Discovering El Salvador: Volcano Hikes, Pupusas & Colonial Charms
El Salvador is one of the most underrated countries in the world, and this 10 Day El Salvador Itinerary will cover it all! From stunning volcanoes to serene beaches, jungles, and amazing colonial towns, El Salvador has a very diverse set of tourist attractions. While it has had a bad reputation for crime and violence in the past, El Salvador is quickly turning things around. We felt extremely safe in El Salvador and never had any issues. El Salvador is the Central American gem we were searching for, and we couldn’t be more excited to share our experiences and recommendations in this travel blog.
In this elite 10 day El Salvador itinerary, we’ll make sure you’ll get a healthy mix of adventure and relaxation. We’ll balance out summiting volcanoes with relaxing in a beach-side hammock. Gift your taste buds the marvelous experience of experiencing an El Salvadoran food festival and learn about history in a former guerrilla camp. You can opt to stay longer on the gorgeous El Salvadoran coast if you’re craving your beach time, or cut out Santa Ana if you have no interest in volcanoes and crater lakes. Whatever your interests are, we’ll cover everything you need to know when planning your perfect El Salvador vacation.
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How to Get Around El Salvador
Getting around El Salvador is easy and extremely budget-friendly (we’re talking under one USD per bus ride – insane)! The easiest and most flexible way to get around the country is with a rental car, though that’s not always in budget! Luckily, there are a few different options for those who opt not to rent a car. The most popular option is by chicken bus – these old, colorful school buses are a fun way to travel between towns and cities, and super cheap. If you don’t feel like braving the chicken buses and are looking for something a bit faster and more comfortable, there are shuttles that run between the tourist destinations. Taxis are also plentiful, especially in cities, and good for short trips or if you have luggage.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
Safety Wing’s Nomad Insurance is how we travel knowing that if something bad were to happen to us, we’d be protected. They cover medical assistance if you get sick or get into an accident which gives us peace of mind while on the road. In addition to medical benefits, they also cover lost baggage, travel delays, and even evacuation from political and environmental dangers! They have additional add-on coverage for non-US residents for extreme adventure activities, electronics theft, and US coverage. This is a must-have for every long-term traveler!
The Perfect 10 Day El Salvador Itinerary
Day 1: Fly into San Salvador and take a bus to Suchitoto
Your first day will be a decent sized travel day, where you’ll fly into San Salvador’s international airport (SAL) and make your way to Suchitoto. There won’t be much time for exploring on this first day, but we’ll get into that once you’re settled in Suchitoto!
How to Get From El Salvador International Airport to Suchitoto
For your time in El Salvador, we recommend renting a car through this service at the airport as there aren’t many reputable car rental companies outside of San Salvador. This will give you a lot more freedom on your 10 day El Salvador adventure! However, if you want to do this trip using extremely cheap public transportation or using tourist shuttles, those are both cheaper options that work just as well.
To get from the El Salvador International Airport to Suchitoto by bus, take bus #138 from the airport, which will drop you off here. From there you can Uber to Terminal Nuevo Almanecer for $5 or walk here and take one of the 29 buses for $0.35 to the Terminal Nuevo Almanecer. To get to Suchitoto from Terminal Nuevo Almanecer in San Salvador, take the #140×3 or #129 bus to Suchitoto for $1, which takes 1.5 hours.
Where to Stay in Suchitoto
Suchitoto Accommodations
Day 2: Exploring Suchitoto
Start your day off right with a delicious breakfast from the Art Center for Peace and tour the non-profit’s exhibit after your meal. Then head over to Los Tercios Waterfall, where you can admire the incredibly unique waterfall and views of Lake Suchitlan. During the dry season, there may not actually be any water falling, but it’s still really cool to look at even when it’s dried up.
Afterwards, head down to the San Juan Port where a skipper will happily give you a tour of the various islets of Lake Suchitlan. You can also rent kayaks and paddleboards here if that’s your thing. After your lake adventure head over to Casa 1800 for a delicious meal and beautiful views of the lake! Casa 1800 is next to the Alejandro Cotto Museum, our favorite part of Suchitoto. Wander this beautiful villa and its garden for a calming experience and (more) beautiful views of the lake.
For the rest of your day, wander the colorful colonial streets, admire the massive white cathedral, (Parroquia de Sant Lucía), and take an indigo textiles workshop at Arte Añil!
If you’re interested in the El Salvadorian Civil War, check out this tour where you’ll hike through a guerrilla camp and talk to a former FMLN rebel!
For more to do in Suchitoto, check out our article!
Day 3: Suchitoto to Santa Ana
We recommend leaving Suchitoto in the early morning so you have the whole afternoon to explore Santa Ana. Go up in the beautiful Santa Ana Cathedral, check out the abandoned art school, and take a tour or catch a show (primarily only on weekends) at the National Theatre! Make sure you try pupusas from La Ceiba!
Read our article on the best things to do in and around Santa Ana for the important logistics behind visiting the tourist attractions!
How to Get From Suchitoto to Santa Ana By Bus
This takes around 4 hours, but if you have time, it’ll save you a fortune! Take bus #163 from Suchitoto to Aguilares for $0.75 which will stop by here. Get off and wait here. Take bus #125 or #119 from Aguilares to Apopa for $0.40. Then get off and wait here. Finally take bus #276 from Apopa to Santa for $0.80.
Where to Stay in Santa Ana
Santa Ana Accommodations
Day 4: Santa Ana Volcano Hike and Lake Coatepeque (stay the night at the Lake)
Lace up your hiking boots and bring lots of water, because today you’ll be hiking an active volcano that just 18 years ago, erupted and spit out rocks the size of cars! But don’t worry, you won’t see that side of the beautiful Santa Ana Volcano.
You’ll be bringing your bags and staying for a night at one of El Salvador’s marvelous crater lakes: Lake Coatepeque. We recommend staying at Captain Morgan Hostel. You can leave your bags in the guide office at the trailhead, in your car, or on the tour bus while you do the 4-hour hike. The hike is fairly easy, but you’ll be in the hot sun and desperately want a jump in the lake to cool down. On the lake, you can rent jet skis, kayaks, boats, and tiki bar boats if you’d like!
How to Get From Santa Ana to the Santa Ana Volcano By Bus
To get from Santa Ana city to the Santa Ana Volcano, take the 2 hour bus that is scheduled to leave from La Vencedora at 7:30. This bus costs $0.70 and will drop you off right at the trailhead.
How to Get From the Santa Ana Volcano to Lake Coatepeque By Bus
Take the same bus (#248) that goes back to Santa Ana but get off after 45 minutes at the fork in the road in El Congo. From here, you can hitchhike or pay $0.50 to go in the back of a pick up truck to your lakefront destination.
Check out our complete guide to the Santa Ana Volcano Hike!
Day 5: Lake Coatepeque to Ataco
Enjoy the crisp air and sunrise on Lake Coatepeque, then head over to Ataco! Ataco is probably the artsiest town on the Ruta de las Flores, so make sure to check out Axul Café and art gallery and admire the cobblestone streets lined with mural-covered houses! Get a high quality pour from Geko’s coffee and hike up to Mirador La Cruz for a beautiful view of the city!
How to Get From Lake Coatepeque to Ataco by bus
Depending on where you’re staying, this may involve a taxi or some hitchhiking. If you are staying on the north side of the lake, you can catch bus #220 to Santa Ana. From the west side of the lake, you can catch the bus coming from Los Planes headed to Santa Ana. If you can hitchhike or taxi to El Congo, you can take bus #59, #220, or #248 to Santa Ana. This is the least risky way as buses pass through El Congo more frequently than they do along the lake.
From Santa Ana, take the #210 bus leaving from Francisco Lara Pineda to Ahuachapan for $0.90.
From Ahuachapan, take the #249 bus heading to Sonsonate for $0.50, and get off in Ataco.
You can take bus #249 that connects Ahuachapan and Sonsonate to get to and from each of the towns on the Ruta de las Flores.
Where to Stay in Ataco
Ataco Accommodations
Day 6: Ataco Coffee Tour, Bus to Juayúa, and Explore Apaneca
In the morning, take a coffee making tour with El Carmen Estate in Ataco to learn about the entire coffee process, from seed to cup.
Then, take a short ride to Juayúa to drop your bags off before heading to Apaneca, another town on La Ruta de las Flores. Apaneca’s main attraction is Café Albania, which has one of El Salvador’s famous rainbow slides, a giant pendulum swing, ziplines, a labyrinth, and more. You can definitely spend a few hours here, but it does get crowded! After you head back to Juayúa, go to Pupusería Esmeralda for the best pupusas in town!
Tip: Try to plan to be in Juayúa on the weekend, as this is when the food festival happens. Street vendors line the streets armed with grills and tents to provide you delicious meat and seafood plates with HUGE portions.
Where to Stay in Juayúa
Juayúa Accommodations
Day 7: Juayúa Waterfalls, Salcoatitán, and Nahuizalco
Today you’ll be going on an exciting waterfall adventure. Juayúa is home to the 7 waterfalls hike and Chorros de la Calera, and when you combine them, you end up seeing 10 gorgeous waterfalls in a 5 hour period. Make sure to bring a dry bag (like this one!) filled with snacks and water!
After your waterfall-filled morning, head next door to Salcoatitán. Sample some authentic El Salvadorean cuisine like yuca and riguas at the Plaza Turístico. Then head over to La Ceiba, which is an absolutely massive tree. Grab a cup of coffee or other beverage at La Conga, which is a double-decker-bus-turned-café that has a good view of La Ceiba. From Salcoatitán, head over to Nahuizalco for the night market, which has tons of delicious food!
For more information, read our post about La Ruta de las Flores!
Day 8: Juayúa to El Tunco
Start your day off at Buena Vista Gardens with coffee, breakfast, and a beautiful view of coffee country. Then head to El Tunco, El Salvador’s most popular beach town. Spend the afternoon in El Tunco at Cadejo Brewing company, enjoying craft beer in their pools overlooking the beautiful ocean. You can grab dinner here while you watch the sunset, or if you prefer, head over to La Libertad for the carnival!
How to Get From Juayúa to El Tunco by Bus
To get from Juayúa to El Tunco by bus, first take the #249 bus to Sonsonate for $0.60. From there, take the #287 bus heading to La Libertad for $1.50, and get off in El Tunco.
Where to Stay in El Tunco
El Tunco Accommodations
Day 9: Chill Out in El Tunco
Start your morning off right with a yoga class on the beach (or in a studio if you prefer)! Then grab a quick smoothie and hit the waves! Surfing is a must-do when you’re in El Tunco – it is called Surf City after all! There are tons of options along the coast for surfing, and chances are, your accommodations provide lessons.
Grab some brunch and Point Break Café for some delicious breakfast sandwiches. For the rest of the day relax on the beach, explore the beach caves, and reflect on your amazing El Salvador vacation. Your 10 day El Salvador itinerary would not be complete without some time relaxing on the beach! This is the place to go slow, take in the sun, and enjoy life care-free. If you’re into the party scene, jump into the El Tunco nightlife with dancing, karaoke, and more!
Check out our post on how to spend the perfect day in El Tunco!
Day 10: El Tunco to El Salvador International Airport
Start your day off with one last walk on the beautiful El Salvadoran beaches and head to Dale Dale Café to make your own breakfast sandwich.
How to Get From El Tunco to El Salvador International Airport by Bus
First, get the bus from El Tunco to La Libertad by taking a #192 or #192A bus for $0.25.
Then take #187 bus that to Comalapa, but ask the bus driver to get off where the #138 bus stops to the airport, and take this bus. You can also take a taxi for $3-5.
That’s a Wrap! El Salvador 10 Day Itinerary
We hope you’ve enjoyed our El Salvador 10 day Itinerary, which covers the top tourist attractions in this beautiful country. While there is a lot of buses/days where you’re traveling, you’ll be enjoying the majority of these travel days in the cool towns and cities of El Salvador! You can adjust these days as needed, and we’ve provided some potential changes here:
- Rent a car and do La Ruta de las Flores in a day
- Spend a day or two longer in Suchitoto, so you have time for a boat cruise and jungle hike through a guerrilla camp
- Spend a day in San Salvador and take a walking tour through the historic district
It really all depends on what you’re most looking to get out of the trip, so build it around your preferences!
Best Time to Visit El Salvador
The best time to visit El Salvador depends on what you’re looking for in your trip. Here’s a quick rundown:
- Dry Season & Outdoor Activities (November to April): This is the peak tourist season, offering warm weather with little to no rain. Ideal for outdoor adventures like hiking, exploring Mayan ruins, and relaxing on the beach.
- Surfing (May to October): The rainy season brings bigger waves, perfect for experienced surfers (if you’re a bigger, stick to the dry season!). However, keep in mind that if you visit during the wet season, some parks and wildlife areas might be inaccessible due to weather conditions.
- Shoulder Seasons & Fewer Crowds (May & September): If you prefer comfortable temperatures and don’t mind the occasional rain shower, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons. You might also find better deals on flights and accommodation.
Overall, El Salvador is a beautiful country with something to offer year-round. Consider what activities are most important to you and choose the time of year that best suits your interests.
10 Day El Salvador Itinerary Packing List
- Good Hiking Shoes: These will come in handy on the volcano hike! We recommend this pair of Salomons for men and this pair or Jack Wolfskins for women.
- Backpacks instead of Suitcases: If you plan on taking the chicken buses, backpacks make this significantly easier. If you’re a woman, you’ll want the Osprey Fairview, and if you’re a man, you’ll want to get the Osprey Farpoint.
- Day Bag: We use this day bag that folds up into the size of your palm!
- Purifying Water Bottle: Our favorite purifying water bottle is the Larq Purevis, which kills the bacteria in various water sources and saves a ton of plastic!
- Locking Cross-Body Bags: We didn’t have any issues in El Salvador, but better safe than sorry!
- Packing Cubes: These allow us to travel light!
- US Dollars: This is the primary currency used in El Salvador
- La Roche Posay Face Sunscreen
Keep Exploring El Salvador…
- The Most Amazing 1 Week El Salvador Itinerary
- The Absolute Best Things to Do in El Salvador
- El Salvador to Nicaragua by Boat: Your Ultimate Guide
- The Most Amazing Things to Do in Suchitoto
- The Best Things to Do in and around Santa Ana, El Salvador
- Your Complete Guide to the Santa Ana Volcano Hike
- How to Spend the Perfect Day in El Tunco, El Salvador
- La Ruta de las Flores: El Salvador’s Most Beautiful Towns
- From Antigua to El Salvador by Bus: Your Ultimate Guide
- Is El Salvador Safe to Travel to? Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting
Our Favorite Travel Resources
Accommodations: We use Booking.com for hotels and HostelWorld for hostels. We also use VRBO or TrustedHousesitters for longer stays.
Flights: We recommend using Skyscanner to find the cheapest and best flights.
Ground Transport: We use 12Go and Omio for buses and private transfers, and rentalcars.com and Discover Cars for rental cars.
Activities: GetYourGuide and Viator are the best websites for booking organized tours.
International Medical Insurance: We highly recommend SafetyWing for Digital Nomads and HeyMondo for those not traveling full-time, or who frequently engage in higher-risk adventure activities.
eSIM: We recommend Airalo or Holafly for getting data internationally.
Check out our Travel Resources Page for more of our favorite travel-related products and services!
