Explore El Salvador
Small Group Holiday
11
CA$
days from
3240
El Salvador, often overlooked by its Central American neighbors, is a hidden gem, offering a rich blend of nature, history, and culture. From turtles nesting on its pristine beaches to volcanoes with crater lakes and charming colonial towns, this small country is full of unforgettable experiences.
Our journey starts in San Salvador, the capital, which has recently undergone revitalization. After meeting our guide we travel to Jiquilisco Bay, a vital biosphere reserve for turtle conservation. We’ll join a local biologist for a boat trip, measuring and tagging endangered hawksbill turtles. For those not joining the boat, there’s kayaking or time to relax at the hotel. In the afternoon, optional activities include visiting a cacao farm or birdwatching.
We then drive to the colonial town of Suchitoto, stopping at Laguna de Alegría, a green sulfur lake within the Tecapa volcano crater. After a lunch in Berlin, we arrive in Suchitoto, where we’ll enjoy a pupusa-making class, learning to prepare El Salvador’s national dish.
The next day, we visit the rainforest community of La Cinquera, where former guerrilla fighters guide us through the forest, sharing stories of the civil war. Afterward, explore the colonial streets of Suchitoto or take a boat trip on Lake Suchitlan.
We continue to the UNESCO site Joya de Cerén, often called the "Pompeii of the Americas." Afterward, we visit Los Volcanoes National Park and Coatepeque Lake before heading to a glamping campsite for the night.
The following day, we hike to the summit of Santa Ana Volcano, and are rewarded with stunning views of the crater lake. Later, we visit the Mayan archaeological site of Tazumal and head to Ataco, a town along the Ruta de las Flores, known for its street art and vibrant culture.
We explore more of the Ruta de las Flores the next day, stopping in Juayúa to sample local street foods. We also visit the Cascadas de Don Juan, for a refreshing dip in natural pools.
The next morning, we visit a coffee farm in Ataco to learn about the local industry, then head to the coast to visit Los Cobanos marine reserve. Afterward, we continue to La Libertad, a renowned surfing destination with beautiful ocean views.
On our last full day, you can relax or explore the coast further, enjoy a surfing lesson, visit to the San Antonio Waterfalls, or take a trip to the Mercado del Mar fish market.
This adventure offers a perfect mix of nature, culture, and history, with opportunities to participate in conservation efforts, learn traditional crafts, and experience El Salvador’s landscapes and heritage.
Activity / Theme
Country
Culture
El Salvador
Comfort Level
Physical Rating
Moderate / Comfortable
Leisurely / Moderate
Transportation
Accommodation
Bus, boat
1 night comfortable camping, 7 nights comfortable hotel, 2 nights premium hotel
Months of Operation
February, March, October, November
Itinerary
DAY 1: Arrive in San Salvador; free day to relax
DAY 2: Travel to Jiquilisco Bay; boat trip monitoring hawksbill turtles
DAY 3: Optional kayaking or visit cacao farm; afternoon at leisure
DAY 4: Drive to Suchitoto; visit Laguna de Alegría; pupusa-making class
DAY 5: Visit La Cinquera ex-guerrilla community; free afternoon in Suchitoto
DAY 6: Explore San Salvador; visit Joya de Cerén; drive to Cerro Verde
DAY 7: Hike Santa Ana Volcano; visit Tazumal; drive to Ataco
DAY 8: Explore Ruta de las Flores villages; enjoy local food festival
DAY 9: Visit coffee farm; explore Los Cobanos marine area; drive to La Libertad
DAY 10: Free day in La Libertad; optional surfing or waterfall visit
DAY 11: Trip ends after breakfast in La Libertad
Inclusions
10 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 2 Dinners
Services of Tour Leader, Activity Guide(s), Driver(s) and Naturalist(s)
All accommodation
All transportation
Sample tour. Itinerary, accommodation, transportation, inclusions and prices are correct at the time of publication but may change without prior notice. Please inquire.
© Adventure Coordinators