The smallest and most densely populated country in Central America, El Salvador was named after ‘The Saviour’ (Spanish), Jesus Christ. Known as the Land of Volcanoes, it is also affectionately called Pulgarcito de America (Tom Thumb of the Americas). El Salvador is currently brimming with glamour, as the finale of the 72nd Miss Universe contest will be held on November 18 in José Adolfo Pineda Arena, San Salvador, the country’s capital (live broadcast at 6.30 am IST on November 19 in India).
If you are planning to head to El Salvador, remember Indian travellers can get a visa on arrival (maximum stay: 90 days). However, last month, El Salvador imposed a fee of US$1,000 for those holding Indian and African passports and passing through the country’s airport. With the inclusion of VAT, the fee actually comes to $1,130 (roughly INR 94,000) and this has to be paid before boarding the flight to or via El Salvador (officially known as 'airport improvement fee', this money is not refundable).
The new rule, which came into effect on October 23, is an attempt to address irregular migration to the United States via Central America. Now, airlines flying into El Salvador are required to notify Salvadoran authorities daily about passengers coming in from a list of 57 countries including India. Before planning a trip to El Salvador, check with airlines/embassy about updated visa/fee rules.
Here’s a quick look at all the must-see, must-do and must-eat in the smallest Central American country.
10 must-see cities & towns
San Salvador: The capital of El Salvador, San Salvador, is the starting point for all tourists. Head to the Historic Center, where you can visit the National Theatre, the Metropolitan Cathedral, and the National Palace. Do not miss Iglesias El Rosario, perhaps the prettiest church in Central America.
Suchitoto: This colonial city was the country’s first capital and at its heart lie cultural and historical remnants and references.
Santa Ana: See the Cathedral of Santa Ana, declared cultural heritage of El Salvador in 1995; as well as the National Theatre and the Municipal Palace.
Ahuachapan: One of the main attractions of this mountainous city is the Parish of La Asunción, considered an architectural jewel for its century-old colonial-style buildings.
San Miguel: Known for the carnival that is held in the last week of November.
Sonsonate: Hub for religious tourism, known for Cathedral of Sonsonate and the Railway Square.
La Libertad: Known for seafood, historical ruins, beaches and colonial architecture.
Santo Domingo De Guzman: It is considered ‘The Cradle of the Nahuat-Pipil culture’. Visit because of the culture, traditions, and gastronomy.
Concepcion de Ataco: Cobbled streets, colourful murals, crafts, gastronomy, and cool climate - you’ll find all this in Ataco.
Apaneca: If ecotourism is your thing, Apaneca has destinations such as Laguna Verde and Laguna Las Ninfas, both ideal for hiking and the exploration of flora and fauna of the zone.
Nature and adventure travel in El SalvadorConchagua Volcano: Perched 1,242 metres above sea level, Conchagua Volcano is on top of every tourist’s must-see list. One can camp on the volcano top for spectacular views of the sunrise and sunset. You can walk up to the volcano top or drive up.
Surf City Walter Thilo Deininger Nature Park: Sprawled across 1,047 hectares, this Nature Park is known for mountain biking, rappelling and zip lining. Also take a guided tour of the El Mirador trail.
Santa Ana Volcano: Considered a live volcano (it last erupted in 2005), Santa Ana volcano is located at an altitude of 2,381 metres above sea level, the highest in the country.
Cerro Verde Nature Park: Known for its biodiversity. From here, you can also hike to the volcanoes of Santa Ana and Izalco.
Coatepeque Lake: Of volcanic origin, this lake is popular for kayaking, jet skiing and diving.
Miramundo Hill: Perfect for ecotourism.
Eramon Hill: Perfect for hiking, camping, and enjoying spectacular sunrises and sunsets. It is really hot here, so do not forget to carry a lot of water.
Los Tercios Waterfall: Formed by hexagonal stone blocks that overlap and through which water flows.
Jiquilisco Bay: The country’s largest mangrove site.
Water Parks: Aqua Fria Water Park and Atecozol Water park have natural water pools. Apulo Water Park and Costa Del Sol Water Park are also very popular.
Where to go surfing in El Salvador
El Tunco: Borrowing its name from Salvadorian slang for pig (tunco), El Tunco is often called the surfing capital of El Salvador.
El Zonte: This small coastal community maintains its original bohemian and beach style and is famous for cliffs and rocky peninsulas.
Punta Roca or La Punta: The waves of Punta Roca break on a rocky bed and are considered to be one of the 10 best places in the world for surfing.
Las Flores: Known as The Wild East, Las Flores runs for several kilometres and is known for its series of rocky points.
El Sunzal: It is believed that it was on El Sunzal beach that surfing was first practised in El Salvador with the arrival of North Americans in the 1960s.
Punta Mango: For many years, this beach was only accessible by boat but it is much more accessible now.
Must-eats in El Salvador
Pupusa: The country’s national dish is made of corn or rice-flour dough that is stuffed with a selection of fillings, flattened into a disc and then fried.
Tamales: Cornflour dough filled with meat, usually chicken or pork, wrapped in a banana leaf and steamed.
Yuca con chicharron: Boiled or fried yucca topped with fried pork belly and its crisp skin.
Chorilonza: Spicy sausage
Torta: A hot sandwich (buns filled with grilled sausages, meat patty, lettuce, onions, and mayonnaise and ketchup).
Desayuno typicos: Literally, ‘typical breakfast’, this comprises roasted sweet plantain; beans, rice; a wedge of salty cheese, scrambled eggs, and white buns.
Elote Loco: Literally ‘crazy corn’, this is boiled or grilled corn loaded with mayonnaise, cheese, and all kinds of sauces.
Grilled meats: Mostly had for lunch/dinner, with rice and fried plantain.
Iguana: If you can stomach the idea of a huge reptile on your plate, try the iguana dishes.
Conejo: Roasted or grilled rabbit.
Sopa de Gallinas India: There is nothing Indian about this chicken soup (actually, wild rooster soup). The ‘India’ in the name merely means ‘wild’.
Mondongo: Made of the lining of a cow’s stomach, this is often known as the soup that cures all hangovers.
In terms of alcoholic beverages, El Salvador is best-known for its rum (Ron de El Salvador), and Cihuatán is the only rum distillery in the country that was established in 2004. Other spirits such as vodka and and aguardente (cane spirit) are also produced in the country.
Some of the best coffee brands are Gourmet Santa Leticia and Ataco Gourmet.
Good to know
New Delhi to San Salvador flight: A two-stop Qatar Airways flight takes about 32 hours and starts at Rs 67,000 per person. United Airlines, Lufthansa also have Delhi-San Salvador flights and travel time is more than 43 hours. The fastest Delhi-San Salvador flight is on American Airlines (27 hours, price starts at Rs 1.69 lakh per person).
The colón (not the same as the colon in human anatomy!) was the official currency of El Salvador until 2002, now it is the US dollar. Keep lower denominations - $100 bills might not be accepted in small establishments. Bitcoin is also an official currency, but it is not accepted everywhere yet.
Cannabis and its products are illegal. Leave the CBD oil at home.
If you are hiring a taxi, be careful. Look for a registration number that starts with A - only official taxis have these licence plates.
Do not venture out after dark, certainly not alone.
Ask the hotel concierge to book a cab for inter-city travel.
Don't drink tap water here.
Certain neighbourhoods in San Salvador are a big no-no. Check with your hotel or local guide.
Look for registered tour guides and tourist transportation on the official website of the El Salvador Ministry of Tourism.
Do not physically resist robbery.
Be extra vigilant when visiting banks or ATMs.
Do not display signs of wealth, such as wearing expensive watches or jewellery.
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