The Good, The Bad & The Ugly of El Salvador
After a 1.5 hour boat ride across from Nicaragua, we arrived in La Union, where we began our 11 days in El Salvador. Commonly associated with gangs, violence and danger El Salvador is trying desperately to shake its dangerous reputation, which it no longer deserves. Overall the country is beautiful, safe, and one of the cheapest in Central America. So what were the highlights?
THE GOOD
THE GOOD
1) Suchitoto
The small town of Suchitoto sits an hour and a half drive northeast of San Salvador. The contrast to the big city capital is amazing. Here the vibe is relaxed and you immediately feel more at ease (and safe!) walking through the cobblestone streets. A short distance out of town you can visit the local waterfall and some lovely viewpoints over Rio Lempa. |
3) Ruta de las Flores
Along this beautiful route of highway, you will find the towns of Ataco, Apaneca and Juayua. Each has its own charm and is worth visiting: Ataco is known for the artistic street murals created as part of a government competition to makeover the city. Apaneca, oddly, is home to one of the largest hedge mazes. And Juayua hosts a street food festival EVERY weekend- with the best micheladas in the country (and possibly all of Central America!). |
4) Santa Ana Volcano
This volcano trek is one of the shorter ones available in Central America, but the view is outstanding. A turquoise blue, sulfuric lake is your reward at the top of El Salvador's highest (and one of the most active) volcano. Head there early to beat the heat and crowds and take in the clear morning view of Lago de Coatepeque. |
5) Salto de Malacatiupan
There is nothing that quite compares to the sensation of jumping into the pool of a beautiful waterfall on a +35°C day- to find that the water is actually +38°C. Located a short distance from Atiquizaya, this waterfall is a natural phenomenon. If you like hot springs, a hot waterfall is next level impressive. |
6) Local Archaeological Sites
Although El Salvador isn't home to one of the "major ruin" sites, it still has an array of smaller archaeological ruins to explore. Some of the main ones are San Andres & Joya de Ceren near San Salvador, and Tazumal & Casa Blanca near Santa Ana. Unless you are a major history buff, the sites will only take about an hour to visit, but add an extra layer to vising the small towns nearby. |
THE BAD
1) San Salvador
Unless you have a specific reason to visit the capital city, don't. We based ourselves here for three nights thinking it would be the best place to visit nearby Suchitoto and some ruins, but could have just as easily (and more comfortably) done this from Santa Ana. The city is big, unattractive, and feels unsafe. This is the only place in El Salvador that we did not feel comfortable walking the streets, and we were warned by our hotel not to go out (at all) at night. Violence is still issue here, but it is mostly gang related and not (intentionally) directed at tourists. The only interesting place we found was the Iglesia El Rosario, which isn't much to look at from the outside, but the colourful glass arc fills the inside with a wonderful rainbow.
2) Travelling During Election Day
To make our time in San Salvador even less accommodating, we happen to be there on Election Day, when EVERYTHING shuts down. Even the nearby archaeological sites were shut, and we made the bus journey to Joya de Ceren only to be met by a security guard that shook his head and refused to let us in. On top of that, the shops aren't allowed to sell alcohol in the 4 days surrounding the elections, so we couldn't even pass the time with a few beers.
1) San Salvador
Unless you have a specific reason to visit the capital city, don't. We based ourselves here for three nights thinking it would be the best place to visit nearby Suchitoto and some ruins, but could have just as easily (and more comfortably) done this from Santa Ana. The city is big, unattractive, and feels unsafe. This is the only place in El Salvador that we did not feel comfortable walking the streets, and we were warned by our hotel not to go out (at all) at night. Violence is still issue here, but it is mostly gang related and not (intentionally) directed at tourists. The only interesting place we found was the Iglesia El Rosario, which isn't much to look at from the outside, but the colourful glass arc fills the inside with a wonderful rainbow.
2) Travelling During Election Day
To make our time in San Salvador even less accommodating, we happen to be there on Election Day, when EVERYTHING shuts down. Even the nearby archaeological sites were shut, and we made the bus journey to Joya de Ceren only to be met by a security guard that shook his head and refused to let us in. On top of that, the shops aren't allowed to sell alcohol in the 4 days surrounding the elections, so we couldn't even pass the time with a few beers.
THE UGLY
Plastic. Littering. Rubbish everywhere.
There is a serious issue with garbage in El Salvador that drastically needs to be addressed. It hasn't quite hit the levels of India, but without intervention there is no doubt that it soon will. It is heartbreaking to see such gorgeous, lush, green landscapes littered with plastic bags and discarded food containers.
The is definitely a need for education or the instillment of responsibility in the citizens of El Salvador. Countless times we witnessed the people on the chicken buses finish their plastic bag drinks and immediately throw them out the bus window. Anytime anyone has garbage in their hand, the reaction is to throw it directly on the ground, no matter where they are, without a glance to see if there is a bin nearby.
Plastic. Littering. Rubbish everywhere.
There is a serious issue with garbage in El Salvador that drastically needs to be addressed. It hasn't quite hit the levels of India, but without intervention there is no doubt that it soon will. It is heartbreaking to see such gorgeous, lush, green landscapes littered with plastic bags and discarded food containers.
The is definitely a need for education or the instillment of responsibility in the citizens of El Salvador. Countless times we witnessed the people on the chicken buses finish their plastic bag drinks and immediately throw them out the bus window. Anytime anyone has garbage in their hand, the reaction is to throw it directly on the ground, no matter where they are, without a glance to see if there is a bin nearby.
Questions about travelling in El Salvador? Email us and we will be happy to help!