Chances are you’re using San Salvador as a travel layover with little intentions of hunkering down. The city is close to the airport and centrally located. Take a couple days or just one night to acclimate yourself to the country.
COVID Testings in San Salvador
There are a multitude of options for antigen and PCR testing. Most will say that an appointment is required but still accept walkins. Be sure to plan accordingly and avoid the scaries as all laboratories will be closed on Sundays. See below for a couple options.
- Laboratorio Clínico Centrolab Especialidades Diagnosticas: $20 antigen & $90 PCR; no appointment needed; Contact via WhatsApp at 503-7045-9840
- Max Bloch: $25 antigen & $100 PCR; schedule an appointment via WhatsApp at 503-2564-6555
Remember to always check your personal information (name, passport ID and date of birth) upon receiving the results. This information must be accurate for the test to be accepted. A printed copy of the results is recommended as some countries will not accept e-results.
Transportation in San Salvador
Quick Facts
- Uber & taxis are available
- Buses everywhere; the main stations are Terminal de Occidente & Terminal de Oriente
- International airport available
- Hitchhiking is normal
Places to Eat in San Salvador
La Esquinita del Sabor
Offering every meal and open until witching hours, this place serves all your needs.
Food Stalls on 21 Avenida Sur between 2a & 4a Calle Pte
Just two streets past Parque Cuscatlán you’ll find the sidewalk lined with stalls. Go ahead and snag a lunchtime torta.
Things to do Near San Salvador
Ilopango Lake
Craving a beach day? Snag an uber for under $5 and make the 40 minute journey out to this resort styled crater lake. Go for a dip or just enjoy the vitamin D. Feeling restless? Rent a boat, kayak or even splurge for some diving courses. The edges are swimming with restaurants if you’re up for treating yourself.
Las Chorros
Perhaps Ilopango Lake is a tad too rustic for your swimming preferences. Instead consider a trip out to this water park which still carries a nature theme, its depths provided from the overshadowing volcanic cliffs.
At a slight incline, there are 3 tiers of pools for you to explore. As you climb upwards so too does the intended age group. The bottom pool includes a slide and children’s laughter. The middle offers a cooling refreshment with no additional description to offer. Ascend to the top to reach the oasis. Stepping stones leap frog their way out into the depths, a waterfall cascades down the rock walls and there is even a high point to jump off of for the bold. No need to pack a picnic as there are multiple food stalls where you can pickup the typical park cuisine.
Las Chorros is easily reached by local bus for about $1, and entrance to the park costs around $3. The establishment also offers bathrooms and lockers.
San Salvador Volcano
Surely not the most impressive volcano in El Salvador, this still provides an active way to spend your time in the city. The volcano sits quietly within the El Boquerón National Park. The last eruption occurring just over a century ago. Expect to pay a measly $2 for your daily step count. The hike to the top and to cover the full circumference can easily be accomplished independently. For those insatiable trekkers, a guide is required to descend into the crater itself.
It is a 30 minute uber ride for those willing to make the $6 splurge. For those with a tighter grasp on their wallets and a more leisurely schedule, you’ll need to take the 101B bus to Santa Tecla. From there head to Parque Daniel Hernández and grab the 103B bus headed to the park.
Suchitoto – Suchitlán Lake & Cascadas Los Tercios
Feeling overwhelmed by the city bustle or just in need of a daytrip? Spend the day strolling the streets of this quaint and artsy town which overlooks Lake Suchitlan.
There is also a nearby waterfall, Cascadas Los Tercios, if you’re in need of a more convincing sell. The waterfall requires a decent trek along the roadside or for those trying to conserve their energy a relaxing tuktuk ride.
What separates this waterfall from the rest of the Salvadorian cascades are the hexagonal spires that comprise the underlying rock formation. Keep the season in mind, as you may only be viewing the rocks themselves as can be expected during dry weather. Entrance will cost you about $0.50.
As far as lunch goes, all I can say is that I was not impressed with Las Farolas. Go fish.
To partake on this quest hop onto Bus 129 at the Nuevos de Oriente station for $1.
Places to Stay in San Salvador
Hostal Cumbres del Volcan Flor Blanca
For those on a budget, this hostel is ideal. An affordable place to rest your head in a central location, this establishment includes free purified water as well as an immense and immaculate kitchen. There is a small rooftop for social settings, but the true highlight involves scaling a ladder up to the towering top to catch the sunrise. My only complaint pertains to an ill-fitted ladder providing both hazard and clamor to my top bunk climb.
