Things To Do
Cerro Verde National Park
One of Derek and Nadia's favorite memories is hiking the Santa Ana Volcano. There's stunning views when you get to the top. About a 4 hour hike up and down. Make sure to buy some popsicles when you get to the top of the volcano. Afterwards, you can grab a quick bit at Cafe 1800 or get a plate of food from one of the local vendors selling chorizos and carne asada. https://elsalvador.travel/destination/cerro-verde/en/
Centro Histórico de SS
There is a lot to do in the historic center of San Salvador. Eat, check out historical sites, discover local culture, drink coffee, go to the mercados theres plenty to do :) The largest Starbucks in Latin America is located here if thats something that you're into.
El Tunco
El Tunco is a popular surf beach in El Salvador. Many foreigners stay in this area. Theres nightlife, dining, and lots of accommodations. Nawi Beach House is a popular spot to stay at or get a daypass (adults only) so you can enjoy the beach, food, horseback riding on the beach, etc. El Tunco is located in the region of La Libertad which has a pier with rides, restaurants, plenty of seafood, and anything you can expect from a beach town.
7 Cascadas
Hike with waterfalls in the charming small town of Juayua. https://elsalvador.travel/experience/tour-de-las-7-cascadas/
El Sin Rival
One of Nadia's FAVORITE sweet treats, sorbete artesanal. You can find a Sin Rival in most of El Salvador. This place makes a variety of sorbets made from different tropical fruits. Nadia and Derek's favorite flavor is the ensalada. Make sure to get your scoops in a barquillo and with jalea ;)
Alquimia Coffee
World-class specialty coffee shop and roastery in El Salvador. Currently ranked #3 worlds best coffeeshops. Try out one of their experiences at the bar :)
El Ático | Planes de Renderos
This is one of my favorite pupuserias to visit at night because you get an incredible view of San Salvador while you eat. Notes: Pupusas are eaten by hand. If you need a straw ask for a pajilla (pa-hee-ya) popote isn’t part of the lingo. Horchata in El Salvador is not the same as what you’re probably tried in LA from Mexican restaurants. Salvadoran horchata is not rice based it’s made from a seed called morro and the best way I can describe it is nutty. Hot chocolate is very cacao based so it might also be a little different but still tasty
Ban Ban
Bakery with Salvadoran sweet bread. A big part of Salvadoran culture is sitting down and having a chat over coffee and sweet bread. That’s exactly what you would do here.
San Martin Bakery
This is like a Panera style bakery but with Salvadoran bread. Try their semita it’s a brown sugar pineapple bread it’s super good. Their breakfast is also good.
Entre Nubes Cafe
Cafe and restaurant surrounded by tons of greenery. They have coffee tours and roast their coffee on site. Visit the town of Ataco it’s super beautiful and charming with lots of local crafts and souvenirs.
"Chilita" Chilateria y Yuqueria
Hole in the wall place selling yuca con chicharon (Dereks fav) as well as nuegados and chilate. Both are traditional Salvadoran dishes.