Things to do in El Salvador

Trek through cloud forests to the turquoise crater lake of Ilamatepec, El Salvador's highest volcano.

Visit the 'Pompeii of the Americas,' a UNESCO World Heritage site preserved under volcanic ash since 600 AD.

Ride one of Central America's most famous right-hand point breaks in the beach town of La Libertad.

Wind through the green highlands along a 36km route connecting five colorful colonial towns: Nahuizalco, Juayúa, Apaneca, Ataco, and Salcoatitán.

Climb the main pyramid and explore a pre-Columbian ceremonial center that was a major political seat of the Mayan Pipil civilization from the 5th to 12th centuries.

Lounge on the black volcanic sand and watch surfers tackle consistent beach breaks at this backpacker-favorite coastal village.

Visit the self-proclaimed pupusa capital of the world, where dozens of street vendors and restaurants serve thick handmade corn tortillas stuffed with cheese, beans, and chicharrón.

Walk through the Plaza Libertad and the Metropolitan Cathedral where Archbishop Óscar Romero preached.

Cruise the crystal-blue waters of this massive volcanic caldera lake surrounded by forested hillsides.

Trek through lush tropical forest to reach a series of cascading waterfalls with natural swimming pools.

See the remarkable artifacts unearthed from the buried village, including carbonized food, ceramic pots, and farming tools.

Walk through shade-grown arabica coffee plantations at elevations above 1,200 meters in the highlands.

Visit this mountain town that was the FMLN guerrilla headquarters during the civil war.

Explore the cloud forest trails of this protected area at 2,000 meters elevation.

Step inside this striking modernist church designed by architect Rubén Martínez, where rainbow light filters through concrete arches.

Wander the cobblestone streets lined with brightly painted 19th-century houses overlooking the vast Suchitlán reservoir.

Choose fresh-caught fish, shrimp, or ceviche from vendors at the bustling muelle (pier) market and have it grilled or fried on the spot.

Scale the steep, barren slopes of the 'Lighthouse of the Pacific,' a nearly perfect cone that was one of the most active volcanoes in the Americas until 1966.

Explore the country's premier art museum in San Salvador, showcasing Salvadoran art from the 19th century to contemporary works.

Experience bioluminescence in the warm Pacific waters at this secluded beach near the Gulf of Fonseca.

Walk around the best-preserved Mayan pyramid in El Salvador, featuring a distinctive stucco-covered structure dating to around 100-1200 AD.

Sample locally brewed IPAs, stouts, and lagers at this popular San Salvador microbrewery with an industrial-chic taproom.

Climb to this dramatic rock formation split by erosion into a narrow 'doorway' perched above the city.

Wander the winding streets of this highland town where vibrant murals cover entire building facades.

Sit among locals at this sprawling downtown food market and order a 'plato típico': scrambled eggs with tomato, fried plantains, cream, beans, and fresh tortillas.