Exploring El Salvador

To a place that was never on my radar but is now my go to for an International destination, El Salvador is the perfect place to travel if you’re on a budget or need a quick getaway from the United States. I came here when my friend came across a crazy flight deal. A Round trip flight with Delta from NYC to San Salvador for $200 round trip. Once she told me that price I booked and figured out the rest later. After doing some research I found that the country is full of things to do and see for everyone to enjoy. I spent a total of seven days in El Salvador. Three were with my friend and four by myself. I felt safe the entire time despite what the news and media may tell you. Here are a few things to know:

Entry / Exit Requirements:

A negative Covid PCR test 72 hours prior to departure and must be printed to show the airline.
Entry fee is $12 and is accepted in cash, visa or master card. No American Express.
The currency in El Salvador is the US dollar. So there is no need to change money here if you are an American citizen.
Uber is available except for the main terminals at the airport. You must walk to parking lot 3 to get to your Uber. Its a 3-5 minute walk from the exit.
To return to the United States, all travelers must have a negative Covid test no more than 72 hours prior to departure. You can get yours at a clinic called Hospital Pro Familia in San Salvador. It cost $35 and takes about an hour to retrieve your results.

NOTE: Be sure to check the most recent and accurate entry requirements on the tourism board linked here.

When to Visit:

El Salvador is warm year round however this is a rainy season and dry season. I visited at the end of April just before “winter” and the weather was extremely hot during the day and it cooled down a bit at night.

Getting Around: Most travelers get around by renting a car in El Salvador. They’re very affordable and easily accessible. Since I made quite a few stops around the island, I found it best to hire a driver who I coincidentally found via Uber. He picked us up from the airport and we negotiated a rate with him for the duration of our trip. I would high recommend his services. His information is listed at the bottom of this post.

Currency:

El Salvador’s currency is the US dollar so no need for American citizens to change money. Most establishments accept visa and master card for payment. Only a few establishments I visited accepted American Express.

Things to Do:

Imagine Slide: Better known as the Rainbow Slide, is located at Picnic Steakhouse restaurant. I didn’t get to eat here but I was told the food is very good. The cost of the slide is $5 per person (you do not have to eat at the restaurant to go on the slide) and it’s for ages 12 and up.
Day pass at Nawi Beach house: This property has two sides. One for adults and the other for families/children.Mizata which is the family side is $15 per person. Nawi beach house (adults only) is $20 pp. If you purchase one pass to Nawi Beach house, it grants you access to both sides . The day pass includes welcome drink, pool access and horseback riding. This is a very good affordable luxury option. Keep in the mind the day pass lasts until 5pm.
Santa Teresa Hot Springs: Beautifully lush grounds with warm pools, jacuzzi’s and natural spa treatments. It Cost $10 to enter and an extra $10 to do the mud treatment. Payments are only accepted in cash.
Eat Pupusa: You cannot come to El Salvador unless you have their amazing traditional dish. Tortillas wrapped with beans, cheese, jalapeños or whatever else you can think of that comes with cabbage and salsa as a dipping sauce…*chefs kiss*. You can try these at any local restaurant and I guarantee you’ll love them.
Surfing Lessons: El Salvador is one of the surfing capitals of the world. So I wouldn’t tell you to come here without at least giving it a shot. It cost about $30 per hour and you most certainly don’t have to be a pro. I booked my lesson through my hotel and my guide was very helpful. I did a miserable job but I had a fun time and so will you.
Beach Parties in El Tunco: This very happening area is the place to be for tourists and locals. Due to time constraints and work obligations, I wasn’t able to get there but I heard good things about it from my hotel staff.

Where to Stay:

I Stayed in El Salvador for one week and I wanted to see as much of the island as I could. So instead of staying in one place like I usually do, I decided to move around.

Hotel Barcelo: Very affordable and located about 40 minutes from the airport. I chose this property as my first one because I had a late night flight that put me in El Salvador at 9:30pm. I didn’t think it was smart to stay at a higher end hotel being that I arrived to slate. This place was clean, the staff was friendly and it was closer to my first activity which was the rainbow slide. So after a 5 hour flight, this was the perfect place to crash for only $70/night.
Los Farrallones: If you want to feel luxurious without breaking the bank, this is where you need to be. I loved the infinity pool and the grounds of the property. Although the rooms were a bit dated, the price and the ambiance make up for it. We booked the family suite for two nights (this room sleeps up to 4 people) and the total was $467. Most of the staff do not speak English so have your google translate app ready. The language barrier wasn’t a huge issue so I made the best of it. Besides, they were all very nice. Breakfast was included in our stay and their dinner options were also very affordable. For payments, they also only accept Mastercard and Visa as well as US dollars.
Campo Bello Igloo Hotel:Far and out of the way! But beautiful view and very affordable. Our Igloo suite was $125 for one night. It was a nice property but be aware that it is really in the middle of no where. No restaurants, no food, no tours, etc. Wifi is also spotty so prepare to be off the grid for most of your time here.
Palo Verde: This Sustainable luxury hotel in El Zonte was every thing I needed. Located just steps from the beach and next to a great restaurant, I couldn’t have felt more at peace here. I prefer small hotels these days because I believe they offer a more intimate customer experience and thats exactly what I got here. Disclaimer: I was hosted by Palo Verde.
Puro Surf: I didn’t stay here, but I walked by this property inadvertently when looking for a place to eat. All I got was a glimpse of the infinity pool and wish I had time stay there. Check it out if you can.

Where to Eat: No trip is worth discussing without finding good eats. Here are a few places to grab some grub.

Covana Kitchen: Located in El Zonte and serves American and traditional dishes. This restaurant was very affordable as I spent only $20 for two alcoholic drinks, an entree and a side.
Picnic Steakhouse: Home of the rainbow slide, this outdoor restaurant offers good vibes and views.
Ole de Mar: Also located in El Zonte, this small restaurant sits right next to the pool at Palo Verde hotel.
Pupuseria Barbarita #2: This very small local restaurant that my driver took me to. His recommendation was on the money.

For those who prefer to travel on a budget, El Salvador is the perfect place to visit. You can experience all that the island has to offer from hotels, to great food and fun excursions all without breaking the bank. Make your way to El Salvador and tell me how your trip was. You won’t be disappointed.

As promised, here is the information from my driver Jerwin in El Salvador. He was a great help throughout the entire trip.

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