You might think El Salvador is the least impressive of the Central American nations, but it is full of beauty and exciting opportunities. Curious people will enjoy this place for its black-sand shores, stunning forests, well-preserved Mayan sites, and colorful towns full of murals.
You can experience the best waves in the world, learn about El Salvador’s fascinating culture, or drink its famous coffee—for all this and more, El Salvador welcomes you. Visit a country where sun, sea, and fantastic scenery blend into memories you’ll remember for a long time.
1. Apaneca
On the fantastic Ruta de Las Flores route, Apaneca is a relaxing highland town anyone can fall in love with. Famous for its pleasing air and fertile land, the area comes alive with color from its many coffee plantations.
You can find great food and coffee at community cafes and restaurants since they prepare their dishes with fresh ingredients nearby. You will love Apaneca if you enjoy ziplining or hiking in some of El Salvador’s finest views.
2. San Andrés Archaeological Park
San Andrés Archaeological Park near San Salvador offers visitors a great look into El Salvador’s ancient Mayan past. At this massive ruin, visitors can see how this thriving civilization lived life during the period from 600 to 900 AD.
Visit the park and look at the fragments of the acropolis and old houses. Imagine the busy society that used to live there. The museum on-site adds value by presenting artifacts and exhibits that tell the fascinating stories of Mayan society and traditions.
3. Cerron Grande Dam
Built in 1976, the Cerrón Grande Dam produced Suchitlán Lake, which is now the biggest freshwater reservoir in El Salvador. Building the reservoir on the Lempa River makes it a vital energy and water source for its neighbors and helps to preserve many wetlands and their bird and fish populations.
The incredible panoramas that mix the lake’s calm waters with the rolling green hills impress anyone visiting the dam.
4. Santa Tecla
Taking up the site west of San Salvador, Santa Tecla is a city rich in its past and present. The town was created as the new San Salvador in 1854 but only temporarily became the country’s capital following a terrible earthquake.
Some of its background is still visible today, and government offices like the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock are still here. Santa Tecla is a popular site with excellent malls, fascinating museums, and plenty of beautiful green areas to relax.
5. Santa Ana Cathedral
Being in the center of Santa Ana’s busy central square, the Santa Ana Cathedral amazes guests with its beautiful neo-Gothic construction. It took eight years to build, and the finished structure demonstrates the skill and talent of its builders.
Walk into the building, and you’ll see majestic pillars and sparkling chandeliers along the way to the church’s central altar. The grand appearance of the altar, thanks to its artwork, adds to the attraction inside the church.
6. Santa Ana National Theater
Located in Santa Ana’s historic heart, the Santa Ana National Theater is famous for its pleasant neoclassical design and cheerful pastel color scheme. Barrio Kaiser was founded in 1912, possibly only because local coffee producers resolved to make their city better than San Salvador’s capital.
Once you step inside, you’ll see how impressive the theater feels, with its decorations and classic atmosphere showing the history of nearly 100 years of art.
7. Joya de Cerén Archaeological Site
Covered by volcanic ash for centuries, the Joya de Cerén Archaeological Site lets us glimpse how ancient Mayans lived. This village was made a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is around AD 600 and survived well after the eruption of Laguna Caldera.
The place’s nickname, Pompeii in Italy, helps visitors feel the excitement and wonder they can find here. Taking you from daily life in ancient times to remnants of houses and artifacts, Joya de Cerén gives you an exceptional glimpse into the culture and traditions of the Maya, making it a must for anyone visiting El Salvador.
8. Suchitoto
Located on a hill over Lake Suchitlán, Suchitoto is a place that combines rich history with beautiful nature. Old white buildings with red roofs form the colonial architecture that stands tall in streets taken by winding cobblestones through vast green scenery.
Suchitoto has a rich history dating back to the mid-1800s and provides a peaceful hideaway for local people tired of city life. Because of its peaceful scenery and eternal charm, everyone ends up here to explore and admire El Salvador’s cultural heritage and amazing sites.
9. National Theatre of El Salvador
In downtown San Salvador, the National Theatre of El Salvador is a fantastic piece of architecture and a highlight of the country’s cultural life. Daniel Beylard, a French architect, designed the exterior, which points to the impressive grandeur within.
As soon as you walk in, you’ll find yourself surrounded by expensive French Renaissance style, with numerous decorations that bring to mind the past. Its seating area for 650 guests makes this historical location a place where everyone enjoys an up-close look at everything.
10. Casino Crown Colonial San Miguel
A complete casino, Casino Crown Colonial welcomes gaming enthusiasts inside the Hotel Tropico Inn on the Pan-American Highway near San Miguel. As soon as you enter, you’ll find an exciting experience waiting for you in this accessible spot. Guests can choose from 80 state-of-the-art machines or play classic games, including 3 Card Poker, American Roulette, and Blackjack at 11 lively tables. Because of its outstanding amenities, Casino Crown Colonial offers the best of both worlds for travelers and players looking for action and a place to unwind.
Gambling in El Salvador has been banned since 1882, yet most people ignore the law, so there are problems with understanding the rules. Even though the effort to legalize gambling in 2002 did not succeed, the country forbids most gambling and has casinos selling lottery tickets.
When the 1983 Municipal Code gave local authorities authority over gambling, the federal government backed out of dealing with it. Since there isn’t vigorous enforcement against gambling, it tends to grow everywhere. Also, the National Charity Lottery included Dale as an official alternative to online betting, and operators from abroad also sold lottery tickets to people in El Salvador. Because online gambling is rarely controlled, it’s not hard for players to access websites from around the world.
The situation regarding casinos operating in El Salvador is blurry because gambling regulations have yet to be created, and iGaming is unregulated. Even so, offshore platforms are accessible, and authorities accept that they operate.
You can find plenty of popular games on these overseas sites, for example, slot machines, blackjack, roulette online and even play against live dealers. Because local regulations do not exist, people must sign up with respected bookmakers. Looking at the company’s game list, checking what other players say, and going over switching and withdrawal terms can make your online gambling fun, safe, and secure.