Things to do in San Salvador, San Salvador Department: The Best Sightseeing Tours

June 16, 2021 Karren Gelb

El Salvador's capital, San Salvador, is a modern city of wide boulevards and narrow streets, outdoor markets, government buildings, high-rises, monuments, an exuberant nightlife, museums and other cultural institutions. And all set against the backdrop of San Salvador volcano. The city is surrounded by shantytowns as well as affluent suburbs with restaurants and large shopping malls. Peaceful settings such as the botanic garden of Parque Cuscutlan provide a break from the city's hectic pace.
Restaurants in San Salvador

1. San Salvador Combo Tour: City Sightseeing and Joya de Cerén

Salvadorean Tours
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

Combine two popular  tours of San Salvador and Joya de Cerén with this 4-hour San Salvador Combo. Start with a morning or afternoon sightseeing tour of El Salvador's buzzing capital, whose highlights include Masferrer Square, Salvador del Mundo Square and the Metropolitan Cathedral of the Holy Savior. Then head to the UNESCO World Heritage–listed archaeological site of Joya de Cerén, dubbed the 'Pompeii of the Americas,' where you can see ancient life preserved in a time capsule of volcanic ash.

Inclusions: Professional guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Transport by private vehicle, Drinks

Exclusions: Gratuities, Lunch

Reviewed By gamblelisa

Well worth it - nice hike and beautiful volcano and views. It was very windy at the top and quite cold - bring an extra layer

2. 2-Day Tour: Following The Maya Path and Copán Ruins

Inter Tours El Salvador, 89 Av. Sur y Paseo General Escalon Condominio Balam Quitze Nivel 1 San Salvador CP, San Salvador, El Salvador Inter Tours
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5.0 based on 3 reviews

Visit the southernmost Mayan city : San Andres and the world heritage site of Copan Ruins in one single trip. San Andrés is a pre-Hispanic Mayan site of El Salvador, whose long occupation began around 900 BC. C. as an agricultural town in the Zapotitán valley of the department of La Libertad. This early settlement was vacated by the year 250 because of the huge eruption of the caldera of Lake Ilopango, and was again occupied in the fifth century, along with many other sites in the Zapotitán Valley. Between 600 and 900 d. C. San Andrés was the capital of a Mayan manor with supremacy over the other settlements of the Valley. Once in Copán your guide will highlight the most important moments of this city-state where its habitats develop a unique form of sculpture and carving.

Inclusions: National Park fees, Professional guide, Overnight accommodation

Exclusions: Meals, Please note that the route is through Guatemala. There will be a payment of $ 3 USD at the border which is not included. The border tax is required by the governing authority and is not within our control, Antigen test is requiered issue up to 72 before entering Honduras cost is $ 40 we make arrengements

Reviewed By 125nazu

We took a half day tour to El Zunzal and el Tunco from San Salvador. It was a hot day and our only day to visit the beautiful beaches. The walk on the rocky beach was tiring but thankfully inter tours had a really nice hotel with a pool and facilities that we could use, which will be exactly what you need given the beach conditions - rocky and no beds by the beach. The best part about our tour was definetly our guide, Francisco! Very genuine and professional. Would definetly reccommend, thank you Francisco and Dina ????????

3. Full day | San Salvador City Tour and Boqueron Volcano

San Salvador, San Salvador, San Salvador Department Salvadorean Tours
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5.0 based on 6 reviews

Take this full day tour and visit the main streets and avenues of the great San Salvador on a Small Group Tour. This sightseen tour will take you to the main residential areas of the capital, the “El Salvador del Mundo” (Savior of the World Square), Plaza Masferrer and some of the best hidden spots of the city, as well Historical Center: Metropolitan Cathedral, National Palace and National Theater. In the afternoon you will visit the San Salvador Volcano and other interesting places.

Inclusions: All taxes, fees and handling charges, Local taxes, Bottled water, Local guide, Professional guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off (selected hotels only)

Exclusions: Lunch, Gratuities, Souvenir photos (available to purchase), Hotel pickup and drop-off (if option not selected)

Reviewed By gamblelisa

Well worth it - nice hike and beautiful volcano and views. It was very windy at the top and quite cold - bring an extra layer

4. Ruta de Las Flores Coloful towns, Coffee, indigenous roots

Eco Tours Petate
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5.0 based on 4 reviews

In this tour you will have the opportunity to meet and visit five of the most picturesque colonial towns with greater cultural tradition of the western part of El Salvador. Begining in Nahuizalco, town with indigenous custom, recognized for its fine crafts in wicker and tule. We will continue our journey to reach Salcoatitan which has one of the oldest churches in El Salvador. Then we will juayua, rich in natural beauty. We continue with the people of Apaneca, the highest village of all El Salvador, known for its coffee plantations. Finishing with the colorful town of Ataco, famous for its handicrafts, its restaurants, and its beautiful cobbled streets.

Inclusions: All taxes, fees and handling charges, Bottled water, Professional guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off in San Salvador, Private tour, Transport by private vehicle

Exclusions: Food and drinks, unless specified, Lunch, Gratuities

Reviewed By ingvardrago

I also took their Ruta de las Flores tour along with this one to complete my weekend getaway to explore El Salvador! I’m so glad I did. Great communication from the start. Flexible and eager to work with my schedule and ideas to incorporate into the flow. Got to enjoy the fantastic Tunco beach and then got an evening tour of San Salvador on top of it . Just fantastic all around.

5. Mayan Exploration Tazumal Mayan Route Coatepeque Lake Full Day Tour

Eco Tours Petate
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5.0 based on 3 reviews

Tazumal and Ruta Maya Tour is the perfect experience if you are a lover of archeology. El Salvador has been for millennia the home of different civilizations. Joya de Ceren, San Andres and Tazumal are three archaeological sites that were important witnesses of one of the most developed civilizations, the Mayans. If you are in El Salvador you can not miss this experience. We will start early in the morning heading to one of the archaeological sites that has amazed archaeologists and visitors from different parts of the world. Our first stop on this tour is Joya de Ceren.

Inclusions: National Park fees, Bottled water, Professional guide, Hotel pickup, Hotel drop-off, Private tour, Transport by private vehicle

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Gratuities

Reviewed By ingvardrago

I also took their Ruta de las Flores tour along with this one to complete my weekend getaway to explore El Salvador! I’m so glad I did. Great communication from the start. Flexible and eager to work with my schedule and ideas to incorporate into the flow. Got to enjoy the fantastic Tunco beach and then got an evening tour of San Salvador on top of it . Just fantastic all around.

6. Ruta de Las Flores People volcanoes colonial towns

Eco Tours Petate
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5.0 based on 8 reviews

In this tour you will have the opportunity to meet and visit five of the most picturesque colonial towns with greater cultural tradition of the western part of El Salvador. Begining in Nahuizalco, town with indigenous custom, recognized for its fine crafts in wicker and tule. We will continue our journey to reach Salcoatitan which has one of the oldest churches in El Salvador. Then we will juayua, rich in natural beauty. We continue with the people of Apaneca, the highest village of all El Salvador, known for its coffee plantations. Finishing with the colorful town of Ataco, famous for its handicrafts, its restaurants, and its beautiful cobbled streets.

Inclusions: All taxes, fees and handling charges, Bottled water, Professional guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off availible only in San Salvador, Private tour, Transport by private vehicle

Exclusions: Food and drinks, unless specified, Lunch, Gratuities

Reviewed By ingvardrago

I also took their Ruta de las Flores tour along with this one to complete my weekend getaway to explore El Salvador! I’m so glad I did. Great communication from the start. Flexible and eager to work with my schedule and ideas to incorporate into the flow. Got to enjoy the fantastic Tunco beach and then got an evening tour of San Salvador on top of it . Just fantastic all around.

7. Layover tour San Salvador city and Volcano tour El Boqueron National Park

Eco Tours Petate
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5.0 based on 13 reviews

Get the most out of your Layover in El Salvador. Discover the scenic, natural and historical beauty of El Salvador. You will have the opportunity to visit the top of the San Salvador volcano. From here you can enjoy breathtaking landscapes of the city and the Salvadoran territory, while enjoying a spectacular climate. We will continue enjoying a tour of the city of San Salvador, discover the history through the most representative monuments of the capital, we will finish walking in the heart of the historic center of San Salvador, where we can appreciate the day to day of the Salvadorans. Know the main monuments such as the Metropolitan Cathedral, the National Palace. • Duration of 5 to 7 hours according to your flight itinerary • Visit to the top of the volcano of San Salvador • Explore the city of San Salvador • Visit to the Historic Center of San Salvador • Incredible landscapes of the city

Inclusions: National Park fees, Bottled water, Driver/guide, Professional guide, Airport pickup and drop-off, Private tour

Exclusions: Airport/Departure Tax, Lunch, Gratuities

Reviewed By ingvardrago

I also took their Ruta de las Flores tour along with this one to complete my weekend getaway to explore El Salvador! I’m so glad I did. Great communication from the start. Flexible and eager to work with my schedule and ideas to incorporate into the flow. Got to enjoy the fantastic Tunco beach and then got an evening tour of San Salvador on top of it . Just fantastic all around.

8. "Ruta de las Flores" Colonial villages , Coffee Tour, Waterfalls, Local Food.

El Salvador Positive Tours
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

"The Ruta de las Flores " is the most popular area of El Salvador , here you can do many activities thru the coffee mountains and exploring the salvadorean dayly life .In this tour you can do trekking in waterfalls, visit colonial villages, interact with people, tasting local food, take an interesting coffee tour and take unique pictures in pintoresque villages . In "The Ruta de las flores" tour you will learn a lot with your local expert guide about the history of the west of El Salvador. Optional Extra activities : Zip line, Buggies and Mountain Bike

Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Private transportation, Bottled water, Licensed Tour Guide , Coffee Tour

Exclusions: Lunch, Zipline,Buggies, etc. , Gratuities

Reviewed By Ekneedle

Francis was early to pick me up at my hotel and very friendly and professional. Once we arrived at the waterfalls he actually hired a local guy who lived there to show us around and give us more details. Francis doesn't need this service but does it to help out his fellow El Salvadorians who would otherwise be out of work. The hot springs were the PERFECT temperature and just like being in a natural hot tub. The trash around the water is horrendous but they're working on finding a solution to this ever worsening problem. Pack it in, pack it out! Next we went for lunch at an amazing artistic cafe where I bought a piece of art because it was so unique and irresistible. Francis is a wonderful guide and now a friend who will do whatever he can to make sure you have a beautiful, comfortable, informative trip in his country. It's also nice to feel comfortable with a guide, when you're a solo female traveler.

9. Layover, San Salvador City Tour ( Historical Center & Boqueron National Park).

El Salvador Positive Tours
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

5 hours is enough to learn about Salvadorean Culture, this tour is proper to visit the downtown , historic places, volcano, and local food. The Capital San Salvador is the most develope city and its rich in history.

Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Private transportation

Exclusions: Lunch

Reviewed By Ekneedle

Francis was early to pick me up at my hotel and very friendly and professional. Once we arrived at the waterfalls he actually hired a local guy who lived there to show us around and give us more details. Francis doesn't need this service but does it to help out his fellow El Salvadorians who would otherwise be out of work. The hot springs were the PERFECT temperature and just like being in a natural hot tub. The trash around the water is horrendous but they're working on finding a solution to this ever worsening problem. Pack it in, pack it out! Next we went for lunch at an amazing artistic cafe where I bought a piece of art because it was so unique and irresistible. Francis is a wonderful guide and now a friend who will do whatever he can to make sure you have a beautiful, comfortable, informative trip in his country. It's also nice to feel comfortable with a guide, when you're a solo female traveler.

10. San Salvador City Tour and El Boqueron National Park Volcan of San Salvador

EC Tours El Salvador
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5.0 based on 6 reviews

Walking around downtown San Salvador with one of our tour guides, is the best way to explore the area, as we stop at the most important buildings in downtown we also get to show you the day by day of salvadorans, talking about history and the nowadays El Salvador. Main Cathedral, National Palace, National Teather, El Rosario church are some of the most popular places to visit. Then we will stop at a local retaurante for you to have a taste Pupusas, our most popular national dish. After this we take you to visit El Boqueron national park located at the crater of the San Salvador volcano, awesome views, great weather and nature are the top things to enjoy in this place .

Inclusions: All Fees and Taxes, Air-conditioned vehicle, Private transportation, Lunch

Exclusions: Dinner

Reviewed By Quest764245

Estefany was our tour guide for our 2day weekend getaway trip to El Salvador. Not only she was very professional, friendly, excellent bilingual and charming, her passion towards local El Salvador tourism was absolutely beautiful. We have learnt a lot about El Salvador thanks to her continuous efforts towards exploring and learning all about El Salvador, which we couldn’t have done so much in 2days if we weren’t on this tour! Packed and dense, we have done a LOT on this trip. I heard that all of their tours are private, which was great once again because my boyfriend and I are normally not the kind of people who would eagerly join a tour... We would rather explore and get lost and even enjoy that process. So, when I say we loved the tour, it didn’t come from anywhere easy (haha). Thank you Estefany once again, you guys were so kind and flexible to make all our requests/wishes come true! Local fruit stand, quick El Salvadorian snack purchase, finding the best El Salvador coffee and buying some beans to bring home, pitstop to a local shop where we could buy traditional El Salvadorian accessories and sweets as a souvenir, filling our crave to know anything and everything about El Salvador (sorry we asked you 10,000 questions), and more! Absolutely recommended. If you’re still wondering what to do, contact them and ask for a suggested plan or two, because they have so many options! :)

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