Why Fly to El Salvador

El Salvador is an often overlooked Central American country, unfairly shrouded in stereotypes. But those who dare to discover this small yet incredibly diverse corner will be richly rewarded. It's a mix of breathtaking landscapes, rich culture, hospitality, and adventure.

For a long time, El Salvador was known mostly for its insecurity, but now the situation has changed dramatically. Travelers who have already visited the country say that both in the capital and in other cities, they walked safely in the evenings, sat in parks, and held their phones without fear of them being immediately stolen.

Although a flight to San Salvador will require a couple of layovers, the long journey is generously compensated by the beauty of nature and the 'unbeaten path' nature of the destination. While photos of friends and relatives from Sochi and Egypt flash across social media feeds, you'll surprise them with a geolocation from the other side of the globe.

Documents

Entry rules for El Salvador are favorable for our tourists: Russian citizens can stay in the country for up to 90 days without a visa. You will only need a passport, valid for at least 6 months at the time of entry. Upon crossing the border, you will be asked to fill out an immigration card – in English or Spanish. Round-trip tickets and documents confirming solvency (cards, cash) will also be required.

Weather in El Salvador

Your school knowledge of geography will tell you that El Salvador is located in the tropical zone, and we'll add that the significant elevation of the highlands makes the climate more temperate.

There are essentially two seasons: from May to October – rainy, from November to April – dry. Accordingly, it's best to plan your trip for late autumn, winter, and early spring in Russia.

During the rainy season, it's advisable not to travel, at least due to outbreaks of tropical diseases: dengue fever, malaria, leishmaniasis.

Currency

US Dollar and (surprisingly) Bitcoin. Yes, since 2021, cryptocurrency has been considered legal tender in the country. But in practice, it will only be accepted in some expensive restaurants. Locals, pupusa vendors, and other street food sellers will ask for something more tangible.

Transport

Buses: one of the most common ways to travel around the country, accessible, simple, and cheap. There are three types of buses here: minibuses ($0.25 per ride), 'regular' ($0.20 per ride), and conditionally 'tourist' buses with air conditioning ($0.35 per ride). There are many bus routes in the country, and many stops are 'on demand'.

Taxis: In large cities like Santa Ana and San Salvador, you can easily get around by taxi. Uber also works.

Car rental: a popular way to get around, especially for tourists wishing to explore the country. Prices start from $17 per day. Some roads in the country are toll roads. In rural areas, there may be difficulties with refueling.

5 reasons to visit El Salvador

Affordability and authenticity: El Salvador is a relatively inexpensive country. Entry to most attractions will cost a couple of dollars, four liters of water – a dollar. Moreover, here you can experience the true spirit of Central America, away from mass tourism.

Delicious and authentic food: Salvadoran cuisine is a delightful mix of tastes and aromas. You must try pupusas (pupusas) – traditional stuffed tortillas, yuca con chicharrón (yuca con chicharrón), and other local delicacies.

Hospitality of locals: Salvadorans are among the most hospitable and friendly people in the world. They are always ready to share their culture, history, and traditions with guests. Don't hesitate to interact with locals – they will gladly tell you about the country, treat you to authentic dishes, and even offer a place to stay if needed.

Colonial charm: some cities, such as Suchitoto, with its cobblestone streets, colorful houses, and rich history, will allow you to experience the atmosphere of the past and enjoy traditional architecture.

Ancient Mayan ruins: El Salvador has several important Mayan archaeological sites, including Joya de Cerén, also known as the 'Pompeii of America'. In this complex, you will see the life of an ancient civilization, frozen in time under a layer of volcanic ash.

What to see in El Salvador

El Boquerón National Park

Located at the summit of the dormant San Salvador volcano (also known as Quetzaltepec), this park is one of the most exciting and accessible places to visit in El Salvador. Its name translates to 'Big Mouth'. And this accurately reflects its main feature – the impressive volcanic crater. 550 meters deep, 1.5 km in diameter – that's a scale! The best view is from the observation decks (logically). Feel free to follow a guide, stick to the marked trails, and enjoy nature along the way. And it's quite lush here, after all, it's the tropics. So in the park, you can see orchids, hydrangeas, begonias, ferns, oaks, and other species adapted to high-altitude conditions and volcanic soil.

• The park is located just a few kilometers from San Salvador. You can get there by public transport, taxi, but it's best as part of an organized group.
• Within the park, there is parking, restrooms, small shops, and cafes where you can grab a snack and coffee. Entry for locals is $1, for foreigners – $3.

Izalco

For many years, the volcano was called the 'Lighthouse of the Pacific' due to its constant eruptions, which served as a landmark for sailors. Even today, Izalco is one of the most active volcanoes in the world, so it's best to view it from a distance. However, it is precisely from a distance that the best view of it opens up: a perfect conical shape, just like in children's drawings, stands out especially brightly against the blue sky. Climbing Izalco requires good physical preparation, knowledge of the route, and an experienced guide. The volcano's slope is steep and covered with volcanic ash, which complicates the ascent. But if you do decide to do it, the summit offers views of the surroundings, including Lake Coatepeque and the Pacific Ocean.

Devil's Door (Puerta del Diablo)

A rock fissure and a point of attraction for climbers wishing to conquer these very rocks. The official version of the origin of this natural landmark is as follows: in October 1762, a strong storm raged for several days, and water flows caused erosion of the rock. Thus, the rock fissure appeared. And there is also a local romantic-mystical version. In it, the devil himself fell in love with a local girl, and when her father, along with the residents of nearby villages, set an ambush and then a chase, he was forced to pass 'through' the rock. Well, or open a 'door' in it. The Devil's Door.

• It's worth climbing to this natural observation deck to see Lake Ilopango, San Vicente volcano, and the Pacific Ocean. At the foot, there is parking, cafes, and souvenir shops.

Santa Ana

Not tired of volcanoes yet? Because perhaps the most interesting of all Salvadoran ones awaits you. Despite its last eruption in 2005, Santa Ana remains an active volcano with sulfur fumaroles and a bright green crater lake. During the ascent of the volcano, the change in vegetation is particularly noticeable. If at the bottom tourists are greeted by typical tropical forests, with altitude they are replaced by unexpectedly tall and large agaves, and at the summit, the landscape becomes quite barren.

• Ascent is permitted only as part of a group with an experienced guide.
• The sun at the summit of the volcano is very strong, so be sure to use sunscreen.

Coatepeque

We'll conclude the parade of mountain beauties with a lake. But it's in the caldera of an ancient volcano! And surrounded by three more – Santa Ana, Izalco, and Cerro Verde. Therefore, many ready-made tourist routes connect them in one chain, for example, Santa Ana and Coatepeque. Its name, derived from the Nahuatl language, means 'Hill of Snakes'. The lake's area is 26 square kilometers, making it one of the largest lakes in El Salvador. Near one of its shores is Teopan Island, once sacred to the Mayan tribe. The most remarkable fact about the lake is its ability to change the color of its water from blue to turquoise. The last time this happened was in 2019, but perhaps you'll be lucky, and this natural anomaly will manifest itself during your trip.

• The water temperature in the lake is comfortable for swimming year-round. 
• Many restaurants and hotels are located on the lake shore, offering local cuisine and comfortable accommodation. 
• You can swim, boat, kayak, and engage in other water sports on the lake.

Beaches

La Libertad

This port town is located just 35 km from the country's capital, so its beaches are very popular. The infrastructure is well-developed: there are hotels, restaurants, playgrounds, hostels, and campsites. But the main attraction here is surfing. The beaches of El Zonte, El Tunco, and La Paz are true meccas for wave lovers. Competitions are held here, and surf camps operate, so you might postpone your trip to Bali if Indonesia seems too cliché a destination. Although El Zonte cannot boast of clean sand, it is full of luxurious villas and co-working spaces with fast internet. This is because it was here that Bitcoin was first attempted to be integrated into everyday life. So the beach is sometimes also called 'Bitcoin Beach'.

El Cuco

A beach for those who love long stretches of sand, the reflection of the evening sun in tiny sea lagoons, and a gentle entry into the water. This is a popular beach among Salvadorans, and they will certainly want to chat with foreigners, so don't expect total peace and quiet here. But you can stay longer and catch an incredibly beautiful sunset.

Gulf of Fonseca

Three countries have access to this gulf – El Salvador, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Fun fact: it was discovered by the Spanish conquistador Gil González Dávila and named after Archbishop Juan Fonseca, a sworn enemy of Christopher Columbus. On both sides of the gulf, like two sentinels, stand (who would you guess?) two volcanoes – Conchagua from El Salvador and Cosigüina from Nicaragua. The main Salvadoran beaches in this part of the country are located in El Tamarindo, including the eponymous wild beach at the northern tip of the peninsula, the quiet Playa El Hagey, and Las Mueludas.

La Unión

The Gulf of La Unión is essentially part of the Gulf of Fonseca, so we'll place them one after another, just as in reality. The city on its southern coast bears the same name. However, everything could change if Nayib Bukele, the president of El Salvador, still builds 'Bitcoin City' here, as he intended in 2021. For now, La Unión remains largely a resort settlement with all that entails. Tourists can enjoy diving, all types of surfing, snorkeling, and fishing.