Why You Should not Skip El Salvador
TL;DR
Don’t skip El Salvador!
In case you’re wondering if El Salvador is worth a visit, we can answer with a resounding yes. Here are 7 reasons why you shouldn't skip El Salvador:
7 Reasons to Visit El Salvador
1. It’s Easy to Reach from Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua
You can easily include El Salvador in your Central America backpacking itinerary. Shuttles run between Santa Ana and Antigua, Guatemala as well as El Tunco and Leon, Nicaragua. Don’t spend a whole day in a shuttle going directly from Antigua to Leon! Instead, break up the long journey and venture off the beaten path a bit.
2. The Public Transport is Amazing
El Salvador has amazing public transport. You can just stand on the street and a bus will come by within a matter of minutes. Even at the bus stations in San Salvador or Santa Ana we never had to wait. You can just tell the bus driver or ticket guy where you want to hop off as well. Prices are regulated and can be found written on the front of the bus so there is no opportunity for scams. Buses run all over the country - you can hop the beaches, visit Santa Ana volcano, or explore the Ruta de las Flores - all cheap, easy, and convenient with public transport.
3. Uber is Widely Available
Even if bus travel is safe and easy enough - even for female solo travel - it’s even more convenient that you can find Uber pretty much everywhere in the country. Especially in El Tunco we thought it was great to just hire an Uber after a night out. You don’t have to haggle with a taxi driver for a good deal and you have the safety benefit of reviews. We have not tried it ourselves as we took local buses but theoretically, Uber quotes you cheaper prices for transfers in between the beaches and the airport or Santa Ana than private shuttles.
4. World Class Surfing
El Tunco has everything the surfer’s heart desires – including breaks for every level. In fact, we took our very first surf lessons right here in El Tunco!
Once you get out of the water, you can take yoga classes, eat smoothie bowls, and party in the evening.
Travel Guides
El Tunco El Salvador Travel Guide (With Map)
Comprehensive El Tunco El Salvador FAQ + the 8 best things to do in El Tunco.
Carina
5. The Currency is the US Dollar but You Can also Pay with Bitcoin
The official currency is the US Dollar so if you’re from the US you don’t have to exchange money or rethink prices. Even if you’re not from the US you probably have easy access to Dollars. Additionally, the conversion rates are easy, even if you’re from the UK or the EU.
In theory, you can also pay with bitcoin but we don’t own any so we have not tried it ourselves.
6. Amazing Volcanoes Without the Crowds
We have visited volcanoes in many Central American countries from Guatemala over Nicaragua to Panama. What made the El Salvadorian volcanoes stand out was the lack of crowds.
For example, the turquoise lake of Santa Ana volcano is a super easy day trip from Santa Ana by local bus. Yet we were among very few tourists during our visit. At Salto de Malacatiupan Hot Spring Waterfall, we were completely alone!
7. The People are Super Helpful
Of all the locals we have met in Central America, the people in El Salvador were the most open. Everyone seemed very happy to see tourists and to showcase their beautiful country. Nowhere did we have so many conversations with locals. When we looked lost in the street many offered us directions or even a ride. We overall felt very welcome in this country.
