5-Day Adventure Itinerary in El Salvador: El Tunco and Salto de Malacatiupan

  • Day 1: El Tunco
    37 minutes (22.6 km) from Monseñor Óscar Arnulfo Romero International Airport

    El Tunco is a popular destination for surfers and adventure seekers. Spend the day surfing or cliff jumping at La Bocana, or exploring the volcanic rock formations at Sunzal Beach. At night, grab a drink at one of the many beachside bars and enjoy the lively atmosphere.

  • Day 2: Salto de Malacatiupan
    1 hour 45 minutes (132.3 km) from El Tunco

    Salto de Malacatiupan is a stunning waterfall located in the heart of the jungle. Hike through the lush vegetation to reach the base of the waterfall, where you can take a refreshing dip in the cool water. Don't forget to bring your camera to capture the picturesque scenery.

  • Day 3: Cerro Verde National Park
    2 hours 54 minutes (187.4 km) from Salto de Malacatiupan

    Cerro Verde National Park is a must-visit for outdoor enthusiasts. Hike through the cloud forest to reach the summit of Cerro Verde, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding area. Don't miss the chance to visit the stunning crater lake, Coatepeque.

  • Day 4: Los Cobanos
    3 hours (179.5 km) from Cerro Verde National Park

    Los Cobanos is a hidden gem located on the coast of El Salvador. Snorkel or scuba dive in the crystal-clear waters to see an array of marine life, including colorful fish and sea turtles. Relax on the quiet beach and soak up the sun.

  • Day 5: Joya de Cerén
    1 hour 26 minutes (62.2 km) from Los Cobanos

    Joya de Cerén is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that offers a unique glimpse into the everyday life of the Mayan people. Visit the preserved ruins of a village that was buried under volcanic ash in the 6th century AD. Learn about the culture and history of El Salvador at the on-site museum.

Time and Cost Estimates

  • Surfing at La Bocana (3 hours, $20 for board rental)
  • Salto de Malacatiupan hike and swim (4 hours, $10 park entrance fee)
  • Cerro Verde National Park hike and crater lake visit (6 hours, $5 park entrance fee)
  • Los Cobanos snorkeling or scuba diving (3 hours, $50 for snorkeling tour, $100 for scuba diving tour)
  • Joya de Cerén village and museum visit (3 hours, $15 for museum entrance fee)

  • Total Estimated Costs: $200

Transportation

For this itinerary, we recommend renting a car to easily navigate between destinations. The cost of a rental car for 5 days starts at approximately $200. Alternatively, private transportation or ride-sharing apps like Uber or Lyft are available, but may be more costly.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider visiting other popular destinations in El Salvador, such as the colonial town of Suchitoto or the Ruta de las Flores. If you have less time, consider cutting out one of the destinations listed or condensing the itinerary into a 4-day trip.

Airports

Monseñor Óscar Arnulfo Romero International Airport (SAL) is located in San Luis Talpa, approximately 44 km from the capital city of San Salvador. Popular airlines servicing this airport include American Airlines and Delta Air Lines.

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