Best of El Salvador

Best of El Salvador

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Best of El Salvador

8 Days Starting and ending in El Salvador

Visiting: San Salvador, Juayua / Ahuachapan, Ahuachapan, Joya de Ceren / Suchitoto, Suchitoto, El Tunco

Tour operator:

Intrepid Travel

Tour code:

QBSE

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

1 - 12

Physical rating:

physical=2, cultureShock=3

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Adventure Tours

Tour Overview

Good things come in small packages, and nowhere more than El Salvador. Sitting quietly nestled in between Guatemala and Honduras, El Salvador’s epic volcanoes, misty cloud forests, ancient relics and quiet colonial towns will capture your imagination – while the undulating waves that roll along the surf coast will unleash your inner grommet. Immerse yourself in the handsome capital of San Salvador, meander through the wildflowers that line the Ruta de las flores, explore the lush nature reserves of Ahuachapan and wander through the whitewashed village of Suchitoto – then spend your last few days swinging in a hammock by the beach in El Tunco. This trip is the perfect introduction to your next favourite country.

Highlights

  • Indulge in a lunch time feast at Juayua’s phenomenal Feria Gastronomica – this small town hosts its famous food festival every weekend, showcasing sweets, treats and local delicacies.

  • Relax on a scenic drive along the beautiful Ruta de las Flores, a renowned route that winds through flourishing wildflowers, colonial villages and lush countryside.

  • Uncover the ancient ruins of Joya de Ceren, known as the Pompeii of the Americas – a wonderfully preserved Maya village that was buried under volcanic ashfall around AD600.

  • Enjoy a free day to explore the surrounding beauty of Ahuachapan: from the shimmering rivers and pristine forest of El Imposible National Park, to the impressive archaeological Maya ruins of Tazumal.

  • Kick back in the laidback beachside village of El Tunco. Hit the surf, sip on a smoothie, perfect your yoga poses or sway the days away from the comfort of a hammock.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: San Salvador

Location: San Salvador

Accommodation: Hotel

Welcome to San Salvador! As the capital city of El Salvador, San Salvador isn’t just the centre of the country in a political, cultural and financial sense, it’s also surprisingly pretty; trees dot the streets next to drastically different buildings, rebuilt after historic earthquakes rocked the city to the core. This hasn’t stopped San Salvador from maintaining an excellent selection of museums, bars and marketplaces. If you arrive early, why not visit Jardin Botanico La Laguna – a botanical garden that’s home to a beautiful display of El Salvadorian flora and fauna, which flourishes from the soil of a what was once a flooded volcanic crater! Or visit Iglesia El Rosario, a beautiful church with a rainbow arch of multi-coloured windows.

Day 2: Juayua / Ahuachapan

Location: Juayua / Ahuachapan

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch

Early this morning, check out part of El Salvador’s capital with a one-hour leader-led walking tour of your hotel's neighbourhood – then depart the city at 10 am and travel by private vehicle to Juayua (approximately 1.5 hrs). From rolling ‘R’s to rolling hills, learn the local lingo and gaze at the greenery as your leader teaches an informal Spanish lesson en route. Every weekend, travellers and El Salvadorian’s alike, flock to the small town of Juayua for its fantastic Feria Gastronomica (Food Festival) where an array of market stalls showcase a variety of sweet and savoury eats and treats from small plates to large platters. Take your time to soak in the delights, indulge in an included lunch and sample a few local delicacies. This afternoon, enjoy a leisurely drive along the Ruta de las flores (the Flower Route) – a road meandering through wildflowers and verdant countryside, to the town of Ahuachapan near the Guatemalan border. Spend your free time in the evening familiarising yourself with the town’s vibrant street art before perhaps savouring a drink at one of the local restaurants.

Day 3: Ahuachapan

Location: Ahuachapan

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast

Today is free for you to discover the surrounding beauty of Ahuachapan at your own pace. Ahuachapan is known for its geothermal activity, which it uses to produce electricity for the rest of the country, and is a great base for exploring the highlights of western El Salvador. For the history buffs, why not venture out to the Tazumal ruins – an impressive pre-Columbian Maya archaeological site that is estimated to date back to around 5000 BC. Wander the extensive complex and learn the story behind this ancient civilization through the onsite museum. For a real buzz, you might like to visit one of the many coffee plantations that are nestled in the shadows of the Apaneca mountain range – a rich mix of elevation, climate and volcanic soil makes this fertile landscape the perfect location for this addictive little bean to flourish. Alternatively, with its shimmering rivers, misty peaks and butterflies in abundance, El Imposible National Park is a must for nature enthusiasts – a little patience and you may be able to spot wild boars, antelope and even pumas! This dense, pristine forest is also a hiker’s paradise. Be prepared for some muddy, steep climbs, which are easily outweighed by rewarding panoramic views of the lush canopy and glistening Pacific Ocean.

Day 4: Joya de Ceren / Suchitoto

Location: Joya de Ceren / Suchitoto

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast

Say Adios to Ahuachapan this morning as you make your way to Suchitoto, the cultural capital of El Salvador! Along the way, enjoy some spectacular views from the comfort of your private vehicle, particularly while driving past the beautiful Lake Coatepeque. After approximately 1 hour of driving, stop to explore the fascinating preserved ruins of Joya de Ceren – known as the Pompeii of the Americas. Consider sharing an optional lunch with the group before heading on to Suchitoto in northern El Salvador (approximately 1.5 hours), where on arrival you can enjoy an orientation walk through the rustic streets before enjoying a free evening at your leisure. Suchitoto feels like a world away from modern El Salvador – a beautiful colonial town with painted houses and cobbled streets that serves as a reminder of El Salvador's past. The town overlooks the Embalse Cerron Grande, also known as Lago Suchitlan, which is a haven for migrating birds, particularly falcons and hawks.

Day 5: Suchitoto

Location: Suchitoto

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast, dinner

Use this free day however you wish! Those looking to kick things up a gear may fancy an adventure out to the Cinquera Forest. Once a military stronghold, the local community of Cinquera have created a series of projects that have helped the town bounce back from the horrors of civil war. Visit the museum, where ex-guerrillas share their stories, or enjoy a short hike and waterfall swim in the forest park – there’s even a sustainable iguana farm! Alternatively, why not go kayaking on Lago Suchitlan, spot the abundance of birds that flock to the lake and take in the surrounding beauty of this ecological paradise, or perhaps tour the Guazapa Volcano and the Cihuatan Ruins in the valley below. This evening, take part in a pupusa making class in a local restaurant – pupusa is a type of dough ball made with rice and often stuffed with cheese, beans or pork. Once you’ve mastered this Salvadorian speciality, feast on your creations.

Day 6: El Tunco

Location: El Tunco

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast

Depart from Suchitoto late morning and head onwards to El Tunco in your private vehicle (approximately 2 hours). Known for its surf and laidback atmosphere, this peaceful village is the perfect spot to kick back with a drink and sway the days away from the comfort of a hammock. The sun setting over the black-sand beach creates a rare spectacle that attracts international travellers and locals alike. Enjoy free time upon your arrival, perhaps resting on the beach as the waves lap against the shoreline’s iconic rock formation.

Day 7: El Tunco

Location: El Tunco

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast

Take the day to enjoy this laidback piece of paradise. Why not hire a board and tackle the waves, practice your poses with a yoga class, sip on a smoothie along one of the main streets or visit the beach caves at low tide. In the evening, munch on the Salvadorian specialty of pupusa and join the locals down from San Salvador at the bar.

Day 8: El Tunco

Location: El Tunco

Meals Included: breaksfast

There are no activities planned today, if you have time, you might like to venture inland and explore the waterfalls nearby to El Tunco. A short hike through the mountains and you’ll reach the isolated waterfall of Cascada Tamanique – where you can cool off with a dip in the pristine waters. Alternatively, make the most of the golden sand and wrap up your eight-day adventure relaxing on the beach.

What's Included

  • Suchitoto - Salvadoran Pupusa cooking demonstration

  • Meals

    7 breakfasts, 1 lunches, 1 dinners

  • Accommodation

    Hotel (5 nights), Lodge (2 nights)

Transport

  • Private vehicle

Accommodation

  • Hotel (5 nights), Lodge (2 nights)

Included Activities

  • San Salvador -Leader-led walking tour
  • Leader-led Informal Spanish Lesson
  • Juayua - Weekend Food Fair
  • Flower Route - (Ruta de las Flores) Day Trip
  • Suchitoto - Leader led walking tour
  • Joya de Ceren - Archaeological site (Entrance fee & Transport)
  • Suchitoto - Salvadoran Pupusa cooking demonstration

Check out our Q&As

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room

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Just leaving a review to...

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Just leaving a review to share how much I enjoyed my Central America trip. I thought the guide, Aura was so knowledgeable and organised and clearly a great ambassador for Intrepid. She gave us lots of information on each region, helped us organise anything we needed and dealt with queries from passengers very well and diplomatically. She made the trip run smoothly. She was also keen to explain the Intrepid vision and how the company values making a difference to locals and is a credit to your company. I did Guatemala and beyond and thoroughly enjoyed it - very fast paced, lots to see and do and a great overview of the region. I would definitely recommend 👍

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The Intrepid tour to Everest...

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I have just come back...

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I have just come back home after doing Intrepid's 10-day Vietnam Express Northbound tour. What a SUPERB tour. We saw lots and did lots, it was jam-packed full of sights and activities. Our tour leader, Tam, was the best ever. Very knowledgeable, organised and lots of fun too. The other 10 people on the group were all lovely. The places we visited were very interesting. We even visited local homes and ate just like the local people do. I highly recommend Intrepid to anyone considering touring a new country. This was my 5th tour with them and they have consistently been fantastic.

john whelan (Google Reviewer)  

We booked the 10 day...

28-Feb-2025

We booked the 10 day Group Explorer package with them for Vietnam and Wow !!! . It was fantastic. We were initially a bit anxious, but that all settled after day one. There is a fair bit of travelling and moving involved, but we'll woth it as you get to see and experience loads .Our Guide Huy was brilliant and looked after us really well from local knowledge to restaurants and tour information and activities . It's worth doing folks with intrepid . Well done, keep up that standard of service.

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I have travelled with Intrepid...

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I recently went on an...

15-Mar-2024

I recently went on an 11 day tour of India with Intrepid and was impressed with every aspect of the tour, the tour leader and the organisation behind the scenes. I always travel alone so it was a big deal to join a tour, I didn't want to feel less independent or ferried about. I loved being part of a group and the things we saw and did on the tour, I would never have known about or seen if I had been by myself. I loved it from start to finish. Yes the overnight trains were not easy to sleep on, but I managed. Meeting locals on board was a high light for me. English is widely spoken in India and its amazing who you strike up a chat with. I had two problems on the tour - one my own fault and one hotel related. The support from Intrepid was amazing. I cannot thank them enough for going the extra mile to support me. I recommend Intrepid 100% and have gone from thinking an organised tour is for people who don't know about Lonely Planet and can't do solo stuff, to realising its a faster, better, more fun way to get to know a country truly and deeply whilst on a bit of a budget. I will book again and again with Intrepid. I loved it that much! Big thanks to tour leader Daddy H. Devender for his help on day one, and Nick in the Oz office for his fab customer care skills. Also the person who staffed the emergency whatsapp in India - you saved my sanity helping me get there a day late! THANK YOU ALL X

Nicole  

North American Adventure

12-Oct-2021

This was my first international solo trip, but I never felt “alone” - there was always someone to go shopping, hike, or grab a quick bite with. The itinerary was a great balance between organized activities, while still allowing free time for exploring. Each location was unique and charming in its own way. Spending the night in the holy city of Moulay Idriss and wandering the winding streets of Chefchaouen were especially memorable. Thank you Mustapha and Intrepid for an incredible adventure!

Declan Curry (Google Reviewer)  

I have recently completed the...

07-Feb-2025

I have recently completed the Premium India In Depth tour. A most wonderful introduction to this amazing continent. From the Taj Mahal to Tigers 🐅 in the wild , dining whe the locals eat and a couple of meals with families was a great way to embrace the people and their culture. Magnificent architecture,be it Forts or Shrines. The most informative and inspiring of guides was great to have with us. Mumbai to Delhi and 6 more cities plus A Safari included. Best trip to experience India 🇮🇳. Prepare to have all your senses assaulted . Go for it.

D' ARTICULATE (Google Reviewer)  

They offer some great deals...

11-Jan-2025

They offer some great deals and group travel itineraries without the flights but will include them if needed by the traveller ; leaving one to choose a more personal holiday stance or exploration & time schedule too. Neat!

Book with Confidence

  • Free Date Changes

    Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.

  • Transfer as credit for future tours

    Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.

    Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.

    At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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