El Salvador's dramatic rebranding from gang capital to surf paradise — consistent Pacific waves, El Tunco's hippie beach scene, Suchitoto's cobblestoned colonial beauty, and Ruta de las Flores volcano villages.
- Capital
- San Salvador
- Population
- 6,029,976
- Area
- 21,040 km²
- Languages
- Spanish
- Currency
- US Dollars (US$)
- GDP
- $36,749M
Good to know
Driving side
Right
National dish
Pupusa
Annual visitors
707,000 (2020)
Safety
Moderate (7.9/100k)
Avg temp
25.2°C
Religion
Christianity
Coast
Coastal
☎ Police 999 · Ambulance 999 · Fire 999
Travel guide
El Salvador has many natural riches, such as beautiful and secluded beaches on the Pacific coast of Central America, majestic forests in the mountains and striking volcanoes. The countryside of El Salvador is breathtaking, with volcanoes and mountains offering "green" adventurers exactly what they are looking for. Many environmentally-oriented community-based organizations promote eco-tourism.
© Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA)
Explore El Salvador
Best time to visit
November–April is the dry season — best for beaches and sightseeing. May–October is rainy season but El Tunco still attracts surfers. Semana Santa (Easter week) is a major festival. Surf season peaks August–October on the Pacific.
Visa
Citizens of US, UK, EU, Canada, Australia and most Western countries receive 90 days visa-free under the CA-4 agreement covering El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua.
Public holidays
UNESCO World Heritage Sites (1)
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