República de El Salvador aka El Salvador
Why visit El Salvador…
- Gem – Volcanoes, Mayan ruins, waterfalls, hot springs… gorge on surrounding scenery.
- Coffee – Coffee beans are more prevalent than pollen.
- Cheap – On a budget? Live it up without breaking the bank.
- Surf’s Up – Paddle down the coast for a swell time.
- Friendly – The country is overwhelmed with dogs, cats, and chickens. More of a people person? From police officer to child to rando from their window, expect to be greeted at all hours (as are good manners).
- Crypto – It seems more places accept crypto than credit.
El Salvador is a struggle country for….
- Timid Women – You may get a few catcalls in the big cities but nothing more so you’ll live.
- Animal Allergy – It literally is raining chickens, cats and dogs throughout El Salvador, but they typically will not pester you so you’ll live.
- Floral Allergy – Flower clouds parade the country roads so you’ll want to ensure you’re claritin clear.
- Motion Sickness – Prepare to be bumping up and down in a pimped out school bus. Unfortunately, upgrades did not include a bathroom so pack a bag if you’ll be riding queasy.
- Light Sleepers – Awaken to the early morning serenades of the street pup performers.
- Tap Water Purists – Severe contamination of the water limits hydration to store bought bottled water and LifeStraw filters.
- Child Worker Riots – Adapt your eyes to children working, from fruit stands to coffee baristas.
- Insolence regarding relations with…
- MS13 – The country has been drenched in the violent shades of the MS-13 gang creating murals of determent for onlooking foreigners. This activity is truthfully not targeted towards tourists so withdraw any bias and allow the prevalent police patrols to safeguard any remaining concerns.
Entry Requirements for El Salvador
Requirements are dependent on citizenship.
For US citizens, a $12 tourist visa purchased on arrival is required. US travelers are able to visit El Salvador for 90 days. During the allotted period, the same tourist visa can be used to travel to Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua as part of the Central America-4 Free Mobility Agreement.
Currently there are no COVID requirements. Neither a vaccine nor PCR test are required. Check the link below for the latest updates.
Remember to check your entry requirements for returning home.
Some countries do require a visa or e-visa. Click the links below to check the list and submit an e-visa. The application costs $20 and the length of validity is country dependent. Processing takes up to five days.
Some countries, including the US, must submit a registration form for entry. Click the link below to check the list and complete the form.
Salvadorian Language Basics
Learning a new language can be quite the undertaking. Personally, I always try to make an effort to at least learn a few common words while traveling to a new country as the locals tend to appreciate the effort. See below for a starter pack.
You may come across a few English speakers but generally expect to play some charades.
| English | Spanish | Pronunciation |
| Hi | Hola | Oh-la |
| Bye | Adiós | Ah-dee-ohs |
| Yes | Sí | See |
| No | No | No |
| Thanks | Gracias | Grah-see-es |
| You’re welcome | De nada | Deh-nah-duh |
| Please | Por favor | Poor-fah-vor |
| Excuse me | Disculpe | Dis-cool-pay |
| One | Uno | Oo-no |
| Two | Dos | Dose |
| Water | Agua | Ah-gua |
| Beer | Cerveza | Sir-vay-sa |
| Cheers | Salud | Sa-loo |
WiFi & SIM Card in El Salvador
There is supposedly free airport wifi that would theoretically allow you to orient yourself and book that first Uber upon arrival. Alas, the network was not willing to make a connection with my phone. Accommodations and some establishments will offer wifi as long as you do not mind asking for the password.
I recommend picking up a Claro SIM card from a Claro stand or convenience store. The card itself costs $2. There are no unlimited plans; Instead select an amount of data for a specified period of time. The SIM card should work in the surrounding C4 countries (Guatemala, Honduras, & Nicaragua) as long as roaming is turned on.
Note: Passport required for purchase.
Currency in El Salvador
- Banknotes: United States Dollar (USD) $ comes in 1, 5, 10, 20 & 50
- Coins: United States Cents comes in 1, 5, 10, 25; 1 USD
- Forget the strip club and save your singles as the country runs on small bills. Keep this in mind if you need to break a few 20s.
- Card may be accepted sporadically, but you should expect to pay with cash.
- ATMs are few and far between outside the major cities, so be sure to stock up.
Transportation in El Salvador
Salvadorian Quick Facts
- Uber & taxis are available
- Tuktuk
- Chicken Bus
- Colectivo
- International airport: San Salvador
- Hitchhiking is normal
- Border crossings: Guatemala & Honduras
Taxis in El Salvador
Always an option. One that I personally tend to avoid. As a Westerner, I prefer card over cash as well as locked in prices. The taxis here only accept cash. Additionally if you do not speak Spanish, you can expect a higher fare compared to the natives.
Transportation Apps in El Salvador: Uber
This is my recommendation for airport travel (assuming your wifi works).
Uber is only an option in major hubs, but a great option if you struggle with local bus routes or have a group and are trying to get around town.
Tuktuks in El Salvador
Trying to explore the town but had enough of the cobblestones? Or perhaps your destination is situated just out of reach from your daily step count? Flag down a tuktuk, a tiny jeep style smart car, to whisk you away to your destination (assuming it’s within the vicinity). Three bodies can puzzle together in the backseat or consider this an option if your arms are too delicate for your own luggage. This will probably set you back $5-15 depending on the distance. Cash is required.
Chicken Buses in El Salvador
If you ever wondered what happens to school buses in the USA after they’ve surpassed their golden years, look no further than Central America.
These aged behemoths dazzle the eyes with painted exteriors, tatted details, and shimmering party lights. Looks can be deceiving but these buses exceed expectations with blasting tunes skipping between the 80s and latest hits. If you’re really lucky you may even catch a bus showing a feature film (BYO popcorn or just buy some along the way).
If you require a constant snack supply to keep you human, there’s no need to pack a picnic. At just about every stop, a local sales person will hop on with bags of coconut water, yuca chips, candy, sandwiches and even drugstore products.
These rides will typically cost you between $0.25-2 depending on the distance. Personal space is a luxury not afforded in that price, so don’t be surprised if a stranger (or two) squishes into your seat.
Each bus route has a number but to simplify matters the front exterior of the bus will display the final destinations (Sonsonate to Santa Ana). If you’re ever unsure or just prefer reassurance (no shame), check with the driver or other passengers. Everyone is genuinely friendly and want to ensure visitors arrive without issue. If you look a little lost, they may just approach you to reassure themselves that you’re on the right path.
Colectivos in El Salvador
Whereas chicken buses will carry you to your next destination, a colectivo is an ideal and affordable option for visiting the local sites. Picture a small truck with an open back where riders often include entire families returning from a hefty shopping trip. People hop off and on as they please, so feel free to wave one down regardless of your location. A test of balance, you’ll most likely be standing and facing the challenge of unpaved roads. It is a tad bit ego bruising to watch toddlers confidently stroll about as you wobbly clutch the side rails.
Hitchhiking in El Salvador
As a female traveler this was the first country I attempted hitchhiking solo. I took the plunge after thumbing a few rides with friends and finding the activity to just be a general form of transportation through El Salvador.
If you’re going solo you may get to ride in the car, but oftentimes (especially if there are more than one of you), you’re just jumping into the back of a pickup. This is a refreshingly breezy alternative to the overpacked chicken buses. With that being said, if you’re wearing your Sunday best this is not the option for you as you can expect to add an extra layer of dust to your wardrobe. Just like with any dorm hostel, you never know who you will end up with but there is usually a story that comes out of it.
Border Crossing from El Salvador to Guatemala by Bus
With the goal of Antigua and starting from the Sonsonate bus station, locate the sign for Frontera. I opted to cross through La Hachadura (El Salvador) into Aduanas (Guatemala). Unfortunately, the Hachadura Frontera bus does not provide door to door service. Steady yourself for a scenic stroll. For the frail footed allow yourself to be seduced by the option of tuktuk. If your wallet is not already flushed with Guatemalan Quetzals, be sure to stock up before you exit El Salvador.
Motivation soars as you strut past a parking lot parade of trucks. Over a river and across a bridge, to Guatemala you go.
Breeze through both sides of the migration office assuming passports are in order and C4 tourist visas have not been misplaced. The single arduous aspect applies strictly to the language barrier as the official most likely does not speak English.
Welcome to Guatemala! Pause for a moment of vanity to capture a selfie with the “Bienvenidos a Guatemala” sign. Mimicing the Salvadorian side, the trek continues until civilization is eventually reached.
Once the Aduanas welcome party settles, make your way to the market corner and wait for the bus to Escuintla. If the excitement of traveling to a new country has you starved, sample the corner street food while biding time. Upon arrival to Escuintla, find your final bus, destined for Antigua, within the market center.
Food in El Salvador
- Pupusa – Welcome to cheap street eats with this local dumpling; Shaped like a pancake the encasing is made with either maize (traditional) or rice and patticaked full with whatever your heart desires.
The bare basics entail cheese (queso) or beans (frijoles) with cheese, but try a little spice in your life… order up a pupusa with fish (pescado), meat, squash, jalapeno, spinach, mushroom or even fruit.
Appearances will vary in size and girth, so it’s always better to order a sample round to assess the situation. Fair warning these bad boys layer up like bricks and will leave you feeling lethargic. Keep your eyes peeled for the 3 for a dollar stands as the pricier patties go for a buck a piece.
- Torta – Tired of tortilla? Opt for a sandwich
- Fresh Fruit – Replenish your vitamins from a market stand or from a person doing aisle sales on a chicken bus. Fruit is sold liquefied, whole, sliced or even julienned.
- Coconut water with the skin fragments
- Papaya, oranges, pineapple, watermelon, mango, bananas; Green mango slices with chile sauce & seasonings are a top choice in my book.
- Chicken (Pollo) – Bird is the word and these chicks are everywhere promising a farm to table meal
- Shrimp (Camarón) – With the length of the country hugging the Pacific coastline, the shrimp are oversized and plentiful
- Yuca – this root resembles a potato in design. Find the form that suits you best as you’ll see it served as chips, fries, pureed with a refreshing slaw or a roadside fried delight
- Plantain – Forget the hashbrowns, fried plantains are the only breakfast side needed
- Frozen Bananas – the healthier popsicle alternative for that summer heat. Often served coated in chocolate & sprinkles
- Beans & Rice (Frijoles y arroz) – staples
- Bread (Pan) – expect maize tortillas to accompany each meal
- Super Selectos – Do it yourself and head to the grocery store if you plan on cooking, require some adventure snacks, or are just in need of a sixer
Alcohol in El Salvador
Salvadorian Beer
There isn’t much competition as far as the craft beer scene. Cadejo and Santo Coraje are the two main brewers but you won’t find them in most shops. If you’re trying to drink like a local and not in need of a fancy craft, opt for one of the following:
Pilsener, Suprema, Golden, or Regia
Salvadorian Sugar Cane Liquor
Liquor de Chaparro or La Chicha
This corn and sugarcane moonshine dates back to the Mayan period and tends to bring on its own fiesta. Although it can be bought legally, you’re more likely to come across this concoction shared amongst locals.
Tic Tack
This is the go to option if you’re trying to add a little debauchery to your grocery cart.
Salvadorian Rum
Go back to the beginning and sample some Cihuatán, El Salvador’s first rum.