3 Days in El Salvador Itinerary

Spending 3 days in El Salvador

While I spent a full 2 weeks in El Salvador, a friend joined me for just a long weekend and we were able to see many places during her short visit. If you are also short on time, there is still plenty of things to do with just 3 days in El Salvador.

With quick flights from many US cities, El Salvador makes for an easy long weekend trip. If you’ve only got 3 days in El Salvador, you’ll want to base yourself in San Salvador. Because of the country’s small size, however, you’ll still be able to see a lot of the country even on a short trip.

To make the most of your short time, you may want to rent a car so you can explore different parts of the country all in one day.

But if you’d rather not drive, there are many different tours leaving from San Salvador that can take you to visit the popular sights.

Where to stay in San Salvador:

The best area to stay in San Salvador is the San Benito neighborhood. This is a safe area of the city with many different hotel options as well as restaurants, bars, and shopping centers nearby.

Here are some hotel and hostel recommendations for different price points:

Images courtesy of booking.com

Luxury: Barcelo San Salvador

For luxury accommodations while in San Salvador, Barcelo San Salvador stands out as the perfect choice. This hotel not only promises an upscale stay but also boasts a comprehensive array of amenities designed to elevate your experience. You can relax by the pool, workout in the state-of-the-art fitness center, or indulge in ultimate relaxation at the spa. Free onsite parking is available. Additionally, the on-site car rental service makes exploring the surrounding area both easy and accessible.

Images courtesy of booking.com

Mid-range: Hotel Las Magnolias

For a comfortable and stylish stay without breaking the bank, Hotel Las Magnolias is an excellent choice. Located in an art deco mansion, you can enjoy comfortable rooms, a beautiful courtyard with a pool, and a delicious complimentary breakfast. If you’ve got a car, free onsite parking is included as well.

Images courtesy of booking.com

Budget: La Zona Hostel

For a budget-friendly stay, La Zona Hostel is your best option. Amenities include high-speed Wi-Fi ensuring you stay connected, and breakfast options. For accommodations, they offer private rooms and dorms equipped with pod-style beds. Additionally, free parking is available if you have a rental car.

Best time to visit El Salvador:

The best time to visit El Salvador is undoubtedly during the dry season, which runs from November to April. Visiting in the dry season means you’ll get the most out of outdoor activities without the worry of rain spoiling your plans.

The rainiest months are June to September.

Safety in El Salvador:

When it comes to safety in El Salvador, there are a lot of misconceptions. It’s true that the country has had a turbulent past, particularly during the civil war in the 1980s and 1990s. However, today tourists find El Salvador to be a welcoming and safe place to visit.

As a solo female traveler, I felt very safe throughout the country. Like in any destination, it’s all about sticking to the basics of travel safety.

Keep your wits about you, be aware of your surroundings, and don’t venture into areas that are known to be less safe, especially after dark. Chatting with locals and hotel staff about where (and where not) to go can also give you a good sense of where you should avoid.

I hope you find El Salvador to be as warm and inviting as I did during my visit!

Getting around in El Salvador:

Because of its small size, it is very easy to get around El Salvador and visit multiple destinations during a short trip.

While public transportation is available and there are buses that run between cities, during such a short trip to maximize your time, you’ll want to rent a car, hire a driver, or join a group tour when exploring outside of San Salvador.

Within the city, getting around via taxi or Uber is very easy if you prefer not to rent a car.

Here’s how to spend 3 days in El Salvador:

Day 1: Enjoy the city of San Salvador

If you reach San Salvador early, you’ll have a full day to explore. Try to arrive in the morning or early afternoon to make the most of your short visit.

You’ll start your day at Picnic Steakhouse, where El Salvador’s famous rainbow slide is located. For $5 USD you can slide down the giant rainbow slide made famous on social media. When you’ve finished, stay for a delicious lunch with amazing views of the city.

After some fun and food, explore local culture at Iglesia El Rosario. Unassuming outside, but inside, stunning colored glass windows create a magical play of light. It’s a unique work of art and architecture that you won’t want to miss.

Day 2: Hike the Santa Ana Volcano and visit the towns along La Ruta de Las Flores

Get ready for a full, action packed day of exploring! To visit both Santa Ana and la Ruta de las Flores in the same day, you’ll need to rent a car or hire a private driver.

You’ll have an early start today to drive out to Cerro Verde National Park to hike the Santa Ana volcano. The drive takes about 1.5-2 hours from San Salvador, and you’ll need to arrive before 10 am to join a guide to make the hike up the volcano.

The hike takes about 2-3 hours to complete and all hikers must begin the descent by noon at the latest.

After hiking the volcano, drive out to see some of the beautiful small towns along the Ruta de las Flores.

If you’re visiting on a weekend, be sure to stop in the town of Juayua for their weekly gastronomy festival where you can try dishes from all over El Salvador.

Before heading back to San Salvador, relax your muscles in the Santa Teresa hot springs.

Note: If you’d rather join a tour for the day, here are some options:

Santa Ana volcano hike and visit to Lake Coatepeque

Day trip to La Ruta de las Flores including zip lining park and a visit to Santa Teresa hot springs

Day 3: Spend the day at a beach club

While San Salvador might not have beach access, don’t worry, you’re still close enough to the ocean to enjoy a beach day trip.

El Tunco, known as a surfer’s paradise, is just a short 45-minute drive away. The waves are epic, the vibes are chill, and you’re guaranteed a good time.

If you’re more in the mood for a laid-back, relaxing day, NAWi Beach House has got you covered. You can book a day pass there, kick back with a cool drink, and soak up the sunshine in style.

Closing thoughts:

There’s your guide to spending an unforgettable three days in beautiful El Salvador. From the adventurous hike up the Santa Ana Volcano to a relaxing beach day, you can really fit in a lot in just 3 days!

El Salvador might be small, but it’s packed with rich experiences waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re a nature lover, a history buff, or just in it for some fantastic food, you’ll find your place here.

Enjoy every moment of your Salvadoran adventure!

Have more time? Consider spending a few days in one of these amazing destinations in El Salvador!

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