Things to do in El Salvador

25 things to do in El Salvador

Listed in full below. The running order is set by votes and loads with the page.

• Hike to the summit of Santa Ana Volcano

  Trek through cloud forests to the turquoise crater lake of Ilamatepec, El Salvador's highest volcano. The 5-6 hour round trip offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and Lake Coatepeque.

  Santa Ana Department

• Explore the ruins of Joya de Cerén

  Visit the 'Pompeii of the Americas,' a UNESCO World Heritage site preserved under volcanic ash since 600 AD. Walk through a pre-Columbian farming village with intact household items and agricultural fields.

  La Libertad Department

• Surf the legendary point break at Punta Roca

  Ride one of Central America's most famous right-hand point breaks in the beach town of La Libertad. The powerful, consistent waves attract surfers from around the world, especially from March to October.

  La Libertad

• Drive the Ruta de las Flores

  Wind through the green highlands along a 36km route connecting five colorful colonial towns: Nahuizalco, Juayúa, Apaneca, Ataco, and Salcoatitán. Stop for waterfalls, coffee farms, and vibrant weekend food festivals.

  Ahuachapán & Sonsonate Departments

• Visit the Archaeological Park of San Andrés

  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. The on-site museum displays intricate pottery and jade artifacts.

  La Libertad Department

• Watch surfers at El Tunco Beach

  Lounge on the black volcanic sand and watch surfers tackle consistent beach breaks at this backpacker-favorite coastal village. The iconic rock formation (the 'tunco' or pig) is a perfect spot for sunset photos.

  La Libertad Department

• Taste pupusas in Olocuilta

  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. Watch them being made on comals along the main road.

  Olocuilta, La Paz Department

• Explore the capital city's historic center in San Salvador

  Walk through the Plaza Libertad and the Metropolitan Cathedral where Archbishop Óscar Romero preached. The surrounding streets feature colonial architecture, bustling markets, and the National Palace with its ornate tiled halls.

  San Salvador

• Take the boat tour of Lake Coatepeque

  Cruise the crystal-blue waters of this massive volcanic caldera lake surrounded by forested hillsides. Rent a kayak or jet ski, or simply swim off a lakeside restaurant with views to the distant Santa Ana volcano.

  Santa Ana Department

• Hike to the Tamanique Waterfalls

  Trek through lush tropical forest to reach a series of cascading waterfalls with natural swimming pools. The highest drop is about 15 meters, perfect for cliff jumping into the cool, clear water below.

  La Libertad Department

• Visit the Joya de Cerén Museum in San Salvador

  See the remarkable artifacts unearthed from the buried village, including carbonized food, ceramic pots, and farming tools. The museum provides essential context for understanding daily life in a 6th-century Mesoamerican community.

  San Salvador

• Tour a coffee farm in the Apaneca-Ilamatepec range

  Walk through shade-grown arabica coffee plantations at elevations above 1,200 meters in the highlands. Learn the journey from cherry to cup, sample freshly roasted beans, and enjoy mountain views over the plantation.

  Ahuachapán Department

• See the murals of Perquín

  Visit this mountain town that was the FMLN guerrilla headquarters during the civil war. Colorful outdoor murals depict the conflict and peace process, and the Museum of the Revolution houses weapons, photographs, and personal stories.

  Morazán Department

• Swim in the crater lake of Cerro Verde National Park

  Explore the cloud forest trails of this protected area at 2,000 meters elevation. Well-maintained paths wind through cypress trees and offer viewpoints of three volcanoes: Izalco, Cerro Verde, and Santa Ana.

  Santa Ana Department

• Visit the Iglesia El Rosario in San Salvador

  Step inside this striking modernist church designed by architect Rubén Martínez, where rainbow light filters through concrete arches. The unadorned exterior hides a luminous interior with a massive open nave and a poignant civil war memorial.

  San Salvador

• Explore the colonial town of Suchitoto

  Wander the cobblestone streets lined with brightly painted 19th-century houses overlooking the vast Suchitlán reservoir. The town is known for its arts scene, indigo dyeing workshops, and a beautiful stone church on the main square.

  Cuscatlán Department

• Eat seafood at the Puerto de La Libertad fish market

  Choose fresh-caught fish, shrimp, or ceviche from vendors at the bustling muelle (pier) market and have it grilled or fried on the spot. Sit at plastic tables overlooking the crashing waves and fishing boats.

  La Libertad

• Climb Izalco Volcano

  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. The challenging 4-hour ascent rewards with views of the coastline.

  Sonsonate Department

• Visit the Museo de Arte de El Salvador (MARTE)

  Explore the country's premier art museum in San Salvador, showcasing Salvadoran art from the 19th century to contemporary works. The permanent collection includes pieces by Rosa Mena Valenzuela and Fernando Llort.

  San Salvador

• Take a night walk on the beach at El Cuco

  Experience bioluminescence in the warm Pacific waters at this secluded beach near the Gulf of Fonseca. On moonless nights, wading into the surf triggers glowing blue-green light from plankton in the waves.

  San Miguel Department

• See the ancient carved stones at Tazumal

  Walk around the best-preserved Mayan pyramid in El Salvador, featuring a distinctive stucco-covered structure dating to around 100-1200 AD. The adjacent museum displays pottery, jade jewelry, and the famous Tazumal jade mask.

  Chalchuapa, Santa Ana Department

• Drink craft beer at Cadejo Brewing Company

  Sample locally brewed IPAs, stouts, and lagers at this popular San Salvador microbrewery with an industrial-chic taproom. The relaxed outdoor patio is a favorite gathering spot for locals and travelers alike.

  San Salvador

• Hike to the Devil's Door (Puerta del Diablo)

  Climb to this dramatic rock formation split by erosion into a narrow 'doorway' perched above the city. The viewpoint offers sweeping vistas of San Salvador and the surrounding volcanic chain on clear days.

  San Salvador Department

• Explore the Concepción de Ataco street art

  Wander the winding streets of this highland town where vibrant murals cover entire building facades. The colorful artwork depicts indigenous culture, nature, and daily life, and pairs perfectly with a coffee at a local café.

  Ahuachapán Department

• Eat a traditional breakfast at Mercado Ex-Cuartel in San Salvador

  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. The noisy, bustling atmosphere is part of the experience.

  San Salvador