Downtown El Salvador

Top 10 things to do in El Salvador

Top 10 tourists spots in El Salvador: Ruta De Las Flores, National Parks, Cities And More

Wondering what to do in el salvador?

El Salvador, located in the pulsating center of Central America, offers a mesmerizing fusion of unspoiled natural beauty, extensive history, and genuine cultural expression. Adventurers are enticed to explore its varied terrain by its sun-kissed beaches along the Pacific coast and the majestic volcanoes that dot its landscape. Beyond its natural wonders, the nation’s historical sites, vibrant markets, and kind residents promise an unforgettable journey packed with unforgettable experiences. Esalvador activities mostly center around, outdoor exploring, looking at historical buildings or going on hikes. Look no further for the best things to do in El Salvador.

1. National Park “El Boqueron”

El boqueron is a protected natural area located at the top of San Salvador volcano at 1800 meters 5,905 feet (1800 meters) above sea level, part of the Central American country of El Salvador.

It has a visitor center and is an ideal place for nature lovers who are visiting San Salvador for a short time, since this natural place is very close to the capital and offers a journey of about 40 minutes with a wide view of the volcano and the city.

2. Ruta de Las Flores

Among green landscapes and coffee plantations is found the famous Ruta de Las Flores El Salvador. Although the proximity between the five living villages of the Ruta de las Flores is close, they are located in two departments, Sonsonate and Achuachapán.

The 5 cities that conformed La Ruta de Las Flores are: 

Nahuizalco:

Nahuizalco is one of the most important indigenous centres in the country. Known nationally for its handcrafts and furniture made with wood close to the town, it is a beautiful place to walk aimlessly.

Salcoatitan:

Located at almost 1,500 meters high Salcoatitan has a Ceiba with more than five centuries of history. For the pre-Hispanic culture, the ceiba was its sacred tree and it was always built at the entrance of the peoples. The Ceiba represented the three worlds of ancestral culture ; the roots the underworld, the trunk the earthly life and the branches located in the highest crowns the next life.

Juayua: 

Juayua is a must to visit one of the most beautiful churches in Central America. Since the beginning of centuries, it has hosted the gastronomic festival.

The Church of El Cristo Negro, built in colonial times, is its main point of interest and one of the most important of the Route of the Flowers El Salvador. It is a pilgrimage center to worship the figure of the reborn.

Apaneca:

Apaneca is one of the destinations that make up the Ruta de Las Flores, is located in the department of Ahuachapán at 1,477 meters above sea level, an ideal place for lovers of fresh climate.

Concepcion de Ataco:

It was founded by Pipil tribes although today it has an urban plan typical of Spanish colonialism. Among its main activities are the visit to Beneficio El Carmén. This is a coffee farm for a tour and learning about this product is so important for the economic development of the area for centuries. 

3. Catedral Metropolitana de San Salvador

The Metropolitan Cathedral of El Divino Salvador del Mundo is the main church of the Catholic Archdiocese of San Salvador, in El Salvador, and the seat of the metropolitan archbishop.

The site where today the cathedral is located, in the center of the city of San Salvador, is the place where in the nineteenth century was the colonial church of Santo Domingo, which was destroyed by an earthquake in 1873. In front of the cathedral is located the Plaza Gerardo Barrios de San Salvador, also known as Plaza Cívica; and on its western side stands the National Palace. The cathedral has a history of tragedy and rebirth.

4. Suchitoto

Suchitoto is a city in the mountains in the department of Cuscatlán, El Salvador. Its colonial architecture is reflected in the church of Santa Lucia of the mid-19th century, which has an altar and wooden beams and is located in Central Park. The city overlooks Lake Suchitlán, a large artificial lake with boats and migratory birds. 

National Palace

Built to replace the original, which was destroyed in a fire in the late 1880s, the current El Salvador National Palace offers visitors a glimpse into the political, historical and national past. It consists of four main rooms and more than 100 smaller secondary rooms, which give visitors a unique look at the historical, political and national past of this small Central America country.

Travellers warn that many of the Palace’s rooms are now closed to the public even though government offices have not operated here since the mid-1970s. But it is worth stopping for a tour of this famous monument, as the furniture of the early twentieth century and the well-curated historical exhibits present a grander image of the city’s colourful past.

Lago de Coatepeque

Lago de Coatepeque is of volcanic origin and is located 18 km south of the city of Santa Ana. It has an altitude of 745 meters above sea level and an area of 25.3 square km. In addition, its depth is 115 m.

Lago de Coatepeque in 2013 participated in the eighth wonder of the world where it obtained the second place, being thus one of the preferred destinations by tourists from various countries who have visited it. Declared a national tourist centre, Coatepeque is one of the destinations that you cannot miss, simply because we fall in love at first sight.

Common Questions about things to do in el salvador

In El Salvador, you can explore attractions like the Mayan ruins of Joya de Cerén, the colonial town of Suchitoto, the beautiful beaches of El Tunco and El Zonte, the stunning Santa Ana Volcano, and the scenic Ruta de las Flores.

Yes, there are several adventurous activities to do in El Salvador. Some popular options include surfing in El Zonte, hiking in El Imposible National Park, ziplining in Apaneca, exploring the Tazumal ruins, and visiting the Lake Coatepeque for kayaking or jet-skiing.

 El Salvador is known for its spectacular beaches. Some of the best beaches to visit include El Tunco, El Zonte, Las Flores, La Libertad, and Costa del Sol. These beaches offer picturesque views, great surfing spots, and calm waters for relaxing.



Certainly! You can immerse yourself in the local culture by visiting the colorful markets of Suchitoto, exploring the archaeological site of Tazumal, attending traditional festivals such as the August Fair in Santa Ana, and enjoying live music and dancing in the capital city of San Salvador.

El Salvador is rich in natural beauty. Some of the top natural attractions to visit include the scenic Lake Coatepeque, the majestic Santa Ana Volcano, the stunning Montecristo Cloud Forest, the breathtaking El Boquerón National Park, and the picturesque waterfalls in Juayua and Chorros de la Calera.

While El Salvador has had a history of safety concerns, the situation has improved over the years. Like with any travel destination, it is essential to stay informed about current safety conditions, avoid high-crime areas, and take common-sense precautions. Researching and following travel advisories from your home country is also recommended.

Start Planning Your El Salvador Trip Now!

Book Your Flight:

Use Skyscanner to find a cheap flights. A travellers favorite way to book flights, as it searches websites and airlines around the world with one click.

Book Your Bus or Transportation Within El Salvador:

There are two ways to book your transporation, ask your hotel or hostel, go to the local bus terminal, or book online, for a less stressful trip using 12go.asia

Book Your Accomodation: 

Find the best hotels or hostels at HostelWorld, Booking.com, Agoda.com. Perks include with no upfront payment. Pay when you check out and Free cancellations.

Dont Forget Your Travel Insurance:

Two popular choices are SafetyWing and WorldsNomads. A traveler should buy traveler’s insurance to protect themselves against unexpected events such as trip cancellations, medical emergencies, and lost or stolen baggage. It provides peace of mind and financial protection in case of unforeseen circumstances.

Useful Apps?

Bus Bud / Red Bus / Bookaway – Booking Busses

WhatsApp Messenger / Telegram / Snapchat – Communication

Booking.com / Expedia.com / Trivago – Booking Hotel

Bookaway / Kiwi.com / Rail.cc – Booking Train

UberEats / Deliveroo / Just Eat – Food Delivery

Svippr: One-click taxi booking app / Tietoevry / MyTransfer – Booking Taxi

Want More Information On El Salvador?

Be sure to check out my nomad travel guide on the El Salvador for even more tips.

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase.

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Justin Gonzalez

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