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Three-Day Itinerary in San Salvador, El Salvador

Home » El Salvador » El Salvador - A One to Three-Day Itinerary » Three-Day Itinerary in San Salvador, El Salvador

Because the country of El Salvador has so many exciting options it may be hard to narrow down where to travel and stay while visiting. The three-day itinerary below concentrates on a visit to the capital city of San Salvador, the second largest city in Central America. Located 2240 feet above sea level, San Salvador is a combination of contemporary buildings and colonial architecture, large plazas and amusement parks. Visitors will never want to leave this exciting city with its friendly faces.

Day One: National Treasury, Teatro Nacional, Catedral Metropolitana, Palacio Nacional, St. Ignatius Loyola, Suchitoto, Juayua, San Jacinto Mountain, San Salvador

Arrive on day one in San Salvador, El Salvador. After checking into a local hotel, spend the day touring the most significant public buildings located downtown. Found within a close distance to each other are the National Treasury and the Teatro Nacional (national theater), the Catedral Metropolitana (metropolitan cathedral), and the Palacio Nacional (national palace).

Next, tour the numerous stunning colonial churches such as the St. Ignatius Loyola, which was at one time the shrine of the "Virgin of Guadalupe", and today boasts a traditional Spanish colonial facade. If you have time, try to visit the Suchitoto and the Juayua colonial churches also.

In the evening, travel to the amusement park found on San Jacinto Mountain. Visitors will enjoy the cable car ride to the top where they can take in a panoramic view of San Salvador below.

Day Two: Balboa Park, Puerta del Diablo, Panchimalco, San Salvador Volcano, La Campana de San Andres, San Salvador

Begin day two by traveling 7 miles from the capital city to Balboa Park. Here, visitors will appreciate the outstanding view of San Salvador from above. Explore the 3900 foot rock formation, the Puerta del Diablo, also known as the "devil's doorway".

Next, drive to Panchimalco, located 9 miles south of San Salvador. Here, visitors will appreciate the Pancho Indians, pure-blooded offspring of the native Pipil tribes, who live nearby. The Pancho Indians preserve much of their cultural heritage evident in their dress and ancient traditions.

In the afternoon, visit one of the many volcanoes in El Salvador. Found close to the capital city, the San Salvador volcano today is extinct. Next, visit the La Campana de San Andres, Pyramids of San Andres. Located in a lush valley between San Salvador Volcano and the Ilamatepec range, this moderately excavated site is home to an acropolis and a plaza with pyramids and platforms on three sides. Visit the site's museum and visitor's center.

Day Three: San Andres Region, Chalchuapa, Joya de Ceren, San Salvador

Begin day three by traveling to some of El Salvador's numerous ancient archaeological sites from the Maya civilization. Located near San Salvador is the San Andres region, home to ancient Mayan settlements. The rich soil of this region now holds the architectural jewel, the acropolis.

Next, drive 46 miles from the capital city to Chalchuapa in the Tazumal region. Here, El Salvador's first inhabitants lived between the years of 300 BC and AD 1200. During this time period, five significant ceremonial centers were constructed: Las Victorias, Pampe, Casa Blanca, El Trapiche, and the gorgeous ruins at Tazumal. Tazumal is the chief site and holds interesting sights such as an ancient ball court where the Maya used to practice a unique sporting ritual. The palace found in close proximity was the burial ground for Tazumal's ancient rulers. Casa Blanca is thought to be a ceremonial center with significant importance in the zone. The site evidences a particular degree of residential occupation.

Next, traveling towards Guatemala on the Pan-American Highway, visit the site of Joya de Ceren. This archeological spot is one of the most major archaeological findings in Mesoamerica in several decades. The area provides the best-known example of a prehistoric farming community to date. Visitors will appreciate the excitement in the air as this excavation site provides an authentic feel for anthropological work-in-progress, with new discoveries continuing to be found.

In the afternoon, spend the day on the beach, soaking up the sun. This is a great way to relax and spend your last day in El Salvador. Bring your surfboard, as many of the beaches are hot spots for catching waves.

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