Places / North & Central America / El Salvador
San Salvador
Visited
At a glance
- Country
- El Salvador
- Region
- San Salvador Department
- Population
- 300,000
- Best time to go
- November to April
- Main airport
- Monseñor Óscar Arnulfo Romero International (SAL)
- Coordinates
- 13.69°N, 89.22°W
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Overview
San Salvador sits in a green valley beneath a volcano, the busy capital of Central America's smallest country. The restored historic centre has a striking modern church and the tomb of Saint Óscar Romero.
It's a good base for short trips: a volcano crater on the edge of the city, Mayan ruins, colonial towns and the Pacific surf coast are all less than an hour or two away.
Things to see
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Photo: Pete Souza, Public domain Metropolitan Cathedral
The main cathedral on Plaza Barrios, where Saint Óscar Romero is buried in the crypt.
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Photo: Budgawl, CC BY-SA 4.0 Iglesia El Rosario
A concrete arch of a church whose rainbow stained glass fills the interior with colour.
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Photo: Busition, CC BY-SA 4.0 National Palace
The grand former seat of government, with ornate halls around courtyards.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: House1090, CC BY-SA 2.0 El Boquerón
A huge crater on the San Salvador volcano above the city, with trails around the rim.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: Mariordo (Mario Roberto Duran Ortiz), CC BY-SA 3.0 Joya de Cerén
A Mayan farming village buried by volcanic ash, sometimes called the Pompeii of the Americas.
Tickets and tours
Things to do
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Photo: JMRAFFi, CC BY-SA 4.0 Eat pupusas
Thick corn tortillas stuffed with cheese, beans or pork, served with pickled cabbage.
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Photo: Silviavillalta, CC BY 3.0 Surf at El Tunco
A laid-back beach village on the Pacific with consistent waves, about an hour away.
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Photo: SWENOWENSON, CC BY-SA 4.0 Day trip to Suchitoto
A cobbled colonial town above a lake, with galleries and cafés.
Where to stay
Escalón and San Benito
Leafy, upmarket districts with good hotels, restaurants and museums.
Hotels in Escalón and San BenitoZona Rosa
Restaurants and nightlife within San Benito.
Hotels in Zona RosaHistoric centre
Close to the cathedral and plazas, best for daytime sightseeing.
Hotels in Historic centre
Getting around
Use ride-hailing apps or taxis arranged by your hotel. Local buses are cheap but crowded and hard to navigate.
The airport is about 45 km south of the city, around 45 minutes by taxi.
When to go
The dry season from November to April brings sunny days. From May to October afternoon storms are common, though mornings are often clear.
Plan your trip to San Salvador
- HotelsBooking.com
- Tours and ticketsGetYourGuide
- FlightsKiwi.com
- Attraction ticketsTiqets
- Airport parking, lounges and transfersHoliday Extras
- Flight and hotel dealslastminute.com
- Car hireAuto Europe
- Adventure travel insuranceWorld Nomads
- Mobile data (eSIM)AiraloCode DAN9406 for money off
- GuidebooksAmazon
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Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.
Over to you
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