El Salvador Tour: Unveil a Mosaic of Culture, History, and Nature (8 Days)

Day 1: San Salvador

El Salvador Tour starts in San Salvador –Begin your day in Cuitzeo, a peaceful colonial town that offers breathtaking views where the land meets the sky, and a lake that mirrors the landscape. Take a leisurely stroll around the town’s historic center, admiring its charming colonial architecture and tranquil surroundings.

Next, head to Los Azufres, a beautiful national park nestled in the mountains, known for its natural sulfur hot springs. Enjoy the soothing thermal waters, perfect for relaxation and rejuvenation after a day of exploration.

In the evening, join the group for an optional farewell dinner at a local restaurant, where you can savor delicious local cuisine and reflect on the unforgettable experiences of the day.

• Accommodation: conveniently located, locally-owned hotel/B&B in San Salvador
• Meals Included: n/a
• Activities Included: welcome meeting

Day 2: San Salvador – Suchitoto

Start your day with a walking tour of San Salvador’s historic center, including a visit to the National Anthropology Museum. Discover the country’s fascinating history and culture with your guide.

Next, head to the charming Suchitoto town, renowned for its colonial architecture. Nature lovers can enjoy hikes to nearby waterfalls, caves, and Suchitlán Lake, while bird watchers will be thrilled by the region’s bird migration zone, home to over 200 species.

Upon arrival in Suchitoto, visit the stunning Cascada Los Tercios with its unique basaltic prisms, and explore the Alejandro Coto House Museum. Stroll through the town’s historic downtown.

In the evening, enjoy an optional dinner with the group to reflect on a day filled with history, culture, and nature.

• Accommodation: conveniently located, locally-owned hotel/B&B in Suchitoto
• Meals Included: breakfast.
• Activities Included: orientation walks in San Salvador and Suchitoto; visits to the National Anthropology Museum, Cascada Los Tercios, and Alejandro Coto House Museum.
• Distances en voiture : San Salvador – Suchitoto (~47 km ~ 1.5 h).

Day 3: Suchitoto – Joya de Cerén Archeological Site – San Andrés Archeological Site – Lake Coatepeque

In the morning, start with a boat tour of Lake Suchitlán, followed by a Market Food Experience, where you’ll taste local flavors and explore the unique market.

In the afternoon, visit the UNESCO-listed Mayan ruins of Joya de Ceren and San Andres. Explore these impressive archaeological sites and learn about their significance in the ancient Mayan world.

In the evening, arrive at your accommodation on the stunning shore of Lake Coatepeque, where you’ll be treated to breathtaking sunset views over the lake and surrounding mountains.

Later, join an optional dinner and get-together with your group, reflecting on the day’s unforgettable experiences.

• Accommodation: conveniently located, locally-owned hotel/B&B on the shore of Lake Coatepeque
• Meals Included: breakfast.
• Activities Included: boat tour and Market Food Experience in Suchitoto; Joya de Ceren and San Andres Archeological Sites
• Distances en voiture: Suchitoto – Joya de Cerén Archaeological Site (~74 km ~ 2 h). Joya de Cerén – San Andrés Archaeological Site (~5 km ~ 10 min). San Andrés – Lake Coatepeque (~23 km ~ 40 min)

Day 4: Lake Coatepeque – Tazumal Archeological Site – Ahuachapan

In the morning, enjoy some free time at Lake Coatepeque to soak up the sun, swim, or try jet skiing on the crystal-clear waters.

Next, explore the Tazumal Archaeological Site, one of the most significant Mayan ruins in El Salvador, where you’ll learn about ancient history and architecture.

In the afternoon, head to Ahuachapán, a small provincial capital at the start of the Ruta de las Flores. Known for its geothermal energy, it supplies 15% of the country’s electrical power. Later, unwind at the thermal springs of Ahuachapán, relax, and explore the town’s streets.

In the evening, join an optional dinner and get-together with your group to reflect on the day’s adventures.

• Accommodation: conveniently located, locally-owned hotel/B&B in Ahuachapán
• Meals Included: breakfast
• Activities Included: orientation walk to Tazumal Archaeological Site; access to Ahuachapán thermal springs; walking tour in Ahuachapan
• Distances en voiture : Lake Coatepeque – Tazumal Archaeological Site (~53 km ~ 1.5 h). Tazumal Archaeological Site – Ahuachapán (~24 km ~ 40 min).

Day 5: Ahuachapán – La Ruta de las Flores – Cerro Verde National Park

Start your day by exploring la Ruta de las Flores, a beautiful 36 km-long route known for its lush landscapes,  villages, and rich cultural heritage. Traveling by private vehicle, you’ll visit colorful colonial towns, hike to stunning waterfalls, and discover one of the country’s first coffee plantations.

Throughout the day, dive into the charm of the route, sampling delicious local food and experiencing the authentic beauty of El Salvador’s countryside.

In the afternoon, continue your adventure to Cerro Verde National Park, where you’ll check in and relax while taking in breathtaking views of the nearby Santa Ana Volcano.

In the evening, unwind at your accommodation, reflecting on the day’s discoveries in this peaceful, natural setting.

• Accommodation: conveniently located, locally-owned hotel/B&B in Cerro Verde National Park
• Meals Included: breakfast.
• Activities Included: entrances to Cascadas de Don Juan and Laberinto de Café
• Distances en voiture: Ahuachapán – La Ruta de las Flores (~25 km ~ 40 min). La Ruta de las Flores – Cerro Verde National Park (~74 km ~ 2 h).

Day 6: Cerro Verde National Park – El Zonte – El Tunco – La Libertad

First, in the morning, take a 3-hour intermediate-level hike to enjoy the sunrise from the crater of Santa Ana Volcano. Then, go to discover El Zonte and El Tunco – small villages on the Pacific whose beautiful black-sand beaches are considered one of the best in the world for surfing. Once hidden gems are known only amongst Salvadorans, now they are some of the most popular surfing destinations in El Salvador and especially appeal to international visitors. Afterward, move to our final destination, La Libertad, a quieter beach town with windswept sandy beaches and a more authentic Central American experience.

• Accommodation: conveniently located, locally-owned hotel/B&B/guesthouse in La Libertad
• Meals Included: breakfast.
• Activities Included: guide hike to Santa Ana Volcano; orientation walks of El Zonte, El Tunco, and La Libertad
• Distances en voiture : Cerro Verde National Park – El Zonte (~129 km ~ 3 h). El Zonte – El Tunco (~7 km ~ 15 min). El Tunco – La Libertad (~8 km ~ 15 min).

Day 7: La Libertad

Free program: rent a surfing board and enjoy the waves, relax on the beach sipping a refreshing cocktail, or go hiking in the nearby Walter Thilo Deininger National Park. Alternatively, walk down the Malecon to enjoy delicious local seafood and awesome views of the Pacific, people watch, and visit the pier where fisherman bring in their daily catches. In the evening, opt to experience local party vibes or join locals down from El Salvador at one of the local bars. Finally, finish the day with an optional dinner and get-together with your group in the evening.

• Accommodation: conveniently located, locally-owned hotel/B&B in La Libertad
• Meals Included: breakfast.
• Activities Included: n/a

Day 8: La Libertad

Last day of the Tour El Salvador. Depart at any time or extend your vacations and stay longer!

• Meals Included: breakfast.