Itinerary
- Day 1
San Salvador
You'll arrive in San Salvador and check in after 2pm. If your flight gets in early enough, there's an optional beach day with breakfast available. Come evening, head out to check nightlife spots around Multiplaza, Gran Via, or Paseo El Carmen depending on what interests you.
Optional Activities
- Day at the beach with breakfast (available for early arrivals)
- Day 2
San Salvador
A bilingual local guide takes you through San Salvador starting with panoramic views of Zona Rosa and nearby residential neighborhoods. You'll see the relief map and Zapote museum, then move to the Historic Center to walk through the cathedral and Mausoleum of Monsignor Romero. The National Palace and Government district come next. After you grab lunch on your own, visit the handicraft market with its colorful goods, then head to Boqueron National Park to look at the volcano crater from the 1917 explosion. The day wraps up with more views of San Salvador and Santa Tecla from high points.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Panoramic view of Zona Rosa and residential areas
- Relief map visit
- Zapote museum
- Historic Center of San Salvador tour with cathedral
- Mausoleum of Monsignor Romero
- National Palace
- Government district
- Colorful handicraft market visit
- Boqueron National Park visit with crater viewing
- Panoramic views of San Salvador and Santa Tecla
Landmarks/POIs Zona Rosa Zapote Museum Metropolitan Cathedral of San Salvador Mausoleum of Monsignor Romero National Palace Boqueron National Park - Day 3
San Salvador to Ataco
You'll travel east to Cerro Verde National Park, which sits on top of an extinct volcano. Walk the rim trail for views of Santa Ana and Izalco volcanoes and Coetepeque Lake spread out below. After that, you'll check out the historic town of Izalco and then Nahuizalco before finishing your day in Ataco, which sits on the famous Flower Route.
Included Activities
- Cerro Verde National Park visit
- Volcano rim walk
- Historic town of Izalco visit
- Nahuizalco visit
Landmarks/POIs Cerro Verde National Park Santa Ana Volcano Izalco Volcano Coetepeque Lake Izalco Nahuizalco Ataco - Day 4
Ataco
Mid-morning brings a coffee tasting at a farm that's been around for over a hundred years. You'll see how they process the beans from start to finish. Later you have free time to wander around, and then it's time to relax in the hot springs before heading back to your hotel.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Coffee tasting at historic farm
- Farm visit with grain processing viewing
- Hot springs soak
- Day 5
Ataco to Suchitoto
You'll explore Mayan history by visiting Tazumal, the country's largest pyramid, where you can see their unique drainage system up close. Next is the colonial church in Chalchuapa and then the Casablanca archaeological site where you'll learn about how the Mayas used the indigo plant. From there, continue to Santa Ana to walk through the restored city center. Along the way, stop at Joya de Ceren (the park is currently under restoration, though it may open later in 2021 with separate admission). You'll arrive in Suchitoto around sunset.
Included Activities
- Tazumal pyramid visit
- Colonial church of Chalchuapa visit
- Casablanca archaeological site with indigo plant learning
Optional Activities
- National theater inside visit in Santa Ana (admission not included)
- Joya de Ceren visit (if open; admission to be paid directly)
Landmarks/POIs Tazumal Chalchuapa Casablanca Archaeological Site Santa Ana Joya de Ceren Suchitoto - Day 6
Suchitoto
The morning is yours to walk around Suchitoto at your own pace and get a feel for the town. After lunch, head to Los Tercios waterfalls and take a lake ride where you might spot migratory birds. You'll return to your hotel in the late afternoon.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Los Tercios waterfalls visit
- Lake ride with migratory bird viewing
Optional Activities
- Morning exploration of Suchitoto
Landmarks/POIs Los Tercios Waterfalls - Day 7
Suchitoto to La Unión
Head west to see the Jiboa Valley and pass near Chinchontepec and Chaparrastique volcanoes before reaching Alegria on the Tecapa mountain range. You'll visit Laguna de Alegria, a unique lagoon inside a dead volcano, and walk under the bridge that has a crystal floor. Spend time exploring Alegria itself, then continue on to La Unión. In the evening, visit the town of Conchagua and then settle in for the night at La Unión.
Included Activities
- Jiboa Valley views
- Laguna de Alegria visit
- Crystal floor bridge visit
- Alegria exploration
- Conchagua town visit
Landmarks/POIs Jiboa Valley Chinchontepec Volcano Chaparrastique Volcano Alegria Laguna de Alegria Conchagua La Unión - Day 8
La Unión
Take a boat ride on the Gulf of Fonseca to see El Salvador's green vegetation-covered islands. Watch for dolphins, which show up fairly often on these rides. You'll stop at Zacatillo Island to relax and try local food. By noon you're back in La Unión and heading to Sol y Mar hotel.
- Meals
- Dinner
Included Activities
- Gulf of Fonseca boat ride
- El Salvador islands viewing
- Zacatillo Island stop
Landmarks/POIs Gulf of Fonseca Zacatillo Island - Day 9
Las Tunas
Spend the full day at the beach with three meals and snacks all included. The hotel provides free soft drinks throughout the day so you can stay hydrated.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Snack
Included Activities
- Full day at the beach
- Day 10
Las Tunas to San Salvador Airport
At a time that works for you, a driver will take you to the airport without a guide. Midnight transfers aren't available, so book your ride for mid-day or evening depending on your flight time.
- Meals
- Lunch
