10 Day El Salvador Tour Packages
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El Salvador itineraries for 10 days
Compiled by
NinaEl Salvador travel expert at TourRadar
8 Day El Salvador Itinerary, incl. San Salvador and La Libertad
Colonial architecture, volcanic vistas, and Pacific shores unfold over eight full days. The itinerary features two nights in San Salvador, stays in Suchitoto and Ataco, plus three nights along the pristine coastline for optional adventures.
- Day 1
San Salvador Arrival
Take a 45-minute transfer from El Salvador International Airport to downtown San Salvador. Take time to rest and adjust to the tropical climate. Stay in the Zona Rosa neighborhood for good dining options and a safe environment.
- Day 2
San Salvador Exploration
Visit El Boquerón National Park in the early morning. The walk to San Salvador Volcano's crater takes about 30 minutes. The path can get slippery after rain so wear good shoes. In the afternoon visit the historic center. Stop by Iglesia El Rosario between 2-4 PM to see its beautiful rainbow windows in the best light.
- Day 3
Suchitoto Cultural Immersion
Take the 1.5-hour scenic drive through coffee country to colonial Suchitoto. "The indigo workshop was a highlight - bring an extra white t-shirt to dye, as the local artisans are happy to help you create something unique." Visit Los Tercios Waterfall in the morning before clouds appear.
- Day 4
Santa Ana Volcano & Maya History
Start the Santa Ana Volcano hike early. You must begin before 11 AM and the round trip takes 4 hours. Pack 2 liters of water and protect yourself from the sun. You'll see an incredible fluorescent crater lake but keep a safe distance. Spend the afternoon at Tazumal ruins. Get a local guide at the entrance to learn about Maya history.
- Day 5
Ruta de Las Flores
Visit the Flower Route on weekends to catch the Juayua food festival. Start in Ataco at 8 AM to watch local artists work. Drive through coffee plantations to Apaneca. Visit Nahuizalco's craft market before it closes at 5 PM. End your day watching sunset at El Tunco beach.
- Day 6
La Libertad Coast
Walk along the black sand beaches. Visit La Libertad pier at 6-7 AM to see fishing boats return with fresh catch. The seafood market is best in early morning for better prices and fresher options. Try surfing at El Tunco in the afternoon when conditions suit beginners.
- Day 7
El Zonte Beach Day
El Zonte offers a quieter beach experience than El Tunco. Take a morning surf lesson for about $50 when the waves are calmer. A recent visitor said: "The instructors were incredibly patient and had me standing on the board within two hours. The water is warm enough that you don't need a wetsuit."
- Day 8
Departure
Plan 3 hours to reach the airport from the coast. The normal 45-minute drive can take longer during rush hour (7-9 AM and 4-7 PM).
- Day 1
San Salvador
Arrive at El Salvador International Airport and head to downtown San Salvador. The drive takes 45-60 minutes. Try to schedule an afternoon arrival to avoid morning traffic in San Salvador. Take it easy today and get used to the Central American heat before starting your adventures.
- Day 2
San Salvador & El Boquerón
Drive 30 minutes to El Boquerón National Park early in the day to avoid crowds and heat. You'll get great morning views of the capital from the San Salvador Volcano crater. Bring a light jacket for the windy crater rim. In the afternoon, visit Iglesia El Rosario church, where sunlight creates rainbow patterns through the arched roof.
- Day 3
Suchitoto
Travel 1.5 hours to this colonial town above Lake Suchitlán. Visit local indigo workshops to see traditional dyeing techniques. Check out Los Tercios Waterfall, with its impressive hexagonal basalt columns best seen during rainy season. Stay in the historic center surrounded by colonial architecture.
- Day 4
Santa Ana Volcano & Tazumal
Leave by 7 AM for the Santa Ana Volcano hike. It's a challenging 4-hour round trip so wear good hiking shoes and pack plenty of water. Visit the turquoise crater lake before noon when visibility is best. Spend the afternoon at Tazumal ruins. Bring an umbrella since the site offers little shade.
- Day 5
Ruta de las Flores
Travel the Flower Route through colorful towns like Concepción de Ataco and Juayua. Try to catch Juayua's weekend food festival and sample yuca frita. Visit coffee plantations for tours and tastings, especially good during harvest season from December to March. Drive 2 hours to El Tunco beach to end your day.
- Day 6
El Tunco & La Libertad
Spend time at El Tunco's black sand beaches and surf spots. Book morning surf lessons if you're a beginner when the waves are calmer. Visit La Libertad's fishing pier to see boats bringing in fresh catch. The seafood market is busiest from 6-10 AM when restaurants do their shopping.
- Day 7
Beach Day in El Tunco
Take it easy in El Tunco today. The beach town is small enough to explore on foot, with plenty of street art and local cafes to discover. Want to catch a great sunset? Head to the El Tunco rock formation viewpoint early to get a good spot.
- Day 8
Departure
Plan for afternoon flights. The airport drive takes about an hour, and you'll need 2 hours for check-in and security, which can be detailed during busy times.
8 Day El Salvador Itinerary, incl. San Salvador and La Libertad
Museums of San Salvador, colonial charm of Suchitoto, villages along Ruta de las Flores, and Pacific beaches fill eight rich days. Archaeological wonders, volcano trails, and thermal springs showcase El Salvador's diversity.
- Day 1
San Salvador
Your El Salvador adventure begins in the capital, with its backdrop of green volcanoes. Take an authorized airport taxi ($25-30) to your hotel in the city center. One traveler shared: "The prebooking information was clear and thorough, giving us confidence about arriving independently." Spend this first day getting settled and exploring the Zona Rosa area. It's a safe neighborhood for tourists with plenty of good restaurants.
- Day 2
San Salvador to Suchitoto
Start your morning with a walking tour of San Salvador's historic center and the National Anthropology Museum. Get an early start to avoid the midday heat. Travel to colonial Suchitoto (90 minutes by private transport) and visit Los Tercios waterfall with its unique basalt columns. The path can get slippery so good hiking shoes are important. If you like birdwatching, bring binoculars. Lake Suchitlán attracts over 200 bird species.
- Day 3
Lake Suchitlán to Lake Coatepeque
Take a boat tour on Lake Suchitlán in the morning when the water is calm. Visit the UNESCO site Joya de Cerén ruins, often called the "Pompeii of the Americas." Bring plenty of water and sun protection since shade is limited. Spend your evening at Lake Coatepeque watching a beautiful sunset. Pick a lakeside hotel for the best views.
- Days 4-5
Ruta de las Flores
The Ruta de las Flores is a 36km stretch of colorful colonial towns. Begin in Ahuachapán and visit the natural hot springs first thing in the morning before crowds arrive. You can tour coffee plantations and walk to waterfalls like Cascadas de Don Juan. Stay in Cerro Verde National Park for great volcano views. Nights get cool here so pack something warm.
- Day 6
Santa Ana Volcano to Coast
Get up early (5 AM) for the 3-hour Santa Ana Volcano hike. The trail is moderately difficult so wear proper hiking boots and bring at least 2L of water. After the hike head to the coast to visit El Zonte and El Tunco. Both have black-sand beaches and excellent surfing. El Tunco has more nightlife while El Zonte is quieter.
- Days 7-8
La Libertad
La Libertad is perfect for beach time and surfing. The Malecón waterfront has great seafood restaurants. Try the local mariscada seafood soup. New to surfing? Book morning lessons when the waves are gentler. Visit the pier early to see fishermen with their fresh catch. The nearby Walter Thilo Deininger National Park offers good hiking trails but go with a guide for safety.
