Overview & Highlights
A unique opportunity to explore a rising star in Central America with forest-clad hills, volcanoes, quiet colonial towns, world-famous Pacific surf and exceptionally friendly people.
- El Boquerón volcano
- El Tazumal archaeological site
- Route of the Flowers excursion
- Coffee plantation tour
- Cerro Verde National Park visit
- Chocolate plantation tour
- Pupusa workshop – making El Salvador’s national dish
- Half day boat trip on the Gulf of Fonseca with lunch
- Perkin: Peace Museum
- Perkin: local hike
- Perkin: El Monzote visit
- Joya de Cerén archaeological site
- Cinquera National Park walk
- San Salvador city tour
- La Libertad fish market and lunch
This holiday includes some remote rural areas where the friendly guides and general tranquillity will soon set you at ease. It's a broad-based trip, including gentle outdoor activities as well as visits to highlights by car and boat, delivering an authentic experience of the cultural as well as the natural richness and variety of the republic.
Owing to its complicated recent history El Salvador has yet to establish itself as a sought-after tourist destination, but this is one of its attractions: you will find truly unspoilt landscapes and a genuine welcome from the local population. It’s a small country, easy to get around by land and you’ll be distracted from some uneven road surfaces by the captivating scenery through which you will pass. Outstanding, both literally at metaphorically, are the dominant volcanoes which stud the countryside – you’ll get to view the cones of el Boquerón, Santa Ana and Izalco as you visit national parks established between areas of , richly fertile, intensively farmed farming country peppered with coffee plantations. Also in the rugged interior you’ll drive along the famed “route of the flowers”, drop in on preserved colonial artisan towns such as Suchitoto and little-visited Mayan archaeological sites. The coast is not neglected, with a boat trip on the Gulf of Fonseca and a short time to view the surfing on a Pacific beach.
Outline itinerary
Day 0
UK clients depart arriving San Salvador, El Salvador the same day.
Day 1
Transfer to hotel in the capital, San Salvador
Day 2
El Boquerón volcano; Mayan ruins of El Tazumal; colonial Ataco
Day 3
Artisan villages along the ‘Route of the Flowers’; visit coffee plantation.
Day 4
Santa Ana volcano and Cerro Verde National Park; drive to Jiquilisco Bay.
Day 5
Chocolate plantation tour and optional kayaking; on to La Union.
Day 6
Boat trip on the Gulf of Fonseca; drive to Perquin.
Day 7
Walks in Perquin. Discover El Mozote & Perkin's Peace Museum.
Day 8
Drive to El Salvador’s ‘Pompeii’ Joya de Cerén; continue to colonial Suchitoto.
Day 9
At leisure in Suchitoto
Day 10
Visit San Salvador’s historic centre. Overnight on Pacific coast.
Day 11
Transfer to airport for international flight.
Day 12
UK clients arrive home the following day.
Things to do
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Accommodation
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What our clients say
97% of our clients rated their experience with us as Excellent or Good.
Very efficient with the booking process and very helpful with his service throughout. Adam was always prompt and helpful in answering all our questions prior to departure.
IR, London
Tailor made holiday
Our specialists have been expertly crafting award-winning tailor-made holidays to Latin America for 40 years. We would be delighted to create a truly personalised trip which perfectly matches your wishes and requirements.
Ben Line - Travel Consultant
Ben fell in love with Latin America on a six month backpacking trip from Colombia to Mexico in 1995. Since then he has explored most of South America, including living in Peru for a year. He is now Manager of the Tailor-made Department.
Inspired by this trip
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Your edit for Latin American inspiration
Our exciting range of articles on Latin America explore everything from iconic destinations and lesser-known cultural gems to delicious traditional recipes. You’ll also find exclusive travel tips, first-hand client reviews and the chance to get your personal questions answered by our travel experts.
View Extraordinary Inspiration
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Hannah Donaldson - Travel Consultant
Having spent part of her childhood in Colombia and worked in Brazil and Costa Rica, Hannah's ties to Latin America run deep. Hannah is an invaluable part of our Group Tours team.
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Ben Line - Travel Consultant
Ben fell in love with Latin America on a six month backpacking trip from Colombia to Mexico in 1995. Since then he has explored most of South America, including living in Peru for a year. He is now Manager of the Tailor-made Department.
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Lina Fuller - Travel Consultant
Lina's passion for the continent where she was born really took off when she moved to Córdoba to study, spending the holidays travelling between Argentina and her native Colombia.
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Chris Rendell-Dunn - Travel Consultant
Anglo-Peruvian Chris grew up in Lima and spent much of his adult life in between London and Cusco as a tour leader, before settling permanently in our Sales team.
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Kathryn Rhodes - Travel Consultant
Kathryn backpacked across Argentina, Chile, Bolivia and Peru before joining us. She has a degree in Philosophy and French and is a keen netball player.
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Mary Anne Nelson - Travel Consultant
Born in the Atacama Desert in northern Chile, Mary’s insider knowledge and dry sense of humour make her a highly valued member of the Tailor-made team.
