Hristina Lozanovska 
Welcome to the land of volcanoes! El Salvador, even though it’s the smallest country in Central America, has so much to offer – not just volcanoes! Gorgeous lakes, national parks, and popular surf spots are just some of the things you can expect to see during your visit. So, now the question is: where to stay in El Salvador?
No need to overthink it! I compared all the major (and not-so-major) cities and towns in El Salvador and selected the 5 best spots for your stay in the country.
The best place to stay in El Salvador is the capital, San Salvador. Aside from being the country’s political center, the city is also a cultural hub, with plenty of museums, historical landmarks, and natural treasures. And, as you’d expect, this is where you’ll find some of the top El Salvador hotels.
For each of the cities/towns featured in this post, I handpicked the best hotels in each price category. So, you can pick a top-rated hotel based on your travel preference; whether you’re a budget traveler or a luxury seeker, there’s something for you on the list!
Once you take your pick, hurry up and make a hotel reservation. El Salvador is slowly (but surely) becoming a tourist hotspot, and the best hotels are quick to sell out!
Let’s explore!
Quick Picks for Your Stay
Want to book now? Here are the best hotels in El Salvador, located in the capital, San Salvador:
Contents
- Quick Picks for Your Stay
- 1. San Salvador – where to stay for the first time
- 2. La Libertad – where to stay in El Salvador for surfing
- 3. Santa Ana – where to stay in El Salvador for nature lovers
- 4. Juayúa – where to stay in El Salvador for Ruta de las Flores
- 5. San Miguel – where to stay in El Salvador to relax
- FAQs about where to stay in El Salvador
- Final thoughts on the best places to stay in El Salvador
Check out this map of the 5 best places to stay in El Salvador to help you visualize what I’ll be talking about in the post:
- San Salvador: for first-timers
- La Libertad: for surfing
- Santa Ana: for nature lovers
- Juayúa: for Ruta de las Flores
- San Miguel: for relaxation
1. San Salvador – where to stay for the first time
El Salvador’s capital and largest city, San Salvador, is a vibrant hub of culture, arts, and even industry. The city is a popular destination, and not just for its many attractions! This is a popular base for exploring the rest of the country, and most visitors usually spend at least a day or two in the capital.
If you’re wondering where to start exploring San Salvador, head to the city’s historic center. Here, you can admire the well-preserved architecture at one of the city’s renowned squares – Liberty Plaza (map), Morazan Plaza (map), and Captain Gerardo Barrios Plaza (map) are the 3 most prominent ones.
Another unmissable attraction in the historic center is the Metropolitan Cathedral of San Salvador (map), celebrated for its grand architecture. While you’re here, you should get some souvenirs from Mercado Ex-Cuartel (map), a bustling market offering various goods at affordable prices.
TIP: I highly recommend renting a car for your visit to El Salvador. Even though the country has public transportation, it’s not as reliable as it should be. Having access to a car will give you the freedom to explore at your own pace. If you decide to rent a car, pick a hotel offering free parking. And even though there are some paid parking lots (US$2-US$6/hour), locals often park on the street! However, be careful on the road – car incidents are not uncommon!
San Salvador has plenty more to offer, so I’ll single out the most important spots to check out on your visit. For example, the Monument to the Divine Savior of the World (map) is one of the most-visited places in the city. Cuscatlan Park (map) is a great place to go for a relaxing stroll, while Metrocentro San Salvador (map) is a paradise for shopping enthusiasts!
If you’re traveling with kids, I’m sure you’ll want to check out the Parque Saburo Hirao theme park and the National Zoo Of El Salvador (map). But if you’re more into museums, the Military Museum of the Armed Forces of El Salvador (map) and the Museum of Art of El Salvador would be my top picks.
No visit to the capital, and El Salvador in general, would be complete without trying pupusa, the country’s national dish. The pupusa is a flatbread stuffed with various fillings, and Pupusería Gabriela (map) is a great spot in San Salvador to try some variations of the dish!
I couldn’t wrap up without talking about exploring the San Salvador surroundings – another reason why you’ll need a car. First up, you have to visit the San Salvador volcano (map) and Parque Nacional El Boquerón (map). Then, you should head to the Plan de la Laguna Botanical Garden (map) and spend the day there – it’s super relaxing!
Finally, if you’re looking for some unique things to do near San Salvador, visit the Picnic Steak House (map). However, the main purpose of your visit won’t be food (although you can get it if you want). The steak house has a very cool rainbow slide, so if you’re an adrenaline seeker, this will be a great experience for you!
Now, let’s check out the best hotels for your stay in San Salvador:
A 5-star hotel featuring an outdoor swimming pool, a fitness center, a sauna, and a terrace. All hotel rooms are air-conditioned and have a safety deposit box, a minibar, and a private bathroom with a shower. Several breakfast options are offered to guests, and there are 3 on-site restaurants with à la carte menus.
Other accommodation options in San Salvador
A boutique hotel with a garden and a 24/7 front desk, providing free Wi-Fi and parking
Guests at this hotel will benefit from airport transfers, room service, access to a sun terrace, and free Wi-Fi
This 2-bedroom apartment is centrally located and has a spacious living area and a full kitchen
Things to do in San Salvador
- Admire the architecture at the plazas in the Historic Center
- Snap some photos of the Metropolitan Cathedral of San Salvador
- Stop by the Monument to the Divine Savior of the World
- Relax at Cuscatlan Park or shop at Metrocentro San Salvador
- Take the kids to Parque Saburo Hirao or the National Zoo Of El Salvador
- Visit the Military Museum of the Armed Forces and the Museum of Art
- Try pupusas, the country’s national dish, at Pupusería Gabriela
- Hike up to the San Salvador volcano and Parque Nacional El Boquerón
- Spend a day at Plan de la Laguna Botanical Garden
- Go down the rainbow slide at the Picnic Steak House
2. La Libertad – where to stay in El Salvador for surfing
Seeing as El Salvador is situated along the Pacific Coast, it’s no surprise that it boasts some excellent surfing spots—none better than La Libertad! This bustling port city is situated in the Southwest part of El Salvador, just a 45-min drive South of the capital. La Libertad hosts the best surfing beaches, making it one of the most popular places to visit in El Salvador.
The first thing you should know about the beaches in La Libertad is that they’re not good for swimming. So, if you are looking for a relaxing or family-friendly beach vacation, this is not the place for you. However, if you’re a surfer, La Libertad is the ideal destination.
FUN FACT: El Salvador is the only country in Central America that doesn’t have a coast on the Caribbean Sea.
The eponymous La Libertad (map) is the most popular beach around here – it has a fishing pier and some great seafood places, and it’s just a good place to go for a walk along the beach. It also has good waves, but the ultimate surfing spot is Playa ”Punta Roca” La Libertad (map).
If you happen to be looking for some more surf spots while on your El Salvador vacation, then make the 35-min drive West to Playa El Tunco (map). Also known as Surf City, El Tunco Beach is the go-to spot for experienced surfers. So, if you’re a beginner, this is not the best place to practice.
Even though the beaches are not kid-friendly, Sunset Park (map) definitely is. This amusement park has plenty of cool rides and it’s a great spot to spend a relaxing afternoon – even if you’re not traveling with kids.
Surfing is the main thing to do in La Libertad, but if you’re more into hiking, there’s a great opportunity for that, too! Drive out to Tamanique (it’s 1-hour away) and embark on the Tamanique waterfall hike (see trail map). This is a moderate hike, and it takes a little more than an hour, but the waterfall views will make up for your effort.
Just steps away from the beach, this hotel boasts an outdoor pool and a restaurant serving Latin American cuisine. Other perks of staying here include room service, free private parking, and an amazing complimentary breakfast.
Other accommodation options in La Libertad
A beachfront hotel with a pool and a pool bar, a patio, and a garden with barbecue facilities
At this hostel, you can choose between private rooms and dorm beds and enjoy the views from the terrace
Located right on the beach, this studio loft has a lovely patio, a well-equipped kitchen, and a full bathroom
Things to do in La Libertad
- Walk around and get some seafood at La Libertad Beach
- Ride the waves at Playa ”Punta Roca” La Libertad
- Go fishing at the Puerto de La Libertad (map) fishing pier
- Go out to El Tunco Beach and catch a wave
- Enjoy the rides at Sunset Park
- Hike up to the Tamanique waterfalls or join a guided tour
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3. Santa Ana – where to stay in El Salvador for nature lovers
The entire country of El Salvador abounds with natural treasures, but the area surrounding the city of Santa Ana boasts the most impressive landscapes. This dynamic city is the 2nd-largest in the country, situated 1h 20 mins by car from San Salvador, and offers an amazing blend of history, culture, and nature.
When you mention Santa Ana, the first association is coffee. The city is situated at the heart of El Salvador’s coffee region and is surrounded by coffee plantations. So, if you’re an avid caffeine consumer, you’ll appreciate the delicious blends served in the city’s coffee shops.
FUN FACT: Santa Ana is home to one of the largest coffee mills in the world – El Molino!
After you’ve had your share of caffeine and before you start exploring the surroundings, you should visit some of the city’s top landmarks. The most notable buildings include the Catedral de Nuestra Señora Santa Ana (map) and the National Theater of Santa Ana (map), recognizable for their impressive architecture.
If you want to spend more time in the city, there’s plenty of shopping and dining, so you’ll certainly find something to do. But I suggest you start planning your visit to the Santa Ana volcano (map), the highest and most active volcano in the country!
The Santa Ana volcano is located in Cerro Verde National Park (map), and there are a few ways to visit it. You can opt for a self-guided option – the most complicated one. This involves taking a so-called ‘chicken bus’, an inexpensive bus that’s the main form of transportation around El Salvador.
Needless to say, the chicken bus is not the most comfortable option and also not the fastest. You can also drive to the national park and then embark on the 2-hour hike. You’ll need a guide for the hike, so you can’t embark on a fully self-guided trip, seeing as the hike is challenging and you need to move in groups.
The last and best option to visit the volcano is on an organized tour like this one; most such tours also include a visit to Lake Coatepeque (map), another must-visit in the Santa Ana area. Overall, opting for a fully guided tour is the best way to explore both the volcano and the lake.
TIP: When you’re exploring the El Salvador nature, be sure to protect yourself against mosquitoes! Bring a natural, DEET-free mosquito repellent balm or wear a mosquito-repellent bracelet.
But that’s not all! Santa Ana is super close to Parque Arqueológico Tazumal (map) – a 25-min drive away – an ancient Mayan city that warrants a visit. If you like to hike, Parque Nacional El Imposible (map) is a little over 2 hours away, and if you want to relax, the Santa Teresa Hot Springs (map) is an hour’s drive away from Santa Ana.
This 4-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with private bathrooms and free Wi-Fi, plus flat-screen TVs with satellite channels. Guests also get access to an outdoor pool, a garden, and a restaurant serving American cuisine.
Other accommodation options in Santa Ana
The hotel has a 24-hour front desk and offers room service, plus ccess to a pool and a complimentary breakfast
Both shared and private rooms are available at this hostel, as well as free bicycle rentals and laundry facilities
This cozy house is located in the town’s historic center and has a small patio and a comfy bedroom
Things to do in Santa Ana
- Taste the delicious Santa Ana coffee at one of the city’s coffee shops
- Visit the Catedral de Nuestra Señora Santa Ana and the National Theater of Santa Ana
- Embark on a guided tour to the Santa Ana volcano and Lake Coatepeque
- Admire the Mayan ruins at the Parque Arqueológico Tazumal
- Explore the hiking trail at Parque Nacional El Imposible
- Spend a relaxing day at the Santa Teresa Hot Springs
4. Juayúa – where to stay in El Salvador for Ruta de las Flores
Juayúa is a small town in El Salvador’s scenic mountain region and the most popular stop along the Ruta de las Flores. The town is situated a 2-hour drive West of San Salvador, and even though it’s quite small, it has a very lively atmosphere and a unique charm.
First, let’s talk about the Ruta de las Flores! This name is used to signify an entire region in the West of El Salvador that’s connected by a scenic road, with Juayúa being right in the center. There are 4 other towns along the Ruta de las Flores – South of Juayua, you’ll find Salcoatitan and Nahuizalco, and to the North, Apaneca and Concepcion de Ataco.
So, if you want to drive along the route and visit all of these picturesque towns, Juayúa is the perfect base for doing so. But besides driving along Rutas de las Flores, you can spend some time in town at Parque Central (map) or embark on a hike to the Chorros de la Calera and 7 Waterfalls (see trail map).
When planning your trip to Juayúa, book a weekend stay! Every weekend, the Juayúa Food Festival takes place in Parque Central, and you get the opportunity to try a variety of delicious dishes – at very affordable prices!
Last but not least! While you’re exploring Ruta de las Flores, make a stop in Apaneca! Specifically, stop at Café Albania (map), an amusement park that offers many super fun activities! You can go down the Rainbow Slide, try ziplining on a surfboard (I know it sounds weird), go on the wing swing, and even attempt to make your way out of a maze!
NOTE: There are no luxury hotels in Juayúa, but there’s a great mid-range hotel that will cater to all of your needs. If you really want a luxurious stay, you should base yourself in any of the other cities on the list and drive out to visit Juayúa on a day trip.
Other accommodation options in Juayúa
The hotel features a family-friendly restaurant, a pool, family rooms, and free parking, and offers mountain views
Stay in a private room or a shared dorm, get access to Wi-Fi and parking, and enjoy the free breakfast
A centrally located 2-bedroom apartment with a spacious living area, a full kitchen, and a small patio
Things to do in Juayúa
- Drive along the Ruta de las Flores and explore the towns
- Relax and unwind in Parque Central
- Hike up to Chorros de la Calera and 7 Waterfalls
- Sample the tasty food at the weekend Juayúa Food Festival
- Spend a fun day at Café Albania in Apaneca
5. San Miguel – where to stay in El Salvador to relax
Even though it’s the country’s 3rd largest city, San Miguel has a quieter and more laid-back vibe, ranking it among the top El Salvador places to visit if you want to relax. It’s quite far from the capital – a 3-hour drive East – so you know you’ll be away from all the hustle and bustle.
I mentioned that this is a quieter city, but San Miguel truly comes alive during the month of November. This is when the city hosts a big carnival in celebration of the Virgin of the Peace, San Miguel’s patron saint. The celebrations take place over the course of the entire month and end on the last Saturday of November.
But even if you’re not visiting in November, there’s plenty to do in San Miguel. For example, you should visit the San Miguel Cathedral (map) and spend a fun day at the Turicentro Altos de La Cueva (map), a popular water park.
You also shouldn’t miss an opportunity to dine in one of the city’s best restaurants. I recommend El Barrilito (map) – you have to try the pupusas – and Asados del Campo (map) for the family-friendly atmosphere.
The last (and most important!) thing you should know about San Miguel is that it’s close to an active volcano! You can hike up to the San Miguel volcano (map) and enjoy the most stunning views from the top. Just keep in mind that the hike is steep, and it can be a bit challenging.
And if you want to explore more El Salvador places that are off the beaten path, I recommend taking a day trip to the small town of Suchitoto (the drive takes less than 3 hours) and visiting Lake Suchitlán.
An upscale hotel with an outdoor pool, a hot tub, and a restaurant serving American cuisine. The hotel provides a delicious free breakfast, offers room service and karaoke, and provides free on-site parking.
Other accommodation options in San Miguel
A comfortable hotel with a free breakfast buffet, a garden, and a restaurant serving Argentinian cuisine
Situated in a traditional building, this hostel has both private and shared rooms, a communal kitchen, and a tour desk
Stay in your own private room at this family ranch and get access to a pool, parking, and Wi-Fi
Things to do in San Miguel
- Attend the San Miguel carnival in November
- Visit San Miguel Cathedral
- Spend a fun day at the Turicentro Altos de La Cueva water park
- Do some shopping at the Metrocentro San Miguel (map)
- Gran some lunch at El Barrilito or Asados del Campo
- Hike up to the San Miguel volcano and enjoy the views
- Take a day trip to Suchitoto and Lake Suchitlán
| 👑 Luxury price: | US$180 |
| 💵 Mid-range: | US$100 |
| 🛏️ Budget: | US$60 |
| 📍 Best area: | San Salvador |
| 🛎️ Best luxury hotel: | Real Intercontinental |
| 🧳 Best mid-range hotel: | Terra Bella Hotel Boutique |
| 👛 Best budget hotel: | Hostal de Asturias |
FAQs about where to stay in El Salvador
💯 Is it worth going to El Salvador?
YES! It is definitely visiting El Salvador for its amazing natural landscapes, historical landmarks, vibrant culture, and amazing cuisine.
✅ What are the safest parts of El Salvador?
The safest parts of El Salvador are the capital, San Salvador and Santa Ana, the 2nd-largest in the city. However, all of the places recommended on this list are popular El Salvador vacation spots and are safe for tourists.
💰 Is El Salvador a cheap vacation?
El Salvador is a relatively cheap vacation spot compared to other destinations in Central America. The average cost per person for a week-long trip to El Salvador is US$280.
🤔 Is El Salvador safer than Costa Rica?
Yes, currently, El Salvador is considered to be a safer destination than Costa Rica. But don’t worry, Costa Rica is still a safe place to visit.
☀️When to go to El Salvador?
The best time to visit El Salvador is during the dry season, between November and April. The weather is nice during these months, and you can explore the country without worrying about the rain.
📅 How long should I spend in El Salvador?
The ideal amount of time to spend in El Salvador is 2 to 3 weeks. This should be enough time to explore most of the country, see the top attractions, and immerse yourself in the local life.
Final thoughts on the best places to stay in El Salvador
We’ve reached the end of this guide on where to stay in El Salvador. Hopefully, it was helpful, and you’ve picked out a destination for your upcoming trip.
But in case you’re still undecided, there are my 2 hotels in El Salvador, both situated in the capital San Salvador:
- Real Intercontinental – an upscale hotel featuring a pool, a spa center, and as many as 3 restaurants
- Terra Bella Hotel Boutique – this comfortable hotel has a garden and offers room service and free parking
Whether you choose one of these 2 hotels or any of the other ones featured in the article, hurry up and make a reservation. Early booking will secure you the best accommodations at top prices – don’t miss out!
If you have any questions about your trip to El Salvador, feel free to ask in the comments. I’ll be happy to answer!
Enjoy your trip,
Hristina
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