Day Trips in San Salvador

Explore El Salvador's Mayan history and its colonial past on this 8-hour visit to the Cihuatan archaeological site and the villages of La Palma and Suchitoto. Walk in the footsteps of the Maya as you check out the ancient trading center of Cihuatan, admiring its pyramids, ball courts, palaces and civic buildings, and learning about Mayan culture and customs. You'll also explore the rich artistic heritage of La Palma and its resident artist Fernando Llort, then discover the colonial town of Suchitoto. Your trip also includes a guide and round-trip hotel transport.

Marvel over San Salvador's natural wonder, the El Boquerón ("˜Big Mouth') volcano that stands guard over the city, on this 4-hour private or group tour, including hotel pick-up. Journey to the top of El Boquerón, where you can hike the forested trails around the crater and enjoy expansive views over the capital below. On the way back, explore the suburban town of Santa Tecla, nestled in the foothills of the volcano, then stop by San Salvador landmarks like Metropolitan Cathedral and El Rosario Church.

Wind your way through the Cordillera Apaneca mountains as you follow El Salvador's famous Flowers Route (Ruta de las Flores) on this full-day tour from San Salvador. Pass an endless panorama of wildflower filled valleys, coffee plantations and rolling hills as you journey along the 22-mile (36-km) trail and enjoy an itinerary tailored to your individual interests. Perhaps stop at the villages of Nahuizalco and Apaneca to peek into the artisan workshops; visit the Coffee Museum in Juayúa; or sample local specialties (own expense) like paella in the colonial town of Juayúa.

Immerse yourself in small village life and indigenous culture during this 8-hour tour of some of El Salvador's most idyllic rural towns. Discover Izalco, the picturesque community at the base of Izalco Volcano, and explore the produce at the market in Nahuizalco. You'll also get to admire the murals of Salcoatitan and check out the colorful village of Ataco. Your villages tour also includes a guide and round-trip hotel transport.

Experience the gorgeous natural scenery of El Cerro Verde National Park and the ancient Mayan village of Joya de Cer en on this 8-hour day trip. Journey to this postcard-worthy national park, nestled among three active volcanoes, for a nature hike and great views of Coatepeque Lake. Before returning to San Salvador, stop by the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Joya de Cer en, a one-time Mayan village preserved by a volcanic eruption. Your trip includes a guide, site entrance fees and round-trip hotel transport.

During this day trip from San Salvador you will be able to see where the Mayan route began. You will visit Joya de Ceren, an UNESCO heritage Mayan village where you will find the ruins of the ceremonial center of San Andres and its museum. You will also visit the Mayan pyramid of Tazumal and will end the tour with a visit to Santa Ana's city center.

Help heal the bonds broken by El Salvador's civil war in the 1980s during this 13-hour in-depth exploration of the people and places impacted by this bloody conflict. Pay homage to those that lost their lives in the war at the Mozote Memorial Site, and interact with conflict veterans who are working to help rebuild their community. You'll also stop by the Museum of the Revolution, where you can hear testimonials from witnesses and learn about the conflict's key moments. Your trip also includes a guide, entrance fees and round-trip hotel transport.

Relive the glory of the mighty Mayan empire with this half- or full-day tour of the most notable Mayan ruins in El Salvador. Explore the fascinating pre-Columbian villages of San Andr es and UNESCO-listed Joya de Cer en. After a typical Salvadoran lunch (own expense), admire the colonial landmarks of Santa Ana and stand in awe before El Salvador's largest pyramid at the Tazumal archeological site in Chalchuapa.

Explore the buzzing cultural center of El Salvador on this full-day tour of Suchitoto from San Salvador, including hotel pick-up. Admire the cobbled lanes and colonial buildings on a guided tour of the historic center; visit the landmark Santa Lucia Church, and browse the markets and handicrafts shops. After lunch (own expense), enjoy free time to sightsee independently, cruise around Lake Suchitlán or visit the nearby Los Tercios Waterfall.

Learn the fascinating story of El Salvador's Monsignor Romero during this 8-hour trip exploring his life and legacy. This famous defender of human rights has won country-wide (and international) acclaim for his outspoken criticisms of poverty, social injustice and torture. During your excursion you'll visit the most important monuments to Romero's life, including the Chapel of Divine Providence, the Monsignor Romero Historic Center at UCA University and the permanent exhibit on his life at the Anthropological Museum of San Salvador. Your excursion covers entrance fees, a guide and round-trip hotel transport.

Immerse yourself in Mayan culture with this day trip to three archaeological sites - Joya de Cer en, San Andr es, and Tazumal - in Santa Ana. First, get a peek into the past and learn how the Mayans lived at Joya de Cer en, then head to San Andr es, a residential area of the Mayan rulers and a ceremonial center. Finally, visit Tazumal and explore its complex of pyramids.

Discover the towering volcanoes, idyllic small towns and colonial heritage of El Salvador during this comprehensive 9-hour trip. Explore the country's most famous volcanoes, enjoying panoramic views of Izalco Volcano and hiking the eco-trails near Cerro Verde Volcano. Spend your afternoon discovering El Salvador's "˜Flowers Route,' an area of beautiful scenery, colonial towns and indigenous culture, stopping for guided tours of Nahuizalco and the coffee-making center of Ataco. This full-day El Salvador adventure includes entrance fees, a guide and round-trip hotel transport.

Discover the unearthly landscapes and natural splendor of El Imposible National Park on a full-day private tour from San Salvador. Accompanied by a knowledgeable guide, explore the verdant wonders of this Eden-like expanse in search of exotic birds and dramatic gorges. Discover why the park is steeped in local legend and ancient mystery as you follow dense, forested trails and wade in the refreshing waters of rivers. Enjoy the undivided attention of your guide on this private tour, the itinerary and commentary of which can be tailored according to your interesting.

Discover the volcanic ruins and tree-flanked trails of El Boquerón National Park on a 4-hour tour from San Salvador. Accompanied by a knowledgeable guide, marvel at the colossal mound of Big Mouth, one of the country's most impressive volcanoes, and hike the dense, forested paths of El Boquerón National Park. Delve into the ancient mysteries of the Joya de Cer en ruins, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site that dates back to the 6th century, and gaze at panoramic vistas of the Black Lake, a sweeping sea of hardened volcanic rock. Enjoy the convenience of round-trip hotel transportation on this exhilarating excursion.

Discover the unearthly volcanic landscape of Cerro Verde National Park on a private day-trip from San Salvador. Immerse yourself in the natural drama of the park and gaze at the steaming summits of Izalco, Santa Ana and Cerro Verde volcanoes as you explore exciting eco-trails on foot. Marvel at the inactive crater of Cerro Verde; absorb spectacular views of the Izalco volcano; and meander through a majestic dwarf forest in search of the Santa Ana volcano. End your energizing excursion at one of the world's most beautiful bodies of water, Lake Coatepeque and enjoy the convenience of round-trip transportation from San Salvador on this tour.