El Salvador

El Salvador Ecotours

El Salvador…the hidden gem of Central America. The smallest country of Central America has many reasons to visit. Welcoming and friendly people, natural beauty from volcanoes to mangrove forests, a wide diversity of butterflies, birds and orchids, archeological sites, arts and crafts, isolated beaches, and activities such as hiking, surfing, and kayaking,

El Salvador Explored

Day 1: Arrive San Salvador

You are met at the airport and transferred to you hotel. (B)
San Salvador
Day 2: Ruta de Las Flores

Today tour the historical center of San Salvador including visits to the Iglesia el Rosario, Palacio Nacional, Nacional Teatro, and the Metropolitan Cathedral where the remains of Monsignor Romero rest. From here you visit the Anthropology Museum David J. Guzman which portrays El Salvador’s history through Maya, Olmec and Cuscatlan statues and relics and traditional crafts. Visit a craft market before travelling to Los Planes de Renderos for a spectacular view of San Salvador. It is also famous for the many "pupuserias" small diners that make pupusas, a Salvadorian typical snack.

After lunch drive through the mountains along the Ruta de Las Flores, famous for its abundance of wildflowers. There are beautiful panoramic views, coffee plantations, lagoons, and dense cloud forests

You end your first day in the delightful town of Juayúa. The town is popular with both locals and tourists for its weekend "Feria Gastronomica" or food festival. Another highlight is the brightly coloured murals painted by local artists and that cover several buildings in the town.
 Ruta de Las Flores painting
Day 3: A Day of Adventure

After breakfast choose between biking or hiking around Laguna Verde. From Laguna Verde crater lake ride downhill to the town. Alternatively you may want to hike about 1.5 hours to geysers and thermal bath.

This afternoon zip through the treetops, lush vegetation and coffee plantations on more than 2000 metres of cable and 14 platforms. Watch for toucans, eagles and more as you cruise through nature. (B)
A Day of Adventure
Day 4: Maya Ruins

Joya de Ceren, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is the only Mayan location where you can appreciate the day to day life of the pre-Colombian inhabitants. The village was buried under 14 layers of ash after several volcanic eruptions. The villagers were apparently able to flee as no bodies have been found. But they left behind utensils, ceramics, furniture and even half-eaten food.

Visit San Andres, a Maya ruin, inhabited between AD 600 and 900.

Enjoy lunch overlooking Lake Coatepeque. (not included). Lake Coatepeque is a beautiful, clean, and sparkling blue crater-shaped lake, surrounded by the steep green slopes of Volcano Izalco and Santa Ana. (B)
Maya Ruins
Day 5: Santa Ana and Nahuizalco

Begin your day in El Salvador’s second largest city, Santa Ana. Santa Ana’s architecture is unmatched anywhere else in the country with highlights such as the Neo- Gothic Cathedral, the Theater and the Palacio Municipal.

Nahizalco is an indigenous Pipil town, with strong customs and traditions. You may still see people wearing traditional clothing. The town is noted for making baskets and furniture with natural fibres like tule. You visit a studio for wooden furniture made by local artists. (B)
Santa Ana and Nahuizalco
Day 6: Suchitoto

Continue your journey to Suchitoto known for its beautiful colonial houses, church, art galleries and restaurants, many with a panoramic view to Lake Suchitlan. The lake, once a river, was dammed and now provides birdwatchers sightings of pelicans, herons and storks. You have an historical city tour.

Dinner at one of the restaurants overlooking the lake is recommended. (B)
Suchitoto
Day 7: The Peace Route

During the 1980’s El Salvador suffered a brutal civil war. After the peace agreement former guerillas began leading tours to share their stories. This is an intimate opportunity to learn about the effects of civil war on the country and its people.

You can horseback ride to Guazapa with an ex-guerilla visiting former combat and camp sites and trenches. Guazapa was the scene for multiple bombings and military raids as it was a strategic base of the rebels for twelve years and the army repeatedly attempted to retake the territory. Alternatively you can explore this area on a 3-4 hour hike.

This evening you may want to take a night hike watching for armadillo, owls tepezcuintle, and cotuza. (B)
The Peace Route
Day 8: A Free Day

You can spend the day how you like…walk around town, sit by the lake or go for a swim. Or you can arrange a tour offered by your hotel. (B)
The Peace Route
Day 9: Surf Day

El Salvador has world class surfing. The sandy beaches of El Salvador’s west coast are excellent for beginner surfers. Your surf instructors introduce you to surfing and help you to ride your first waves. You have the surf board for the entire day. (B)
Day 10: Beach Day

Enjoy another day at the beach. (B)
Surf Day
Day 11: Departure

Transfer to the San Salvador airport for your journey home.
El Salvador

Tour Information

Tour Length: 11 days /10 nights
Departures: Daily 
Minimum Number of People: 2 based on Double Occupancy
El Salvador Explored Includes:
  • All ground transfers as noted in the itinerary
  • 10 nights accommodation
  • Meals per itinerary (B= Breakfast, L=Lunch and D=Dinner)
  • Excursions, activities, and entrance fees as noted in the itinerary
  • English-speaking guide on excursions and activities
El Salvador Explored Doesn’t Include::
  • International flight
  • Departure tax if applicable
  • Travel Insurance
  • Pre- or post-tour accommodation
  • Meals not included in the itinerary
  • Alcoholic and Non-alcoholic beverages
  • Excursions, activities, and entrance fees not included in the itinerary
  • Gratuities to guides and driver
  • Personal items
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