The people of El Salvador greatly appreciate peace and are conscious of the tremendous opportunities that liberty and advancement bring. The culture itself is aimed at securing the stability of these values. In honor of its ancestry, El Salvador today is once again a motivated country, full of the life that once beat strong in the magnificent era of its ancestors, the Mayan people.

There are nearly 2.1 million people who live in El Salvador's capital city. It is estimated that 42% of El Salvador's inhabitants reside in rural areas. At the beginning of 2004, it was estimated that 3.1 million Salvadorans resided outside the country of El Salvador, many of whom were immigrants in the United States. The United States has been the top destination choice for those Salvadorans living abroad, however, Canada, Guatemala, Honduras, Australia, and Belize also each have significant Salvadoran communities residing within their borders. In 2001, the country of El Salvador approved, by legislative decree, the U.S. dollar as the official currency, taking the place of the former currency called the Colon.

Religion

The primary religion of El Salvador is Roman Catholicism, 83% of the total population, which played an integral role in the Salvadoran culture. During the war, the government was under the impression that the Catholic Church was in favor of communism as the Church was sympathetic to the poor. Because of this, the government administered violence against Catholicism. Many of El Salvador's inhabitants rejected Catholicism as they were afraid of being killed or simply because they were dissatisfied with the Church's connection with the opposition. Those dissatisfied found relief in Protestantism, particularly Evangelism. Also, the religions of Baptist and Pentecostal provided a welcome substitute. Protestantism is growing in El Salvador, with 15% of the total population claiming to be Protestant.

Language

The national language of El Salvador is Spanish; it is spoken by virtually all the country's inhabitants. However, English is spoken in the capital city of San Salvador, primarily by those employed in the tourist industry or by professionals. In addition, many of the men from El Salvador, primarily between the ages of 20 and 40, learned some English in the United States during the war. Although native languages are no longer used daily, there is some academic interest in maintaining the Nahua language of the Pipils, a dialect of Nahuatl.

Music

The majority of music in El Salvador is customary pop from the United States, Mexico, or other regions of Latin America. There is, however, a small underground movement of folk music, which receives its stimulation from current events that occur in El Salvador.

Arts

The creativity of Mayan-Salvadoran artisans is apparent everywhere, whether in the creation of articles prepared of bamboo, wood, clay, textiles, or ceramics. The village of San Sebastian is celebrated for its textile arts, while Ilobasco is recognized for its ceramics. The village of La Palma is presently renowned for a school of art originating from Fernando Llort. Llort is unique in creating childlike images of mountain villages, Christ, and campesinos, which are similar to cartoons. He utilizes bright colors to paint these images on substances varying from seeds to church walls. Ceramics, painting, and textile articles are the primary labor-intensive artistic expressions.

Literature

Poetry is popular in El Salvador. Some of the most recognized poetry authors include Roque Dalton, Francisco Rodriguez, and Manlio Argueta. Other infamous writers in El Salvador include Salvador Salazar Arrue, Alfredo Espino, Francisco Gavidia, Pedro Geoffroy, and Claudia Lars.

Cuisine

Traditional Salvadoran cuisine joins the fare of the American Indians and Spain. Much of the food from El Salvador is made with maize. The most popular food item is pupusas, small cornmeal pancakes stuffed with meat, beans, or cheese. This popular traditional cuisine can be found at nearly any food stand around the country. Another popular dish in El Salvador is sopa de pata, a soup whose base is cow's feet. These are the most unique dishes from El Salvador as the surrounding countries are the primary influence of cuisine from El Salvador. For desert, people from El Salvador enjoy Dulce de Leche, a caramel candy with milk. The dulce de leche from El Salvador is not similar to what the majority of Americans are accustomed to as it has a soft, crumbly texture. The most common fruits in El Salvador include papayas, mangoes, and bananas.

The culture of El Salvador reflects a blending of an ancestral heritage with a Mayan Spanish influence. The result is a colorful array of colonial charm that provides a gorgeous cultural custom for its descendants. The primary religion of El Salvador is Roman Catholicism, although Protestantism is gaining momentum. The national language of El Salvador is Spanish, and is spoken by virtually all the country's inhabitants. English is spoken in the capital of San Salvador, but is mainly used by professionals and those in the tourist industry. Traditional Salvadoran cuisine unites the food of the American Indians and Spain, and a primary ingredient is maize. Poetry is very popular in El Salvador as well as pop music, ceramics, painting, and textile articles.

Resources

http://www.elsalvadortrade.com.sv/conozcanos/i_html/lugares.html#GENTE

http://www.donquijote.org/tourist/profiles/paises/elsalvador/culture.asp

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/El_Salvador#Culture

There is so much El Salvador has to offer that the last thing visitors will want to do is spend their time worrying about the trip. A vacation is supposed to be a fun experience and something you look forward to. There are several steps you will want to keep in mind so that planning your El Salvador vacation does not become too stressful or demanding.

First, prioritize. Decide beforehand what is most important to you: adventure, safety, budget, natural wonders, or cultural experience. When you picture a vacation in El Salvador, what thoughts first come to your mind? This should help you in planning your itinerary.

Next, plan an itinerary. Decide where you would like to stay each day you are in El Salvador. Once your priorities are in order, you will then be able to go about creating your itinerary. This will help you in your major decisions such as where to stay, how long to go for, what to see, and daily activities.

Finally, get on that plane! Travel to El Salvador and live out your dream vacation. Enjoy the black sand beaches and beautiful Ocean waters, or the friendly smiles on the faces of the natives. Planning an itinerary to El Salvador can be fairly simple when you put the proper steps in motion and take the necessary precautions. Below is a one to three-day itinerary of how you can spend your time in El Salvador.

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.

The vacation itinerary above focuses on three days spent in the capital city of San Salvador. From archaeological sites of Mayan ritual sacrifice to the significant public buildings located in downtown San Salvador, this will not be a vacation lacking in flair. The first day spent in San Salvador will focus on exploring the main sights of the city itself, such as the National Treasury, Teatro Nacional, Catedral Metropolitana, Palacio Nacional, and St. Ignatius Loyola. Day two will focus on exploring Balboa Park, Puerta del Diablo, Panchimalco, San Salvador Volcano, and La Campana de San Andres. The last day in San Salvador will be spent traveling to some of El Salvador's numerous ancient archaeological sites from the Maya civilization. And, if there is time left in the afternoon, visitors can hit the beaches for some waves and relaxation. El Salvador is the place to be, and San Salvador provides the perfect escape from it all.

Resources

http://www.iexplore.com/res/d.jhtml?destination=El%20Salvador&type=Where%20to%20Go

http://www.hawaiianexperience.com/fit/hawaii-vacation-packages.htm

http://www.travelvantage.com/tou_salvador.html

Day One: Pyramids of Tazumal, Casa Blanca and the colonial city of Chalchuapa, San Salvador

Arrive at the airport on your first day in San Salvador. After you have checked into the hotel of your choice, leave the city to visit two archaeological sites located in the same complex. First, stop at Casa Blanca; this site is home to a set of pyramids. The pyramids here are exceptionally uncommon in El Salvador and Meso America with their distinctive circular shape. The colonial city of Chalchuapa was constructed partly on the grounds of this pyramid complex.

Next, visit El Tazumal, which is the largest pyramid found in El Salvador. The architecture of Tazumal Pyramid is extremely remarkable. If you have time, visit a craftsman's shop where guests can observe the impressive creating of the jade stone, which is today regarded as a jewel and is extremely valuable.

Day Two: Historical Sites of San Salvador
Begin day two by visiting all the historic sites San Salvador has to offer. San Salvador provides its visitors various options for exploring its culture. By visiting the historic sites, guests will have a deeper understanding of San Salvador's origin. Make sure you visit the National Theater and Palace as well as the Metropolitan Cathedral, architectural buildings that date to the beginning of the century.

In the afternoon, enjoy great shopping. The city of San Salvador has many options to choose from in regards to shopping: Galerías Escalón, which is thought to be the best in the country, Metrocentro, the largest mall in Central America, Plaza Merliot, and Plaza San Benito.

In the evening, visit "Zona Rosa", found in an elite residential zone. Here the nightlife is sure to please visitors of all ages. Guests can appreciate excellent cuisine, exotic drinks, and dance until morning in many discotecs.

Day Three: El Imposible National Park, San Salvador

On day three, rise up early to travel to El Imposible National Park, located 110 kilometers west of San Salvador. The park receives its name from the earlier traders who used to travel through this forest, guiding their mules along the precipitous "Impossible Pass", hence, the name of the national park. El Imposible National Park makes up part of the Apaneca, the Ilamatepec mountain range. Explore "Mirador del Mulo", the heart of the park. If you have time, go swimming in the middle of the forest in the crystal clear waters. Hike through the park observing this protected natural region, which has the biggest biological assortment presently existing in El Salvador. The park provides a natural habitat where these species can thrive. El Imposible National Park also contains species that are in danger of becoming extinct all over the world. It is one of the final remnants of rainforest that developed previously all along the Mesoamerican Pacific coast.

Day Four: Joya de Ceren, San Salvador

Spend day four exploring an archeological site that was pronounced human heritage by UNESCO, Joya de Ceren. This archaeological site is thought to be the most significant archaeological site discovered to date in El Salvador. Joya de Ceren is the only spot in the entire Mayan culture where people can value the way of life of the admired pre-Columbian inhabitant.

In the afternoon return to the capital city. Visit the National Museum of Anthropology and the National Historical Center. Make sure you stop to observe the monument of Central American independence.

Day Five: Cerro Verde Volcano National Park, San Salvador

Begin day five by leaving San Salvador in the morning to travel 65 kilometers east to Cerro Verde Volcano National Park. Begin by enjoying a trek within the boundaries of the park, and then hike a path that leads to the feet of the Izalco Volcano. Climb the surface of the volcano until you arrive at its crater, which typically takes around 3 hours. Those who make it to the top of this climb will greatly appreciate the beautiful landscape above. In the afternoon, hike through the dense, misty forest of Cerro Verde Volcano National Park.

Day Six: Jiquilisco Bay, Madre Sal Island, San Salvador

On day six, travel to Puerto Parada, Usulutan, located 120 kilometers east of San Salvador. Be prepared to spend the day in the water, as this is the perfect place to go kayaking. Kayak the channels of Jiquilisco Bay until you come to the cavernous mangrove swamps of San Dionisio's Island. Keep your eye out for the Tecapa-Chinameca volcano range.

In the afternoon, you can disembark at Madre Sal Island and spend the rest of the day. Enjoy the uninhabited, breathtaking beach located on San Juan's Peninsula. This provides the perfect getaway for a relaxing day.

Day Seven: Santa Ana and Metapan

Spend your last day strolling through the beautiful city of Santa Ana, regarded as the second most important city in El Salvador. Tour Santa Ana's historical center, and wander through the gothic cathedral. Make sure you do not miss Santa Ana's theater, as it is a beautiful configuration of architecture.

In the afternoon, you can travel to the splendid city of Metapan, which provides a gorgeous view to the lake of Metapan. Explore the highlights of this beautiful colonial city by touring its churches, plazas, and historical center.

Day one will be spent exploring the Pyramids of Tazumal, Casa Blanca and the colonial city of Chalchuapa. On the second day, tour the historical sites of San Salvador. Days three and four will involve traveling to El Imposible National Park and the integral archaeological site of Joya de Ceren. On day five, hike through Cerro Verde Volcano National Park, and kayak to Madre Sal Island on day six. The final day will be spent in the beautiful city of Santa Ana. With so many wonderful activities to enjoy and sites to see, you may want to extend this week long vacation a few more days!

Resources

http://www.travelvantage.com/tou_salvador.html

El Salvador - Activities and Attractions Overview

Attractions in El Salvador

Activities in El Salvador

Final Thoughts

El Salvador - The People and Culture Overview

The People of El Salvador

Demographics

The Culture of El Salvador

El Salvador - Overview and History

Geography of El Salvador

Climate and Weather of El Salvador

History of El Salvador

El Salvador - A Week Long Itinerary Overview

Week Long Itinerary in El Salvador

Final Thoughts