Central America

El Salvador

A small country with volcano hikes, Pacific surf and a colonial lake town, easy to combine with a trip through Guatemala.

Start with the essentials Plan a trip to El Salvador

El Salvador is the smallest country in Central America, on the Pacific side between Guatemala and Honduras. Volcanoes run across much of its interior. The Santa Ana volcano, the highest peak in the country, has a crater lake you can reach on a day hike. Between the mountains and the coast, the Ruta de las Flores passes through highland towns in coffee country.

Suchitoto, a colonial town on Lake Suchitlán, makes a slower stop, and Juayúa hosts a food festival on weekends. On the coast, El Tunco is a surf town with beaches close by. San Salvador, the capital, is the main arrival point and a practical base for day trips. The US dollar is the official currency. The dry season, roughly November to April, suits hiking and beach days best. A week covers the main areas. Allow more time for surf trips and slow travel.

Five things to know before El Salvador

Count your CA-4 days across four countries
El Salvador is in the CA-4 agreement with Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. Visa-free days start at your first entry and do not restart at borders. Check your passport's allowance with El Salvador's migration office. Visas and entry
Hike Santa Ana volcano with the park guides
Climbs to the crater lake start from Cerro Verde National Park with a ranger group at set morning times. Arrive early, since groups leave on schedule.
Respect the surf and the currents
El Tunco, El Zonte and Punta Roca have strong breaks and rip currents. Swim only where locals do, and ask about the tide before paddling out.
Pay in US dollars
The US dollar is the currency. Bring small bills, since many shops and buses cannot change a 20 and some refuse 50s and 100s. Money
Declare cash over USD 10,000
Cash and checks of USD 10,000 or more must be declared on arrival. Carry a card for most spending instead.

El Salvador travel guides

Practical guides from writers who live there.

Visas and entry

The CA-4 shared stay and what to carry at land borders.

Read the guide Travel insurance

Surfing, volcano hikes and medical cover.

Read the guide Getting around

Shuttles, chicken buses and crossing to Guatemala.

Read the guide Money

US dollars, small bills and card use.

Read the guide

Top places to visit in El Salvador

See all attractions in El Salvador

A couple of people that are standing in the water

Theme park · El TuncoSunset Park

People standing in front of a building with a large sign

Museum · San SalvadorMuseum of Art of El Salvador

Town nestled between mountains under cloudy skies

Sight · SuchitotoGuazapa

Sight · JuayúaCerro Verde

Destinations in El Salvador

CitySanta AnaExplore

A small boat floating on top of a large body of water

CitySuchitotoExplore

CityJuayúaExplore

CitySan SalvadorExplore

CityEl TuncoExplore

What a day costs in El Salvador

Per person, in USD

Work out your trip

Budget$31a day≈ $31 · per person

Hostel beds, cheap eats, buses and free sights.

Bed a night: $12
Food: $12
Transport: $2
Sights: $5

Mid-range$100a day≈ $100 · per person

A 3-star room, casual restaurants, public transport and one paid sight a day.

Bed a night: $45
Food: $30
Transport: $10
Sights: $15

Comfort$245a day≈ $245 · per person

A 4-star room, good restaurants, taxis and a guided tour.

Bed a night: $90
Food: $60
Transport: $35
Sights: $60

Checked Oct 3, 2026 by Tomás HerreraA source for every line on the trip cost page. Flights not included. Rates By Exchange Rate APIWork out your trip

When to go

Rainy days
Days with storms

Best

JanuaryClear2 rainy daysHigh31°Low19°Dry, sunny
FebruaryClear3 rainy daysHigh32°Low20°Dry
MarchClear6 rainy daysHigh33°Low21°Dry, hot
AprilRain16 rainy daysHigh32°Low22°Hot, hazy
MayRain25 rainy daysHigh30°Low22°Rains start
JuneRain28 rainy daysHigh28°Low21°Wet, big surf
JulyRain24 rainy days2 days with stormsHigh30°Low21°Wet, big surf
AugustRain27 rainy days2 days with stormsHigh30°Low21°Wet
SeptemberRain29 rainy days1 day with stormsHigh29°Low21°Wettest
OctoberRain26 rainy days1 day with stormsHigh28°Low20°Wet
NovemberRain13 rainy daysHigh29°Low20°Rains ease
DecemberClear5 rainy daysHigh30°Low19°Dry, clear

Average daily high and low in San Salvador, 2016–2025. Rainy day: 1 mm of rain or more.

Free trip plannerPlan a trip to El SalvadorPut the places you like in El Salvador on a map, give them days, and let one button order each day. Free, with no account.Plan a trip

Right now in El Salvador

Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.

Feels like: 28°
Humidity: 57%
Wind: 7 km/h
Chance of rain: 61%

San Salvador

02:06 PM

Monday, November 2

GMT-6

Today31°21°61%Monday: Rain. High 31°, Low 21°. Chance of rain 61%.
Tue30°21°49%Tuesday: Drizzle. High 30°, Low 21°. Chance of rain 49%.
Wed29°21°42%Wednesday: Drizzle. High 29°, Low 21°. Chance of rain 42%.
Thu30°21°35%Thursday: Drizzle. High 30°, Low 21°. Chance of rain 35%.
Fri30°20°39%Friday: Drizzle. High 30°, Low 20°. Chance of rain 39%.
Sat29°21°53%Saturday: Drizzle. High 29°, Low 21°. Chance of rain 53%.

Updated 11:54 AM local time · Powered by WeatherAPI.com · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com

Money

Mid-market rate1 EUR = 1.116 USD

Amount

Converted to

USD · US Dollar

Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API

Before you go to El Salvador

eSIM for El SalvadorGood coverage on the coastRead the guide Travel insuranceCheck surfing is coveredRead the guide CA-4 entry rulesOne stay for four countriesRead the guide

Rules for El Salvador, checked

The 90-day period for travel between El Salvador, Guatemala and Nicaragua starts at your first entry and does not restart when you cross their bordersChecked Oct 1, 2026 · Read more

El Salvador FAQ

Do I need a visa for El Salvador?

UK passport holders do not for tourism or business, per the UK government. Days are shared with Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua under the CA-4 agreement. Check other passports with El Salvador's migration office.

What currency does El Salvador use?

The US dollar. Bitcoin is no longer required to be accepted, and in practice you pay in dollars or by card.

When is the best surf in El Salvador?

The biggest swells arrive in the rainy season, roughly April to October. The dry months bring smaller, cleaner waves that suit learners.

Is El Salvador safe for tourists now?

Crime has fallen sharply in recent years and tourist areas are busy. Read your government's current advice, and carry your passport or a copy, since police checks are common.

How long do I need in El Salvador?

Five to seven days covers the surf coast, Santa Ana volcano and the Ruta de las Flores. Add Suchitoto if you have more time.