How to Spend a 3-Day Weekend in El Salvador

Although El Salvador is the smallest country in Central America, it is known as the “Land of Many Volcanoes.” Bordered by Honduras to the northeast, Guatemala to the northwest and the Pacific Ocean to the south, the multifaceted country offers adventurous travelers plenty of opportunities to get off the beaten path. From coffee plantations to flower-filled villages and stunning national parks, spending a long weekend in El Salvador affords you time to take in all the beauty of the country.

Day 1

Arrive at El Salvador International Airport and drop your bags at your hotel before exploring the city of San Salvador. Visit the Zona Rosa, an area with several hotels, restaurants of all types and two of the country’s most prominent museums: the Dr. David J. Guzmán National Museum of Anthropology and the Art Museum of El Salvador. For a quick deep-dive into the culture and history of the area, stop by Church of the Rosary, Metropolitan Cathedral and the National Palace, as well as the National Craft Market to buy crafts made by Salvadoran artisans. Time permitting, take the 35-minute drive to the Instagram-famous Rainbow Slide at Picnic Steak House. Grab dinner back in San Salvador at Relajo or Puerto Mariscos before checking out the live music at Craft Basilea and resting your head at the InterContinental San Salvador.

Day 2

Wake up early for the two-hour drive to Santa Ana Volcano, or Ilamatepec, the highest volcano in El Salvador. After a two- or three-hour hike to the top, you will encounter the turquoise crater nearly a mile in diameter and 1,150 feet deep. While at the top, take a celebratory picture and buy a homemade icee or ice cream — the coconut flavor is the local favorite. If you have energy in the afternoon, visit Cerro Verde Nature Park before your stay at Casa 1800, Cerro Verde.

Day 3

No trip to El Salvador could be complete with a visit to Surf City. After catching the waves at El Tunco or El Zonte beach, visit the Tamanique Waterfalls just about a 30-minute drive away. Reach the series of four waterfalls with a 35-minute hike. No trip is complete without jumping into the crystal spring water and a swim.

Head over to Joya de Ceren (referred to as the Pompeii of the Americas), El Salvador’s one and only UNESCO World Heritage site. An icon of pre-Hispanic culture, visitors get a peek into the life of the Mayans as this ancient community covered a total of around 500 acres and consisted of a monumental center surrounded by a large, common residential area. While there, head over to Café Albania for an exquisite cup of coffee and get lost in the labyrinth. Close by, time permitting, stop by San Andrés Archaeological Park and Cihuatán Archaeological Park.

Grab a quick pupusa on your way to the airport and be off onto your next journey.