7 Day El Salvador Tour Packages
4.5 stars on(8,092 reviews)- Choose from 5 El Salvador tours
- 12 verified reviews from TourRadar travelers
- 24/7 customer support
El Salvador itineraries for 7 days
Compiled by
NinaEl Salvador travel expert at TourRadar
6 Days in El Salvador, incl. San Salvador and Ataco
This carefully crafted 6-day circuit showcases 5 major destinations across El Salvador. Extended two-night stays in San Salvador and Ataco provide deeper cultural immersion. Daily excursions run about 8 hours, with dedicated free time for personal adventures.
- Day 1
San Salvador Arrival
Your 45-minute airport transfer will take you to the capital's residential area with plenty of restaurants and attractions nearby. "Our driver gave us really good advice for the first evening and told us a lot about the country." If you land before noon, you can fit in a beach trip before heading to the city.
- Day 2
San Salvador City Tour
Get an early start to explore the city before the heat kicks in. Visit the Rosario Church with its color-changing windows (best photos around mid-morning), Salvador del Mundo plaza, and the historic center. In the afternoon, visit Boquerón National Park on the San Salvador volcano. A word of caution: Boquerón has about 200 steps, so bring water and rest when needed. You can also check out the popular rainbow slide if you're interested.
- Day 3
Mayan Heritage
Head to Joya de Cerén (UNESCO site) right when it opens at 9 AM. This site is often called the "Pompeii of the Americas" and shows what daily Mayan life was really like. Next up are the San Andrés archaeological site and Santa Ana's colonial architecture. You'll end the day in Ataco, where you'll stay for two nights. The archaeological sites have uneven ground, so wear good shoes.
- Day 4
Ataco & Coffee Experience
Start with a coffee plantation tour to learn about El Salvador's biggest export. If you're up for it, climb the "100 stairs to the clouds" in the cool morning hours for great mountain views. Later, relax in the thermal pools. Remember to pack swimwear and extra clothes. One visitor noted: "The tour was very organized, combined with both activities and enough personal time to explore."
- Day 5
Ruta de las Flores to Cerro Verde
Travel the Flowers Route and stop at indigenous towns like Nahuizalco and Izalco. The main attraction is Cerro Verde National Park, an extinct volcano with views of Izalco volcano, Santa Ana volcano, and Lake Coatepeque. Bring layers since it's usually cooler than San Salvador. Have lunch overlooking the lake before going back to the capital.
- Day 6
Departure
Your morning is free until your airport transfer. Most flights leave in the afternoon, giving you time for shopping or one last local breakfast.
6 Day El Salvador Itinerary, incl. San Salvador and Santa Ana
The ideal 6-day route connects 5 key destinations across El Salvador. Mornings unveil historical sites, while afternoons alternate between hiking trails and beach relaxation, returning each evening to your San Salvador base.
- Day 1
San Salvador Arrival
Arrive at San Salvador International Airport and take the 45-minute drive to your hotel in the capital. Try to land before 2 PM to explore the historic center on your first day. You can walk around Plaza Barrios safely during the day but it's best to take taxis after dark.
- Day 2
San Salvador & Suchitoto
Start your morning exploring San Salvador's main sites including Iglesia El Rosario church with its colorful glass windows. In the afternoon take the 90-minute drive to historic Suchitoto. Be careful on the cobblestone streets if it's wet. Visit Santa Lucia Church terrace between 3-5 PM for the best views and photos of Lake Suchitlán.
- Day 3
Mayan Sites Tour
Visit El Salvador's archaeological sites early in the day. Start at Joya de Ceren (known as the "Pompeii of the Americas") before it gets too hot since there isn't much shade. The sites are spread out with a 30-minute drive to San Andrés and another hour to Tazumal. Bring plenty of water and sunscreen as facilities are basic.
- Day 4
Santa Ana Volcano Hike
This is often the trip highlight for visitors. You'll need to start hiking before 11 AM according to park rules. Plan for a challenging 4-hour round trip to reach the crater. As one visitor shared: "The view of the turquoise crater lake is incredible but don't underestimate the elevation - take plenty of breaks and start early before the clouds roll in."
- Day 5
El Tunco Beach
Spend a relaxing day at El Tunco after your volcano trek. While it's known for surfing you can also swim in the tide pools at the north end during low tide. The black sand beach sees its biggest waves from December through March - perfect for experienced surfers but tough for beginners.
- Day 6
Departure
Book an afternoon flight (after 2 PM) to enjoy one last morning at El Tunco. The airport is about 45 minutes away but add extra time if you're traveling during rush hour (7-9 AM).
6 Day El Salvador Itinerary, incl. San Salvador and El Tunco
A week-long adventure balancing active mornings with relaxed afternoons. The itinerary includes two nights each in San Salvador, Ataco, and El Tunco beach, with daily guided excursions and one free beach day for optional surfing.
- Day 1
San Salvador
After arriving at the airport, get settled in your San Salvador accommodation. Visit Paseo El Carmen in Santa Tecla for your first evening. It's busiest from 5-9 PM with lots of food vendors and craft stalls. Most small vendors only take cash, so come prepared.
- Day 2
Santa Ana Volcano
Leave by 6 AM for the Santa Ana Volcano hike. The full trip takes about 4 hours and reaches 2,381 meters. You'll need sturdy hiking boots since volcanic rocks can be unstable. Pack at least 2 liters of water - the top section has no shade. After hiking, take a break at Lake Coatepeque before heading to Juayua/Ataco, about 1.5 hours away.
- Day 3
Ataco & Coffee Country
Start at Monterrey Cascades in the morning. Bring water shoes for the slippery rocks. Spend your afternoon exploring Ataco's street art and craft shops on Calle Principal. A recent visitor shared: "Don't miss trying the local coffee at Café Entre Nubes - they roast their beans right there and the baristas explain the whole process."
- Day 4
Tamanique Falls
Get an early start for Tamanique Falls. The 5km trail is steep, so pack good hiking shoes and plenty of water. Going down takes about an hour, but expect 1.5-2 hours for the climb back. Bring your swimsuit for the falls, but check water levels first - they're highest during rainy season from May to October.
- Day 5
El Tunco Beach
Spend a full day at El Tunco Beach. If you want to try surfing, book morning lessons when waves are calmer - they cost about $25 per hour. The black sand gets very hot by midday, so pack water shoes. Not into surfing? Walk the beach at low tide to check out the rock formations.
- Day 6
Departure
Hotel checkout is at noon. The airport is 45 minutes away, so plan to leave 3 hours before your flight to avoid traffic issues. This is especially important during rush hour (7-9 AM or 4-6 PM on weekdays).
