One Day El Salvador Layover/Itinerary

Are you traveling to El Salvador? You’ll absolutely love the place! Vibrant, friendly, and downright fun. The Central American country is an absolute delight to explore. Are you heading to El Salvador soon and still haven’t figured out an itinerary yet?

Don’t worry because I have the perfect San Salvador itinerary for you, even if you’re there for only a few days or a layover. But before we go into the El Salvador travel itinerary, here is all you need to know about the country:

Is El Salvador Safe to Visit?

Yes! While you might be concerned that the country is not safe to visit, you’ll be glad to know it hosts tourists with open arms and welcoming hearts, and you won’t be unsafe at all. In fact, most of the tourist attractions in El Salvador are catered to provide each visitor with a safe and entertaining time, so rest assured, you’re in good hands!

El Salvador’s Civil War ended in 1992

El Salvador is truly Central America’s secret garden.

The Perfect El Salvador Itinerary

Whether you’re in El Salvador for a day or a week, there are just some unique places you can’t miss. These tourist attractions in El Salvador are what truly make the experience, so if you’re looking for an experience enriched in culture and true El

Best things to see in El Salvador in one day – layover tour

Salvador spirit, your itinerary must include the following places:

Peace Monument

The Peace Monument or the Monument to Peace and Reconciliation is arguably one of El Salvador’s finest works and stands behind a strong message of peace and harmony. Built to honor the memories of armed conflict, the Peace Monument will give you a silent and powerful glimpse into Central American history. The Monument to Peace and Reconciliation houses fiberglass sculptures of world-renowned peace and human rights advocates like Mahatma Gandhi, Mother Teressa, and Martin Luther King. In the center of these sculptures is a grand sculpture of Jesus Christ, who holds a peaceful message. For anyone who’d love to take a hike to the monument and admire its gorgeous sculptures, the Peace Monument comes as a beautiful embrace.

Rainbow Slide

You might have caught glimpses of TikTokers zooming across a slide that resembles a rainbow, and you’ll be glad to know that this slide is actually in El Salvador. Built only last year, the Rainbow Slide caught the attention of international citizens thanks to social media influencers. Now the Rainbow Slide is one of El Salvador’s most wanted. The Rainbow Slide is located inside a relatively new amusement park, the Picnic Steakhouse. It gives an unforgettable view of the city. And don’t worry, you don’t have to dine at the steakhouse to ride the slide, although there is a small entrance fee of around $5. But, once you’re up there and sliding down, you’ll be so enthralled, you’ll want to go over and over again!

Pro tip: You don’t have to dine here to slide down the Rainbow Slide but this outdoor sitting,upper-scale amusement part is the perfect place for brunch. 

The weather is perfect too as it is located higher in the mountains towards Parque Nacional El Boqueron.

Parque Nacional El Boqueron

You’ve probably heard of El Salvador’s volcano, the El Boqueron. Commonly known as the San Salvador Volcano, the volcano is a pretty iconic place. It is often picked out in television series and movies. The Parque Nacional El Boqueron is situated on the crater itself and gives way to a magical experience with a dramatic background. If you’re in El Salvador and miss out on this park, then you would practically be committing a crime. Among El Salvador’s highest parks, the Parque Nacional El Boqueron is a fantastic place to chill and presents one of the larger craters as one of its main attractions. You can also take a thrilling hike through the parks’ several tourist-friendly hiking trails. If you’re feeling lazy, you can always head over to the local onsite restaurants to munch on the local cuisines!

Iglesia El Rosario

The Iglesia El Rosario is a famous church and probably one of the most beautiful churches in Central America. Not your average church, the Iglesia El Rosario is built with an internal arch that overhangs as a roof and projects hues of multiple colors to the floor. The altar shines with the natural light that comes from the mirrored windows and roof, and the burial place is marked by sculptures. The Iglesia El Rosario is close to the hearts of the citizens of El Salvador. It is the home of the burial site of Padre Delgado, who is known as the “father of Central American Independence”. If you’re someone who’s really into architecture and would love to admire the refined tastes of Central American architects and designers, then Iglesia.

El Rosario will do you justice.

The meaning of such a unique concept is simple: don’t judge the book by its cover. When we look inside, we can find the most unique and beautiful things. 

City Centre-El Centro

The city center of El Salvador, locally known as El Centro, is not your place. Bustling with people and filled with vibrant local markets, El Centro is one place you can hang all day. It has a national theatre that frequently plays great movies and dramas. You can even visit the numerous churches and monuments. Plus, if you’re a shopaholic or just simply love to look at little trinkets, you’ll be glad to know that El Salvador’s city center is home to several dainty markets where you can buy 

 clothes

 trinkets

knick-knacks

 spices

souvenirs

little things of everyday life

How to Get Around El Salvador.

The cheapest way to get around is a bright yellow school bus costing somewhere from .30-.35cents.It is also the main way for the locals to get around. 

Car rentals are available and the roads are some of the best(if not the best) in central America. Which makes El Salvador one of the most uncomplicated countries in Central America to explore by car.

Even in the middle of nowhere-Ruta de las Flores the roads were very American-like-perfect. I haven’t noticed any reckless drivers, so common in Latin America either.

Car rental is also great as there is a lot to see just outside El Salvador. For example, Guatemala in only a few hours away.

A driver’s license(international preferred) is necessary to drive a car in El Salvador. Police checkpoints are routine. 

Taxi:

Uber is not popular, but street taxies are available. Agree on the price before starting your trip as none of them are metered! You won’t find taxis in smaller towns, but you will discover tuk-tuks.

Do I need a visa to visit El Salvador?

A tourist card ($12) is required upon your arrival. You can purchase it at El Salvador airport.

You need a tourist visa to visit El Salvador if you stay for more than 90 days.

a new era is dawning, with doors re-opening to travellers and heartfelt welcomes from the locals standing behind them. 

Main sights of El Salvador

It houses two vast national parks :

El Impossible

Parque Nacional Los Volcanes

500 species of birds and mammals 

Due to the rich volcanic soil, coffee plantations wrong some of the world’s best coffee.

El Tunco, the acclaimed surfer’s heaven along the Pacific coast 

Mayan ruins 

El Salvador entry requirments

Without a PCR test, you will not be able to travel to El Salvador right now.

You can get the most up-to-date travel information about El Salvador travel requirements here.

El Salvador Travel Requirements

As well as your negative PCR there are a few other El Salvador travel requirements you need to think about.

• Negative PCR test
• Valid passport
• Visa /tourist card
• Vaccinations (no one asked to see them..)

PCR testing is available throughout San Salvador and won’t cost you more than $25. You can get the results of an antigen test( acceptable for US travel) within 2 hours.

What is the best time to visit El Salvador?

Due to its climate, you can travel to El Salvador all year round. 

However, the best time to travel to El Salvador is November through March. The best month, I’d say, is November. It’s just after the rainy season, and everything around is still green. But it is not yet hot.