Photo by El Salvador is one of the smallest countries in Central America. While it’s small in size, its beauty, culture, and vibe far outgrow the size of the land. El Salvador might be one of the last places you think of when it comes to travel destinations.
Yet, if you are looking to travel here for the first time, it’s important to learn some excellent tips to make your maiden voyage to the country one of the best travel experiences of your entire life.
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Learn A Few Words of Spanish
Imagine arriving at your hotel that you found via PrivateUpgrades. As you arrive, you meet up with a concierge, and you ask for nearby restaurants in Spanish. It’s kind of nice to know some of the local language to get around.
A few basic phrases can be great for regular communication. Simple greetings like “hola” (hello), “gracias” (thank you,) and some other words are typically appreciated.
You don’t need to be super fluent in Spanish to travel to El Salvador. Yet, if you want to communicate with the locals, whether it’s visiting their shops or asking for directions, knowing a small amount can be enough.
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Prioritize Safety and Maintain Awareness
El Salvador has become much safer in recent years. Yet, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t ditch the common-sense precautions. Well-known areas are normally safe, and there are reputable transportation operations that are available even at night. Places like Santa Ana, El Tunco, and Suchitoto are mostly safe and have a mix of locals and travelers alike.
Make sure that you don’t display valuable things that you don’t want to lose. At the same time, it may be wise to stay safe while having fun. Always be aware of your surroundings, don’t drink too much to the point where you are unaware of where you are, and as always, be sure to consult with local guides if you have any questions on what’s safe and what isn’t.
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Have A Cup Of Coffee…Seriously
If you are someone who loves coffee, you’re going to love El Salvador. Believe it or not, it’s one of the producers of Arabica coffee. You can have a cup of coffee that may have been freshly harvested, and it will taste like the best cup ever.
That’s because there are numerous coffee plantations that feature crops grown in fertile volcanic soil. Typically, your coffee might come from the Santa Ana or Apaneca area of El Salvador.
Watch the production process from start to finish. Enjoy a fresh coffee with a view of the mountains. How can you not say no to such an experience like that?
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If You Surf, Catch Some Waves
Believe it or not, El Salvador has some of the best places for surfing. If you love catching waves, make sure you rent a surfboard and carve them up. El Tunco, Punta Roca, and El Zonte are some excellent coastal communities along the Pacific Coast where you’ll see some consistent waves that are worth the ride. Even if you’ve never surfed before, learn and enjoy the experience.
If surfing isn’t your thing, no problem. At least now you have a few highly suggested beach destinations for relaxation, watching sunsets, and even enjoying seafood with beautiful views that can truly take your breath away.
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It’s More Than Just San Salvador
While San Salvador is the first city you visit upon arrival, there are plenty of other places to check out. Sure, you can spend the day in San Salvador exploring the art galleries, enjoying the dining options, and experiencing the nightlife.
However, there are numerous smaller towns and beautiful landscapes outside of San Salvador that are just waiting to be explored. If you are looking for a picturesque village, head over to Ruta de las Flores. Enjoy a day at the beach at El Tunco or take a drive around the Western Highlands and have a cup of coffee at a place where it’s made.
Simply put, your El Salvador experience shouldn’t just be limited to the country’s capital city. You’ll be quite surprised by what you can find whenever you find yourself outside of the city limits.
Final Thoughts
El Salvador is a travel destination that not many people talk about. That might be a good thing for someone like you, a traveler who likes to explore lesser known hidden gems. This place is perhaps one of the world’s best-kept secrets.
There’s so much to do, but the question is: how much do you want to do during your time here? It takes planning, asking around, and so much more in order to put together the perfect El Salvador adventure, even if it’s your first time taking a trip.