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.