El Salvador is a small but beautiful country on the Pacific Coast. Nestled beneath Honduras and to the side of Guatemala, this small Latin American country is full of beautiful landscapes, great beaches, volcanoes, Maya ruins, coffee plantations, and more.

Obviously the surf in El Salvador is world-class, but there are plenty of other things to do. Closer to the US and Canada than Costa Rica or Nicaragua, there is a growing tourism industry in this Central American nation. In addition, they use the USD as their currency, which is one less thing to worry about when traveling!

Surf, and Surf Some More

Of course we have to mention surf first. If you’re headed to El Salvador, we strongly recommend spending some time in the water on your board. Advanced surfers can find some solid advanced waves in K59, Punta Roca, and Las Flores. For beginners, you will find beginner-friendly waves in El Tunco, El Sunzal, and El Espino. There are plenty of places to rent boards, get lessons, or even stay at a surf camp.

There are two main zones for surfing in the country: La Libertad and Oriente. The area of El Tunco is often referred to as “Surf City” as it is a hub of surf culture. This is probably the place to go if you’re relatively new to surfing as you’ll find plenty of options. There are some amazing surf camps for beginners, tons of small surf shops, and board rentals and classes available right on the beach.

Hike the Santa Ana Volcano

If you’re planning a surf trip but looking for other things to do outside the water, fear not. The Santa Ana Volcano is one of many outdoor activities you will find. Known locally as Volcán Ilamatepec, this is a fairly challenging hike. However, the reward is definitely worth it. In my opinion, photos don’t do it justice at all!

When you reach the top you’ll find a crater filled with turquoise water, views of other volcanoes and Lake Coatepeque, and even the Pacific Ocean if the skies are clear. You can also grab some food at Crater Bistro after for some great eats and lovely scenery. This is a 4.5 mile hike with a fair elevation gain (around 1500 feet), so come prepared!

Try the Rainbow Slide

You’ve perhaps seen the rainbow slide in El Salvador on social media. Located at Picnic Steak House, the slide is a fun thing to do with kids or family. We did it ourselves as a couple and loved it. The scenery and views are beautiful, the slide is fun, and there’s good food to be had.

You can just show up, especially during quieter times of the year. However, during busier holiday seasons, it’s best to make a reservation with them. You can also book a tour of the Ruta de Flores (more on that in a bit), the Sky Bikes, and the Rainbow Slide to see multiple things in a day.

Bike in the Sky

I don’t have any photos from the sky biking but what a trip! I am personally fairly scared of heights, so I’m not sure how much I enjoyed it. It is worth doing though! The sky bikes are essentially bikes that are suspended on ziplines, allowing you to ride your bike through the sky. Located at Cafe Albania, these are best done with a reservation. You can do this directly through their Instagram.

Visit Archaeological Sites

There are multiple sites to visit the Maya ruins in El Salvador, including San Andrés, Joya de Cerén, and Tazumal. They’re all great sites to visit and important sites for the Maya people. If you have to pick one, I recommend Tazumal. Located in Chalchuapa, it has a pyramid that is over 75 feet tall, tons of palaces and tombs, a full ball court, and you can see the ancient drainage system. It’s very well-preserved and worth visiting!

Tour a Coffee Factory

Coffee is a big crop in El Salvador, and the area of Ruta de Las Flores (coming up) has many coffee plantations. We recommend heading to Ataco to visit a local coffee plantation and/or roaster to learn about the process. You can sample different coffees and roast, learn about how the coffee beens are grown, and get some delicious food along the way! The towns are also adorable.

Travel the Ruta de las Flores

The Ruta de Las Flores is a beautiful scenic route that passes through cute towns such as Juayua and Ataco. There are tons of coffee plantations, cute little towns, artisan markets, and lovely hospitality. It’s a great way to get outside and see different places. It can be done alone, but is probably best done with a tour.

Adventure Through Mangroves

I’m definitely partial to mangroves. I have a big mangrove tattoo on my leg. Mangrove forests are a hotspot for biodiversity around the world, help coral reefs, and serve as a natural barrier to protect local communities. A good place to see the mangroves is Jiquilisco Bay, where you’ll find the larget mangrove system in the country. You can take a boat tour, go bird watching, and visit active turtle nesting sites. If you’re a nature lover, this is a must-do!

Explore San Salvador

Finally, there’s plenty to see in San Salvador, the country’s capital city. You’ll find beautiful churches, vibrant markets, amazing theaters, monuments, and a glimpse into Salvadorian city life. You could take a walking tour, or just adventure on your own.