Best time to visit El Salvador
In this guide, we will explore the best time to visit El Salvador.
One of the smallest nations that exist in Latin America, El Salvador is finally starting to grow in popularity with backpackers heading here.
And with many giant volcanoes, Pacific beaches and colonial cities to explore, you may soon find it on your list too!
Best time to visit El Salvador
Below we’ll explore the best time to visit El Salvador, which includes whether this nation is worth visiting as well as how long we suggest spending here.
As well as looking at 5 of the very best things to do in El Salvador, we’ll also answer your most burning questions in our FAQ section.
February and March are overall the two best months to head to El Salvador. Not only are they well within the dry season, costs will also be cheaper too.
Is El Salvador worth visiting?
The short answer: Yes!
The (slightly) longer answer: This country is extremely underrated in many ways. Despite its small size, here you’ll find a range of outdoor experiences that range from hiking steaming volcanic lakes to exploring different Mayan ruins.
The safety situation (post-January 2023) has improved considerably and actually makes this nation one of the safest to visit in Latin America.
There are also many other benefits, such as very small travel distances between destinations as well as an easier currency to manage (they use Dollars – so there’s no need to have to work out bizarre quantities again).
What is the best month to visit El Salvador?
Similar to other Central American countries, the months of February and March tend to be the very best for visiting El Salvador.
Temperatures are hot year-round regardless, however given these months are located well within the dry season, it means you’ll be able to enjoy the outdoors without having to change your plans.
The other main advantage of visiting within these months are the cheaper costs. To be honest El Salvador can be quite cheap if you make the effort to find local eat-outs and more affordable hostels, however these months are definitely off-peak and will have further reductions on costs.
How long should I spend in El Salvador?
Given this country is much smaller than its fellow Central American neighbors, most travelers spend less time here – and we somewhat agree with this logic.
A minimum of 5 or 6 days is usually enough to see the main sites within Santa Ana and along the Pacific coast.
However it of course also depends on what your particular plans are when in El Salvador. Those looking to explore every nook and cranny will want around 3 weeks, whilst those looking to get good at surfing and enjoy a slower experience may even want more time here.
Things to do in El Salvador
Let’s now explore 5 of the best things to do in El Salvador.
Hike the Santa Ana Volcano
Often the biggest draw for travelers heading to El Salvador, the Santa Ana Volcano hike is a pretty memorable one. Located at an altitude of 2381m, it’s one of the tallest volcanoes in the country and also has a unique formation.
What makes it so awesome though is the fact that its crater is filled with a lagoon of bubbling, turquoise water. The hike up isn’t too strenuous, although those who aren’t in shape may need to take their time when ascending.
You’ll first hike through the forest on your route up, where you’ll also get some pretty incredible views of the nearby Lake Coatepeque as well as other distant volcanoes.
Whilst it’s possible to come here independently by bus to the start of the hiking route, we recommend this guided tour which includes a visit to the lake after.
You can also decide to stay on Lake Coatepeque too (instead of coming back), as it’s known for its beautiful walking routes as well as an authentic town culture.
Go Surfing along the Pacific Coast
If there is one thing that El Salvador is known for (by both travelers and those with somewhat of an idea), it’s that the country is home to some good surfing.
Many global competitions are held here annually, where the currents along this particular stretch are known for their giant swells and waves. However, this doesn’t mean you have to be a pro, as there are many beachside towns such as El Sunzal which are also ideal for those learning to ride.
Along El Salvador’s coast, you’ll also find ideal towns for staying in such as El Tunco, which is a popular surf and party hotspot amongst backpackers.
Whilst it is touristy, there’s no denying that the waves here are also pretty good for surfing too. Places such as Tunco Lodge make it more accommodating.
We recommend spending a week (if possible) exploring the various towns whilst learning to surf. This way you’ll get a good feel for each, and will find the one that fits your own style the most.
Visit Off-The-Beaten-Path Gems
In our opinion, El Salvador is the true winner when it comes to visiting novel gems that’s aren’t yet heaving with tourists. One of the best places to do some independent travel and digging is in Santa Ana.
From here you can first head to the Malacatiupán Waterfalls, which are a series of naturally-hot cascades located within the remote El Salvadorian countryside.
Whilst you’ll still see a tourist or two here, it’s still quiet, especially in the morning. Those into the ancient culture and exploring ruins will want to head to Tazumal.
These Mayan ruins are by far the least visited by those backpacking Central America, with most preferring Tikal in Guatemala as well as Copán in Honduras.
Here you’ll be able to explore many moss-covered stone temples with few others around, and also enjoy some cheap local food in the market next-door too!
Other worthy sites to visit (which aren’t so touristy) include the ruins of Joya de Ceren as well as some of the more authentic villages along Lake Coatepeque.
We highly recommend joining this ultimate tour from San Salvador, where you’ll visit many of these gems including Tazumal and Chalchuapa.
Enjoy the El Salvadorian Cuisine
Central America in general tends to get a bad rep when it comes to the local food: “it’s always just rice and beans” most say. Whilst it’s definitely a staple, there’s many other great dishes to try when here. Pupusas are a rite of passage for anyone coming to El Salvador, which are essentially stuffed tortillas.
Being completely honest it wasn’t exactly my taste (George), however many other travelers I met were constantly raving about it.
Each to its own course, and given it’s so cheap it’s definitely worth a try! Empanadas de Frijol is another must-try, which is made out of sweet plantains and filled with beans. Although it sounds odd, it’s actually a really tasty dessert and may end up becoming your go-to for a snack too.
Another great dish to take advantage of here is Tamales, which are wraps which are filled with all kinds of seasonings, meats and other vegetables.
They’re a king street food option, meaning you’ll find them pretty much everywhere which is good when heading more off the beaten path.
Explore the Capital of San Salvador
Just the thought of this city would have sent shivers down most spines in more recent times, however, it’s a much different reality today. Since the “clean up” in early 2023, this city is now very safe.
Here you can explore many of its top museums including the Museum of Art as well as the National Museum of Anthropology, where you can learn about the colorful and deep history of this Central American nation.
El Rosario Church is one of these, which seems like an unassuming, worn-down church from the outside. However, inside it has many breathtaking colored murals, and really needs to be visited to be believed.
Within the historic centre you’ll find many beautiful colonial buildings and landmarks too, with the bright splash of colors being a trademark of El Salvadorian architecture.
It’s worth visiting the Military Museum of the Armed Forces of El Salvador, where you’ll learn about the history and how this nation has grown in spades since it’s domestic wars, as well as see some pretty bulky tanks too!
El Salvador FAQ’s
Best time to visit El Salvador
And that’s all for this guide on the best time to visit El Salvador.
Whilst still one of the least visited countries in Latin America, this tiny nation offers a tonne of value for travelers who do end up heading here.
And with the safety situation being at an unprecedented high as of recent, there’s no better time to go than now!
In this guide, we’ve covered the best time to visit El Salvador, as well as our own personal recommendations for you to get the most out of a trip here. At the end, we’ve also answered your most burning questions in our FAQ section.
See our backpacking El Salvador guide for more ideas on things to do here.
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