Excursions Outside San Salvador
The capital sits in a valley, and the excursions fan out in three directions. East is a lake, south is the Pacific coast and west holds the ruins and the flower route. Since 2022 the country has operated under a state of exception that remains active, so keep a photocopy of your passport photo page on you. Choose an official taxi, a ride-hailing car or a tour, since FCDO advises against public buses.
East: Lake Ilopango
The lake lies about 16 km from the city. Local operators sell boat rides, kayaking and diving, and a half-hour on the water cost about $15 in 2023. A tourist boat capsized in 2022 and drownings have been reported, so the sensible approach is a licensed operator, a life jacket and no swimming.
South: the Pacific coast
El Tunco and La Libertad are 35 to 45 km south and belong to the coast rather than the capital. El Tunco is known for surf, and strong rip currents run off the beach. In 2021 the US Embassy warned about several drownings on Salvadoran beaches. Lifeguards are few, and FCDO singles out La Bocana de San Diego as the worst spot. If you do not surf, enjoy the shore from dry sand. If you do, take lessons from a surf school.
Closer to town, Puerta del Diablo near Panchimalco is about 15 km south of the centre and works as a short trip rather than a full day. It has rock viewpoints and a small entrance fee. Summit access ends at about 17:00.
West: Maya sites
Three archaeological sites lie west, all open Tuesday to Sunday between 09:00 and 16:00 and shut on Monday.
| Site | Distance | Foreigner fee |
|---|---|---|
| San Andrés | about 32 to 35 km | about $3 to $5 |
| Joya de Cerén | about 36 km | $10 |
| Tazumal, with Casa Blanca | about 80 km | about $5 at Tazumal |
Joya de Cerén is a village that ash from the Loma Caldera eruption of about 600 CE buried. Tazumal and Casa Blanca are both in Chalchuapa. Casa Blanca has a small museum and the same hours. The distance to Chalchuapa makes it a long day, and a combined Maya route tour is the easier option. The elsalvador.com fee article for Joya de Cerén lists the current prices.
West: the Ruta de las Flores
The scenic road is about 32 to 36 km long. Juayúa, at roughly 85 km, takes 2 to 3 hours from the capital. Saturday and Sunday bring the food fair to its main plaza. If you start early, Ataco and Apaneca fit into the same day. See the Ruta de las Flores page for more on the route.
Planning notes
- Rainy season, June to November, brings floods and landslides.
- Avoid remote trails when alone.
- Small earthquakes are frequent.
Read more: Multi-day trips and Attraction tours .
Price day tours on GetYourGuide .