El Salvador is one of Central America’s best-kept secrets, situated right in the heart of the region. For such a small country, it boasts an overwhelming rugged coastline, volcanic landscapes, and vibrant culture that will surely knock your socks off.
El Salvador is like a paradise for every broke backpacker, since it’s very cheap, quite off the beaten track, and full of adventures. It’s a place that gives an authentic experience which is unforgettable.
From El Tunco’s sun-kissed beaches to the revolutionary history of San Salvador, El Salvador is a diverse landscape full of hidden treasures just waiting to be discovered. Travelers on a $10-$20 daily budget can submerge into local culture, awesome natural places, and hook up with fellow travelers.
In this blog, we get into the details of broke backpacking through El Salvador: best spots for surfing and hiking, local secrets, hidden gems, and insider tips that can make this trip really unforgettable.
Slap on a backpack, dig out the Spanish phrasebook, and get ready for a country that dishes up volcanic landscapes and riotous color with infectious energy.
How to get there:
From Guatemala
The most popular border crossing from Guatemala is at La Hachadura, near the city of Ciudad Pedro de Mágina.
- From Antigua, Guatemala: Take a chicken bus (around $5) to La Hachadura.
- From Guatemala City: Take a bus to La Hachadura (around $10).
- Cross the border on foot and take a taxi or colectivo (shared van) to Sonsonate, El Salvador (around $5).
From Honduras
The main border crossing from Honduras is at El Amatillo.
- From San Pedro Sula, Honduras: Take a bus to El Amatillo (around $10).
- From Tegucigalpa, Honduras: Take a bus to El Amatillo (around $15).
- Cross the border on foot and take a taxi or colectivo to San Miguel, El Salvador (around $5).
From Nicaragua
The most convenient border crossing from Nicaragua is at Guasaule.
Cross the border on foot and take a taxi or colectivo to San Carlos, El Salvador (around $5).
From Managua, Nicaragua: Take a bus to Guasaule (around $10).
From Leon, Nicaragua: Take a bus to Guasaule (around $5).
When to go:
Dry Season (November to April)
- Pros:
- Perfect weather for hiking and outdoor activities
- Fewer rain disruptions
- Easier travel
- Cons:
- Peak tourist season (higher prices)
- More crowds
Green Season (May to October)
- Pros:
- Lush landscapes and verdant forests
- Lower prices for accommodations
- Fewer tourists
- Cons:
- Frequent rain showers
- Some attractions may be closed
Shoulder Season (April to May and September to November)
- Pros:
- Balanced weather
- Fewer crowds
- Affordable prices
- Cons:
- Some rain showers
- Limited festival and event options
Holiday and Event Calendar
- Semana Santa (Holy Week): March/April – Experience traditional processions and festivities.
- Fiestas Agostinas: August – Celebrate San Salvador’s patron saint with music, food, and dance.
- Independence Day: September 15th – Join patriotic parades and celebrations.
- Surf competitions: Throughout the year – Catch international surf events along the coast.
Best Time for Specific Activities
- Surfing: March to September (consistent waves)
- Hiking: December to April (dry trails)
- Beach relaxation: November to April (pleasant weather)
- Cultural events: August and September (festivals and celebrations)
Budget Considerations
- Accommodation prices increase during peak season (December to April)
- Transportation costs remain relatively consistent year-round
- Food prices are affordable throughout the year
When to Go
- Best overall: November to April (dry season)
- Best for budget: May to October (green season)
- Best for culture: August and September (festivals and celebrations)
Best Itineraries:
3-Day Itinerary
Day 1: San Salvador
- Explore the city’s historic center
- Visit the National Palace and Metropolitan Cathedral
- Enjoy local food at Mercado Central
Day 2: Joya de Cerén and Santa Ana
- Visit the “Pompeii of the Americas” archaeological site
- Explore Santa Ana’s colonial architecture
- Overnight in Santa Ana
Day 3: El Tunco Beach
- Relax on the beach
- Surf or take a lesson
- Return to San Salvador for departure
1-Week Itinerary
Day 1-2: San Salvador
- Explore the city’s historic center
- Visit the National Palace and Metropolitan Cathedral
- Enjoy local food at Mercado Central
Day 3-4: Santa Ana and Lake Coatepeque
- Explore Santa Ana’s colonial architecture
- Visit Lake Coatepeque for kayaking or boat tours
Day 5-6: El Tunco Beach and surrounding areas
- Relax on the beach
- Surf or take a lesson
- Explore nearby towns like El Zonte and Las Flores
Day 7: Return to San Salvador for departure
1-Week Highlights
- San Salvador’s historic center
- Joya de Cerén archaeological site
- Santa Ana’s colonial architecture
- El Tunco Beach
2-Week Itinerary
Day 1-3: San Salvador and surrounding areas
- Explore the city’s historic center
- Visit the National Palace and Metropolitan Cathedral
- Take day trips to nearby volcanoes and markets
Day 4-6: Santa Ana and Lake Coatepeque
- Explore Santa Ana’s colonial architecture
- Visit Lake Coatepeque for kayaking or boat tours
Day 7-10: El Tunco Beach and surrounding areas
- Relax on the beach
- Surf or take a lesson
- Explore nearby towns like El Zonte and Las Flores
Day 11-14: Eastern El Salvador (Morazán and San Miguel)
- Visit the historic town of Suchitoto
- Explore the Ruta de las Flores
2-Week Highlights
- San Salvador’s historic center
- Joya de Cerén archaeological site
- Santa Ana’s colonial architecture
- El Tunco Beach
- Suchitoto and Ruta de las Flores
1-Month Itinerary
Week 1: San Salvador and surrounding areas
- Explore the city’s historic center
- Visit the National Palace and Metropolitan Cathedral
- Take day trips to nearby volcanoes and markets
Week 2: Santa Ana and Lake Coatepeque
- Explore Santa Ana’s colonial architecture
- Visit Lake Coatepeque for kayaking or boat tours
Week 3: El Tunco Beach and surrounding areas
- Relax on the beach
- Surf or take a lesson
- Explore nearby towns like El Zonte and Las Flores
Week 4: Eastern El Salvador (Morazán and San Miguel)
- Visit the historic town of Suchitoto
- Explore the Ruta de las Flores
- Visit the Guazapa Volcano
1-Month Highlights
- San Salvador’s historic center
- Joya de Cerén archaeological site
- Santa Ana’s colonial architecture
- El Tunco Beach
- Suchitoto and Ruta de las Flores
- Guazapa Volcano
3-Month Itinerary
Month 1: Western El Salvador (Sonsonate and Ahuachapán)
- Explore the coastal towns of Sonsonate and Ahuachapán
- Visit the Apaneca-Ilamatepec Biosphere Reserve
Month 2: Central El Salvador (San Salvador and surrounding areas)
- Explore the city’s historic center
- Visit the National Palace and Metropolitan Cathedral
- Take day trips to nearby volcanoes and markets
Month 3: Eastern El Salvador (Morazán and San Miguel)
- Visit the historic town of Suchitoto
- Explore the Ruta de las Flores
- Visit the Guazapa Volcano
3-Month Highlights
Apaneca-Ilamatepec Biosphere Reserve
San Salvador’s historic center
Joya de Cerén archaeological site
Santa Ana’s colonial architecture
El Tunco Beach
Suchitoto and Ruta de las Flores
Guazapa Volcano
Transportation:
El Salvador’s public transportation system is extensive, affordable, and convenient. From bustling city buses to rural chicken buses, and hitchhiking, getting around this beautiful country is easier than you think.
Public Transportation Options
- City Buses (Urbanos): Frequent, affordable buses connecting major cities.
- Chicken Buses (Pollos): Colorful, rustic buses serving rural areas.
- Colectivos: Shared vans operating on fixed routes.
- Microbuses: Minivans connecting smaller towns.
- Taxis: Available in cities, but negotiate prices beforehand.
Hitchhiking in El Salvador
Hitchhiking is a viable option in El Salvador, especially for shorter distances.
Tips for Hitchhiking
- Choose Safe Locations: Busy roads, gas stations, or bus stops.
- Use Signage: Write your destination on a cardboard sign.
- Dress Modestly: Respect local culture.
- Be Prepared: Bring water, snacks, and patience.
- Communicate: Learn basic Spanish phrases.
Popular Hitchhiking Routes
- San Salvador to Santa Ana: Via Pan-American Highway.
- Santa Ana to El Tunco Beach: Via coastal road.
- El Tunco Beach to San Miguel: Via Eastern Highway.
Safety Considerations
- Avoid Hitchhiking at Night: Reduced visibility and increased risk.
- Trust Your Instincts: Decline rides if uncomfortable.
- Keep Valuables Secure: Be mindful of belongings.
Additional Tips
Stay Hydrated: Bring refillable water bottles.
Learn Some Spanish: Enhance your experience.
Top things to do:
San Salvador and Surroundings
- Visit the National Palace and Metropolitan Cathedral (free)
- Explore the historic center and markets (free)
- Check out the Museum of the Revolution (around $2)
- Visit the nearby Volcán San Salvador (around $10)
- Relax at the Parque Nacional Montecristo (around $5)
- Explore the trendy neighborhood of Escalón (free)
- Visit the Jardín Botánico (around $2)
Santa Ana and Western El Salvador
- Explore Santa Ana’s colonial architecture (free)
- Visit the stunning Lake Coatepeque (around $10)
- Hike to the nearby Volcán Santa Ana (around $15)
- Visit the historic town of Sonsonate (free)
- Relax at the Playa El Tunco beach (free)
- Explore the nearby town of Ahuachapán (free)
- Visit the Balneario Las Cabañas (around $5)
El Tunco Beach and Surroundings
- Surf or take a lesson at El Tunco Beach (around $20-$50)
- Explore the nearby town of El Zonte (free)
- Visit the scenic Playa Las Flores (free)
- Take a boat tour to nearby islands (around $50-$100)
- Enjoy the nightlife at El Tunco’s bars and restaurants (around $10-$20)
- Relax at the nearby Playa Sunzal (free)
- Explore the town of La Libertad (free)
Eastern El Salvador (Morazán and San Miguel)
- Visit the historic town of Suchitoto (free)
- Explore the Ruta de las Flores (around $10-$20)
- Hike to the nearby Volcán Guazapa (around $15)
- Visit the Morazán Museum (around $2)
- Relax at the nearby hot springs (around $10)
- Explore the town of San Miguel (free)
- Visit the nearby Laguna de Alegría (around $5)
National Parks and Natural Reserves
- Parque Nacional Montecristo (around $5)
- Parque Nacional El Imposible (around $10)
- Reserva Natural Apaneca-Ilamatepec (around $10)
- Reserva Natural El Tránsito (around $10)
- Parque Nacional El Tránsito (around $10)
- Reserva Natural Bahía de Jiquilisco (around $10)
Adventure Activities
- Surfing or bodyboarding (around $20-$50)
- Hiking or trekking (around $10-$30)
- Kayaking or paddleboarding (around $20-$40)
- Zip-lining or canopy tours (around $50-$100)
- Rock climbing at El Tunco (around $20-$30)
- Horseback riding in the countryside (around $20-$30)
Other Spots
Puerta del Diablo (around $5)
Joya de Cerén archaeological site (around $10)
Tazumal archaeological site (around $10)
Casa Blanca archaeological site (around $10)
San Andrés archaeological site (around $10)
Lake Ilopango (around $5)
Food:
The gastronomy of El Salvador is bright and full of life, a reflection of the strong cultural heritage that exists within. From the typical dishes to the modern contrasts, the food of this country develops into an important mixture between the indigenous, Spanish, and African influences. These flavors mixed have produced a unique gastronomic identity, which reflects the history and resilience of this country.
It is the national dish, the pupusa, which became traditional all over the country. These thick corn tortillas are stuffed with cheese, beans, pork, or vegetables and then grilled. Served with curtido, a tangy cabbage slaw, along with salsa, the pupusa is something that one should try if ever traveling to El Salvador. From street food to high-brow restaurants, one will be able to find a pupusa in almost every corner, with each region having its own version.
Other traditional favorites include the sopaipillas, fritters of fried dough often sprinkled with sugar or cinnamon, and tamales, a corn dough steamed in a covering and filled with meat or vegetables. Snacking foods include also empanadas, which are pastry pockets stuffed with meat or cheese. Such comfort foods are served at family gatherings and street food stalls to bring people together and create a sense of community.
The specialties of El Salvador vary from region to region. To the west, one can have the famous grilled fish from Lake Coatepeque: a beautiful lake surrounded by volcanic mountains. The fish is very well prepared and served with rice, beans, and vegetables. On the eastern side, it would be great to taste the good soups and stews of the province of Morazán with its marked indigenous influences.
Due to the tropical climate of the country, finding delicious and healthy options with fresh produce is not very difficult. Check the local markets for sampling exotic fruits like mangos, guanabanas, and jocotes. Fresh vegetables, herbs, and spices give a depth and flavor to the traditional dishes. Equally famous is the coffee produced in the western highlands of El Salvador.
Street food is one of the staples of El Salvador, with just about everything being offered and at an affordable price to boot. From the famous pupusas and tacos to grilled corn on the cob, these street vendors have taken care of locals and visitors alike. Try one of the more popular items on the streets, “panesitos,” which are small sandwiches with cheese, ham, or chicken inside, or try a local market for fried plaintains or yuca frita.
The food scene in El Salvador has modernized in recent years with restaurants and chefs incorporating international flavors and techniques into their cooking. From gourmet pupusas to fusion cuisine, everything is included for every taste. It’s this mix of traditional with modern that has created a very lively food culture, showing how creative and innovative the country really is.
As for drinks, El Salvador has enough to offer. Try a fresh juice, for instance, orange or mango, or some traditional drink-horchata, sweet milky beverage from rice or tigernuts, or cebada, a barley drink. Pilsener and Suprema are some of the local beers very popular among its citizens and guests.
Food is a sacrosanct thing in El Salvador, particularly during mealtimes, and sharing this with locals is the best way to experience hospitable people. Give traditional table manners a try, such as waiting for an invitation from a host before sitting and eating with your right hand. This respect for tradition and community is reflected in the nation’s food; each meal is one to remember.
In all, the gastronomic landscape of El Salvador is a bright reflection of its cultural heritage. From traditional pupusas to very modern insets, this country’s cuisines are just an amazing adventure to be discovered. So come, taste, and explore the flavors of El Salvador! When having street food, it is always a good idea to choose street food vendors that have a high turnover in order to get fresh food, and be adventurous with new flavors and dishes that will make your taste buds tingle. The cuisine of El Salvador is replete with great surprises!
Culture:
This culture is an exciting mishmash of indigenous and Spanish as well as African influences, owing to its complicated history in which this nation lived, and because the people themselves were resilient and survived it. The traditional culture of this Central American country-which lies sandwiched between Guatemala and Honduras-is represented in its rituals, practices, art forms, music, and social life. Its strategic advantage has turned this country into a hotbed of diversity and culture.
The Salvadoran culture has its indigenous roots very strong and represented by the Pipil and Nahua peoples, descendants of the Aztecs who populated this country before the Spanish colonization. Their presence is still marked in the language, customs, and traditions of this country. Most Salvadorans continue to speak Nawat, the Indian language, and they go on with traditional farming and crafting techniques. Ancient Mesoamerican calendar systems and mythologies continue to influence the country’s folklore and artistic expression.
The arrival of Spanish conquistadors in the 16th century brought with them Catholicism, European customs, and the Spanish language for El Salvador. Architecture, art, and literature show this influence: Baroque-style churches, well-preserved colonial towns, and active arts scenes all give testimony to the indelible legacy of Spain. The Spanish also brought along their most famed agricultural practices, crops, and farm animals, which combined with indigenous ones to create a specific culinary identity.
During the colonial period, African slaves were brought to El Salvador and contributed to the country’s rich cultural diversity. The musical styles of El Salvador consist of numerous African rhythms and instruments, such as drums and marimbas. Regarding food, coconuts, plantains, and yuca are prepared as in few other countries, revealing some traces of African influences. This combination of cultures has led to a unique Creole identity, which is manifested in the language, dance, and art of this nation.
From civil wars, natural disasters, to the economic downturns of this small country, Salvadorans have gone through more than their share of hardships in its long history. In return, this made them strong enough and adaptable. Showing this, conserving tradition inside modernity is truly what people can be resourceful about and creative. Usually reflected in the arts world which is quite vibrant in this country, especially those dealing with social and political issues that it usually discusses.
The family and community are very important parts of Salvadoran culture. Smaller, tighter families and neighborhoods are the building blocks of social life, providing networks of mutual support and a sense of belonging. Most of the family events, which include birthdays, weddings, and holidays, unify the family members and help strengthen their relationships. Many of these occasions included specific musical, dance, and culinary traditions that aided in establishing the sense of cultural identity and community.
El Salvador places a high value on artistic expression. The colors tend to be vibrant, patterns complex, and rhythms lively in its arts, music, and dance. In its traditional crafts, there are weaving, pottery, and woodcarving, each of which is a product of their indigenous background. Folk genres are very important components of Salvadoran music. They accompany most celebrations and social gatherings, such as punta and xuc.
Salvadoran cuisine is a combination of delicious flavors indigenous, Spanish, and African. Traditional dishes include pupusas, tamales, and empanadas. Its culinary identity is also defined by its geography: coastal towns offering a great deal of seafood, while inland towns are heavily based on meats and vegetables.
Bright events that characterize the aspect of this country’s rich cultural heritage have colored El Salvador’s festive calendar. The year’s high spot is the Fiestas de San Salvador, which happen to honor the city patron saint. Other very important celebrations are Fiestas de la Navidad, Semana Santa, and the Fiesta de la Virgin de Guadalupe, among others. The given festivals effectively unite people together and build up cultural identity and social cohesion.
The cultural influences on El Salvador come from the indigenous, Spanish, and African facets; the country has been resilient, adapted, and presented in a manner that is uniquely both traditional and modern. One will appreciate this country of remarkable people through its customs, traditions, art, music, and daily life.
Accommodations:
To the broke backpacker, El Salvador is a haven for both adrenaline and authenticity. Actually, its hostels reflect the vivid culture, rich history, and resilient people. For a firsthand experience with El Salvador, forget luxury hotels and seek the cheapest options. It is in these most modest hostels that you will be able to find some of the most unique, crazy, and amazing experiences.
In El Salvador, budget hostels are less a place to lay your head than communal meeting places where travelers, locals, and expats come together to share stories, advice, and a belly of laughs. These humble abodes might be bereft of frills and frippery all too often but somehow make up for this in spades with warmth, character, and a healthy dose of chaos.
Anticipate being housed in dorm-like rooms with bunk beds, communal washrooms, and field-style kitchens. It is in this cramped space that your friendships are forged and memories made. Sharing the same bad travel conditions, meals, and outings will bring you closer to other travelers.
Most of the hostels in El Salvador have that DIY ethos about them, whereby owners and staff alike MacGyver up whatever they can from whatever is available to accommodate the influx of travelers. And this ramshackle charm forms part of the appeal-it’s almost as if the very fabric of the hostel is held together with duct tape and goodwill.
Don’t be surprised if impromptu jam sessions, group cooking efforts, and raucous game nights pop up. These incubate creativity and camaraderie that makes travelers part of a temporal family.
In the hostels of El Salvador, the line often blurs between guest and staff. Owners will often invite travelers along with them for meals, outings, or impromptu adventures. The hospitality is real, born out of a desire to share the country’s secrets with those willing to take a chance.
Of course, there are risks: blackouts, no water, the odd cockroach. But for those who would roll the dice, the possible rewards are well worth the risks.
Hostels in El Salvador are more than just a place to lay your head; it’s a way of getting into the culture. By booking the most inexpensive hostels, you’ll necessarily have to get with the locals, get through areas of the city with which you’re not familiar, and get into the country’s rhythm.
You will be discovering hidden nooks of El Salvador that hardly any tourist sees: secret beaches, underground art scenes, and hole-in-the-wall eateries serving the most mouth-watering pupusas.
The point of backpacking El Salvador is embracing the unknown. You will find yourself on a tide of adventure, connection, and growth by embracing the chaos and charm of its hostels.
Ditch the guidebooks and booking websites. Take a chance on the cheapest, most ramshackle hostel that you can find. It is here, in the unlikeliest of places, that you’ll find the true spirit of El Salvador-raw, untamed, and utterly unforgettable.
Nightlife:
El Salvador’s nightlife is unstoppable, a dizzying buzz of pulsating culture, infectious energy, and unbridled joy. As the sun dips into the Pacific, everything from casual beach bars to pulsating dance clubs transforms the country into one big party scene. The atmosphere is electric as Salvadorans and travelers descend upon one another to let loose and have a good time.
Nightlife is a full part of its culture in El Salvador; music and dance are very outstanding. Such traditional genres as Punta and xuc are infectious and energetic, so even the most hesitant dancer will go. From reggaeton to electronic, modern beats also dominate, so whatever your taste in music is, you can count on finding it here.
What really can strike one about nightlife in El Salvador is the diversity. From posh bars along San Salvador to those beachside, rural dives, every single spot has something unique and in character. You might find yourself sipping craft cocktails in one of those trendy rooftop bars or swaying to live music in some cozy surf town tavern. Options are just endless, and excitement is palpable.
Safety is often the number one concern for travelers, but most places in El Salvador are friendly and quite safe. Locals often are proud to share their culture and hospitality, and many establishments keep the traveler in mind. Be sensible with your decisions, of course, but trying not to travel alone at night, staying in well-lit areas, and keeping valuables close goes a long way. Take some basic precautions, and you can stop worrying about anything else and just enjoy the ride.
El Salvador also has very affordable nightlife, with very cheap drinks, infrequent cover charges, and an always complete atmosphere. Be it for the budget backpacker or for the traveler who splurges, there is something for every budget. You will be able to go out at night without breaking the bank but still see what El Salvador has to offer.
As the night wears on, the energy only amplifies. One can expect talking with new friends into the early hours, sharing tales and laughter. It is not out of the ordinary that the night would extend into the breaking of dawn as the first light of morning ushers in a new adventure. The Salvadoran notion of “simpatía”-warm, genuine hospitality-is always present, making one feel part of the family.
Nightlife in El Salvador is not a parallel activity; it is a way of living. You will surely get swept into an unforgettable adventure as you become wrapped up in the contagious energy and joyful spirit of the country. Come and let the rhythms and revelry of nightlife in El Salvador amaze you with its surprises.
Everything from beach-bum types to real party animals-you find them all as you explore the nightlife in El Salvador. Everyone has a story to tell, but it is only out here in the nightlife scenes that you get to meet fellow travelers and locals sharing your frequency.
The music is only part of the nightlife in El Salvador, ranging from a live band to DJs playing tracks that keep the dance floor full. You can find yourself in an impromptu jam session or dancing to the latest hot Latin number. Energy’s contagious, and before you know it, you’ll be dancing like a local.
Nightlife in El Salvador will leave you out of breath, on an edge, and wanting more. Being the Central American gem, a combination of culture, energy, and adventure makes for an unforgettable night out. So why wait? Come and experience it yourself-the magic of nightlife in El Salvador.
After all, the nightlife of El Salvador is as warm, full of life, and vibrant as its people. So let loose some inhibitions, embrace the unknown, and find your spirit entangled in an adventure to never be forgotten.
Backpacking El Salvador costs:
Daily Budget Breakdown
- Accommodation:
- Hostel dorm: $5-10 USD per night (average)
- Camping or roughing it: $0-3 USD per night
- Food:
- Street food/pupusas: $1-3 USD per meal
- Market meals: $2-5 USD per meal
- Cooking own meals: $3-5 USD per day
- Transportation:
- Local buses: $0.50-1.50 USD per ride
- Long-distance buses: $5-20 USD per trip
- Activities:
- Visiting beaches: free
- Hiking: free or $1-5 USD per person
- Museum entrance fees: $1-5 USD per person
- Miscellaneous:
- Water and snacks: $1-3 USD per day
- Other expenses (souvenirs, etc.): $5-10 USD per day
Total daily budget: $15-35 USD
Weekly Budget Breakdown
- Accommodation (7 nights):
- Hostel dorm: $35-70 USD
- Camping or roughing it: $0-21 USD
- Food (21 meals):
- Street food/pupusas: $21-63 USD
- Market meals: $42-105 USD
- Cooking own meals: $63-105 USD
- Transportation:
- Local buses: $10-30 USD
- Long-distance buses: $20-60 USD
- Activities:
- Visiting beaches: free
- Hiking: free or $7-35 USD
- Museum entrance fees: $7-35 USD
- Miscellaneous:
- Water and snacks: $7-21 USD
- Other expenses (souvenirs, etc.): $35-70 USD
Total weekly budget: $105-315 USD
Tips for Saving Money
- Stay in hostel dorms or camp.
- Eat street food or cook own meals.
- Use local transportation.
- Avoid touristy areas.
- Negotiate prices.
- Use cash instead of credit cards.
- Bring reusable water bottle.
- Pack light to avoid baggage fees.
Average Costs in El Salvador
Long-distance bus ride: $5-20 USD
1 USD = approximately 25 Salvadoran Colones (SVC)
Beer: $1-5 USD
Meal at mid-range restaurant: $5-10 USD
Local bus ride: $0.50-1.50 USD
Conclusion:
El Salvador is the secret stunner of Central America that stole the heart of many a broke backpacker with its intoxicating natural beauty, throbbing culture, and economical prices. It’s all here in this tiny country.
From volcano hikes to surfs on Pacific waves, adventure never runs out in El Salvador. Its warmth in people, the rich history, and delicious food make it a destination that will make you wonder at its magic inspirations.
El Salvador is Nirvana to the broke backpacker. Accommodation, food, and transport are ridiculously cheap; you may stretch those dollars farther than you thought humanly possible. And if one is resourceful with time and flexibility, one will manage to experience Salvador without breaking the bank.
Slanjivai, first unpack your luggage, take out your passport, fly to El Salvador, and don’t count your money; count the memories you make, the people you meet, and the experiences you have.
In El Salvador, ‘pura vida’ is more than a slogan, it is a way to take life, and if you are a broke backpacker it gets you finding that some of the best things in life are about the most inexpensive.
