You can travel from the top to bottom of El Salvador in less than five hours such is its size and accessibility. Often overlooked as a destination it has sometimes struggled to shed the burden of its civil warring past but, for most part, El Salvador is a peaceful, warm and welcoming country where locals are only too keen to share the beauty of their country with visitors. From the historic centre to its volcano peppered spine El Salvador is growing as a tourist destination.

The dramatic Pacific coast has been the host to past world surf championships. Quieter bays are home to turtle marine reserves and much needed conservation work. At villages along the coast fresh catch is brought ashore and often ends up in small very affordable local seafood shacks and restaurants the same day. In addition to fishing farming and coffee growing are also major sources of income for the growing economy so fresh produce is never far away. The Ruta de Las Flores is the best place to try local food – a string of colourful market villages with their own cuisine.

Colonial towns such as Suchitoto are steeped in colonial history.  A beautiful white church stands proudly behind a serene plaza where a stroll around the cobbled streets or a stop at a `pupusaria’ will take you back in time. The lush hills of Perquin saw some of the worst fighting during the civil war but now it’s a peaceful haven for nature lovers and walkers .

Some of the volcano treks are the best to be had in Central America. Santa Ana is the tallest at under 2500m and walkable in a day. The stunning flora that grows over two metres high makes you forget you’re on a volcano whilst perfectly formed Izalco at just under 2,000 metres is changes colour with the light throughout the day.

Geography

The geography of El Salvador can be split into two regions. The first region contains the mountain ranges and the central plateaus, and the second region comprises the coastal plains, commonly known as the Pacific lowlands. Two parallel mountain ranges cross through the country to the west.

People & Culture

Around half of all Salvadorans live in the countryside. They live in poverty and don't have electricity or water running in their homes. Wealthy families live in San Salvador in houses and apartments.

The government in El Salvador offers free education to children up to the ninth grade, even though many families need help to afford the cost of supplies and transportation.

Rice, beans, and tortillas are the main foods in El Salvador. Most people cannot afford meat and do not have enough food to eat daily.

Soccer is very popular in El Salvador.

Government & Economy

El Salvador has a multi-party system. Three political parties Nuevas Ideas (New Ideas), the Nationalist Republican Alliance (ARENA) and the Farabundo Martí National Liberation Front (FMLN)  dominate elections and have done  since the end of the civil war. The current president is Nayib Armando Bukele Ortez. ( Arena Party)  He’s renowned for taking a very hard line on crime.

Language

The main primary language spoken in El Salvador is Spanish, and English is also spoken however by more educated people.