Top 10 Things To Do When You Visit El Salvador

Apr 8, 2024

Last Updated on: Apr 9, 2024

Travel Guides

Have you recently planned to go to El Salvador? It is such a beautiful place to visit, but you will need an itinerary to execute it successfully. I am sharing all the details with you to cover the top ten things to do in El Salvador and some of the best places to eat and stay.

I am quite excited for you because you are going to El Salvador! If you have booked a trip to El Salvador, it means you love beaches, quaint little towns, and eateries, along with a lot of adventure, such as surfing, swimming, and others.

The place is popular for its corn, cotton, sugarcane, and coffee, along with other agricultural products. Visitors also carry coffee back when they visit El Salvador. You can also eat watermelon, mango, coconut, melon, and tamarind, as these varieties of fruits are available in the coastal area!

Top 10 Things To Do When You Visit El Salvador!

Top 10 Things To Do When You Visit El Salvador!

The smallest country in Central America, El Salvador, is not much explored, mostly because of security reasons. You cannot forget that there are concerns about security, and even the government is struggling. However, what is important is to identify the beauty of this place.

The aesthetics of the place are indescribable, as it includes huge volcanoes, beautiful colonial villages, glittering lakes, and exclusive El Salvador beaches. The waves on these beaches are the best, so I suggest going through this article to learn more about the places in El Salvador.

I will be offering tips related to tours, hotels, culinary experiences, and transportation. Accordingly, you can plan your itinerary, thus creating lifetime memories. Do try Papusa, a notable dish in this place. It is a thick handmade tortilla made of rice flour flatbread or corn flour stuffed with cheese.

Other stuffings include pork meat, refried beans, or loroco. You can try seafood used in the coastal places. You must try dishes in “shrimp cocktail,” quesadilla, and cadejo!

Exploring El Salvador

Based on the following itinerary, you can spend the whole day exploring El Salvador. The locations are enigmatic, with mysterious smoky volcanoes, black sand beaches perfect for surfing, and misty forests.

The place has a colourful cultural heritage you can experience when visiting. It is a slow-paced location that you can enjoy to the hilt, especially with various culinary experiences. Apart from the food, there is also Mayan culture, which inspires people.

1. Hike Santa Ana Volcano

Hike Santa Ana Volcano

If you are visiting El Salvador, climbing the Santa Ana Volcano is a must, as it provides a panoramic view of the crater. When hiking, you can also check out the Lago de Coatepeque! You can take a shuttle bus or organize transportation from your hotel.

The second largest city, Santa Ana, is quite close to this beauty; hence, do explore it. There is the huge Santa Ana Zoo, which you must visit if travelling across this region. Several science exhibits are a part of the children’s museum.

2. History Calls At San Salvador

History Calls At San Salvador

Explore the historical places in San Salvador, the capital city of El Salvador, such as the Metropolitan Cathedral, National Theater, and the National Palace. Of course, you will enjoy it more if you take a half-day city tour but with a guide.

An 1800s cathedral church of the Catholic Archdiocese, the Metropolitan Cathedral of the Holy Savior is a beautiful place to visit. Located in San Salvador, the National Palace of El Salvador was built in 1866-1870, and it is quite important.

The National Theater, constructed in 1911 by the French architect Daniel Beylard, reflects modern touches and French Renaissance style. A giant city market is in the historic downtown area, where you can walk. 

3. Beach Stay In La Libertad

Beach Stay In La Libertad

If you are visiting Libertad, you must book a hotel that offers a beachfront experience! Either book rooms with Los Farallones or Mandala Eco Villas, as you can access board rentals, repair shops, and surf shops at the beach. La Libertad is the country’s surfing capital and an important fishing port.

You can enjoy several activities, such as snorkeling, scuba diving, and kayaking. One of these hotels has an infinity pool overlooking the ocean. El Tunco, another beach, is popular for surfing because there are several stones. There is also a famous pig-shaped rock available at the seashore.

Why don’t you take your partner and watch the beautiful sunset at El Tunco Beach? Furthermore, if you want to explore more surfing sports, El Sunzal is the place to go. There are also several restaurants in El Sunzal where you can have your lunch!

4. Walk Through Suchitoto

Walk Through Suchitoto

Suchitoto is a beautiful town in El Salvador, located beside the lake Suchitlan. Strolling around the town streets for hours offers stunning views. There are also flowers and colored houses, along with a lovely atmosphere.

Beautiful handmade products and artifacts are sold in different workshops in the town. In the evening, the atmosphere becomes cool and gorgeous!

5. Wander Ruta de las Flores

Wander Ruta de las Flores

If you are naturally aesthetic, La Ruta de las Flores is for you as you travel! It would be best if you travelled along the path where you could stare at waterfalls and small villages filled with little shops, markets, murals, flowers, and coffee fields.    

You can take the scenic route or travel the adventurous way, as there is a lot of experience! Waterfalls and lakes are on the way, adding to the experience.  

6. Chairs Of Casa 1800

Chairs Of Casa 1800

There are several beautiful spots and viewpoints that have been claimed by Casa 1800! A lovely restaurant and a boutique hotel have been constructed, thus creating the perfect place to take the most Instagrammable picture.   

Sitting on a chair in this location, you can take beautiful shots of the Izalco volcano, Lake Suchitlan, and Santa Ana volcano. You do not need to book a room; you can visit the restaurant, order delicious food from Pupuseria El Salvador, and take pictures.

7. Check Out Bahia De Jiquilisco

Check Out Bahia De Jiquilisco

Bahia de Jiquilisco, which is spread across 100,000 hectares, is the largest mangrove forest in Central America. The region has sandy beaches, a freshwater lagoon, small islands, canals, forests, and bays. Visitors can see thousands of migratory birds, many of which belong to endangered species.  

Simultaneously, you can also check out many turtles, including hawksbill turtles, as this mangrove forest is a breeding ground for them. You can visit the place from August to January as you can see the nest along the banks.  

8. Visit The Village Of Apaneca

Visit The Village Of Apaneca

If you love greenery, water, and mountains, you should definitely visit the village of Apaneca. This beauty has a lake surrounded by mountains, so it is perfect for a picnic or boat trip and spending the whole day there.  

You can rent a buggy to ride across the village and coffee plantations. The lake is about 20 minutes away from the village, and you can reach it in a buggy, so your adventure spirit will be satisfied.  

9. National Park El Imposible

National Park El Imposible

The tropical forest is quite large and has a huge density of fauna and flora! Gorges and idyllic rivers surround the beautiful forest. A canyon is also present within the National Park, and currently, it is the habitat of countless birds, cougars, wild bears, and butterflies.

There are also many felines living near the canyon! Walk across the beautiful park and enjoy it to the best of your ability. Thus, you must receive a permit to enter the park! Please try to wear light and relaxing clothes, as it is quite warm inside the park. Also, please bring a lot of water.

10. Cultural Aspect Of San Salvador

Cultural Aspect Of San Salvador

El Salvador has a celebration of the Holy Week, during which people go out on processions. People make flower petals, vegetables, fruits, sawdust, and other materials to create rugs on the street. There are also beautiful fireworks during the Christmas Eve celebration.  

The families in El Salvador stay awake until midnight to celebrate Christmas and hug each other! Street food is available, which the neighbours share and enjoy together.   

What Are The Things You Need To Consider?

If you want transportation convenience, you must hire a driver! This is one of the best ways to plan your trip, especially because you will have mobility. When you are planning to visit, try to stay in groups at night and stay alert.  

Make a hotel or stay-in lodge your home base and, accordingly, complete your daytime trips to coffee farms, villages, and volcanoes. When planning the trip, one thing that you must remember is that the best time to visit El Salvador is during November and February. The weather is ideal during these months!  

Finishing Off…

To sum up, these are the places that are perfect for you if you are planning to visit El Salvador. After you have read the article, I am sure you will learn what to do and what not to do. You will also learn a lot about the culture, so accordingly, plan your trip so that you can enjoy the local and native experiences.  

You will also learn about and connect with the people’s religious beliefs and practices. The different places will create beautiful memories, and you will experience adventure to the hilt!  

Comment on your favourite place or the specific place you have decided to visit when in El Salvador and why! 

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Sagnika Sinha is a content writer who is passionate about writing travel vlogs, entertainment and celebrity articles and literature-based pieces. With a 4 years experience in teaching, she loves reading books. A procrastinator by nature, she loves travelling, listening to music, planting and gardening.

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It remains open to all and offers a free entry during the summer season. However, it remains closed in the winter season.   • St. Claire’s Church, Kotor  Adjacent to the Franciscan Monastery, St. Claire Church, built in the 18th century, stands out with its grand altar and stunning interior.   Have a look at its wooden ceiling before leaving the church. It offers a free entry.   The Hidden Gem: St. Clare’s Franciscan Monastery, Church & Library  Once again, let’s talk about the St. Claire’s Church, Monastery, and Library, one of the few Catholic churches in Kotor, Montenegro, and a true hidden gem.   Made of brick and stone, the exterior of the church is humble. However, once you enter the church, the main altar, made of red and white marbles and exuding a Baroque style, will immediately steal your attention.   This altar was made by Francesco Cabianca in 1708. The side altars also have a Baroque style with paintings by Venetian artists. Later, Špiro Đuranović, a local painter, added a picture of St. Clare and four evangelists.   Among the many other collectibles, ancient books and manuscripts preserved by the church and its library, the Ecce Homo painting by the Spanish painter Morales, or El Divino, is the most famous.   Walking The Lower City Walls & Kampana Tower  You can start this walk of the Kampana Tower and the lower city walls from the Sea Gate.   Enter the Old Town.  Walk toward the northwest corner of the city walls to find the Kampana Tower.  Enjoy the views of the Scurda River and the harbor.  Walk toward the North Gate.  3. Free Swimming Spots In Kotor Bay  The rocky shores of the Kotor Bay offer many free swimming spots. Once you reach a beach, look for the public access areas for a free swim and directly into the water.   Free Swimming Spots Experiences  Dobrota Promenade • Find the hidden spots for swimming from the rocky shores directly Kotor Waterfront • Choose a public access spot with small pebbles Perast Waterfront • Expect charming town views Bajova Kula Beach • Beautiful pebble beach • Clear water  4. Free Events And Festivals In Kotor  Have a look at the table below to know about the free festivals and events of Kotor, their timing, and specialties.  Free Events and Festivals in Kotor Timing Free Elements The Tripundanski Days or the Days of St. Tryphon 3rd February Cultural exhibitions, parades, and concerts at Kotor Old Town Kotor Carnival February/March • Masks  • Parades  • Free Street Parties Boka Night Or Bokeljska Noć August  • Boat Parade  • Fireworks  • Concerts in Old Town Camellia Days March to May • Celebrating Camelia Flowers and Local Flavors  • Free Cultural Activities Kotor Festival of Theatre for Children 2nd to 10th July • Street Performances • Festive Decor in the Streets of Kotor Bay  5. Free Activities That No One Talks About   You can go through the best of lists about free activities in the “XYZ” place. However, you will never know where the real magic lies until you visit the place.   • Watching Sunset At Mount Vrmac  People still talk about a hike to Mount Vrmac and Fort Vrmac. However, only a local knows that the ideal time to start this hike is late in the afternoon.   Then, you will reach the Sveti Ilija Peak, the highest viewpoint, by sunset.   • The Gurdić Spring Or The Gurdić Bastion  This is a free attraction near the South Gate of the Old Town to learn about the resilient defense system of the city. Here, water bubbles from underground and flows into a moat system.   • The River Gate  Built in the 16th century, the River Gate or the North Gate is an entrance to the Kotor Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.   The bridge crosses the Škurda River. Thus, you can enjoy amazing views of the mountains, rivers, and the entire Kotor Bay from the bridge.   What Are The Cheap Activities To Do In Kotor, Montenegro?  Now comes the cheap activities in Kotor, and you can choose between short trips to nearby towns such as Perast and Budva, or exploring the former submarine tunnel entrance.  1. The Perast Bus Adventure  A Perast bus ride from Kotor will cost around 1.5 Euros. You will come across stunning Baroque architecture, such as the Zmajević and Bujović palaces.   It is a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, and as a historic seafaring town, it has a rich maritime history.   2. A Bus Trip To The Budva Old Town  One of the oldest urban centers in the Adriatic, the Budva Old Town has a history of more than 2500 years. It stands with its fortification and Venetian walls.   Furthermore, it has iconic landmarks such as the Church of St. John the Baptist and the Holy Trinity Church of the 19th century.   3. Visiting The Former Submarine Tunnel Entrance  The former submarine tunnel entrance near Kotor is an abandoned historical spot. It goes back to the Yugoslav era. The Yugoslav Navy used it as a secret military base for hiding submarines and boats.   From Kotor, you can take a bus to Kumbor and then follow the signs leading to the submarine tunnel entrance. The bus ticket price from Kotor to Kumbor will be around 1 to 3 Euros.   Also, if your budget permits, you can combine a visit to the former submarine tunnel entrance with a private speed boat tour to the Our Lady of the Rocks and the Blue Cave. The ticket price will be around 35 to 50 Euros.   4. Exploring The Kotor Farmer's Market  The open-air market just outside the Old Town walls of Kotor offers a delightful sensory experience. It is the place where you will experience authentic Montenegrin life and the best local flavors.   Buy cheese, honey, and local produce from this market and cook your meal at your hostel or homestay kitchen to budget your food expenses.   How Can A Student Explore Kotor On A Budget? The Ultimate Hack For Kotor On A Shoestring   I can give you a five-point solution to survive in Kotor and explore the city as a student on a shoestring budget.   1. The €1 Museum Hack  If you have the International Student Identity Card or a valid student identity card, you will have to pay just 1 Euro, instead of 5 Euros for an entry to the Maritime Museum of Kotor.   Also, an entry to the Kotor Cat Museum costs just 1 Euro for everyone.   2. Hostels With "Free" Social Lives  In my Kotor Montenegro hostel guide, I have mentioned how the cheap hostels in Kotor are more than accommodations. You don’t just get a bed, but become a part of the social calendar. The Old Town Hostel and Montenegro Hostel 4U are some of the most famous names, offering you free value additions.   Furthermore, you can be a part of the Sunset BBQs and get rakija shots and food there for a small fee.   3. The €2.50 Lunch Strategy  I know it’s tempting, but when you are a student or someone traveling on a budget, you will have to give the sit-down restaurants in the Old Town squares, including areas such as the Arms Square or the St. Tryphon Square, a miss.   Instead, you can visit the local bakeries, or Pekara. Order a Burek there with a hearty meat filling and have it with yogurt. This lunch combo under €2.50 will keep your tummy filled for hours.   4. Bus Discounts  When you are in Kotor, you can use your International Student Identity Card (ISIC) card or a valid card from any university to get 20–30% discounts on bus tickets.   Book tickets from platforms like BusTicket4.me to get the discounts.   5. Make The Most Of The Free WiFi Zones  The "Square of Arms" area and the area in Old Town just in front of the Sea Gate offer free public Wi-Fi facilities. These are local municipal connections.   Furthermore, use platforms such as Coworker.com to locate coworking places near Budva or Tivat. However, before you use any public Wi-Fi connection, you must have a VPN installed on your phone or computer.   What Are The Best Expert Tips For Free Things To Do In Kotor Montenegro?  Want to make the Montenegro free activities more fun? Give these expert and insider tips a good read.  1. Use The "Maps.me" App For Hiking  Though Kotor is a happening remote-working destination and internet connectivity is overall stable and consistent, you may face connectivity issues while exploring the hiking trails or the nearby villages.   Also, trail routes such as the Ladder of Kotor or the Fort Vrmac do not have clear markings. So, it is always a better option to download an offline map from Maps.me.   It is a more trustworthy option than Google Maps for local trails.   2. Choose Park Slobode For Swimming  Take left after the Port Authority building to find Park Slobode. It is not as crowded as the main beach.   You can get into the water from these concrete steps for a free swim. The water here is cleaner and suitable for swimming.   3. Visit The Markets Around The Closing Time  The Green Market outside the city walls is a wonderful free market to browse. Furthermore, the vendors usually pack up between 1 and 2 PM.   Many vendors give away free fruits during these hours.   4. The View From Kampana Tower Can Beat Any Mountain View  If you are too lazy to climb the mountains for a wonderful view of the Kotor Bay, you can walk to the Kampana Tower at the northwest corner of the wall.   You can climb up the stairs to reach the top of this bastion for free. From there, you will get wonderful photo opportunities.   5. Don’t Miss The Bokeljska Night  If you are visiting in late August, do not miss "Bokeljska Noć." It is a massive boat parade with fireworks. It is completely free to watch from the harbor wall.  6. Choose The "Mu" Walk  If you find the roads toward Dobrota very crowded, you can choose a quieter alternative, Muo. Here, you will have to walk along the waterway through a flat and scenic route.   You will love the reflection of the city walls in the water.   7. Don’t Miss The St. Nicholas Liturgy On Sundays  Visit the St. Nicholas Church on Sundays to attend the Liturgy. The most delightful element of this Liturgy is the Orthodox choral singing. You can listen to it completely free.   8. Avoid The Window Fines  Once again, you must not try to jump the turnstiles or force the blocked window at the fortress. If a park ranger catches you crossing the barrier, you will be charged a fine.   Kotor Montenegro Free Activities: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)  Here are the frequently asked questions and answers about Kotor Montenegro free activities.   1. Is The Kotor Fortress Free Before 8 AM?  No, there is no official rule for a free entry to the Kotor Fortress before 8 AM. The trick is that in the winter and spring seasons, from November to March, the guards do not reach the fort before 8 AM. So, you can try entering the fort for free.   However, guards reach earlier in the summer months. So, if you get caught, you may have to pay 15 Euros. So, this is more of a trick or gamble.   2. Which Churches In Kotor Are Free To Enter?  The free churches to visit in Kotor are the Church of St. Nicholas, an Orthodox Church, the Romanesque Church of St. Luke, the Church of St. Mary or Our Lady of the Rocks, and the Church of St. Anne.   Furthermore, as you explore the Old Town Squares, you will find many small chapels, which are free to enter.   3. Are There Free Sandy Beaches In Kotor?  Kotor does not have sandy beaches. The Kotor Beach in Dobrota, close to the Old Town, is filled with pebbles. Galebova's Rock, on the other hand, has a concrete beach.   However, if you want to visit a sandy beach, you will have to travel around 21 kms to reach Mogren Beach in Budva.   You can even visit the Island of Flowers or Ostrvo Cvijeca, around 11 kms away. It is in Tivat Bay.   4. Is The "Ladder Of Kotor" Hike Free?  Yes, the Ladder of Kotor hike, starting just behind the Old Town, is a free hike. It has been an alternative to entering the fort with a hiked fee.   After a walk for a few kilometers, there used to be a section or opening known as the Window. People used to get into the castle through this window.   However, the window is now blocked. Still, you can hike through this route for a view of the fort and amazing sunset scenes.   5. Is Water Free In Kotor?  Yes, water is free in Kotor. There is a historic well, Karampana Well and there are taps around the city where water comes from the mountains. This water is potable.   So, you must carry reusable bottles and fill them at the refill stations. Thus, you can save money and reduce plastic wastage.    6. Can I Walk The City Walls For Free?  You can walk around the lower perimeters of the city walls near the harbor and water for free. However, you cannot walk the higher perimeter of the city walls for free.  Early morning or late evenings are the best times for a free walk around the city walls.   7. Is The Hike To Fort Vrmac Free?  Yes, a hike to Fort Vrmac is free. However, this Austro-Hungarian fort is in a dilapidated condition. Also, I felt some eerie vibe there.   The hiking route to the fort ruins is easy and it is considered beginner-friendly. So, it is popular among locals and travelers on a budget as an alternative to the Kotor Fortress hike.   8. When Is The Kotor Carnival?  Kotor has two main carnivals. The International Summer Carnival takes place in July-August. Furthermore, the grand Winter Carnival takes place in February and March.   The Winter Carnival has Venetian mask dances, a grand parade with majorettes, grand feasts, the burning of an effigy symbolizing the troubles of the last year.   On the other hand, the Summer Carnival has colorful parades and street parties.  9. Is Parking Free In Kotor?  There are no designated free parking areas in Kotor, especially near the Old Town. However, Dobrota, Škaljari, or other residential areas allow free parking on the streets.  You will have to walk for at least 1.5 kilometers to find these parking places.  10. Are There Free Toilets In Kotor Old Town?  No, there are no free toilets inside the Kotor Old Town. You will have to pay around 0.6 to 1 Euro to use the public toilets.   However, you can use free facilities at the Shopping Center Kamelija near the North Gate or the restrooms at the Kotor Cable Car Station.