San Salvador.
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Overview

San Salvador is the capital city of El Salvador, approximately in the center of the country in a valley near the base of the San Salvador volcano. It provides a good base for exploring the rest of the country as it's a transportation hub, with most major roads running through it due to its central location. Spending a few days exploring this cosmopolitan and internationally-conscious city can be a rewarding experience.

Understand

San Salvador lies in the "Valle de las Hamacas" (literally "Valley of the hammocks", as it was called by the Pipil, due to its intense earthquake activity) at the foot of the San Salvador volcano. It covers an area of 600 km² and is home to nearly 2 million people. It is home to one-third of El Salvador's population and one-half of the country's wealth. The downtown area is filled with shops and modern buildings, but unfortunately earthquakes have damaged or destroyed many of the city's historic buildings.

The people of San Salvador are generally friendly, though as in any large city, less inclined to engage in conversations with strangers on the street as opposed to other parts of the country. The wealthy live in exclusive suburbs behind tall security walls or luxury condominium buildings. Wealthier areas such as San Benito, Colonia Escalon, Colonia San Francisco, Colonia Maquilishuat, Santa Elena (where the US embassy is located) and Ciudad Merliot have tree-lined avenues, the biggest malls in Central America, bars, clubs, gyms, restaurants, luxury hotels, modern high-rise buildings, plazas, boutiques, cafes, luxury salons, jewelry stores, etc. Some of these neighborhoods are in the hills surrounding the city and have breathtaking views. A number of new gated housing communities complete with parks, swimming pools, fitness facilities and tight security are popular with middle class families. Most of the city's hotels can be found in these suburbs.

There are middle class neighborhoods and residential areas close to the wealthy neighborhoods. Poorer areas are in the northern and eastern districts, along with an abundance of shanty towns sprawling along the city's fringes.

San Salvador's climate is tropical, although the weather can vary; the nights may be cool (especially in December), however, most of the time it is sunny and warm. Wearing t-shirts, jeans, and possibly a light rain jacket is usually sufficient.

The city has a long history, with origins dating back to the Spanish conquest of the Pipil tribes.

Whilst parts can seem like a maze of confusion, rich vs poor, modern vs dilapidated, cars vs pedestrians, the city has played a major role in defining and shaping the rest of this small yet intruiging country, once at the forefront of the Cold War. To understand this polarized country, it is essential to understand its political, cultural and social headquarters.

Visitor information El Salvador Travel

Get in

Avianca (formerly Taca, Aviateca & Lacsa) is the national airline of El Salvador, Costa Rica, Guatemala & Colombia. Volaris El Salvador serves as budget carrier to rival the national airline listed in the above, under the Salvadorian flag. It is a subsidiary brand of Volaris Airline of Mexico, as a separate corporation from El Salvador's Saint Óscar Arnulfo Romero y Galdámez International Airport to Cancún, Chicago–O'Hare, Guatemala City, Houston–Intercontinental, Los Angeles, Mexico City, Miami, Oakland, Ontario (CA), San Pedro Sula, Washington–Dulles. Travel from additional cities will require transit through Cancun, Guadalajara, Mexico City and/or San Jose, Costa Rica on Volaris.

Other airlines that fly into San Salvador include: Aeromexico Connect (Mexico City). Air Transat (Montreal) Arajet (Santo Domingo) American Airlines (Miami and Dallas) Copa (Panama City) Delta (Atlanta) Frontier (Atlanta) TAG (Guatemala City, Roatan) Iberia (Madrid) United (Houston, Newark, and Los Angeles) Volaris and Volaris Costa Rica (Cancun,Mexico City, New York JFK and San José de Costa Rica). Volaris Costa Rica is a subsidiary of Volaris (Mexico) to offer direct flights from San Jose, Costa Rica (as a hub), as a Costa Rican flag carrier, to the U.S., Central America and Mexico.

From the airport offers limited colectivo services up into several major hotels in San Salvador. At other times they offer a private taxi to a destination of the passenger's request. The other is to provide airport transfers into town.

The nearest public bus stop is the #138 bus between Comalapa and San Salvador's Terminal Sur bus station just south of San Salvador. To get to the go across the parking lot in front of the airport terminal to the other building on the other side (Airport Monseñor Romero Mall). Go through the building's breezeway (or open corridor) to the stop on the other side of the building. Bus makes multiple stops en-route along Hwy 5 and gets crowded. Not recommended for travelers hauling large luggage that needed to be checked on the plane.

By bus The following are international first or deluxe class (pullman) buses that connect San Salvador to Guatemala City. There are other lines that also go to Mexico, Honduras, Nicaragua and/or Costa Rica as well. TicaBus is the only company serving Panama City from San Salvador. They offer direct service to the said destination, without stopping and depart during the early morning hours to arrive in the afternoon hours thus making for safer travel. Their services usually include reserved seating, movies, on board restrooms and air conditioning. On more deluxe classes they can offer more space to allow the seats to recline further down and stewardess service for drinks and snacks. Most of these companies have their own terminal or an office or desk within a hotel in Colonia San Benito and/or El Centro.

The city has four major bus stations based on the compass points shared by multiple (domestic) bus companies and co-ops in the following:

By car If you drive to San Salvador from Comalapa, please exercise extreme caution. There are many residents who walk this highway as well as cross it. There are many accidents with vehicles speeding as well as people who are hit.

Get around

If driving, rental car agencies include Budget, Alamo, and Hertz. Buses and taxis also provide good ways of getting around. If you do not have exact change, taxi drivers will try to convince you to make the change a tip instead. Distances between sights make walking an unpopular option, as does the street layout in the city; San Salvador is not a square city but has long avenues that are straight and streets that are not. That said, in some areas walking is a great option, such as from Zona Rosa to Las Terrazas (Sheraton hotel) which are close together and within sight of one another.

See

Boulevards San Salvador has wide avenues and boulevards, including the two widest boulevards in Central America: Boulevard de los Proceres and Boulevard de los Heroes. Other important boulevards include Alameda Roosevelt, Paseo General Escalon, Av. Jerusalem, Boulevard Constitucion and Av. Juan Pablo Segundo.

Monuments San Salvador has many beautiful monuments, some of them dating back to the early 20th century, while others are more modern. Some of the most important monuments include the National Palace, Plaza Gerardo Barrios, Plaza Morazan, Water Clock, Monument to the Sea, Atlacatl Monument and the Proceres Monuments (it has 10 monuments). One of the most recognizable monuments in El Salvador is the Monumento al Divino Salvador del Mundo, or "Monument to the Saviour of The World".

Metropolitan Cathedral Of San Salvador. Includes the tomb of Monsignor Saint Oscar Romero (enter from right-side entrance),

Monument to the Divine Savior of the World. Consists of a statue of Jesus Christ standing on top of a global sphere of planet Earth.

Monument of Memory and Truth. Inaugurated in 2003, this 85 metre long wall made of black granite contains 25,000 engraved names of victims of the Salvadorian Civil War.

Rosario Church. A striking modernist Church famed for its unassuming exterior and breathtaking interior filled with rainbow-colored light streaming through its arched concrete structure.

Museums San - Salvador has many museums, the two most important are "Museo David J Guzman" and "Museo de Arte MARTE". David J Guzman National Museum of Anthropology contains a variety of Mayan and Pipil artifacts, while Museo de Arte MARTE displays an extensive collection of international art. Both are in the Zona Rosa district. There is also a children's museum, the Tin-Marin museum, where kids can experience the world in a fun way. The old national palace is being restored to house the "National Archives," and the "National Museum." Also a new display of early mammal fossils, including a giant sloth, mastodon and more than twenty other species is being set up in the "Museo de Historia Natural," or "Natural History Museum" situated in the SE section of Saburo Hirao park by the National Zoo. Close to the zoo is the "Museo Militar," or Military Museum which is housed in the old castle-like "El Zapote" barracks built in 1895. In the military museum you can find weapons and army uniforms from the 17th, 18th, and early 20th centuries, which were historically used by the Salvadoran army. Other highlights of this museum include the original copies of the 1992 peace accords and the Pope Mobile used when Pope John Paul II visited the country. Entrance is free and a guide service is provided at no charge.

Dr. David J. Guzmán National Museum.

Monseñor Romero Center. Relates the story of the armed conflict of the 1980s-90s in El Salvador and the heartbreak of lives lost during it.

Railway Museum and Theme Park. Old locomotives and train carriages on display and topics about El Salvador's industrial history.

Parks San Salvador has a large urban park, the "Parque de los Pericos". There is another park called Parque Cuscatlan (close to downtown), which is very elegant, with lights, trees and paths. Popular with locals, the beautiful botanical gardens of La Laguna (close to the U.S. embassy) showcase much native fauna. Zoologico Nacional (The National Zoo), and Parque Saburo Hirao (with a collection of native plants) are in the SE part of the city by the old Presidential House.

If you don't get a chance to visit smaller towns and villages outside the capital, a must see destination is Los Planes De Renderos. 1000 Meters above sea level, and it offers a spectacular view of San Salvador. This is a popular oasis for locals from the hectic city life. Check out the restaurants, and near-by parque Balboa, (Balboa Park) with lots of trees and green lawns, ideal for picnics. Indulge yourself eating the tasty Salvadorean treat known as pupusas! Visit the nearby colonial town of Panchimalco, one of the few towns in the country with a large indigenous population. Another interesting spot not to be missed is the spectacular natural formation and viewing area known as Puerta del Diablo (devil's gate).

Entertainment San Salvador has several entertainment venues. You can go to restaurants, bars, clubs, casinos, or if you are traveling with kids you can go to the cinemas, bowling, bingo, arcades etc. Cinemas in San Salvador include

Cinemark. Various locations throughout El Salvador, Merliot.

Multicinema. Various locations throughout El Salvador, Multiplaza.

You can also play video games at World Games and El Mundo Feliz. Families may also want to visit Central America's largest toy store:

Jugueton San Salvador. This a toy store similar to toys r´ us you will find all types of variety of toys and other fun crafts.

Also, you can go via cable car to an amusement park on top of Cerro San Jacinto mountain (no longer in use).

The trendiest night spot to visit is called Zona Rosa. Some of the best hotels are there, including the Sheraton Presidente and one of the most luxurious hotels in Central America, the Hilton Princess. Although Zona Rosa doesn't cover a large area (around 1sq mi), it's home to many exclusive, upscale bars and nightclubs (Los Alambiques, Code), and the best restaurants in town (Paradise, 503, A lo Nuestro). If you want to visit a nightclub without the probable inconvenience of not being let in, you should visit Las Terrazas (Stanza, Envy) at Multiplaza Mall.

Business Feria Internacional de El Salvador is the largest convention center in Central America. El Salvador is rated the third best place for investment in Latin America by Moody's. Some of the very wealthy business families in San Salvador and throughout El Salvador are Siman (owners of the largest department store chain in Central America), Poma (owners of Grupo Roble and Grupo Poma), Quiros (owners of Grupo Q in Central America), Kriete (owners of TACA Airlines), Dueñas (owners of La Gran Via), the family that owns Biggest, Pops, Nash and Mister Donut, and a lot of other important families. In addition, San Salvador is one of the only two cities in Central America that have a World Trade Center.

Do

San Salvador has many theatres, including the beautiful Teatro Presidente (near Zona Rosa), where the symphony regularly performs expensive and inexpensive concerts, and the Teatro Nacional (downtown), which has been restored to its full splendor. Here you can step back and experience the grandeur once reserved for the city's elite in the early 1900s.

Learn

There are many private schools and universities, including many language schools.

Buy

La Casita. Locations in both Centro commercial multiplaza, San Benito and Centro commercial Plaza San Benito. La Ceiba, Galerias, Col.Escalon Av. Paseo Gral.Escalon. There are Many other la ceiba stores in the city.

Malls Some of the shopping malls include: Loma Linda, Multiplaza, Las Fuentes, Galerias (elegant), Metrocentro (said to be the largest in Central America), El Paseo (expensive), Plazamundo, Plaza Merliot, La Gran Via (a lifestyle center / "city walk"), Las Cascadas, Basilea (unique), Plaza San Benito, Villas Españolas and many more. These malls have luxury boutiques, the latest in international fashion, specialty stores, large foodcourts (some even have 3 food courts) and many other amenities.

Mercado Nacional de Artesanias. Artisan crafts market.

For local arts and crafts, visit the Ilopango markets east of the city. Test your bargaining skills and take home some unique, handmade goods. For cheap souvenirs such as hammocks and other local crafts try the Mercado Cuartel.

San Salvador and some Mexican cities are the only cities in Latin America with Sanborns (restaurant and store chain) and Dorians (or Sears). Other department stores include Siman, Carrion and Almacenes Europa.

Supermarkets and other retail stores Despensa Familiar Discount store. has 63 stores in El Salvador. Maxi Despensa has 16 stores in El Salvador. Walmart Supercenter has 6 stores in El Salvador. Super Selectos. has 99 stores in El Salvador. La despensa de Don Juan has 17 stores in El Salvador. Pricesmart (Costco in the U.S.A.), Blvd. De los Heroes and Santa Elena. Dolarcity Discount store. has 100 stores in El Salvador.

Eat

The restaurant scene in San Salvador is influenced by many different cultures. Food options include Italian, Korean, Japanese, Thai, French, Chilean, American, Peruvian, Mexican, Spanish, Middle Eastern, German, Chinese, Argentinian and others. Local food options include Tipicos Margot where one can purchase the famous Salvadoran Pupusas. Perhaps the biggest indictment against the quality of the San Salvador restaurant scene however is the sheer number of chain restaurants referenced in this article.

When you are in El Salvador you won't have to worry about finding a place to eat, there is food everywhere you go.

La Panetière. San Benito, Zona Rosa. There are many other La Panetière in all San Salvador.

Punto Literario. In El Museo de Arte Marte col. San Benito. Zona Rosa.

Sal y pimienta. Focus on nutrition with detox drinks and stuff, but also regular breakfast and dinner and wine options.

Restaurante Pasquale. Paseo Gral. Escalón, Col. Escalón frente a Galerías shopping center. Italian food.

Dynasty. Chinese food that you can spin around on one of those glass turntables at your table so that everyone can have a bite.

Restaurante Pueblo Viejo. A popular Salvadoran buffet/restaurant that got consumed in a fire but is being rebuilt.

Los Balcones Buffet. Buffet or menu with breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Royal, 87 Avenida Sur. Chinese food.

Restaurante Club Campestre. Av. masferrer, Col Escalón 550 M from de Redondel Masferrer. Buffet and à la carte.

San Martín Multiplaza and El Paseo. Bakery. Benihana inside El Paseo - International Japanese steak house Bennigans inside La Gran Via - International - Irish

168 Chinese Restaurant. 89Av. Nte y 9a calle poniente #4612 Col. Escalon. Chinese food.

Cervecería La 20 Zona Rosa. Blvd. del Hipódromo, Zona Rosa. Upscale, international cuisine and sushi lounge.

La Pampa Argentina. In Zona Rosa, in Col. Escalon 1000 m from Redondel Masferrer, in Santa Elena Boulevard Orden de Malta, and Boulevard. Constitución Col. Escalón.

Los Ranchos, Calle La Mascota #232 Interseccion Pje. A y Pje #3 Col.La Mascota, Zona Rosa.

Hacienda de los Miranda. Jardines de Guadalupe frente a CA1, La Libertad. Buffet and à la carte.

El Mirador Plaza, Col. Escalón. Buffet and à la carte. Hunan, Upmarket Chinese restaurant specializing in Szechuan and Shanghai in elegant surroundings - Paseo General Escalón y 99 Avenida Norte. Plaza Villavicencio

Faisca do Brasil. Authentic Brazilian 'rodizio' style dining in luxurious surroundings/churriasca.

Jeques. Middle Eastern Cuisine. Plaza Futura. Calle el Mirador, Colonia Escalón, San Salvador

If you need to buy something, there are a lot of supermarkets in this city. Some are international, which come from Guatemala, the USA and other countries that are interested in bringing supermarkets to San Salvador.

Drink

San Salvador is well-known for its nightlife. Clubs and bars can be found in the Zona Rosa, Basilea Mall, La Terraza (Sheraton Hotel), Las Terrazas (Multiplaza Mall), Boulevard de Los Heroes, Temptation Plaza, and the bars and restaurants area in La Gran Via (mall and night lifestyle center). These places have many bars, discos, restaurants, DJ centers and boutiques.

Visit the laidback bohemian bars (university crowd) around Calle San Antonio Abad to meet interesting locals or head to the Zona Rosa/Multiplaza Mall area to dance the night away with the city's style-conscious upper class youth.

Bars and clubs La Taberna, Beer House 79 Ave Sur y Calle La Mascota, Lotes #7 y 8. Bar and grill.

Large events and conventions are generally held in the Feria Internacional .

Sleep

Hostal Esencia Nativa. Surf lessons, laundry service, English spoken. Rooms with A/C and private bath available.

International Guest House. Breakfast, internet, laundry, safety box.

Hotel Tazumal House. The, 35 Avenida Norte, Casa 3. A/C, cable TV, free internet use.

Ximenas Guest House. A small guesthouse open for over 25 years in a quiet residential area in the Blvd. de Los Heros district. It is within walking distance to malls, banks, pharmacies, post offices, coffee shops, bars and restaurants. The building is well-lit with a tranquil, homey atmosphere with a common area with cable TV, as well as a roof-top terrace with sparse vegetation. Services available include book exchange, modest cafe/restaurant, laundry service, safe deposit lockers, luggage storage and free tourist information. Wireless internet is also available, but there is a small one-time charge to obtain the access code.

Hostal Cumbres Del Volcan Flor Blanca. bunk bed in a mixed dormitory room. free wifi, washing machine, Lockers, baggage storage, tour desk, 24 hour front desk, garden, terrace, sun deck, shard kitchen, speaks English.

Mid-range The staff of all the hotels speak English and Spanish, but there are also others who speak other languages. All the hotels include room service.

Ramada Inn. 85 Ave. Sur y Calle Juan José Cañas, Col. Escalón San Salvador. The hotel includes air conditioning, king size beds, double bed rooms, restaurant, bar and many other amenities.

Quality Real Hotel Aeropuerto San Salvador. KM 40.5 Carretera Al Aeropuerto de El Salvador. Just 3 minutes from the airport and 20 minutes from the sandy beaches of Costa del Sol. In house restaurant. Room service, business center, bar and pool.

Hotel Happy House. Hotel includes air conditioning, double bed rooms and free wireless internet access.

Holiday Inn. The hotel includes air conditioning, king size beds, double bed rooms, restaurant, bar and many other amenities.

Best Western Plus Hotel Terraza. The hotel includes air conditioning, king size beds, double bed rooms, restaurant, bar and many other amenities.

Hotel Alicante. Air conditioned, king size beds, double bed rooms, restaurant, bar and many other amenities.

Hotel Casa Berlin. Air conditioned, king size beds, double bed rooms, restaurant, bar and many other amenities. The staff speak Spanish, English and German.

Hotel Capital. Air conditioned, king size beds, double bed rooms, restaurant, bar and many other amenities.

Hotel Grecia Inn. Air conditioning, king size beds, double bed rooms, restaurant, bar and many other amenities. The staff speaks English, Spanish and Greek.

Hotel Mediterraneo Plaza. Air conditioned, king size beds,double bed rooms, restaurant, bar and many other amenities.

Hotel Mirador Plaza. Air conditioned, king size beds,double bed rooms, restaurant, bar and many other amenities.

Novo Aparthotel. Air conditioned, king size beds, double bed rooms, restaurant, bar and many other amenities.

InterContinental San Salvador-Metrocentro Mall. The InterContinental San Salvador Hotel has 228 rooms, 6 suites and 2 Club InterContinental floors. It has 13 conference rooms, 3 restaurants, gym, spa, pool and business center.