Adventure to the heart of El Salvador
This 12 day El Salvador adventure blends culture, nature and active experiences, offering a varied and engaging introduction to one of Central America’s most characterful countries. From volcanic landscapes and cloud forest to historic towns and coastal escapes, each stage of the journey reveals a different side of El Salvador’s identity.
Travel into the highlands of Apaneca to glide above misty cloud forest on canopy zip lines, then hike to the summit of Santa Ana volcano, where far reaching views stretch across the crater and Lake Coatepeque below. Continue to Bahía Jiquilisco to kayak through mangrove waterways rich in birdlife and wildlife, gaining insight into one of the country’s most important coastal ecosystems.
Cultural discovery is woven throughout the journey, with visits to the UNESCO listed site of Joya de Cerén, the well preserved village offering a rare glimpse into ancient Maya life, and the colonial town of Suchitoto. Learn traditional indigo dyeing techniques with local artisans before ending your adventure on El Salvador’s Pacific coast, where you can choose between learning to surf or simply unwinding by the sea.
Visit several regions in El Salvador
Accommodation detailed in itinerary
All included as per below
10 breakfasts and 2 lunches included
What you'll experience
- Hike Santa Ana volcano for views across Lake Coatepeque: Climb to the summit to take in sweeping scenery over the crater lake and surrounding countryside.
- Go horseback riding with an ex guerrilla guide in Guazapa: Explore rural trails while learning about the area’s history and the personal stories that shaped this region.
- Ride canopy top ziplines through the cloud forest: Glide above misty treetops and forested slopes for a unique perspective on this rich ecosystem.
- Join biologists monitoring endangered giant sea turtles at Bahía Jiquilisco: Take part in vital conservation work and learn about efforts to protect one of El Salvador’s most important coastal habitats.
- Visit Joya de Cerén for insight into ancient Maya life: Explore this exceptionally preserved site, often compared to Pompeii, revealing everyday life frozen in time.
- Learn to surf in El Cuco: Spend time on the Pacific coast developing your skills on gentle waves in a relaxed seaside setting.
What's included in the El Salvador Adventure Holiday?
- International flights
- 10 nights’ accommodation as detailed
- 12 meals; 10 breakfasts, 2 lunches
- Tours on a private basis
- Transfers as per itinerary
Prices from £3,799pp
Excludes:
- Meals not indicated in your itinerary
- Local departure taxes payable locally
- Items of a personal nature such as laundry and drinks etc
- Tips for guides and drivers (discretionary)
- Camera or video fees at any sites
Quick Itinerary
El Salvador Adventure 12-Day Itinerary
Days 1 UK - San Salvador
Fly from the UK to San Salvador, the capital of El Salvador and a great place to begin this adventure.
Days 2-3 Concepción de Ataco
Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Joya de Ceren, a fascinating glimpse into the past. Following several volcanic eruptions, this ancient Mayan city was buried by ash, encapsulating the moment the villagers fled, leaving belongings in place to be seen today.
In the mountains, enjoy spectacular views of hillside coffee plantations and wildflowers, discover the lagoons, forests and craft-filled villages known as Ruta de las Flores.
At Laguna Verde, you’ll have the chance to either hike or buggy-ride through the beautiful cloud forest. Then in Apaneca, a thrilling zip-lining experience through the canopy awaits!
Days 4-6 Suchitoto
Discover the biodiversity of Cerro Verde National Park, where the three volcanoes Izalco, Santa Ana and Cerro Verde create a spectacular landscape. Hike Santa Ana Volcano for breathtaking views of the cloud forest and Lake Coatepeque. Take a guided tour of Suchitoto, followed by a cultural experience guided by the women’s cooperative on an Indigo Workshop.
Get a deeper understanding of El Salvador’s past in Guazapa, where you’ll have the chance to go on a horse-ride with an ex-guerilla local guide to see their former combat campgrounds, trenches and bomb sites.
Days 7-8 Bahía de Jiquilisco
Visit Finca San Rafael for an enlightening coffee tour and tasting then continue to Laguna de Alegria, a sulphurous crater lake with an intense green colour. Next, Bahía Jiquilisco is a natural treasure, declared a RAMSAR site and Biosphere Reserve. You can explore the mangrove swamps by kayak for an immersive experience in this nature haven.
Participate in the ICAPO project’s activities to protect the areas giant turtles, alongside the project’s vets and biologists, a fantastic chance to support and learn about this important work.
Days 9-10 El Cuco
The final couple of days on this El Salvador Adventure are spent on the east coast, close to the town of El Cuco, beside one of the country’s most beautiful beaches. With world-class surf breaks to be found here, it’s the ideal spot to learn or practice your surf skills. Enjoy a surfing lesson and use of the board for the duration of your stay. Alternatively sit back and enjoy this laid-back town and beautiful beaches.
Days 11-12 Depart El Cuco - UK
Transfer back to San Salvador airport to connect with your onward flight to the UK.
Speak to a dedicated Argentina Travel Specialist today
Why Book With Latin Routes?
Truly Individual and Trusted
- Truly individual holidays: Every holiday we create is designed around you – the things you want to see, the places you want to stay, and the way you love to travel.
- Expert First-Hand Knowledge: Our specialists don’t just sell Latin America, they’ve lived and travelled it – which means honest advice, inspired ideas, and the kind of thoughtful recommendations that only come from people who’ve truly been there.
- Dedicated Point of Contact: From your first enquiry until after you return home, you’ll have one dedicated Travel Specialist by your side, to give you the most personalised, reassuring, and enjoyable service throughout.
- Quality You Can Count On: We hand-pick every hotel, guide, excursion and transport partner we work with, to ensure you’ll experience the best quality, value and service – wherever your journey takes you.
- Complete Peace of Mind: All our holidays are ATOL protected and we’re an assured member of AITO (Association of Independent Tour Operators), giving you full financial protection and extra reassurance.
What Makes a Latin Routes Holiday Truly Unforgettable?
Every journey we plan is truly individual – created just for you, by our expert team. Whether you’re dreaming of wildlife, culture, food or landscapes, 5* luxury or off-grid adventure, we’ll design a Latin American holiday that’s truly unforgettable for all the right reasons.
We’re recognised by both the industry and our clients for our outstanding personalised service.
We design every trip around you: your interests, your must-sees, your perfect holiday.
Every recommendation is shaped by real experience, true passion and specialist care.
Consistently rated ‘Excellent’ by our clients for our expert planning and personalised attention.
What Our Clients Say About Us
