Cart is empty It’s Friday again and my journey is to the beautiful country of El Salvador.
So when I decided to explore the beautiful country of El Salvador, the only thing I knew about this country was that “Popusa” tasted so good. El Salvador is located between Guatemala and Honduras, and has high volcanic activities. I kept my fingers crossed hoping that an active volcano did not erupt the only weekend I decided to visit.
A 2-hour flight from Houston, Texas and I was already in San Salvador and ready to explore. El Salvador may lack the eco-tourism or architectural delight, but the general easy vibes of its welcoming people and avenues to relax offered a reason for me to take a trip to this beautiful country.
Economic inequality led to a civil war that lasted 12 years and resulted in the mass exodus of people. Then comes the natural disasters that makes you want to say, “WTF why me” however, with gritty people all around, the country has managed to attract tourist from around the globe. Although the majority of the population speaks Spanish, there are English speakers in most tourist locations.
I got a great deal on Groupon and stayed in a 4 star all-inclusive hotel located about an hour outside of San Salvador. The best part of my trip was meeting a tour guide named Carlos. Carlos was true Salvadoran, who made it a point to teach me about El Salvador. The passion with which he spoke about the religious structures, gang truce, drop in crime rate, and the fun beaches made me live in El Salvador.
Carlos took a detour from the scheduled tour and took us to a local hotspot to watch some football. I love football so I felt right at home with the locals. Carlos and I took a bunch of tequila shots and drank beers; I was a bit intoxicated; however, Carlos ensured that I was safe.
So, if you only have a few days to explore El Salvador, then here are a few recommendations.
– Surf along the Pristine Beaches: Serious surfers have started descending in large numbers at the Salvador beaches due to the large waves along the Pacific coastline. La Libertad is among the favorite surfer spot. If you are not into surfing, just sit back and relax the balmy breeze with picturesque sunset. The beaches are not overcrowded, which means you can have some uninterrupted quality “me” time.
– Water sports for those who do not surf: Stand up paddle boarding at the famous Intibucá beach or other water attractions like water skiing, Tubing, Wakeboarding, Para Sailing and Jet Skiing at Playa El Esteron Beach will ensure your dollars are put to good use with excitement guaranteed.
– Get mesmerized by varying sightseeing spots: Iglesia El Rosaria, the church famous for its rainbow colored glass has unique non-colonial interiors with metal and stone figures. A visit to this church is a must for the religious and otherwise. The countryside of El Salvador is breathtaking, with fertile volcanic turfs. You can take a trip to the very well maintained national park at Bosque El Impossible. If you have time on hand, then head to the colonial towns of Apaneca, Juayua, Panchimalco and Suchitoto or get a flavor of Mayan lifestyle at San Andres, Joya de Ceren and Tazumal, whose main pyramid rises some 75 feet in air.
– Eat, Drink and be Merry: The food in El Salvador is a melting pot of different cultures. While the American fast food is easily available, trying the local cuisine consisting of beans, rice, fried sliced plantains, and seafood gives the Central American experience. The most famous Salvadoran dish is “Pupusa”, a round corn tortilla filled with cheese and other elements like shredded pork meat. I could lay my hands on some excellent Pupusa, and the locals swear by the one that is sold at Olocuilta on the highway towards the airport. The love for Pupusa is translated in the national festival of Pupusa, a weeklong festivity to commemorate the national food.
Do not forget to try the delicious Horchata (rice beverage typical to Salvador) and Cebada (pink colored barley refreshment). When in Central America you get many options in fresh fruits and juices nourish your weary souls.
– Blazing Night Life – You can have the time of your life at some of the most exclusive clubs in the town and dance your heart out with great deals on drinks. The upscale area of La Zona Rosa has many happening bars and party venues. Multiplaza and Paseo del Carmen are some of the coolest ones to try.
Travel and Stay:
Comalapa International Airport (commonly known as El Salvador International), located about 25 miles southeast of San Salvador, is the only airport terminal serving international flights. Direct flights of about 4-6 hours from most US cities make it a convenient travel destination. For stays, you will get excellent budget options like beach resorts and city hotels. If you want high-end stay, then San Miguel is a better place to try.
Quick Tips:
– Carry lower value dollar denomination bills like $1, $5, $10 or $20. Most stores and street outlets will not accept higher currency bills for the lack of change. You can go to any bank or gas station to source lower denomination bills.
– Avoid carrying fancy items like jewelry, cameras, watches and purses when walking through the busy public streets. Take a traveler’s pouch instead with all the necessary identification forms/IDs and passport.
– Try Pupusa from a restaurant instead of street food if you are prone to food allergies or not acclimatized to new types of cooking methods.
Salvadorans are famous across the globe for their magnificent hospitality. So be ready to feel welcomed by “The country with a smile”, an official nickname that befits it correctly.