Family Friendly 7-Day Itinerary for El Salvador

  1. Day 1: San Salvador
    30 minutes (12 miles) from Comalapa International Airport

    Visit the Monumento al Divino Salvador del Mundo and National Palace Museum for a cultural introduction to the country.

  2. Day 2: Suchitoto
    1 hour 30 minutes (45 miles) from San Salvador

    Explore this charming colonial town, visit the Santa Lucía Church and take a boat tour at Suchitlán Lake.

  3. Day 3: Joya de Cerén and Tazumal
    1 hour (25 miles) from San Salvador

    Visit the Joya de Cerén archaeological site, a UNESCO World Heritage site showcasing pre-Columbian farming life. Stop by the Tazumal Mayan ruins for a glimpse of ancient civilizations.

  4. Day 4: La Libertad
    30 minutes (20 miles) from San Salvador

    Hit the beach at El Tunco, a popular spot for surfing and beautiful views. Visit the Port of La Libertad for fresh seafood and a vibrant fishing village experience.

  5. Day 5: Apaneca and Ataco
    2 hours (50 miles) from La Libertad

    Visit Los Ausoles geysers and take a dip in one of the natural hot springs of Apaneca. Stroll through the colorful streets of Ataco and buy handicrafts from local artisans.

  6. Day 6: El Boquerón National Park
    45 minutes (14 miles) from San Salvador

    Hike the Quetzaltepec Volcano and take in breathtaking views of the surrounding valley. Visit the Boquerón crater and learn about the area's geological history.

  7. Day 7: Ruta de las Flores
    1 hour 30 minutes (50 miles) from San Salvador

    Drive through the scenic Flowers Route, stopping at charming towns like Juayúa and Nahuizalco. Visit the Coffee Museum and learn about the process of making one of El Salvador's most important exports.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Monumento al Divino Salvador del Mundo (1-2 hours, free)
  • National Palace Museum (1-2 hours, free)
  • Suchitlán Lake boat tour (2 hours, $25 per person)
  • Tazumal Mayan ruins (1-2 hours, $3 per person)
  • El Tunco beach (half day, free)
  • Port of La Libertad (1-2 hours, cost of food)
  • Los Ausoles geysers (1-2 hours, $3 per person)
  • Local artisans market in Ataco (1-2 hours, cost of souvenirs)
  • El Boquerón National Park (half day, $5 per person)
  • Coffee museum (1-2 hours, $7 per person)
  • Total Estimated Costs: $40 per person (excluding accommodations and transportation)

Useful Tips

If you have more time, visit the Mayan Site of San Andrés or go on a coffee plantation tour. If you have less time, skip the trip to the Ruta de las Flores and spend more time in San Salvador and La Libertad. Keep in mind that traffic can be heavy during peak hours, so plan accordingly.

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