8 Days • 7 Nights
El Salvador Highlights: Volcanoes, Flowers & Surf
Tour Includes
About the Trip
Trip Highlights
- The flower-lined Ruta de las Flores and coffee towns
- Climbing the Santa Ana volcano to its crater lake
- Joya de Ceren, Central America's 'Pompeii'
- The turquoise crater lake of Coatepeque
- Black-sand surf beaches at El Tunco
- Warm, uncrowded and wonderfully varied
Day by Day
A detailed day-by-day plan for this 8-day journey.
Welcome to El Salvador. You are met at the airport near San Salvador and transferred to your hotel, with an orientation of the lively capital and a welcome dinner of pupusas and local specialities.
You head west into the mountains along the Ruta de las Flores, a scenic road linking charming coffee towns like Juayua and Ataco. Explore colourful murals, a weekend food festival and hidden waterfalls, settling into a highland guesthouse.
A day exploring the flower route's artisan villages, a coffee farm to learn how El Salvador's famous beans are grown and roasted, and a hike to the Los Chorros de la Calera waterfalls for a swim.
You travel to the Santa Ana area, pausing at the stunning turquoise crater lake of Coatepeque for a swim, and continue to explore the elegant colonial city of Santa Ana with its magnificent theatre and cathedral.
A guided hike up the Santa Ana volcano, the highest in the country, to peer into its extraordinary emerald-green crater lake, with sweeping views over Coatepeque and the surrounding volcanoes.
You visit Joya de Ceren, a UNESCO-listed Maya farming village buried and perfectly preserved by ash, known as the 'Pompeii of the Americas', then descend to the Pacific surf coast at El Tunco.
A free day on the black-sand coast to surf its famous warm waves, take a beginner lesson, watch the sunset from a beach bar, or simply relax by the Pacific.
A final beach morning before transferring back to San Salvador airport for your onward flight.
Where You Will Travel
What's inside the package?
Inclusions
- 7 nights accommodation
- Daily breakfast, a welcome dinner and a coffee-farm lunch
- Airport transfers
- Touring and activities as per itinerary with English-speaking guides
- Ground transfers between regions
- Entrance and national park fees as per itinerary
- a Ruta de las Flores tour, a Santa Ana volcano hike and a Joya de Ceren visit
Exclusions
- International airfare
- Visa or tourist card fees where applicable
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary or inclusions
- Drinks unless specifically stated
- Optional excursions and experiences
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Anything not specifically mentioned under Package Inclusions
Know when to go.
- Visa & entry: Most nationalities, including UK, US, EU, Canadian and Australian passport holders, do not need a visa for tourism and receive entry under the CA-4 regional agreement; a passport valid for at least six months and, sometimes, a small tourist fee apply. We confirm details for your nationality
- Currency: El Salvador uses the US Dollar as its official currency, and Bitcoin is also legal tender though rarely needed by visitors; carry small US Dollar notes for markets, tips and rural areas
- Best time to visit: The dry season (November to April) is sunniest and ideal for volcanoes, ruins and the beach, while the green season (May to October) brings lush landscapes and afternoon showers; the surf is excellent year-round
- Getting around: El Salvador is Central America's smallest country, so distances are short and you can reach beaches, volcanoes and colonial towns in a single day; internal ground transfers are included
- Surfing: The Pacific coast is a world-class surf destination, with consistent waves at El Tunco, El Zonte and Punta Roca suiting beginners to experts; lessons and boards are easy to arrange
- Safety: El Salvador has transformed its security in recent years and now welcomes travellers warmly; as anywhere, we use trusted local guides and drivers and follow sensible precautions to keep your trip smooth
- Health: No vaccinations are required for most travellers; bring insect repellent, reef-safe sunscreen and stay hydrated in the tropical heat, and drink bottled or filtered water
- Money & tipping: US Dollars in cash are useful throughout; cards work in cities and resorts. Tipping around ten percent is customary for good service, and power is 120V with US-style plugs, so US travellers need no adapter
Frequently Asked Questions
How demanding is the Santa Ana volcano hike?
It is a moderate half-day hike of a couple of hours up, on a clear trail with a guide, rewarded by the spectacular crater lake at the top. A reasonable level of fitness is needed, but it suits most active travellers.
Is El Salvador good for a first-time visitor to Central America?
Very — it is compact, friendly and easy to travel, letting you experience volcanoes, colonial towns, Maya ruins and beaches without long drives. It pairs beautifully with neighbouring Guatemala or Honduras too.
What meals are included?
Daily breakfast is included throughout, along with any meals named in the itinerary such as a welcome dinner. El Salvador's food, from pupusas to fresh seafood, is a delight and inexpensive, so most lunches and dinners are left free to explore.
Is El Salvador safe to visit now?
El Salvador has seen a dramatic improvement in security in recent years and is increasingly popular with travellers. We use trusted local guides and drivers and sensible precautions throughout, and most visitors find the country warm, welcoming and easy.
Do I need a visa for El Salvador?
Most nationalities do not need a visa and enter under the regional CA-4 agreement, sometimes with a small tourist fee. We confirm the requirement for your nationality when you book; a passport valid for six months is needed.
What currency is used?
El Salvador uses the US Dollar, which makes budgeting easy for many travellers. Carry small notes for markets, tips and rural areas; cards are accepted in cities and resorts.
When is the best time to visit?
The dry season (November to April) is best for sightseeing and the beach, while the green season is lush with afternoon showers. The Pacific surf is excellent all year.
Can the itinerary be customised?
Absolutely. Because the country is small, we can easily combine volcanoes, colonial towns, Maya ruins and the surf coast, adjust the pace, and tailor the trip to your interests and budget.
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