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El Salvador travel guide

Volcanoes, surf breaks and coffee plantations: wake up to the appeal of El Salvador

Lively and incredibly friendly; packed with volcanoes, rich forests and craggy mountains; fringed by golden beaches and first-class waves which would satisfy the most adventurous surfers and sun-worshippers – El Salvador is a perfect one-stop destination. Most people have a love-hate relationship with the capital, San Salvador but recent rejuvenation projects are drawing more visitors in. And beyond the city there are many compelling reasons for a visit.

The northern hills around El Poy and Perquín are a haven for trekkers; Cerro Verde National Park offers dramatic, horizon-filling landscapes filled with hot springs and countless waterfalls; a challenging scrabble across the smoking cinder cone of Izalco volcano is rewarded by beautiful views over Lago de Coatepeque; oft overlooked Mayan ruins abound; and who could resist the draw of a national park called El Imposible?

To the south, long, sandy beaches prized by surfers for decades stretch along the Costa del Sol to the Gulf of Fonseca, dotted with islets and bays to explore. In the west, wander through coffee plantations, soak up the beauty of the Ruta de las Flores or simply laze around, watching the daily display of Pacific sunsets.

Wanderlust recommends

1. Visit the haunting Museo de la Revolución Salvadoreña in Perquín
2. Gallop off into the sunset on a horseriding trip in the rolling hills near Juayúa
3. Try to resist the intricately carved wooden chests at craft village La Palma near the Honduran border
4. Potter around the colonial town of Suchitoto
5. Hike around the wonderfully named El Imposible – a mountain forest in the west that’s great for bird-watching
6. Shop for souvenirs in the Mercado Cuartel in San Salvador
7. Learn to surf on the black sand beaches of Playa El Tunco
8. Step back in time: visit the the Tazumal ruins for a glimpse into Mayan life
   

Wanderlust tips

Women should try to avoid cat-calls; if you ignore them, the men usually lose interest.

If you’re interested in a longer stay, you can volunteer to teach English or learn Spanish at Centro de Intercambio y Solidaridad.

El Salvador trips