Travel to El Salvador

For a country often bypassed on the overland route from Belize to Panama, El Salvador could not have surprised us any more.

The country is covered in the most incredible papaya trees draped around the bases of volcanoes dotting the skyline. The scent of coffee is never far away, nor the sight of a freshly cooked pupusa (the national and incredibly delicious dish).

You would be forgiven for having some reservations before visiting based on the history of the country, with a dictatorship and civil war not so long past. But never being ones to bother too much with travel advisories, we went anyway.

Our advice to you? GO – before the word gets out.

The locals here are the friendliest, kindest, smiliest people, and truly happy to welcome you into their home. The crowds are less than in Costa Rica or Panama and (shhhh) the streetfood is better!!

With the lowest prices in the region, El Salvador is a tick tick tick for a must-visit destination, whether you are searching for an off-the-beaten-path adventure or chasing foodie finds.

Best Time to Visit El Salvador

The dry season is November to April, like the rest of Central America.

December, January and February offer perfect weather and perfect timing to see the flowers in bloom!

The wet season encompasses May through October, keep this in mind if you want to hike. The prices do not fluctuate much seasonally, so aim to visit during the dry season.

However, serious surf enthusiasts may wish to visit during April to October due to the excellent surf conditions

Transport in El Salvador

Public transport is the best way to get between major destinations. Bike/scooter rental is common and affordable (generally around $15 per day) – be sure to wear a helmet.

Local Bus

Las camionetas (or the “chicken busses”). These were our preferred transport and so easy to navigate.

The trip should cost around $0.90 for a 1-2 hour bus ride, and the prices in El Salvador are advertised on the bus (no tourist pricing!).

They are old done-up school busses from the USA and super decked out! They’re such a fun ride, just be sure to always have cash.

Tourist Shuttle

Extremely popular with backpackers and tourists to get around due to their convenience for pick-up and drop-off.

However, expect the price of shuttles to be considerably higher. You do not need to book online in advance – you can either book through your hostel/hotel/accommodation, or pop into any little tour kiosk around.

As the country is small and easy to navigate, taking the local bus is better value for money if you are on a budget.

Safety in El Salvador

Despite its historically questionable reputation, El Salvador is safe for tourists to visit.

La Libertad and San Salvador are areas where you should be a little extra cautious at night and will notice an increased police presence. Avoid staying out alone at night and take the usual safety precautions you would anywhere.

Keep an eye on your valuables as usual and be cautious when retrieving cash at АТМs. Skimming is possible, so use reputable ATMs, although you will find most ATMs in touristic areas are heavily used by other travellers anyway.

You can truly put your mind at ease, we honestly felt safe everywhere we went and all the locals were helpful, kind and so friendly!