El Salvador is becoming more and more popular as a tourist destination. In 2024, the nation is set to welcome 3.8 million visitors, more than double their total from 2019.
For years, El Salvador was considered by many to be too dangerous to visit. However, with the recent drastic decrease in crime making it one of the safest countries in South America, travelers are realizing there are numerous reasons to explore this beautiful Central American nation. And with the country being so small, you can visit most of the must-see places in El Salvador in a single trip.
I went to El Salvador for the first time in 2024 and had a fantastic time. It’s become one of my favorite countries, and I can’t quit talking about it.
So, if you’re like me and you’re intrigued by this increasingly popular country, continue reading to find out where to go in El Salvador.
1. Ruta de las Flores — Heart of the Coffee Region
El Salvador is the 20th-leading coffee producer in the world, a remarkable feat for such a tiny country. The heart of the coffee region is in the western part of the country, perfect for coffee bean growth due to its elevation and year-round moderate temps.
Here, you’ll find the 21-mile Ruta de las Flores (“Route of the Flowers”), a beautiful stretch of road that takes you into the mountains and through numerous coffee plantations. The drive is scenic, colorful, and easy; the road is in great condition and well-paved.
There are five towns along the route, a couple of which are must-stops:
- Juayua
- Ataco
- Apaneca
- Nahuizalco
- Salcoatitlan
2. Ataco — Colonial Mountain Town
Concepion de Ataco is the most picturesque town along the famous Ruta de las Flores and arguably the nicest town in all of El Salvador. This colonial town of just over 18,000 residents was founded way back in 1543 and has a lot to offer for its size.
The town square is really inviting. There are plenty of shops, boutique hotels, cafes, and street vendors open every day of the week surrounding the square. You won’t miss the blue and white Santuario Inmaculada Concepción de María Catholic Church. Make sure to walk to the viewpoint overlooking the town, Mirador de las Cruz. The super easy, 5-minute hike to the top begins rightin town.
We happened to be in Ataco during the coronation of the town queen and the lighting of the town Christmas tree, so we were treated to extra festivities. The people here are also very nice. Ataco definitely has small-town charm and hospitality.
3. Juayua — Famous Weekend Food Festival
While Ataco is a notably beautiful town, it’s not quite as well-known as its neighbor, Juayua. That’s because the town turns into a massive market to form the Juayua Food Festival every weekend of the year. If you go to Juayua, go during the weekend.
The market has plenty of cute gifts, souvenirs, and pupusas, as any market in El Salvador would, but its most impressive feature is all of the meats and essentially full meals that local vendors prepare fresh under the main tent right on the square.
The rest of town is pretty to walk around. Pop into one of the cafes to get a shot of espresso—remember, Juayua is in the heart of the coffee-making region!
There is also a beautiful hike that starts in the town center that takes you to seven waterfalls just outside of Juayua.
4. Cafe Albania — More Than a Cafe
In Apaneca, one of the five towns along the Ruta de las Flores, you’ll come across Cafe Albania. You’ll find more than just coffee and pastries here. This is a full-scale adventure center, with a giant rainbow slide, bike zipline, bungee jumping area, butterfly swing, restaurant, and rooftop bar.
Cafe Albania made for a perfect stop to end a day of exploring the region. If we like adventure, you can partake in one of the several activities that cost anywhere from $1-10 USD, or you can kick back on the rooftop of the bar and watch the sunset.
5. Cerro Verde National Park — Natural Beauty
Just one hour from Juayua and the Ruta de las Flores is Cerro Verde National Park, home to three majestic volcanoes: Cerro Verde, Izalco, and Santa Ana, all three of which you can summit.
Entrance to the national park is $8 USD. You’ll also need a guide to hike one of the volcanoes. Groups leave periodically throughout the morning, and guides are super easy to find, as they’ll be located alongside the road next to the parking lot. You can hire a private guide for $20-40 USD or go with a group for $2-4 USD per person. Just make sure to get there by 11:00, as they don’t allow groups to leave after 11:00 or 12:00.
We planned on hiking Santa Ana with a private guide, but the weather conditions were poor—it was SO windy—so it was closed. Instead, we joined a group hiking Volcan Izalco and paid $3 USD. The group moved swiftly though the hike was pretty difficult, lasting 3 to 3.5 hours and requiring a lot of uphill trekking.
Izalco is actually the most difficult volcano to summit and should only be hiked by intermediate to expert hikers, while Santa Ana can be summited by beginner hikers.
6. Santa Ana Volcano — Highest Point in the Country
The previously mentioned Santa Ana Volcano is the most popular volcano to hike in El Salvador for a few reasons. Firstly, it’s pretty easy to summit. The hike is only 2.5 hours round trip.
Santa Ana is also the highest volcano (and point) in El Salvador, 2,381 meters above sea level.
Finally, there’s a boiling lake in Santa Ana’s crater, making for a stunning photo op!
This is one of the most-visited places in El Salvador, so it’s one of the few places in El Salvador where you’ll see plenty of other tourists. Get to know your fellow hikers if you do end up hiking with a group like we did. We were surprised that about half of the people doing the hike with us were staying at our same hostel in Santa Ana!
7. Santa Ana — The Gritty, Historical City
Santa Ana, the namesake for the volcano, is the nation’s second-largest city.
While much grittier than the colonial towns and seaside resort towns, Santa Ana makes up for its looks through its character, historical importance, and world-class cafe culture. It’s a classic example of a city that you shouldn’t judge by its cover. Now completely safe, Santa Ana has become more and more popular on the backpacker trail. There are a handful of classic pool bars to escape to for a night out and a couple of well-known nightclubs if that’s your vibe. There’s definitely enough to do in Santa Ana for a dedicated visit.
You’re not going to miss the Santa Ana Cathedral and the National Theatre, both of which are beside the city’s main square, Parque Libertad. The area is especially lively and beautiful at night, as the streets stay packed until 9:00 or 10:00.
When in Santa Ana, make sure to hit up at least a couple of the cozy cafes, my favorites being VCoffee and Cadek Cafe.
8. Lake Coatepeque — Upscale Lake Life with Breathtaking Views
In between the city of Santa Ana and the Santa Ana Volcano is the stunning Lake Coatepeque, without question one of the most beautiful places in El Salvador—evidenced by how many wealthy Salvadorans and politicians own lakefront property.
Recreational activities widely available include swimming, boating, and jet skiing. We were pretty exhausted from our hike of Volcan Izalco, so we instead chose to relax with some cocktails on the water. There are several hotels and ecolodges along its shores. Also on the lake is the island of Teopan, an important Mayan site and accessible by boat.
Related: How to Visit Lake Coatepeque
9. San Salvador — The Bustling Capital
One-third of Salvadorans live in the San Salvador metro area. This city is filled with culture, though you have to know where to find it.
It’s best to use Plaza Gerardo Barrios, the main square, as your launching point. In addition to loads of constant music and activity, this area is where you’ll find the Catedral Metropolitana de San Salvador, the grandest structure in the country.
Also in the vicinity, this area known as Old San Salvador, are the National Palace and National Theatre. Other top activities in San Salvador include visiting the Art Museum of El Salvador and La Dalia, the oldest bar in the country.
10. El Tunco — Surf City
Historically, El Salvador has been most renowned for its surfing, and El Tunco is the most famous place to surf in El Salvador and one of the most famous in the world. This coastal town recently hosted the International Surfing Association’s World Masters Surfing Championship in 2024.
The town has numerous resorts and is arguably the biggest tourist draw to the country. It’s known for its shopping, nightlife, and waves, of course.
We didn’t spend the night at El Tunco, but we drove through and stopped at Cadejo Brewery. This brewery is on the edge of a cliff above the massive waves and even has a saltwater infinity pool that’s open to the public.
11. Mizata — Quiet Seaside Beach Town
Mizata offers a much quieter setting than nearby El Tunco. There’s much more privacy here if you’re looking for a low-key couple or family getaway, plus there’s a sandy beach, which you cannot get at El Tunco or El Zonte, which are rocky beaches strictly meant for surfing.
The tranquility of Mizata is the biggest perk, though there’s not an actual town center or much in the way of dining or shopping. To get that, you’ll have to drive 20-30 minutes to El Tunco (the drive is very easy, however).
12. Suchitoto — Colonial Town on Lake Suchitlan
In the north of El Salvador is the photogenic town of Suchitoto, population 7,700. This town, perched in between the jungle and Lake Suchitlan, has been inhabited since Pre-Columbian times, making it one of the oldest places in El Salvador.
Suchitoto’s inviting, cobblestone streets are paralleled by well-maintained colonial architecture. Despite being known as one of the best places to visit in El Salvador, Suchitoto is still a good place to escape the crowds, as there remain few foreign visitors compared to places like El Tunco and San Salvador.
13. La Union — Port City on the Gulf of Fonseca
In far eastern El Salvador, right near the border of Honduras, is the port city of La Union. This is a hidden gem of El Salvador that many skip out on!
La Union overlooks the Gulf of Fonseca, home to four volcanic islands. Fishing is a very popular and important part of the economy here. But you can enjoy La Union and the surrounding setting without getting close to the water. There are plenty of beautiful resorts and boutique hotels in the hills and mountains overlooking the Gulf, offering magical views.
La Union and all of eastern El Salvador is pretty significantly less popular than other parts of the country, but the government is prioritizing promoting tourism to this area through constructing new, well-paved highways leading to the areas.
In-Summary: Top Places to See in El Salvador
El Salvador is an incredibly underrated country. But people are starting to take notice, as the country has become one of the fastest-growing tourist destinations in the world.
If you want to learn more about visiting this unique Central American gem and where to go in El Salvador for your trip, you can read about my entire 5-day trip to El Salvador here.
