If you were to bring up coffee, art, and beautiful landscapes, most people would think of Colombia, Italy, and maybe even Costa Rica. But tucked away on the narrow strip of land that connects North and South America is a place that has all three attractions and more, including majestic mountains and volcanoes, world-class surfing destinations, and villages teeming with flowers. The destination? El Salvador—an understated and underrated country that oozes adventure, authenticity, and resilience.
With a size of 8,123 square miles (the size of the state of Massachusetts) and a population of 6.3 million, it’s both the most densely populated and smallest country in Central America. And that means close quarters that foster a rich and vibrant community, something Salvadorans are particularly proud of and cherish.
El Salvador’s culture and way of life, with dogs roaming as freely as humans and gambling a far less popular activity, certainly differs from that of the US. However, you’ll still find sites that solely offer a just for fun experience and culture shock that’ll end up becoming a deep affection for the country.
Traveling to El Salvador soon? Here are six things you should know about the culture.
They’ll Show You Plenty of Warmth and Hospitality
Located in Central America, it’s no surprise that Salvadorans are warm and friendly. Countries in this region are typically known to have community and family-oriented values, which extend to visitors.
Travelers are treated like members of the family, and there’s usually an effort to make them feel particularly welcome. Shaking hands, hugging, and kissing on the cheek are common gestures, and formalities are used when greeting and meeting someone for the first time.
When touring the country, you’ll find that locals are always willing to lend a helping hand or recommend places to eat or things to see—even if you don’t share the same language.
There’s a Strong Emphasis on Community and Tradition
While the US emphasizes individualism and personal time, Salvadorans see community and gatherings as the heart of life. It won’t be uncommon to see large get-togethers in public places like parks and beaches and plenty of high-energy festivals and celebrations serving up delicious food, music, and dancing.
With food being a staple in the country, it’s also quite possible that you’ll get randomly invited to a local’s home for a meal. Community is a huge part of the country’s tradition, and while modernity is encouraged, so is respect for tradition and cultural practices.
For example, the pervasive machismo (male dominance) and marianismo (female nurturing) views mean LGBTQ+ culture isn’t openly celebrated.
Food Is a Cultural Experience in Itself
Like in many other countries around the world, food is used as an expression of love and an excuse to spend time with loved ones, so it’s expected that you’ll finish your plate (even if you aren’t too fond of the dish) as a sign of respect and appreciation.
Food is the pride and joy of many locals—and rightfully so. A single day in El Salvador will introduce you to a variety of delicious eats, such as sopas, juicy churrasco tipico, enchiladas, Salvadoran tamales, and, of course, the crown jewel, pupusas.
With Lenca and Mayan roots, much of Salvadoran cuisine leans heavily into indigenous ingredients like beans, cassava, corn, and squash. You’ll also notice that soups are a big part of the culinary tradition, a classic comfort food that is easily prepared in large batches for a communal meal.
Learning the Language Goes a Long Way
Spanish is the primary language in El Salvador. You may find English speakers in more urban areas and in tourist places like hotels, airports, and business areas, but travel to more rural areas, and it’ll certainly be helpful to know a few basic Spanish phrases.
In general, while you won’t be expected to instantly become fluent in the language, knowing and speaking a few words or phrases is considered good manners and will help you feel more connected to the locals.
Common sayings like hola, buenos días, por favor, gracias, and lo siento are all great ones to add to your list, and you can even go further with ¿Cuánto cuesta esto? or ¿Dónde está el baño? if you want to make an even greater effort.
Coffee Is King
El Salvador is particularly known for its smooth, high-quality coffee, which has effectively shaped its history for over 100 years. Although there are all sorts of coffee beans produced in the country, the main kind is Arabica, whose fruity, floral, and nutty flavor profiles are considered balanced and aromatic.
With so many microclimates and volcanic soil just about everywhere, the country has ideal growing conditions and is home to several coffee farming regions—which you have to visit on a trip there.
Much of the coffee in El Salvador also has the benefit of being fair trade, sustainable, and organic, so you can expect to find a quality mug of it there. While coffee in the US is typically prepared using a coffee machine, the traditional method in El Salvador involves the pico pour-over method or an aeropress.
The Country Preserves Its Archaeological Sites Like a Dream
The historical timeline of El Salvador goes back centuries, far before it was declared an independent republic in 1839. The Lenca, Maya, and Pipil peoples made up the beginnings of the country, which is why you can find an abundance of archaeological sites in the region.
To see a larger concentration in one place, visit one of the five archaeological parks: Joya de Cerén, Cihuatán, San Andrés, Casa Blanca, and Tazumal. In Casa Blanca, for instance, you’ll find partially restored pyramids dating back to 250 AD, and you can explore the remains of a farming village covered by a volcanic eruption at Joya de Cerén.