh KWEH-stah?)

Thank youGracias (GRAH-see-ahs)

Good morningBuenos días (BWEH-nohs DEE-ahs)

Climate

El Salvador has distinct climate zones due to elevation, ranging from hot tropical coastal areas to cooler highlands.

Climate Zone: Tropical Savanna

Best Time to Visit

May
Oct: Monsoon season (rainy season), higher risk of floods
May
Nov: Hurricane season (though El Salvador is less directly impacted by hurricanes, remnants can bring heavy rains)
El Salvador is located in an active seismic zone, so earthquakes can occur year
round

Getting There

Fly into Monseñor Óscar Arnulfo Romero International Airport (SAL) from major North American and Central American cities
Buses are a common and affordable way to travel regionally from neighboring countries like Guatemala and Honduras

Getting Around

Local buses and colectivos are widely available
Taxis are common, but confirm price before riding
Ride
sharing apps like Uber and InDriver operate in major cities like San Salvador

Health & Vaccinations

Routine vaccinations recommended (MMR, Diphtheria
Tetanus
Pertussis, Varicella)
Hepatitis A and Typhoid vaccines are recommended for most travelers
Rabies vaccine recommended for those spending a lot of time outdoors or with animals
Malaria risk is present in some rural areas; consult a healthcare professional about antimalarial medication
Consider probiotics for digestive health

Staying Connected

eSIMs are available
Claro, Tigo, and Digicel are major networks
Airalo and Nomad eSIM work well

Local Cuisine

Pupusas must_try

El Salvador's national dish, these thick corn tortillas are traditionally hand-made and stuffed with a variety of fillings, such as cheese, fried pork

Pasteles street_food

These are small, savory turnovers made from corn flour dough, stained orange with achiote, and deep-fried until crispy. They are commonly filled with

Yuca Frita con Chicharrón snack

A popular street snack featuring deep-fried or boiled yuca (cassava root) served with crispy fried pork chunks (chicharrón). This hearty dish is usual

Sopa de Pata regional_speciality

A traditional, hearty soup made from cow's feet (pata), tripe, and tendons, slow-cooked with vegetables like yuca, plantains, corn, and cabbage in a s

Horchata de Morro non_alcoholic_beverage

A distinct and refreshing Salvadoran drink made from morro seeds (jicaro tree seeds), rice, cocoa, cinnamon, and other spices. The seeds are toasted a

Book in Advance

Plan ahead for the best experience. Here's what to book before your trip:

🟡 Recommended to Book Ahead

Shuttles/Private Transport Transport

Book at least 2 weeks in advance, especially for high season

Shuttles, especially those for popular routes or international crossings, can fill up quickly during holidays and peak travel season.

Accommodation in Popular Coastal or Mountain Towns Accommodation

Book 3 weeks to 2 months in advance

Accommodation, particularly boutique hotels or popular surf camps in El Tunco or El Cuco, can become fully booked during peak weekends and surf season.

Surf Lessons and Tours tour_or_activity

Book 1–3 weeks in advance

Reputable surf schools and tour operators, especially in coastal areas like La Libertad and El Tunco, have limited instructor availability and can be fully booked during busy times.

Fun Facts

1. El Salvador is the only country in Central America without a Caribbean coastline, with its entire coast meeting the Pacific Ocean.
2. Since 2021, El Salvador has adopted Bitcoin as an official currency alongside the US dollar, making it a pioneer in digital currency adoption.
3. The national bird, the torogoz (Motmot), symbolizes liberty and unity because it does not adapt well to captivity and both partners care for their chicks.
4. Despite its small size, El Salvador has more than 100 volcanoes, earning it the nickname "Land of Volcanoes."

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