10-Day El Salvador Tour with Maya Sites, Volcanoes and Beaches

10 Days Round trip from El Salvador airport Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Explore San Salvador's Historic Center, including the National Library, the Cathedral, and Monseñor Romero's Mausoleum
  • 02 Take in volcano and valley views from La Puerta del Diablo and El Boquerón National Park
  • 03 Experience the Ruta de Las Flores through Ataco, Nahuizalco, coffee tasting, and a century-old coffee estate
  • 04 Discover El Salvador's Maya heritage at Tazumal, Casablanca, and Joya de Cerén
  • 05 Enjoy Suchitoto's colonial charm, Los Tercios Waterfall, and a boat ride on Lake Suchitlán
  • 06 Cruise through the tropical island bay near La Unión and swim at Zacatillo Island before relaxing at Playa Las Tunas

Discover El Salvador on a varied 10-day journey through the capital's historic and modern districts, volcanic landscapes, Maya archaeological sites, coffee country, colonial towns, and the eastern coast. Travel from San Salvador and El Boquerón to Cerro Verde, Ataco, Tazumal, Joya de Cerén, Suchitoto, Alegría, La Unión, and Playa Las Tunas, with experiences ranging from crater views and coffee tasting to a boat ride on Lake Suchitlán and island scenery in the Gulf of Fonseca. This itinerary offers a broad introduction to the country's history, culture, nature, and beach life, ending with time to relax by the sea.

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 10 Days
Tour type Shared
Activity level Moderate
Accommodation Included · Luxury
Transport Included
Wheelchair access No
Cities San Miguel, San Salvador, Santa Ana, Suchitoto, Chalchuapa, Parque El Boquerón, Los Volcanes National Park
Languages English, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Arrival in San Salvador

  • Arrival: Arrive in El Salvador and transfer to the hotel.
  • Evening: In the evening, you can visit some popular areas in the capital, such as Multiplaza, Gran Vía, or Paseo El Carmen, all known for nightlife.
  • Accommodation: Accommodation in San Salvador.
2
Day 02

San Salvador City Tour and El Boquerón

  • Guide: Our local guide will be pleased to show you around the capital, San Salvador, and provide insights into the country's history, culture, and people.

3
Day 03

Cerro Verde, Ataco, and Nahuizalco

  • Depart: Depart westward and enjoy views of the Sonsonate Valley, known for sugarcane cultivation.
  • Visit: Visit Cerro Verde National Park, where we'll hike around the crater of an extinct volcano while enjoying beautiful vistas of other volcanoes and Lake Coatepeque.
  • Explore: Explore the historic town of Ataco, a cultural meeting place.
  • Stop: Nahuizalco, famous for its wicker crafts and colonial church, is the first stop on the Ruta de Las Flores, a popular destination in the country.
  • Accommodation: Accommodation in Ataco (D).
4
Day 04

Ataco Coffee and Thermal Waters

  • Morning: Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of Ataco.
  • Mid-morning: Indulge in a coffee tasting and visit a century-old coffee processing estate.
  • Afternoon: Unwind with a relaxing soak in the thermal waters before returning to your hotel.
  • Accommodation: Accommodation in Ataco (D).
5
Day 05

Maya Heritage from Chalchuapa to Suchitoto

  • Today: Explore El Salvador's Maya heritage today.
  • Visit: Visit Tazumal, the country's largest pyramid, with an intriguing drainage system built by the Maya.
  • Discover: Discover the colonial church in Chalchuapa.
  • Witness: See how the Maya painted their clothing using organic colors at the Casablanca site.
  • Continue: Continue to Santa Ana, where you'll have the chance to visit the newly renovated Santa Ana Theater (admission not included).
  • Lunch: Enjoy free time for lunch.
  • Later: Later, explore the famous archaeological site of Joya de Cerén, an ancient Maya village preserved under volcanic ash.
  • Arrive: Arrive in Suchitoto by day's end (D).
6
Day 06

Suchitoto and Lake Suchitlán

  • Morning: Enjoy a leisurely morning exploring this charming town.
  • After lunch: Visit Los Tercios Waterfall and take a boat ride on Lake Suchitlán, a reservoir for a nearby hydroelectric dam, where migratory birds are often spotted.
  • Accommodation: Accommodation in Suchitoto (B).
7
Day 07

Alegría, Emerald Lagoon, and La Unión

  • Morning: In the morning, head eastward, passing through the Jiboa Valley.
  • Cross: Travel near the Chinchontepec and Chaparrastique volcanoes until you reach Alegría, a delightful mountain village.
  • Visit: Visit the Emerald Lagoon and the Crystal Bridge.
  • Continue: Continue the journey, passing through San Miguel, and arrive in La Unión.
  • Evening: In the evening, explore the small town of Conchagua before returning to your hotel.
  • Accommodation: Accommodation in La Unión (D).
8
Day 08

Bay Cruise to Playa Las Tunas

  • Morning: Enjoy a morning boat ride through the tropical island bay, taking in the scenic landscapes.
  • Stop: Stop at Zacatillo Island for a refreshing swim in the sea.
  • Transfer: Arrive at the port of La Unión and transfer to your hotel in Playa Las Tunas, a beautiful beach with gentle waves and a coffee-colored shoreline.
  • Accommodation: Accommodation in a full-board hotel (D/C).
9
Day 09

Free Day at Playa Las Tunas

  • Free day: Enjoy a free day at the beach or try optional activities such as beginner's surfing.
  • Meals: Full board included (D/A/C).
10
Day 10

Departure to San Salvador or the Airport

  • After lunch: After lunch, depart for San Salvador or the airport.
  • Free time: Free time (D/A).
  • Note: Remember to book your flight after midday.

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from El Salvador airport 7 cities · 10 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Accommodation at the specified hotels

  • Private ground transportation

  • Guide and tickets

What's Not Included

  • Lunch (meals not included)

  • Santa Ana Theater (admission not included)

  • Optional activities such as beginner's surfing

Know before you go

  • Operates all year.

  • Begins daily, except Wednesday and Saturday.

  • Requires a minimum of two people traveling together.

  • Remember to book your flight after midday.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
After customs at El Salvador airport
Tour start
El Salvador airport
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 10 days finish where they began, in El Salvador airport.

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