El Salvador is one of the smaller countries in Central America and is bordered by Honduras and Guatemala. Unlike other Central American countries, El Salvador doesn't have any coastline on the Caribbean and just has beaches on the Pacific. The Pacific is known to be more windy and temperamental than the placid Caribbean but this makes it great for surfing.
El Salvador is also one of the countries in Central America that boast Mayan ruins. Where one can explore the lesser-known sites and ruins that are not overrun with tourists like in Mexico.
El Salvador And its Tourism Industry
Today El Salvador remains a developing country with problems of poverty and instability. It is even on many people's list of places that they would never visit. Crime is a significant issue and it is even first on the Index Mundi's list for the most homicides. But it is also a country with a lot to offer the intrepid traveler and like most places, it can be safe with sensible precautions.
- Capital and Largest City: San Salvador
- Population: 6.8 Million
Today tourism is an important part of El Salvador's economy, people come from all over to visit. Many American and European tourists come for the stunning Pacific beaches and the country's vibrant nightlife.
Because of El Salvador's geographic size and urbanization, there are not the same number of natural attractions as with the other Central American countries. Nor are there that many archaeological sites open to the public (but it still has them).
What To Do In El Salvador
Some of El Salvador's top attractions are its beaches including La Libertad, Playa Las Flores, Ruta Las Flores, and others - as well as the volcano Santa Ana.
The large surf on the Pacific makes it great for surfing. The country has become increasingly popular as a surfing destination and is regarded as having some of the best surfing breaks on the Pacific Coast.
If one would like to get some reprieve from the hot humid tropical weather, then one can also visit San Ignacio. Enjoy the higher revelation, pleasant climate, and beautiful mountains of this part of the country.
- Lush Forests: El Salvador Has Many Lush Forests Often Shrouded in Cool Temperatures
- Archaeological Sites: They Have Many Archaeological Sites (Best Mayan Ones El Tazumal, Joya de Ceren, Cihuatan, San Andres, and Casa Blanca.)
One of the things that make El Salvador attractive as a destination is that most are that many of the attractions are only within around 40 miles of the capital.
El Salvador is a tropical destination and so it is always going to be warm weather year-round.
Costa Del Sol
Costa De Sol is a great option for more luxury travelers. The Costa del Sol is a brilliant strip of beach that's lined with higher-end resorts. One will find a long stretch of pearl-colored and soft waves.
This is a long and straight strip of beige sand. The accommodation here is made up of oceanfront villas, vacation rentals, and some upscale beach homes.
Many of the resorts here not only have their own pools and cool shaded garden areas but also private access to parts of the beach.
There are not many other services or towns outside of the hotels. Mostly one will enjoy the great restaurants and bars at the hotels.
- Higher-end: The Resorts On This Beach Are Higher End
- Beaches: It Includes Three Distinct Beaches - Costa del Sol, San Marcelino, and Los Blancos
Playa El Tunco
While the Playa El Tunco may not be the best beach in the country, it is the "heartbeat of the country's backpacker culture" according to Everything El Salvador. It is the quintessential El Salvador beach town and is one of the most visited spots in the country.
The beach has a mix of smooth, black sand and large rocks. It is one of the best surf destinations in the country although the best is a bit rocky outside of low tide.
- Backpacker: This Is the Heart Of The Country's Backpacker Culture
- Surfing: Playa El Tunco Is Great for Surfing
- Partying: As Backpacker Central Is It Great for Partying
La Libertad
Some of the country's most popular beaches are in the El Puerto de la Libertad region. La Libertad's beaches are particularly well known for surfing. The La Punta break is particularly well known for 10-foot waves during the wet season (between May and October).
- Surfing: Known For Its 10 Foot Waves In The Wet Season
Some say the La Libertad is one of the best beaches in the country. But Everything El Salvador (who includes a number of quiet and often excluded beaches in their list) doesn't consider this one good enough to make it into their list.