📍 El Salvador

EL SALVADOR COMPLETE: VOLCANOES, BEACHES AND HIDDEN DEPTHS

Volcanic craters cradling turquoise lakes, waves breaking beneath cone silhouettes, colonial squares guarding revolutionary memory. El Salvador surprises.

≈ 8
Days
685
Km
7
Stops
📖 4 min read 🔄 Last updated: 2026-01-17

Climb to Lake Santa Ana, a turquoise crater set in volcanic silence, then taste Juayúa's gourmet atmosphere through the stalls. Reach El Zonte for surf energy, pause at Perquín museum to understand local history, then stroll through Suchitoto and its colonial cobbles facing Lake Suchitlán.

Your day-by-day itinerary

1
Day

San Salvador

capital energy sprawls beneath san salvador volcano

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10 photos
Day 1
🔍

Discover

1
Discovery of San Salvador's historic center: metropolitan cathedral, National Palace and Plaza Gerardo Barrios.
2
Exploration of the central market to discover local products and Salvadoran crafts.
🎯

Activities

→
Excursion to El Boquerón National Park and hike to the crater of San Salvador volcano.
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Next stop
Distance: 65 km
Travel time: 1h20
2
Day

Santa Ana

crater lake glows turquoise within volcanic rim

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8 photos
Day 2
🔍

Discover

1
Discovery of the neo-Gothic cathedral and the theater of Santa Ana.
2
Exploration of the archaeological site of Tazumal, remnant of Mayan civilization.
🎯

Activities

→
Hike to Santa Ana volcano with view of the turquoise crater lake.
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Walk in Cerro Verde national park to admire the Izalco and Santa Ana volcanoes.
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Stop at Lake Coatepeque, swimming and panorama from the viewpoints.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 35 km
Travel time: 45min
3
Day

Juayua

weekend food festival sizzles with pupusa smoke

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10 photos
Day 3
🔍

Discover

1
Scenic route on the Ruta de las Flores through the villages of Juayua, Apaneca, Ataco and Nahuizalco.
2
Discovery of the waterfalls of Juayua and walk in the surrounding coffee plantations.
🎯

Activities

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Swimming at the thermal waterfall Salto de Malacatiupan.
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Participation in the gastronomic festival of Juayua (weekend).
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 100 km
Travel time: 2h
4
Day

El Zonte

bitcoin beach pioneers ride pacific swells daily

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10 photos
Day 4
🔍

Discover

1
Discovery of the Pacific coastline: villages of El Tunco and El Zonte, heart of Surf City.
2
Visit to La Libertad seafood market and Sunset Park.
🎯

Activities

→
Surfing lessons on Pacific waves.
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Hiking in Walter Thilo Deininger park to observe wildlife and flora.
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Next stop
Distance: 170 km
Travel time: 3h20
5
Day

La Union

gulf of fonseca port guards honduran approaches

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5 photos
Day 5
🔍

Discover

1
Discovery of El Espíritu de la Montaña viewpoint with panorama over the Gulf of Fonseca.
2
Exploration of isolated beaches like Playa El Esteron.
🎯

Activities

→
Sunrise observation over the Gulf islands from the mountain summit.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 120 km
Travel time: 2h30
6
Day

Perquin

guerrilla museum preserves civil war mountain memory

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9 photos
Day 6
🔍

Discover

1
Visit to the revolution museum in Perquín retracing the history of the civil conflict.
2
Discovery of El Mozote memorial monuments.
🎯

Activities

→
Hiking to La Olomina and Las Pilas waterfalls in the surrounding mountains.
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Next stop
Distance: 145 km
Travel time: 2h30
7
Day

Suchitoto

colonial indigo town overlooks bird-rich crater lake

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10 photos
Day 7
🔍

Discover

1
Discovery of the colonial center of Suchitoto and its Santa Lucía church.
2
Boat ride on Lake Suchitlán and visit to the surrounding islands.
🎯

Activities

→
Hike to Los Tercios waterfall formed by basaltic columns.
→
Sunset watching from the lake viewpoints.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 50 km
Travel time: 1h10

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❓ Frequently asked questions

What weather should you expect?

Dry Season (November-April): Perfect weather (22-30°C) with minimal rainfall and ideal conditions for outdoor activities. Peak season with higher prices but optimal beach and volcano conditions.

Wet Season (May-October): Heavy afternoon rains, high humidity, but lush landscapes and fewer crowds. Lower prices, challenging road conditions, dramatic waterfalls.

How many days should I plan?

We believe you will enjoy this itinerary best by dedicating between 6 and 10 days. The next step will allow you to adjust the duration of your stay.

What to discover in El Salvador?

Central American authenticity with volcanic landscapes, traditional culture, and warm hospitality. Experience beautiful nature, traditional crafts, and genuine Central American experiences. The country offers cultural immersion with natural beauty and adventure activities. El Salvador provides authentic Central American experiences with natural wonders and cultural preservation. ⚠️ SAFETY WARNING: High crime rates including gang violence, armed robbery, and kidnapping. Avoid displaying valuables, stay in tourist areas, use reputable transportation, and be particularly cautious in San Salvador and rural areas. Some regions controlled by gangs with restricted access.