Extensive volcanic beaches and moss-green rainforests stretch out against a dramatic background of volcanoes and outline the smallest country of Central America: El Salvador. A true little diamond, but also the least visited nation in the region. Although the country is home to world-class surfing spots and stunning forest reserves, its vicious civil war of the 1980’s and gang violence since the 1990’s have made the country struggle to gain tourist’s trust. Those who do make it there are amazed by the hospitality of its proud inhabitants and the sheer physical beauty of the place: majestic cones of towering volcanoes, gorgeous colonial towns, rolling coffee plantations and rugged mountain chains.
Also the capital, San Salvador City, has a surprisingly lot to offer. It is one of Central America’s most developed cities, boasting an enticing spread of galleries, museums, restaurants and a sophisticated nightlife. Within easy reach are the glorious ruins of Joya de Cerén and Tazumal, and the idyllic colonial town of Santa Ana which makes a good base for visiting both archeological sites. After some fascinating days exploring the ruins you can relax at the black beaches of La Libertad and El Zonte, traverse one of the stunning natural parks, hike a volcano or take undertake a captivating coffee tour along the Ruta de Las Flores. This route will take you through vast rainforests, coffee plantations, blossom-smothered mountain towns and the famous Juayúa food festival.
We invite you to explore this relatively unknown, rough diamond and to be blown away by its cultural and natural beauty!
San Salvador, Suchitoto, Cinquera, Guazapa volcano - 4 days / 5 nights
[layerslider_vc id=”93″]Meet your guide in San Salvador for a City Tour visiting the Historical City Centre, the Metropolitan Cathedral, El Rosario Church, important public squares and avenues, historical monuments and sites, and residential and commercial districts. In the afternoon a transfer takes you to Suchitoto where you have another walking tour through its cobbled streets, architecture, history and emblematic sites.
Accommodation: Suchitoto.
In the morning we visit the historical village of Cinquera and its Natural Reserve. In the afternoon we pay a visit to the waterfall Los Tercios and to Cihuatán, the largest Archaeological Site in El Salvador *.
Accommodation: Suchitoto.
* All archaeological sites close on Mondays and during some holidays. If you second day is a Monday or a holiday, you can instead participate in and indigo workshop and learn how to dye textiles.
In the morning we hike the Historic Guazapa Route, which is situated at an extinct volcano and was a guerrilla stronghold during the Civil War of El Salvador. Afterwards we drive to La Ruta de las Flores, the heart of coffee country El Salvador, where we will take a walk on the colorful streets of Concepción de Ataco.
Accommodation: Concepción de Ataco.
This morning we head to Los Volcanes National Park for a hike to the top of Santa Ana, the tallest volcano in El Salvador with stunning views. At the end we will enjoy a well-deserved bath in the warm hot springs of Santa Teresa.
Accommodation: Concepción de Ataco.
Transfer or optional activity (not included): Coffee Tour La Lechuza or walk to Los Chorros de la Calera, Juayúa in the morning.
San Salvador, Ruta de las Flores, El tunco 4 Days / 5 night
[layerslider_vc id=”94″]Meet your guide in San Salvador for a City Tour visiting the Historical City Centre, the Metropolitan Cathedral, El Rosario Church, important public squares and avenues, historical monuments and sites, residential and commercial districts, and the National Museum of Anthropology*. We will then leave the city to visit El Boquerón National Park, on San Salvador volcano .
Accommodation: San Salvador.
* Museum is closed on Mondays and during some holidays. If your first day is a Monday or a holiday we will visit La Puerta del Diablo for panoramic views.
In the morning we take a transfer to the Ruta de las Flores, the heart of coffee country El Salvador, visiting its colorful villages: Nahuizalco, Juayúa, Apaneca and Concepción de Ataco. At the end of the day we will enjoy a welcoming bath in the warm hot springs of Santa Teresa.
Accommodation: Concepción de Ataco.
This morning we head to Los Volcanes National Park for a hike to the top of Santa Ana, the tallest volcano in El Salvador with stunning views. In the afternoon we drive to El Tunco Beach, one of the most popular beaches and surf destinations in El Salvador.
Accommodation: El Tunco.
In the morning we take a short and fun walk to the Tamanique waterfalls, a series of cascades with refreshing waters, waiting for you to jump in. In the afternoon you can enjoy the beach or take a surfing lessons.
Accommodation: El Tunco.
Transfer or optional activity (not included): practice your surf skills or take another lesson.