If you are considering a trip to Central America or South America, then you may want to consider a trip to El Salvador. This central American nation is filled with rich culture, beautiful scenery, and lots of surprises. It is not hard to see why so many people enjoy this country. A visit to El Salvador is sure to be an experience worth remembering.
El Salvador is often referred to as the "queen of the Central American continent." It is also one of the most stable countries in Central America, especially when compared to other countries in the region. It has an average annual rainfall of around 9 centimeters, with the highest amounts during the dry season. El Salvador is bordered to the north by Honduras, to the west by Guatemala, to the east by the Pacific Ocean, and to the south by the Caribbean Sea. The capital city of San Salvador is named after a Spanish explorer who found the country here in 1521.
You can get to know El Salvador quite well on a trip to San Salvador, which is located on the eastern part of the country. It is very easy to reach this city, as it is connected by air, land, and sea to all of the other regions of El Salvador. The International Airport in San Salvador is the busiest airport in the country and offers low cost airline tickets for travelers visiting from the United Kingdom, Europe, and North America. There is also a port of call on the Pacific Ocean, for those wishing to visit the beach-side cities of Manzanillo and Puerto Vallarta. Another option for international travel is The Galapagos Islands, which offers ocean trips from San Salvador and Ecuador.
Along with a warm climate, El Salvador is very popular for its beautiful scenery, which is highlighted by its high volcanic mountains, lush vegetation, and woodlands. In addition to the stunning landscape, El Salvador is a very rich country with a wide variety of activities, sights, and culture to see and experience. Many visitors come to this country just to walk through its beautiful towns, or to partake in one of its many exciting tours. One of the most popular tours offered in El Salvador is the Blue Mosque Tour, which includes a stop at the famed Blue Mosque, which was built by Moizaldo Asunciazu, the "mage of fire."
For those interested in history, there is plenty of historical sites to visit while in El Salvador. One of these is the City of San Miguel, which has a wonderfully preserved 16th century Cathedral. The museum inside the cathedral features a large collection of relics, including an account of the city's history, as well as some intriguing paintings and sculptures of local artisans. Other popular local landmarks include the Church of San Juan, the Chucho Domingo Church, San Carlos Cathedral, and the Teatre-Museu de San Carlos.
Garifuna culture is very prevalent throughout El Salvador, especially in San Miguel, where the residents frequently dress in clothing that is typical of that culture. The US State Department even designated San Miguel as a US consulate general in Honduras, which helps tourists understand and experience more about the country. In order to experience true Garifuna life, tourists should make their way to San Miguel, where they will spend their time wandering through the streets, taking in the sights, smelling the air, and trying to figure out how life really works in El Salvador. Visitors can also try a guided tour of the town, which will allow them to learn about life in Garifuna communities, as well as about life in San Miguel.
For those interested in nature, hiking is an ideal activity to partake in when touring El Salvador. It's important to understand what the terrain is like before venturing out there; luckily, the national parks in El Salvador are quite accessible, making it easy for travelers to get a taste of nature. There are several prominent places for hiking in El Salvador and all of them have great hiking trails. Hikers can expect to encounter some large wild life, such as river otters, anteaters, salamanders, and a variety of birds. It's important to keep the trail relatively flat, as it's possible to get seriously hurt by rolling over on top of your body. Hiking in El Salvador may also offer a glimpse of other cultures, as many of the native communities speak English.
Tourists are encouraged to get as much information as possible about the area they're visiting. This is why it's smart to know as much as you can about San Salvador, Granada, and the other attractions in this region. A US state department report even advised tourists to book a trip on one of their buses if they were planning on traveling around el Salvador. The good news is that most of the hotels, tourist offices, and bus terminals are located in major cities throughout the country, so you won't have to spend a lot of time getting around.
Up to date information for vaccinations before you travel to El Salvador are available from the NHS Fit for Travel website.
Review the latest FCDO Travel Advice before travelling to or from El Salvador
The best time to visit El Salvador is during the dry season from around December to March, when the weather is warm and there is less chance of downpours.
British passport holders can enter El Salvador for tourism or business for up to 90 days without a visa.
See which forms you may need for entry into El Salvador.
The official currency of El Salvador is the United States Dollar (USD). If you're looking to transfer or spend money in El Salvador you can grab amazing United States Dollar deals via Wise.com (GBP to USD).
El Salvador is home to over 800 animal species, including butterflies; birds like toucans, quetzals, sandpipers, herons, hummingbirds, and parakeets; monkeys; and sea turtles. See them in their natural habitat by going to the country's many reserves and national parks.
Spanish food? Pupusa is a thick flatbread, usually stuffed with a few ingredients, and has been named the 'national dish of El Salvador' as it is the most widespread typical food of El Salvador in Central America.
You can typically expect to pay around £1.24p for an equivalent pint of lager or beer.
Spanish is the official and dominant language in the nation. A few communities still speak their native dialects, although in small populations. Foreign languages are also spoken in parts of El Salvador, especially by immigrants You can learn some basic Spanish before you travel to El Salvador and really impress the locals!
The currency in El Salvador is the United States Dollar (Tipping -- A 10% tip is automatically added to most restaurant checks, and taxi drivers don't expect a tip. No hard standard exists for bellhops, but $1 per bag will keep you in their good graces.).
The GMT time difference is -7 hours