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A Guide to El Salvador
If you're looking to live like a local and explore El Salvador while you're here, this is the guide for you.
El Salvador is the Bitcoin Nation
Bitcoin is the legal tender and the new capital of freedom
What's going on in El Salvador?
● Number of new businesses, developments, and employment numbers are starting to go exponential (due to the eradication of gangs).
● Billions more are waiting for President Bukele’s March 2024 re-election before deployment (90% approval rating).
● With 60,000 gang members rounded up in 9 months, the country is experiencing a 1-time but permanent 22.5%+ Increase in GDP. This is how much the Gangs were extorting from the real economy annually
● Energy Independent: Electricity consumption per capita has outstripped other low-to-middle income countries (Energy = life / economic development).
● FinTech & NeoBanks are popping up due to comprehensive new Digital Asset and Securities Laws. Tech hub/tech export focus.
● El Salvador is turning into one of the 5 fastest growing economies.
● Billions in foreign Infrastructure investments are flowing in, moving from a production to services dominant economy.
Travel Guide
EVERYTHING to know before you go to El Salvador
Entry Requirements:
Check the visa requirements based on your nationality. Visa-free transit is permitted for individuals who typically need a visa but are only passing through for up to 48 hours and have confirmed onward travel.
Nevertheless, every visitor must obtain a tourist card upon arrival (priced at $12 currently), yet the charge is waived for select nationalities. Many countries, including the US and EU nations, don't need a visa for stays under 180 days. However, check the latest information before your trip. African and Indian Nationalities need to pay $1000 as a new policy.
Currency:
The currency used in El Salvador is the United States Dollar (USD) and Bitcoin (USD). Make sure to have some cash on hand as not all places may accept cards or Bitcoin.
Best Time to Visit El Salvador:
The dry season, which runs from November to April, is generally the best time to visit. The weather is pleasant, and it's ideal for outdoor activities.
What to Pack to Visit El Salvador:
Light clothing suitable for warm weather, swimwear, comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a reusable water bottle are essentials. If you plan on exploring nature or hiking, consider packing appropriate gear.
Apps to Download:
Google Maps, WhatsApp, Uber (in specific areas), and local apps such as Hifumi (food delivery) and Waze for navigation.
Accommodations:
For the best Accommodation, check our Directory page: Accommodations
Bitcoin Wallets:
There are a ton of options of Wallets you can use, Check our Directory Page: Bitcoin Solutions to find more info.
We strongly recommend using a Lightning wallet and not an Exchange Wallet. Make sure your wallet has the lighting network.
Bitcoin ATMs:
You can use a lot of wallets to cash out from ATMs. You will have two options: Athena ATM and Chivo ATM.
Check this link to see the Chivo ATM. Check this link to see Athena ATM.
Transportation:
The El Salvador airport (SAL) is about 40 minutes from San Salvador. El Salvador charges a $12 fee to enter the country. Payable with Bitcoin, cash, or credit card. There are lots of taxis and (sometimes) Ubers at the airport. If you’d like to schedule a ride with a VAN, HV, or CAR send us a WhatsApp message
Budget:
El Salvador can be affordable for travelers. A daily budget can range from $30 for budget travel to $100 or more for mid-range travel, including accommodation, food, transportation, and activities.
Traffic in San Salvador:
Traffic in the capital, San Salvador, can be congested, especially during peak hours. It's advisable to plan your travel and consider using ride-sharing apps to navigate the city.
Where to Go:
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Bicentenario Park: really extensive trails, is safe and beautiful. Can use Alltrails to see maps of it. You can rent a bike on the weekends.
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Jardin Botanico Plan de la Laguna: Really beautiful botanical gardens. plants from all over the world, founded by a German
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Volcano of San Salvador: Great views at all of the restaurants there like La Pampa el Volcan, and Linda Vista. It's easy to uber up, but hard to uber down
Other Child-Friendly Activities:
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ES Children’s Museum: probably the best children's museum in the world. Tons of activities. And it’s in the middle of a huge outdoor park.
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Linda Vista. High up on the San Salvador volcano with beautiful views (hence the name), and various theme park-type activities.
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Picnic Steak House. On the way up the SS volcano. Carousel, a massive slide, and a few other kid's activities.
What to Eat:
Don't miss out on pupusas (stuffed corn tortillas), ceviche, yuca frita (fried yuca), and other traditional Salvadoran dishes. Also, explore the street food for authentic local flavors, Mercadito Merliot is a good option.
Electricity:
El Salvador uses 110V/60Hz electricity. The plugs are typically Type A and Type B (two- or three-pronged). It's wise to carry a universal adapter.
SIM Cards and Internet:
SIM cards from local providers like Tigo, Claro, or Digicel are widely available. 3G and 4G networks cover most urban areas, providing decent internet connectivity.
Tipping:
Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated. In restaurants, a 10% tip might be expected, while rounding up taxi fares is common.
Safety:
El Salvador has gone from being the world's murder capital to becoming the safest country in Latin America. El Salvador competes with Canada for being the safest country on the continent
Attractions Outside San Salvador
A lot of the best parts of the country are within an hour of San Salvador. The people who fall in love with El Salvador are the people who go see a lot of it. It is well worth renting a car at least when you first visit the country.
Western Side
Cerro Verde
This hill of "clouds" or "mists" is an ideal choice for nature and adventure lovers in the western area of El Salvador. Walking along the park's trails with local tour guides, you can enjoy the biodiversity of flora and fauna that adorn this place, as well as viewpoints and play areas for children.
Santa Ana Volcano
Also known as the Santa Ana Volcano, this colossus is the highest in the country at an altitude of 2,381 meters above sea level. Still "alive," the most recent eruptions of the volcano occurred in 2005.
Lake Coatepeque
Its blue waters and extensive ecotourism offerings make Lake Coatepeque one of the favorite destinations for Salvadorans and foreigners, perfect for activities such as kayaking, jet skiing, and diving.
This lake is of volcanic origin, and due to its abundant natural richness, you can observe a wide variety of resident and migratory birds. Additionally, you can engage in activities such as fishing, diving, or taking a kayak, jet ski, or boat ride. In its surroundings, you could go hiking or mountain biking, enjoying beautiful panoramic views full of vegetation.
Ruta De Las Flores Area
Apaneca
If ecotourism is your thing, Apaneca offers destinations such as Laguna Verde and Laguna Las Ninfas, both ideal for hiking and exploring the flora and fauna of the area. In these destinations, you can also do canopy tours, mountain biking, and buggy rides, as the area boasts several spots that invite you to test your skills.
Ruta De Las Flores Area
Ataco
One of the most colorful destinations in El Salvador awaits you! With its cobbled streets, vibrant murals, handicrafts, gastronomy, and a cool climate, that's Ataco, another stop on the Ruta de Las Flores. At 1,260 meters above sea level, surrounded by imposing hills filled with vegetation and prominent coffee plantations, Ataco offers a rich ecotourism experience. It boasts spectacular gardens, thermal water pools, and waterfalls.
Ruta De Las Flores Area
Juayua
Amidst mountains and breathtaking landscapes lies Juayúa, another municipality of the Nahuat Pipil culture that forms part of the Ruta de Las Flores. In this destination, you can enjoy natural spaces such as The Seven Waterfalls or the lagoon of Las Ranas (Frogs).
Central Side
San Salvador Volcano
El Boquerón, a true natural oasis amidst the largest urban area of El Salvador, is located at the summit of the San Salvador volcano. For hiking enthusiasts, it's perfect for embarking on an expedition; otherwise, you can also enjoy the gastronomy and tranquility that the area offers.
El Boquerón National Park is situated in the crater of the San Salvador volcano, constituting a protected area with a wide diversity of fauna and flora.
Malls
If during your visit you need to purchase gear for your adventures in El Salvador, in the cities of San Salvador and Antiguo Cuscatlán, you can find a variety of shopping malls to acquire them. Among the largest ones are:
-La Gran Vía
-Las Cascadas
-Multiplaza
-Estación del Casco
-Centro Comercial Bambú
-Centro Comercial El Paseo
-Centro Comercial Galerías
These places offer a wide range of options for items, services, and dining.
Centro Historico-Downtown
Visiting the Historic Center of San Salvador will transport you back to El Salvador's golden eras, as it features beautiful restored buildings that preserve and care for the spirit of the colonial architecture found in the capital.
Suchitoto
One of the most beautiful and best-preserved cities in Central America is undoubtedly Suchitoto. It still holds an invaluable cultural and historical richness that melds with nature and its imposing views, living up to its Nahuatl meaning "place of birds and flowers."
Suchitoto also boasts numerous tourist accommodations, boutique restaurants, cafes, and bars where you can savor various Salvadoran dishes.
Eastern Side
San Miguel
If you enjoy warmth, you should visit this welcoming municipality in the eastern part of the country, characterized by the main landscape of the Chaparrastique Volcano.
This municipality is home to the traditional San Miguel Carnival, celebrated every year on the last weekend of November. The vibrant parade floods the streets with orchestras, attracting nationals and foreigners, especially Salvadorans residing abroad.
Playa Las Flores
Las Flores Beach is located in the department of San Miguel. The small and beautiful cove that welcomes travelers marks the beginning of a series of rocky points with right-breaking waves, perfect for surfing, stretching for several kilometers from the eastern coast of El Salvador to the west.
Known as "The Wild East" due to its nature, yet remote, modern roads and paths now lead to Las Flores. Its natural charm and quality of waves remain intact.
