Reasons to Visit El Salvador
Are you visting El Salvador soon? In this blog, you will read all about the Reasons to Visit El Salvador. This little country in Central America deserves so much recognition, and I am thrilled to be able to share all the Reasons to Visit El Salvador – the beauty of the culture, the people, and the places.
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Location: Las Tres Piedras
When you discover El Salvador’s history, you’ll realize that, at one point, it was considered one of the most dangerous countries in the world. El Salvador went through a brutal civil war from 1979 to 1992, resulting in significant social and political changes. Thereafter, the country suffered considerably high homicide rates and gang violence.
The country has had some significant upgrades with the new president in-house, considerably impacting the economy and society. Tourism is booming and has become the second fastest-growing economy in Central America. In this blog, I will share why you should visit El Salvador.
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Reasons to Visit El Salvador
Volcanoes
The country is home to more than 20 astonishing volcanoes and is often called the “Land of Volcanoes” due to its numerous quantity. Two of the most well-known volcanoes are the Santa Ana Volcano and the Izalco Volcano. They are both climbable but require a tour guide for safety reasons. The links above provide the trail details, pricing, and reservation information.
Surfing
El Salvador is a popular landing place for surfers. Each year, it hosts a surfing competition called “Surf City El Salvador ISA World Surfing Games,” which has made the country a leading surfing destination known for its epic waves and warm water temperatures along the Pacific coast. You can learn more about the surfing events at isasurf.org.
Beautiful Beaches
El Salvador is home to some of the most beautiful and picturesque beaches. What makes the beaches more incredible is how warm the water stays throughout the year, which the locals boast about. As mentioned above, the waves speak for themselves, so it is crucial to practice safety and caution when swimming on El Salvador’s beaches. Here is a list of The Best Beaches in El Salvador.
Location: Surf City, San Salvador
Mayan Ruins
The country has so much ancient history, and you can explore ancient Mayan ruins. Two of the more notable locations are Tazumal and San Andrés. Although noteworthy Mayan ruins are found in other Central American countries like Guatemala, what makes the ones in El Salvador unique is that they are less traveled. You can find a list of these Mayan ruins at lacgeo.com.
National Parks
There are five National Parks located in El Salvador. Many of these parks offer opportunities for bird watching, zip-lining, kayaking, hiking, and off-the-beaten-path activities while exploring pristine natural areas. The two parks that are the most popular to visit are Parque Nacional Montecristo (Montecristo National Park) and Parque Nacional El Imposible (El Imposible National Park).
Natural Beauty
One thing you need to know about El Salvador is how lush and green the country is. Since the country has a tropical climate with warm temperatures, you’ll see that it is home to rainforests and many waterfalls. It rains six months of the year in El Salvador, from May to October, so be prepared and plan accordingly for outdoor activities during those months.
Location: Los Planes de Renderos
Unique Coffee
Coffee is quite popular in El Salvador, and no other country in Central America has relied so heavily on coffee to boost its economy; with the struggles the country faced for many years, it accounted for a considerable percentage of El Salvador’s exports. El Salvador now produces some of the best coffee in the world.
Since the country is known for its volcanic soil, “beans from El Salvador are known to have a robust body and versatile flavor profile that can range from fruity, citrus notes to sweet, chocolatey flavors; their coffees are softer and less acidic, which is not typical of most Central American coffees”- (Kellso).
Historical Sites
Many historical locations and archaeological sites exist throughout the country. One of them is San Salvador, which is the capital and the largest city, filled with ancient landmarks, parks, insightful museums, and cathedrals. Another notable location is Suchitoto, with colonial-era architecture and fascinating colorful views. El Salvador has a rich culture with a vibrant and unique cultural heritage, a mix of indigenous, European, and African traditions.
Monument to the Divine Savior of the World ( Salvador del Mundo)
Delicious Food
Pupusas are El Salvador’s national dish. They are made with tortillas from rice flour and filled with cheese, beans, or meat. Pupusas are served with red salsa (non-spicy, more tomatoey) and a cabbage salad called curtido. You must try the country’s iconic dish on your visit to El Salvador.
Note: Other foods to try are their traditional tamales, which are wrapped in banana leaves, and their various soups made with seafood, beef, or vegetables. Yuca (cassava) is also very popular in many dishes, as is corn atole, which is a hot beverage that uses corn. Lastly, you must have horchata, a traditional drink made from ground morro seeds flavored with sugar and vanilla extract.
National Dish: Pupusas
Hospitality
Salvadorians are known to be very friendly and welcoming; their hospitality is warm and one-of-a-kind. During your visit, you will encounter happy and humble people; after many years of turmoil, you get a glimpse of the joy they share by how welcoming they are towards others who are visiting.
Note: Salvadorians highly value their religious beliefs; it is a Catholic country, so please be respectful, especially inside cathedrals, and be aware that you may not be allowed to go inside certain places if you are dressed too revealing; they are always kind in letting you know beforehand but good to know ahead of time.
Relaxing Destination
El Salvador is full of sunshine and warm weather, so it is a perfect place for relaxation. If you consider visiting, you will be exploring a lesser-known country, and you’ll be filled with an authentic experience. If you want to explore the gems of El Salvador, add Suchitoto, the Ruta de las Flores, and Santa Ana.
Tamanique Waterfalls
Affordable Travel
When you are in El Salvador, you will see that it is one of the more budget-friendly destinations in Central America. From the food to the places you stay and the excursions you partake in, it really is affordable all around. The official currency of El Salvador is the United States dollar, and it has been since 2001, so there is no need to exchange money. My only recommendation is to carry smaller bills; it will be easier for you and the locals when making purchases.
Conclusion
In recent years, El Salvador has made drastic efforts to improve safety and attract tourists to the country. It is a completely safe place to travel, but you will read otherwise to deter people from visiting. It is very unfortunate but great for those who want a unique experience with fewer tourists. While it’s essential to exercise caution, many visitors have had positive experiences in El Salvador.
Note: Travel conditions can change, so remember to stay updated on travel advisories when planning your trip to El Salvador. I hope this blog,” Reasons to Visit El Salvador,” gives you insight into the culture, the food, and the people.
Your Thoughts: Would you visit El Salvador?
This post was all about Reasons to Visit El Salvador. Let me know your thoughts on this post by sharing a comment below or tell more about your travel experience and where your favorite country you have visited is. Safe travels.
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