San Salvador is worth a visit for its unique charm and authentic experiences. When you’re in town, you’ll encounter vibrant street markets, where you can shop for souvenirs and try local food delicacies. Dive into the El Salvador capital city’s rich history by exploring landmarks like the National Palace and the Metropolitan Cathedral, each telling a story of El Salvador’s past. Don’t forget to meet the friendly locals, who are always eager to share their culture and traditions with visitors. From the old colonial streets to the cultural treasures, San Salvador offers a truly unforgettable experience. With day trips and local attractions, our guide will show you exactly what to do in San Salvador and the best places to visit there!
Your Travel Essentials For San Salvador 💡
1 – Explore the Historic Downtown
It’s time to immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of San Salvador’s historic downtown. Wander through the bustling streets lined with colorful buildings and charming cafes. Admire the colonial architecture of landmarks like the National Palace and the Metropolitan Cathedral, which offer insight into the city’s rich history and cultural heritage. The downtown is relatively safe during day time, we would still recommend you to visit it with a guide if you don’t speak a word of Spanish.
Best Recommended Guided Activities For San Salvador (Cheapest Prices) 👇
2 – Visit the National Museum of Anthropology
Step back in time and discover the fascinating history of El Salvador at the Dr. David J. Guzmán National Museum of Anthropology (Museo Nacional de Antropología in Spanish). Explore exhibits showcasing ancient artifacts, including pottery, sculptures, and textiles. Learn about the indigenous cultures that once thrived in the region and gain a deeper understanding of Salvadoran identity and heritage.
3 – Relax at Lake Ilopango
Escape the hustle of the city and relax at Lake Ilopango, especially during a nice sunny day. Take a leisurely boat ride on the tranquil waters, surrounded by breathtaking natural scenery. Enjoy picnicking on the shores or try your hand at fishing for local freshwater species. It’s the perfect spot to reconnect with nature and recharge your inner batteries. A great place we recommend is the Café Santa Cruz, which offers great views over the lake (open every day except National days). You can also spend the night there as several hotels offer accomodations.
4 – Take a Day Trip to Joya de Cerén Archaeological Site
Step into the past at the Joya de Cerén Archaeological Site, often referred to as the “Pompeii of the Americas.” Explore the remarkably preserved ruins of an ancient Maya farming village, frozen in time by a volcanic eruption over 1,400 years ago. Wander through the excavated structures and imagine life in this pre-Columbian settlement, offering a unique glimpse into El Salvador’s pre-Hispanic history.
5 – Experience the Street Food Scene & Night Market
Treat yourself to the tasty street food in San Salvador. From savory pupusas to sweet atol de elote, you’ll find a lot of delicious dishes to satisfy your hunger. Join the locals at bustling food stalls and markets, where you can sample traditional Salvadoran flavors and culinary delights. It’s an adventure for your palate that you won’t soon forget. You’ll find street food all around San Salvador downtown, especially near the central market (Mercado) and night market (open from 6pm to 7am). The market is located between 17av sur and 6a Calle Poniente in San Salvador.
6 – Take a Day Trip to Discover Suchitoto & Cascadas Los Tercios Waterfalls
Escape to the charming colonial town of Suchitoto, located just a short drive from San Salvador. Explore cobblestone streets lined with colorful houses and artisan shops. Visit historic landmarks like the Santa Lucía Church and relax by the tranquil shores of Suchitlán Lake. Immerse yourself in the town’s vibrant arts and culture scene, idea for a sunny afternoon. From there you can head to the Tercios waterfalls (Cascadas Los Tercios), with its amazing shaped stones. The rarity of the stone structure is such that many researchers have conducted studies to discover the reason behind the creation of this natural gem. Although there are several legends, the most popular one involves a young woman from a wealthy family who fell deeply in love with a native, leading to conflict between families and resulting in a curse. According to the legend, the entire family of the young woman would perish, and their storehouse of beautiful and colorful fabrics would turn into rocks. This explains the origin of such a strange and marvelous rock formation.
Travel Guides Genius Insiders Tips
Travel Guides Genius Insiders TipsWe recommend you visiting the waterfall during the rainy season, (or if possible after some rainy days), otherwise you might experience an empty waterfall. The stones formations would still be amazing to visit even without water though, but you won’t be able to swim around.
7 – Hike to the Summit of the San Salvador Volcano
Embark on an unforgettable adventure by hiking to the summit of the San Salvador Volcano. Challenge yourself with a trek through lush forests and rugged terrain, rewarded with panoramic views of the city and surrounding landscapes. Marvel at the crater of the dormant volcano and soak in the breathtaking beauty of the natural surroundings. It’s a thrilling experience that will leave you feeling accomplished and definitely proud of yourself!
8 – Explore the El Boquerón National Park
Discover the natural wonders of El Boquerón National Park, home to the iconic El Boquerón crater. Take a scenic drive up the mountainside to reach the park entrance, where you can embark on amazing hikes along well-marked trails. Enjoy the impressive crater and enjoy sweeping views of the surrounding countryside. Don’t forget to bring your camera to capture the stunning vistas and diverse wildlife along the way. We definitely recommend you going with a guide, we’ve picked up the best excursions for you below 👇
9 – Wander Through the Mercado Central
Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the Mercado Central, San Salvador’s largest market. Lose yourself in a maze of bustling stalls selling everything from fresh produce and local crafts to clothing and household goods. Bargain with friendly vendors and sample exotic fruits and street snacks as you explore the colorful labyrinth of this bustling marketplace. It’s a sensory overload that offers a glimpse into everyday life in El Salvador.
10 – Attend a Cultural Performance at the National Theater
Experience the rich cultural heritage of El Salvador with a visit to the National Theater in San Salvador. Catch a captivating performance of traditional music, dance, or theater, showcasing the country’s artistic talent and cultural diversity. Marvel at the stunning architecture and elegant decor of the historic theater, which serves as a cultural hub for locals and visitors alike. It’s a memorable evening of entertainment that will leave you with a deeper appreciation for Salvadoran culture. You can head to the Teatro Nacional of San Salvador official website to check about the upcoming shows and events.
11 – Relax at the Los Chorros Waterfalls
Escape the heat and cool off at the Los Chorros Waterfalls, a hidden oasis located just outside of San Salvador. Follow a scenic trail through lush jungle vegetation to reach the cascading waterfalls, where you can take a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear pools below. Picnic in the shade of magnificent trees and listen to the calm sounds of nature as you relax in this idyllic setting. It’s the perfect spot to relax and rejuvenate amidst the beauty of the Salvadoran countryside.
Recommended Guided Activities In & Around San Salvador (Best Online Prices) 👇
A little recap about our guide. The best places to visit and things to do in San Salvador (El Salvador) are:
1 – Explore the Historic Downtown
2 – Visit the National Museum of Anthropology
3 – Relax at Lake Ilopango
4 – Take a Day Trip to Joya de Cerén Archaeological Site
5 – Experience the Street Food Scene
6 – Take a Day Trip to Discover Suchitoto & Cascadas Los Tercios Waterfalls
7 – Hike to the Summit of the San Salvador Volcano
8 – Explore the El Boquerón National Park
9 – Wander Through the Mercado Central
10 – Attend a Cultural Performance at the National Theater
11 – Relax at the Los Chorros Waterfalls
This guide was updated on March 2024
