8-Nights Highlights of El Salvador: Countryside & Coast - Private Guided Experiences, Arts & Culture from $3,290

Itinerary Details

Day 1: Arrive in San Salvador

Upon arrival to El Salvador International Airport in San Salvador, please make your way through Customs, collect your baggage and proceed through to Arrivals. Once in the Arrivals Hall, please look for a representative holding a sign with your name on it. This representative will lead you to your awaiting private vehicle, which will then transfer you onward. Approximate transfer time is one hour.

Hotel: Hilton San Salvador (4 Star Rating)

Hilton San Salvador is San Salvador’s largest hotel convention center. Ideally located in the World Trade Center Complex, we’re this hotel is within seven kilometers of the historic downtown and Metropolitan Cathedral, and 10 km from San Salvador Volcano. Boasting the city’s largest hotel convention center, they offer 28 meeting rooms, two ballrooms, and catering services. Enjoy onsite dining, an outdoor pool, and Executive Lounge.

After breakfast, set out with your private guide to visit the capital city San Salvador, the second largest city in Central America. Begin with visits to the top landmarks of the city including the Central Square, home to the National Palace, a neoclassic building built in 1905, and the Metropolitan Cathedral which is surprisingly wide and large and built in a Neo-Romanesque and Byzantine style and adorned with celestial drawings painted on its cupola. Inside there is a stand of wooden figure of the Divino Salvador del Mundo and the tomb of Archbishop Romero, an important figure for El Salvador and a martyred Saint for the Catholic Church. Rosario Church is also an interesting stop. With its bizarre design, it holds the grave of Father Jose Matias Delgado, a very important figure of Central America independence. You will then continue to Suchitoto, a gorgeous colonial town whose name means 'the place of the Flower Bird'. Here you will break for a leisurely lunch before setting out to explore the charming town of cobblestone streets, friendly locals and colonial-style homes. Finally, you will check-in to your hotel.

Hotel: Los Almendros de San Lorenzo (4 Star Rating)

El Salvador’s most elegant and graceful Boutique-Hotel can be found only 50 minutes from the capital city of San Salvador, amidst the colonial magic of Suchitoto. And its name is: Los Almendros de San Lorenzo. The hotel’s name is derived from the place where it’s built, known since its ancient past as the “Valle de los Almendros” or Valley of the Almond trees, where the first houses in Suchitoto were built over 500 years ago. Located in the heart of the Historical Centre of this magical colonial town, in a house with over 200 years of history that is currently considered as a building of outstanding cultural value; it’s meticulous restoration during 2004-05 earned the hotel owners an Official Recognition from the Ministry of culture for the work that had been done by preserving and enhancing the country’s National Heritage. Behind the classic colonial facade and the spectacular fresco at the hotel entrance, painted by Salvadoran Master Luis Lazo, a haven of serenity may found, amidst plentiful plant-filled patios, the sparkling sound of water fountains, corridors guarded by solid wood antique columns and a tasteful and delightful décor that artfully mixes the old world with unique modern art pieces and inimitable charm bursting with authenticity, an air of exclusiveness and good taste.

Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch

Today you will learn about indigo, a natural colorant extracted from the Xiquilite plant. It was a very important element for the Mayans since they used it for religious and spiritual rituals, as a medicinal plant, for pottery, and for painting. When the Spanish Conquistadores arrived in El Salvador in 1524, indigo became the new source of wealth in the region. Pedro de Alvarado noticed how the Indians used several attractive shades of blue in their clothes and in 1558, the Habsburg King Charles I ordered the territories of Guatemala and Cuscatlan (now known as El Salvador), to produce indigo for Spain. The commercial route was through Granada, then to Cartagena de Indias in Colombia, from where it travelled to Spain. For a period in the 17th century, an ounce of indigo was as valuable as an ounce of gold. El Salvador indigo has always been recognized the highest quality in the world, and today you will learn the process of producing indigo, as well as traditional art techniques used as you experiment and design your own scarf. In the afternoon, you'll be returned to Suchitoto to enjoy a leisurely afternoon on your own.

Hotel: Los Almendros de San Lorenzo (4 Star Rating)

El Salvador’s most elegant and graceful Boutique-Hotel can be found only 50 minutes from the capital city of San Salvador, amidst the colonial magic of Suchitoto. And its name is: Los Almendros de San Lorenzo. The hotel’s name is derived from the place where it’s built, known since its ancient past as the “Valle de los Almendros” or Valley of the Almond trees, where the first houses in Suchitoto were built over 500 years ago. Located in the heart of the Historical Centre of this magical colonial town, in a house with over 200 years of history that is currently considered as a building of outstanding cultural value; it’s meticulous restoration during 2004-05 earned the hotel owners an Official Recognition from the Ministry of culture for the work that had been done by preserving and enhancing the country’s National Heritage. Behind the classic colonial facade and the spectacular fresco at the hotel entrance, painted by Salvadoran Master Luis Lazo, a haven of serenity may found, amidst plentiful plant-filled patios, the sparkling sound of water fountains, corridors guarded by solid wood antique columns and a tasteful and delightful décor that artfully mixes the old world with unique modern art pieces and inimitable charm bursting with authenticity, an air of exclusiveness and good taste.

Meal(s): Breakfast

Following breakfast, check-out from your hotel in Suchitoto, then set out with your guide to the western part of the country. El Salvador is part of the Maya World, and today you will visit its main archaeological site Joya de Ceren, which declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1993. This agricultural community was buried by the ashes of the nearby Loma Caldera sometime around 600AD, from which it earned its name as the "Pompeii of the Americas"(even though no bodies were ever discovered; indicating that its inhabitants received prompt warning of the eruption). Thanks to its excellent state of preservation, this site allows visitors to better understand Mesoamerican agricultural workers from the period, witnessing their homes, beds, crop fields and even saunas. Because it is more reflective of everyday life, it serves as a unique place to visit within the Maya World, and there is also a comprehensive museum on site. After exploring Joya de Ceren, continue to Coatepeque Lake, a volcanic caldera within Volcanoes National Park. An area of magnificent beauty, the afternoon is at leisure for you to relax.

Hotel: Cardedeu Residence (5 Star Rating)

Located just 60 km from the city of San Salvador, Cardedeu Residence is located on Lake Coatepeque. In the country, Lake Coatepeque is one of the most coveted tourist destinations. In 2013 it won second place as “The Eighth Wonder of the World.” Cardedeu Residence has spacious and comfortable fully equipped apartments, direct access to the lake, infinity pool, restaurant/bar and a 180-degree view. The hotel feel that between the synchronization with nature, the quality with which they have built the hotel and all the benefits they offer, you will be able to relax during your stay, whether you visit the hotel with your partner, friends or family. Among the activities that they offer as optional at Residence are kayak rentals, boat tours, paddleboards, and jet skies. Due to their strategic location to learn more about El Salvador, they also offer a variety of excursions from visits to the city of Santa Ana, tours to the Cerro Verde or Santa Ana volcano or tours to the historic center of San Salvador.

Meal(s): Breakfast

Today you will visit Volcanoes National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve where three amazing volcanoes (Izalco Volcano, Santa Ana Volcano and Cerro Verde) surround beautiful Coatepeque Lake. Izalco Volcano is one of the youngest volcanoes in America since it was born in the 1700's, whereas Santa Ana Volcano is thousands of years old. Izalco Volcano was known as the "Lighthouse of the Pacific" as its lava guided the ships on the Pacific Ocean Coast. No lava is currently flowing, but both volcanoes are still active since constant fumaroles are present. In Cerro Verde, located in the middle of the other two volcanoes, you will walk around its extinct crater while taking in amazing views of Izalco, Santa Ana and Coatepeque Lake. Soon you will arrive at a property called Tres Volcanes, located in the middle of the three volcanoes. For lunch, you will learn to make your own pupusa, which is the most well-known meal in El Salvador. Pupusas are corn tortillas stuffed with cheese, or cheese and beans, pork, and several other fillings. At Tres Volcanes, a local assistant will arrive along with all the necessary ingredients needed to make the pupusas and will then teach you how to prepare your own. After lunch, return to Coatepeque Lake for some free time by the water.

Hotel: Cardedeu Residence (5 Star Rating)

Located just 60 km from the city of San Salvador, Cardedeu Residence is located on Lake Coatepeque. In the country, Lake Coatepeque is one of the most coveted tourist destinations. In 2013 it won second place as “The Eighth Wonder of the World.” Cardedeu Residence has spacious and comfortable fully equipped apartments, direct access to the lake, infinity pool, restaurant/bar and a 180-degree view. The hotel feel that between the synchronization with nature, the quality with which they have built the hotel and all the benefits they offer, you will be able to relax during your stay, whether you visit the hotel with your partner, friends or family. Among the activities that they offer as optional at Residence are kayak rentals, boat tours, paddleboards, and jet skies. Due to their strategic location to learn more about El Salvador, they also offer a variety of excursions from visits to the city of Santa Ana, tours to the Cerro Verde or Santa Ana volcano or tours to the historic center of San Salvador.

Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch

After checking out from your hotel, meet your guide and head to the Flower Route, a coffee plantation area within the mountains in the western frontiers of El Salvador. Four main towns are located in the mountains of the Flower Route; Nahuizalco, Juayua, Apaneca, and Ataco. The area has comfortable weather conditions due to the altitude, creating the ideal environment for all sorts of plant life. The region also offers amazing views of mountains and volcanoes, and a range of places to purchase crafts, set out on coffee tours, and explore charming towns and markets. You will first visit the towns of Nahuizalco and Apaneca. Nahuizalco stands out for its strong indigenous communities and culture, and in Apaneca, you'll break for lunch at a charming restaurant. In the early afternoon, you will arrive in the town of Ataco where you will be guided through the cobblestone streets to admire the colorful houses. Soon after you will drive to and check into your hotel, then relax during an afternoon at leisure.

Hotel: Casa Degraciela Hotel Boutique (4 Star Rating)

With over ten years of experience in quality customer service, Casa Degraciela Hotel Boutique continues creating unforgettable experiences for its guests; This sets the tone for our hotel to continue being the preferred one within the City of Concepcion de Ataco.

Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch

In the morning, check out from your hotel after breakfast. Soon after, you will visit a "beneficio" (or coffee mill) for a coffee experience. The combination of high altitude and volcanic soil is key for gourmet coffee. A local expert will host you for a guided tour and will explain each step of the coffee production process. You will then participate in a coffee tasting activity, where you will learn what professional tasters look for in top beans. Following the coffee experience, begin the transfer towards the coast. Driving along the Litoral Road that traces along the Salvadorean coastline, enjoy the beautiful views of the ocean and the cliffs that characterize this area before arriving at a boutique beachfront hotel.

Hotel: Paraiso Escondido Hotel Villas & Resort (4 Star Rating)

Paraiso Escondido Hotel Villas & Resort is an exclusive private complex of villas, aground in the mountain; unique in its class, located in the exotic and beautiful Ocean Pacific beaches of El Salvador, which offers the perfect scenery for an unforgettable vacations, ideal for relax, rest, enjoy, and get away from the day to day and share experiences that will remember forever.

Meal(s): Breakfast

Enjoy a day by the Pacific Ocean. You're invited to simply relax as waves crash nearby, or to explore the nearby surroundings. Please note, during this day at leisure you will be without your guide and private vehicle.

Hotel: Paraiso Escondido Hotel Villas & Resort (4 Star Rating)

Paraiso Escondido Hotel Villas & Resort is an exclusive private complex of villas, aground in the mountain; unique in its class, located in the exotic and beautiful Ocean Pacific beaches of El Salvador, which offers the perfect scenery for an unforgettable vacations, ideal for relax, rest, enjoy, and get away from the day to day and share experiences that will remember forever.

Meal(s): Breakfast

Arranged to coincide with your onward travels, you will be met in the hotel lobby by your private driver who will then transfer you to El Salvador International Airport. After nine days exploring the colors of El Salvador, you're sure to return with vivid memories and positive impressions.

Meal(s): Breakfast