Multi Day Routes from San Salvador

San Salvador works best as the first and last night of a longer trip. This page offers three route sizes, from two to four days, and each one starts and ends in the capital. 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.

Two days: the capital and one outing

Spend day one in the Centro Histórico. The cathedral, the Palacio Nacional (guided visits Tuesday to Sunday) and BINAES, which is open 24 hours, are close together. On day two, add Joya de Cerén, about 36 km away, or the crater rim at El Boquerón. Joya de Cerén is open Tuesday to Sunday from 09:00 to 16:00 and charges foreigners $10. El Boquerón opens from 08:00 to 17:00 and charges $2.

Three days: add the flower route

Keep the two-day plan and spend day three on the Ruta de las Flores. Juayúa, about 85 km west, is a 2 to 3 hour drive. The road is about 32 to 36 km long, and Ataco and Apaneca fit into the same day. Time it for a Saturday or Sunday to catch the food fair in Juayúa’s main plaza. See the Ruta de las Flores page for a closer look at the route.

Four days: the Maya route or the coast

Choose one of two endings for the last day.

The Maya route. Joya de Cerén, San Andrés and Tazumal are often combined. San Andrés is open Tuesday to Sunday and charges foreigners about $3 to $5. Tazumal, in Chalchuapa about 80 km west, shares those days and charges about $5. The nearby Casa Blanca has a small museum. Hours at all three are 09:00 to 16:00. Read the elsalvador.com Chalchuapa article before you set out.

The Pacific coast. El Tunco and La Libertad lie 35 to 45 km south. Rip currents are strong, and lifeguards are few. FCDO calls Pacific swimming dangerous, so only surfers with a school should enter the water.

Extras to ask about locally

Santa Ana volcano and Lake Coatepeque are popular western extras. Ask locally about access, and remember FCDO’s rule to climb volcanoes only in daylight and with a guide.

What to remember

  • Monday closes the Palacio Nacional and every archaeological site named here.
  • Use official taxis or ride-hailing, not public buses.
  • Rainy season runs June to November, with floods and landslides.
  • Dollars are the currency.

Read more: Day trips and Romantic getaways . A fuller plan is in the 3-day El Salvador itinerary .

Find places to stay on Booking.com .