El Salvador
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General Travel Guide: The Heart of the Thumbelina of America
El Salvador is proof that the best essences are kept in small bottles. This vibrant Central American country is a concentrate of experiences: a land of more than twenty volcanoes, lakes that fill craters, black sand beaches that attract surfers from all over the world and a Mayan legacy waiting to be discovered. But beyond its landscapes, the true treasure of El Salvador is its people, whose resilient spirit, warmth and kindness will make you feel welcome from the first moment. Get ready for a trip that will fill your stomach with delicious pupusas, your eyes with spectacular landscapes, and your heart with unforgettable affection.
Capital
San Salvador
Population
6.486.205
Langue
Español
Sites du patrimoine de l'UNESCO
0
Indices de voyage
📊Indices de voyage
Le meilleur de El Salvador
Expériences uniques
Eating Pupusas at a Local Pupusería
It is the Salvadoran experience par excellence. Pupusa is the soul of national gastronomy. It consists of sitting in a 'pupusería' and ordering these handmade corn or rice tortillas, stuffed with cheese, chicharrón, beans or loroco. They are eaten with the hands, accompanied by 'curtido' (pickled cabbage) and tomato sauce. It is a simple and perfect delight.
Trekking to the Santa Ana Volcano Crater
One of the most rewarding hikes in Central America. After a moderately difficult climb through changing landscapes, the reward is peering into the impressive crater of the Ilamatepec volcano and contemplating the incredible lagoon of turquoise sulfur waters inside. The views of Lake Coatepeque and the Izalco volcano are spectacular.
Live the Surf Culture in El Tunco
El Tunco is the epicenter of surf culture in El Salvador. Whether you decide to take a class and ride your own waves or prefer to relax with a beer and watch the experts at sunset, the atmosphere can't be beat. Its sunsets, its beach caves and its bohemian atmosphere make it a mandatory stop.
Travel the Flower Route
This is a scenic route of about 36 km that passes through charming mountain towns such as Juayúa, Apaneca and, especially, Concepción de Ataco. Enjoy its cobblestone streets, colorful houses, artistic murals, weekend markets and the opportunity to visit coffee farms and hidden waterfalls.
Travel in Time in Suchitoto
Considered the cultural capital of El Salvador, Suchitoto is a perfectly preserved colonial gem. Walking through its quiet cobblestone streets, admiring the Santa Lucía church, visiting its art galleries and enjoying the panoramic views of Lake Suchitlán from one of its cafes is an experience that transports you to another era.
Discover the 'Pompeii of America'
Visiting the Joya de Cerén archaeological site is a unique experience. This Mayan village was preserved by ash from a volcanic eruption 1,400 years ago, similar to Pompeii. It allows you to see what the daily life of the Mayan farmers was like, something that is not found in the great temples and pyramids.
A Feast of Corn and Homemade Flavor
Salvadoran gastronomy is home cooking, corn and authentic flavors. It is a comforting and unpretentious cuisine, where corn is the undisputed king, present in pupusas, tamales, tortillas and atoles. Beans, cheese and cassava are other pillars of a diet that is enjoyed with the family and at street food stalls.
Salvadoran gastronomy is home cooking, corn and authentic flavors. It is a comforting and unpretentious cuisine, where corn is the undisputed king, present in pupusas, tamales, tortillas and atoles. Beans, cheese and cassava are other pillars of a diet that is enjoyed with the family and at street food stalls.
Corn as a Fundamental Pillar
Corn is the basis of life and food. From the tortilla that accompanies each meal to the pupusa that unites the nation, to drinks like atol. Understanding Salvadoran cuisine is understanding its deep connection with corn.
The Culture of 'Antojito' and Street Food
Many of the most beloved flavors are found on the street. 'Antojitos' such as empanadas, pastelitos or fried yucca are sold in stalls throughout the country and are a delicious and integral part of the culinary experience.
Plats Iconiques
Pupusa
The national dish and pride of El Salvador. It is a thick tortilla made of corn or rice dough, filled with cheese, chicharrón (ground pork), refried beans or loroco (an edible flower). It is grilled and served with 'curtido' and tomato sauce.
Fried or Parboiled Yuca
A very popular street dish. Cassava is served boiled ('sancochada') or fried, topped with curtido, tomato sauce and often with 'pescaditas' (small fried fish) or chicharrón.
Salvadoran Tamales
Made from corn dough, the most common are chicken ones, which are wrapped in banana leaves, and 'elote tamales', which are sweet and wrapped in the tender corn leaf itself.
Breads with Chicken
A hearty and much loved sandwich. It consists of French bread filled with stewed and shredded chicken, and topped with a generous amount of chicken sauce, pickle, watercress, and tomato and cucumber slices.
Indian Chicken Soup
A very traditional and nutritious homemade soup. It is made with free-range chicken, vegetables such as güisquil, pipián and carrot, and is served with rice and a sprig of basil to give it aroma.
Meat Pies
Small fried empanadas made of corn dough with achiote (which gives them their reddish color), filled with ground meat with vegetables. They are crunchy and a very popular 'appetizer'.
Boissons typiques
Morro horchata
A refreshing and distinctive drink made from ground and toasted morro seeds, often mixed with cocoa, cinnamon and other spices. It is different from Mexican or Spanish horchata.
High altitude coffee
El Salvador produces excellent quality coffee, known for its balanced flavor and pleasant acidity. Visiting a coffee farm and trying a freshly brewed coffee is a must-do experience.
Corn Atol
A hot, sweet and thick drink made from young corn. It is comforting and very popular, especially during the cooler months or in the evenings.
Chan Fresco
A simple and refreshing drink. They are chan seeds (a variety of chia) that are left in water with a little strawberry or raspberry coloring and sugar. The seeds develop a gelatinous texture.
Desserts traditionnels
Salvadoran Quesadilla
Not to be confused with the Mexican. It is a dense and moist cake or sweet bread, made with Parmesan cheese or local hard cheese, which gives it a unique flavor, both sweet and salty. It is usually covered with sesame seeds.
Banana Empanadas
A delicious dessert made from mashed ripe banana that forms a dough, which is filled with 'poleada' (a milk pastry cream) or beans. They are fried and sprinkled with sugar.
Semite
A very popular bakery sweet. There are two types: the 'tall semita' (fluffier) and the 'pacha semita' (flat). Both are filled with a sweet preserve, usually pineapple or guava.
Torrejas
A typical dessert of Holy Week. They are yolk bread cakes dipped in egg and fried, which are then dipped and preserved in a 'panela' (unrefined cane sugar) syrup with cinnamon.
Que voir par thème
The small expanse of El Salvador is home to an incredible density of attractions, from towering volcanoes and world-class beaches to colonial towns and Mayan vestiges.
Volcanoes, Lakes and Mountains
El Salvador is a land of volcanoes. The volcano route includes Santa Ana (Ilamatepec), Izalco and El Boquerón National Park in San Salvador. These giants have created lakes of impressive beauty such as Coatepeque and Ilopango.
Surf and Pacific Beaches
The Salvadoran coast is a magnet for surfers. The Surf City area, which includes the beaches of El Tunco, El Zonte and El Sunzal, offers consistent waves and a relaxed atmosphere. Other beaches like the Costa del Sol are ideal for families and relaxing.
Colonial Towns and Coffee Culture
The Flower Route is the best example, with towns like Concepción de Ataco, Apaneca and Juayúa, where art, gastronomy and coffee culture combine. Suchitoto, overlooking the lake, is the best preserved colonial jewel in the country.
Archeology and Mayan World
El Salvador was part of the Mayan world. Joya de Cerén offers a unique vision of everyday life. Tazumal, in Chalchuapa, is the most important and best preserved ceremonial site. And San Andrés was a political and ceremonial center.
Adventure and Nature
For nature lovers, El Imposible National Park offers challenging trails and great biodiversity. On the Flower Route you can take waterfall routes, such as those of Tamanique. And canopy or zip lining is a popular activity in places like Apaneca.
Conseils de voyage
Currency
The official currency of El Salvador has been the United States Dollar (USD) since 2001. It is not necessary to exchange currencies if you travel with dollars. Bitcoin is also legal tender, although its use is not widespread.
Security
El Salvador has seen a drastic improvement in security in recent years, turning many tourist areas into safe places. However, as in any country, it is important to use common sense, avoid known risk areas (especially at night) and consult official travel recommendations.
Transport
Renting a car offers the most flexibility for exploring the country. In cities, services like Uber are a safe and affordable option. For a local experience, 'chicken buses' (colourful buses) connect throughout the country, although they can be slow and crowded.
Courtesy and Treatment
Salvadorans are generally very friendly, polite and hospitable. A 'good morning' or 'good afternoon' upon entering a place is appreciated. People value kindness and respect in treatment.
This guide offers you a window into the surprising diversity of El Salvador. It is a country that is redefining its history and opening its arms to the world, ready to show the warmth of its people and the beauty of its landscapes. We encourage you to explore its volcanoes, taste its food and discover for yourself the great heart of the 'Thumb' of America. Enjoy your trip!
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