Day 1
Arrival & downtown San Salvador
Land at the international airport (SAL), transfer to the capital, and spend the afternoon exploring the Metropolitan Cathedral, the National Palace and the National Theater.
Before you go
Plan your trip around El Salvador
Everything practical for building your itinerary: how to get around, when to go, and what to know before you leave.
The essentials
Three things worth knowing
A quick overview before diving into the details.
Getting around
- Public transport exists but is limited for tourists; renting a car or booking tourist shuttles between destinations is more practical.
- Distances are short: San Salvador to the Flower Route or Surf City beaches is a 45–90 minute drive.
- The international airport (SAL) is about 40 minutes from the capital and from the Surf City beaches.
When to go
- Dry season (November–April): best weather for hiking and volcanoes, sunny days and dry roads.
- Rainy season (May–October): clear mornings with afternoon showers; landscapes are greener.
- March–October brings the best surf swells along the Pacific coast.
Before you leave
- The official currency is the US dollar, so there's no need to exchange money.
- Start early for volcano hikes: the weather tends to be clearer in the morning.
- Combine one coastal, one mountain and one cultural destination for a first visit of 4 to 5 days.
Suggested itinerary
A first trip: 5 days
One way to combine coast, mountains and culture without more than an hour and a half on the road each day.
Day 2
Santa Ana Volcano & Lake Coatepeque
Head out early to Cerro Verde National Park for the crater hike, then relax in the afternoon on the shores of Lake Coatepeque.
Day 3
Flower Route
Drive through Nahuizalco, Salcoatitán, Juayúa, Apaneca and Concepción de Ataco, overnighting in Ataco.
Day 4
Surf City
Head to the coast for a surf lesson or a beach day in El Tunco or El Sunzal, with sunset over the Pacific.
Day 5
Joya de Cerén & departure
Morning visit to the UNESCO archaeological site before heading back to the airport, or extending the trip to Suchitoto.
FAQ
Common questions before you travel
Do I need to exchange money to travel to El Salvador?
No. El Salvador has used the US dollar as its official currency since 2001, so travelers from the United States don't need to exchange currency.
What is the best time of year to visit El Salvador?
The dry season, from November to April, offers the best weather for hiking and volcanoes. The rainy season, from May to October, brings clear mornings with afternoon showers and greener landscapes.
How do you get around between destinations?
Public transport exists but is limited for tourists. Renting a car or booking tourist shuttles is more practical, since distances between destinations are short, averaging 45 to 90 minutes.
How many days do you need to see El Salvador?
A first trip of 4 to 5 days is enough to combine one coastal, one mountain and one cultural destination, thanks to the short distances between regions.
Ready to build your route?
Check out the full destinations and build your own itinerary from this 5-day plan.
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