Our Top 5 Unforgettable Experiences in El Salvador

When we decided, without much research, to sail into El Salvador and spend the summer, we didn’t know much about the place. This tiny country wedged into Central America is generally overlooked because of its violent past. Undaunted, we crossed the notorious bar entrance into a country that was entirely new to us.

I figured it would be an extension of Mexico. Wrong. Completely wrong. El Salvador is its own thing. Friendly people, colourful towns, and dramatic landscapes.

After five months here, these are our favourite experiences — unforgettable moments that made El Salvador feel like so much more than just a place to wait out hurricane season.

1. Coffee Farming and Roasting in El Salvador

El Salvador is famous for its coffee, and anyone who knows us (or has glimpsed our espresso setup) knows how obsessed we are. Early on, we toured Finca El Carmen, a coffee plantation along the Ruta de las Flores. There, we saw how much human work still goes into the process. I still can’t believe people hand-sort beans for deformities!

But the real excitement came later, in San Salvador, at GoodBeans Café. We didn’t just drink the coffee, we roasted it ourselves. Under the guidance of the café’s owner, we chose our beans (grown on his brother’s farm), picked our roast profile, and ran through the process start to finish. It was technical, kind of nerdy, and surprisingly fun. We left with nearly two kilos of beans and a crazy new idea that maybe someday we should roast our own beans too.

If you go: Try both experiences. The finca for farm-to-cup perspective, and GoodBeans for roasting. Both spots have English speakers, which helps if your Spanish isn’t quite “coffee-technical” level.

2. Hiking the Santa Ana Volcano

As sailors, we live at sea level. So hiking up the side of a volcano meant a lot of huffing, puffing, and a little whining. The reward? A steaming turquoise crater lake at the summit (and ice cream).

Even though it climbs steadily, the hike is doable. Along the way, you see shifting microclimates, from jungle forest to rocky slopes. By the time you reach the top, the 360-degree views of valleys, lakes, and countryside are amazing.

Logistically, there are quirks. Guides are mandatory and you can’t typically start after 11 a.m. We drove to the trailhead and hired a guide from the parking lot. They wait until there’s a large group before starting the hike. Surprisingly, it didn’t feel crowded because the group spread out naturally. Fees for the guide, parking, and trail access are minimal, and totally worth it.

If you go: Arrive before 9 a.m. for the best chance at clear skies.

3. A Week in Suchitoto

If one town captures the soul of El Salvador, it’s Suchitoto. Cobblestone streets, brightly painted colonial buildings, and an unhurried pace.

We spent a week here slowing down. Long breakfasts of desayuno típico (eggs, beans, and plantains), wandering the colourful streets, chatting with locals, and just enjoying not having anything to do.

That said, there are things to do. We visited Los Tercios waterfall, made our own indigo-dyed clothing, and browsed the market for treats. But honestly, the best part was just being there.

We stayed at two different hotels. Casa 1800 had the comfiest beds since leaving Canada and unbeatable breakfasts overlooking Lake Suchitlán. Los Almendros had a gorgeous pool, old-world charm, and even a friendly Boston Terrier mascot. Both were dog-friendly, which made Sprocket happy.

If you go: Stay a few nights, not just a day trip. Take time to visit the quirky plate museum.

4. Juayúa Food Festival

Some people come for the mountains. We came for the food (twice). Each weekend, Juayúa transforms into a food festival with stalls selling everything from grilled meats, fish, and plenty of local snacks.

Our group’s tactic was smart. We took the divide and conquer approach. Each of us grabbed a plate, and we pooled everything together so we could try as much as possible. It was a legit feast, complete with icy beers to wash it all down.

The vibe is half-foodie paradise, half-street party. We scored a table near live music. The locals made sure we were having a great time. Songs were occasionally in English and we left with a bunch of new friends who had a good laugh at our piss-poor Spanish.

Not-to-miss: elote loco (corn on a stick covered in a wild mix of mayo, mustard, cheese, and sauces). Love it or hate it, it’s a Salvadoran street food classic. What you can miss? The fermented local drink. It was… an acquired taste.

If you go: Aim for lunchtime, it closes up pretty early. Bring small bills, an appetite, and friends.

The corn is a must.

5. Costa del Sol

I’m biased because we’ve been here long enough that it feels like home, but the Costa del Sol shouldn’t be missed. This stretch of coast is a favourite for Salvadorans, yet it doesn’t see many foreign visitors (likely because it isn’t marketed as heavily as Surf City). There might not be wild nightlife but there are miles upon miles of wide, empty beaches.

The shoreline is dotted with casual beachfront restaurants, hotels offering day passes, and the occasional palapa strung with hammocks. The water may not be the calmest we’ve swum in, but the sunsets and the sheer sense of open space more than make up for it.

If you go: Rent a beach house or get a hotel day-pass.

Sunsets are something else in Costa del sol.

El Salvador surprised us — in the best way. This tiny country is home to some incredible experiences, dramatic scenery, and friendly people who want to show off their newly safe country.

If you’re sailing through Central America or just looking for a destination that’s still off the beaten path, don’t overlook El Salvador. It’s one of Central America’s most underrated travel destinations. It might just surprise you, too.