Why El Salvador Is Becoming Central America's Next Big Travel Adventure

I remember the raised eyebrows when I told fellow backpackers I was headed to El Salvador. Just a few years ago, this Central American nation was better known for gang violence than for tourism.

Today, however, El Salvador is flipping the script. The country once dubbed the murder capital of the world is now making headlines as Central America’s newest hot spot for adventure travel.

As an avid thrill-seeker, I set out to experience this transformation firsthand. What I discovered was a personal journey through world-class surf breaks, volcanic treks, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality – all in a country embracing a new era of safety and optimism.

This guide will share my experiences and insider tips from exploring El Salvador’s emerging attractions, from catching waves at sunrise to savouring pupusas at midnight.

By the end, you’ll understand why this overlooked gem is becoming one of Central America’s most talked-about destinations for adventure seekers.

Safety and Confidence

Not long ago, fear kept many travelers away from El Salvador. When I landed in San Salvador, I half-expected a tense atmosphere. Instead, I felt an immediate sense of ease.

Locals frequently told me how much things have changed in just the past five years. El Salvador’s crime rate has plummeted to its lowest level in decades, thanks to aggressive security reforms and a government crackdown on gangs.

In fact, the homicide rate fell so dramatically that the country’s president now touts El Salvador as “the safest in the Americas” – even safer than Canada, he claims.

Hyperbole or not, it’s true that the nation’s murder rate hit a historic low (1.9 per 100,000 in 2024), a staggering turnaround for a place that once topped global violence rankings.

Such statistics might sound abstract, but I saw tangible signs of this safety renaissance everywhere. The U.S. Embassy recently lifted all internal travel restrictions for its staff, effectively giving a green light to roam anywhere in the country.

This was almost unthinkable a few years back. I met expats and aid workers who recalled the days of “no-go” zones; now they were exploring coffee farms and surf towns on their weekends off. Salvadorans I spoke with are clearly proud of the change.

One San Salvador resident beamed, “For the first time, we feel free to enjoy our own country alongside visitors.” The discreet military and police presence I noticed – from highway checkpoints to tourist areas – actually added a sense of reassurance without feeling intrusive.

For travelers, El Salvador’s new reality means you can focus on adventure, not anxiety.

Of course, it’s wise to stay aware (the Canadian government still advises usual caution, as it does for most countries in the region). But the collective mood is undeniably optimistic.

Walking the cobblestone streets of a once-sketchy neighborhood in San Salvador one evening, I felt comfortable snapping photos and chatting with street vendors. A local college student I met put it this way: “Before, our parents worried every time we stepped outside. Now, we’re out late, enjoying life. The only thing we fear are the terremotos (earthquakes)!”

Indeed, with over 6,000 tremors a year, Mother Nature’s rumblings are now more of a concern than crime. All signs point to El Salvador having turned a corner, and the world is taking note.

Surf’s Up in “Surf City”

My first stop was the coast – ground zero of El Salvador’s adventure travel boom. As an intermediate surfer, I’d heard whispers of this country’s legendary waves.

Pulling into the beach town of El Tunco just after dawn, I saw it with my own eyes: dozens of surfers already in the water, silhouettes dancing on glassy 6-foot waves backlit by the rising sun.

The energy was infectious. Locals and foreigners cheered each other’s rides, and a dreadlocked Salvadoran instructor offered me tips on navigating the break. I paddled out into the warm Pacific, feeling a rush of gratitude – I had this epic surf almost to myself, with none of the crowds you’d battle in California or Costa Rica.

El Tunco and nearby breaks like El Sunzal, Punta Roca, and El Zonte have long been whispered about in surf circles. Now they’re the centerpiece of a national initiative aptly named “Surf City.” Launched in 2019, Surf City is the government’s master plan to transform the once-forgotten coast into a world-class surfing destination.

Chatting with a local café owner in El Tunco, I learned how much has changed in a short time. “When I started 30 years ago, there were only three restaurants here,” she told me. “Now there are about 150. There’s been enormous growth.” Looking around the bustling strip of hostels, smoothie bars, and surf shops, I could see what she meant.

The Surf City project has poured investment into the Pacific coast – from new roads and boardwalks to clean waterfront promenades and modern amenities. The once-sleepy fishing port of La Libertad now sports a gleaming pier and a seafood market where I feasted on fresh ceviche between surf sessions.

Four new shopping plazas have sprung up along the coast, adding everything from pharmacies to gear rental outlets. Importantly, the initiative focuses on uplifting local communities: surfing has created tens of thousands of jobs for Salvadoreños – everyone from surf instructors and hotel staff to fishermen-turned-tour guides.

I met young locals who, as one surf instructor proudly put it, “traded guns for surfboards.” Gangs have faded away on these beaches, replaced by surf schools and cafes. “Now people work in peace, and there are opportunities for locals,” a surf camp owner in El Zonte told me, noting how coastal residents have seen their lives transformed from poverty and violence to hope and economic opportunity.

The waves, of course, remain the main draw. El Salvador’s surf is remarkably consistent year-round, with warm water and breaks suitable for all levels. At the famous right-hand point break of Punta Roca, I watched in awe as pros carved effortlessly (no wonder it’s a World Surf League championship tour stop – the only one in Latin America in 2025).

Further east, I tried the gentler beach breaks of El Cuco and Las Flores, ideal for beginners and intermediate surfers. Wherever you go, you’ll find affordable board rentals ($10–15 a day) and instructors eager to get you riding.

Surf culture here is inclusive – one morning I shared waves with a 12-year-old local kid and a 60-year-old visiting Aussie. The camaraderie transcended language.

Beyond the breaks themselves, Surf City has a few surprises. El Zonte, one of the flagship Surf City beaches, is also known as “Bitcoin Beach.” It gained fame as a cryptocurrency experiment, and now a community of digital nomads, crypto-enthusiasts, and surfers mingle in this laid-back village.

I spent an afternoon at a beachfront café where the menu listed prices in both US dollars and Bitcoin. Fast Wi-Fi, hammocks, and the sight of laptops next to surfboards told me El Salvador’s coast is drawing remote workers along with wave riders.

It’s a unique cultural twist – where else can you discuss blockchain over a post-surf pupusa?

Perhaps the best part of Surf City is how it’s been a springboard to explore the rest of El Salvador’s beauty.

As Tourism Minister Morena Valdez explained (over a cup of locally grown coffee at an event I attended), “Surf City is the anchor, but we connect it with volcanoes, towns, lakes and gastronomy. New generations seek to reconnect with nature and tradition, and that's what we're promoting.” In other words, the beaches are just the beginning.

Fire and Forests

From the sunny coast, I headed inland craving some high-altitude adventure. El Salvador’s nickname is “Land of Volcanoes”, and it lives up to it – over two dozen volcanic cones rise across the landscape. Hiking a volcano (or three) is a must-do for any adventurer here.

In my case, I set my sights on the crown jewel: Santa Ana Volcano, known locally as Volcán Ilamatepec. At 2,381 meters (7,812 ft) it’s the highest volcano in the country, and home to a famed turquoise crater lake.

The trek up Santa Ana began in the cool morning at Cerro Verde National Park. I joined a group of locals, tourists, and a cheerful park guide named Carlos. The trail wound through cloud forest and then up a barren slope of ash and rock.

It was a moderate hike (about 4 hours round-trip), made easier by jokes and insights from Carlos – he showed us wildflowers and identified bird calls as we ascended.

Reaching the summit, I peered down into Santa Ana’s surreal crater lake, a milky-blue pool ringed by yellow sulphur deposits. Steam hissed from fumaroles, and the air smelled faintly of brimstone.

Standing on the rim, feeling the heat radiate from the earth, I understood why some adventurers call this a “miniature Mordor.” Yet it was strikingly beautiful. From the top, we had panoramic views of Lake Coatepeque – a shimmering crater lake below – and even glimpses of the Pacific in the distance.

On the hike down, a fellow traveler from Germany remarked that he felt completely safe the whole time. Indeed, national park police accompanied our group (a standard practice now), and other than some friendly stray dogs following us for snacks, there was nothing remotely threatening about the journey. If anything, I was more worried about my legs giving out than any safety issues.

Santa Ana is just one of many adventures in El Salvador’s volcanic highlands. Adjacent to it is the Izalco Volcano, a perfect cone once nicknamed “Lighthouse of the Pacific” for its near-constant eruption glow in the mid-20th century.

I didn’t hike Izalco (that trail is steeper and was temporarily closed for maintenance), but I enjoyed a postcard view of its black cinder cone from the lookout at Cerro Verde. Izalco’s stark lava slopes alongside the green summit of Cerro Verde made for a stunning contrast . In the early morning light, with mist in the valleys, the scene was otherworldly.

For those seeking more off-the-beaten-path volcano treks, El Salvador has options. In the eastern department of La Unión, I tackled Conchagua Volcano on a whim after hearing about its views.

Driving to the trailhead through small villages, I found a local guide (really just a teenager with a motorbike) to lead me up at sunrise. The hike was short and relatively easy, and the reward was jaw-dropping: from Conchagua’s lookout you can see the sun come up over the Gulf of Fonseca, illuminating a patchwork of emerald isles and the distant silhouettes of Nicaragua and Honduras across the water.

We sat there in silence, the sky painted in pastels, as frigatebirds soared below. It felt like standing at the edge of the world. There’s even a campsite on Conchagua’s summit – if you’re up for rustic camping, spending a night under the stars there is unforgettable.

Volcanoes aside, El Salvador offers plenty for nature lovers. In fact, ecotourism is on the rise, with new parks and protected areas welcoming visitors. I spent a day at El Imposible National Park, a dense tropical forest in the west named for its once-impossible-to-cross gorge.

Now there are well-marked trails where you can spot white-faced monkeys and colorful toucans (I caught sight of both!). My guide was a former hunter turned conservationist – a shift emblematic of El Salvador’s changing priorities.

We cooled off in a waterfall and he explained how ecotourism is creating jobs that depend on keeping the forest pristine.

Even near the capital, I was surprised by pockets of wilderness. One morning in San Salvador, I took an impromptu hike in Ecoparque El Espino, a protected forest on the city’s outskirts. In minutes I went from urban traffic to a quiet path under towering trees.

The park offered a refreshing nature fix and even some birdwatching (parrots and motmots abound) – all without leaving the city limits. Similarly, Bicentennial Park, right in San Salvador, provided a leafy escape with trails and bike paths. It’s heartening to see urban greenspaces valued here.

For adrenaline junkies, the outdoor thrills go beyond hiking. In the Apaneca mountains along the famous Ruta de las Flores, I found opportunities to go mountain biking and zip-lining through coffee plantations. At Apaneca’s zip-line park, I soared above the canopy, the coffee fields a blur of green below.

Later, I rented an ATV to explore backroads between quaint colonial towns, splashing through streams and passing fincas where families invited me in for a cup of home-grown coffee. The combination of lush landscapes, adventure sports, and genuine hospitality made this region a highlight.

Of all my nature escapades, one of the most magical was a spontaneous trip to Los Cobanos on the Pacific coast to snorkel among El Salvador’s only coral reef.

This rocky reef isn’t as vibrant as those in the Caribbean, but it harbors a surprising array of marine life – angelfish, octopus, even the occasional sea turtle. The fishing cooperative there now leads boat tours to the reef, another example of local communities embracing eco-friendly tourism.

On our boat ride back at sunset, the fishermen-turned-guides played salsa music and pointed out a pod of dolphins that came to surf our wake. It was one of those perfect travel moments that felt unplanned and authentic.

Cultural Encounters and Culinary Delights

Adventure in El Salvador isn’t just about physical thrills; it’s also a cultural journey. This is a country where vibrant traditions, history, and flavor infuse every experience. After days of surfing and hiking, I craved some cultural immersion – and El Salvador delivered in style.

My favorite cultural base was Suchitoto, a picturesque colonial town overlooking Lake Suchitlán. Arriving in Suchitoto felt like stepping back in time. I strolled its cobblestone streets lined with white adobe houses, their doors and window frames painted in pastel blues and yellows.

Art galleries and handicraft shops dot the town, and I even stumbled on a small museum detailing local history. On Friday night, the central square came alive with music; an impromptu band strummed guitars while locals danced. I joined a group of friendly Salvadorans on the steps of the 19th-century Santa Lucía Church to enjoy the show.

Suchitoto is also known for its birdlife and lake tours – at dawn I took a boat on Lake Suchitlán and watched flocks of egrets and herons lifting off the water. The serenity was a nice counterpoint to my high-adrenaline adventures.

Back in the western highlands, I explored the famous Ruta de las Flores, a string of colorful villages known for weekend food festivals and mural art. In Juayúa, I timed my visit for the Saturday food fair: the town square was filled with stalls grilling and stewing every Salvadoran specialty you can name. I tried yucca fritters, grilled corn, and the star of the show – pupusas.

No trip to El Salvador is complete without devouring these delicious stuffed griddle cakes.

In Juayúa, I joined a crowd at a pupusería stall and savored two hot pupusas revueltas (filled with beans, cheese, and chicharrón) slathered in curtido (tangy cabbage slaw) and tomato salsa. The cost? $1 each – a budget traveler’s dream. Eating pupusas became a daily ritual for me across the country.

Each town had its spin: in coastal La Libertad I found shrimp-filled pupusas, while in the mountains of Chalatenango I tried one with wild herbs. If you’re feeling adventurous, ask for pupusa loca – a mega-stuffed pupusa with a bit of everything.

The Ruta de las Flores villages each charmed me in a unique way. Ataco stands out for its brilliant street murals. Walking around Ataco was like wandering through an open-air art gallery – every other wall is adorned with colorful paintings depicting local life, folklore, and history.

One mural that caught my eye showed farmers harvesting coffee under a radiant sun, a nod to Ataco’s coffee-growing heritage. Locals greeted me warmly, often asking where I was from and offering directions or recommendations unprompted. I felt a genuine sense of community pride.

In the small town of Apaneca, I visited a cooperative coffee farm and learned about the bean-to-cup process (with plenty of sampling, of course). If you love coffee, El Salvador will delight you – its high-altitude coffees are among the best in the world, and you can tour plantations or simply enjoy a fresh pour-over in a café with mountain views.

History buffs will find El Salvador rich in stories. Maya ruins may not be as famous as those in Guatemala or Mexico, but they are captivating and often blissfully crowd-free. I visited Joya de Cerén, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the “Pompeii of the Americas.”

This ancient Maya village was buried in ash from a volcanic eruption around 600 AD, preserving details of everyday life. Walking the excavation site, I saw ancient houses, communal kitchens, and even half-planted fields – frozen in time. It was a humbling glimpse into the lives of ordinary people 1,400 years ago.

For a bigger-scale Maya site, Tazumal near the town of Chalchuapa features a tall pyramid and intricate stone carvings. I went on a weekday and shared the site with only a handful of other visitors (and several iguanas sunning themselves on the ruins). The lack of crowds made it easy to imagine the history echoing from these stones.

Modern history is also on display in El Salvador, especially the legacy of the Civil War (1980–1992). As an adventure traveler, I wasn’t initially planning to delve into this somber subject, but I’m glad I did. I took a detour to Perquín in the northeastern mountains, once a guerrilla stronghold.

There I visited the Museum of the Revolution, a small but powerful museum run by former guerrillas who guide you through the exhibits. Their personal stories and photographs of war-torn villages provided context to the resilience I sensed in El Salvador’s people.

Nearby, I hiked to El Mozote, the site of a tragic massacre. A memorial now stands in the village, and a guide (who lost family in the war) shared a heartfelt account of the events.

It was a heavy experience, but one that profoundly deepened my understanding of the country. The people’s perseverance through such dark times makes the current revival all the more inspiring.

On a lighter note, one cultural highlight I can’t omit: the music and nightlife. San Salvador surprised me with its trendy bars and live music venues in zones like Zona Rosa and Paseo El Carmen.

One night I found myself in a bar listening to cumbia and reggaetón fusion tunes, dancing shoulder-to-shoulder with new Salvadoran friends who had spontaneously “adopted” me into their group. In surf towns like El Tunco, the vibe is more laid-back but equally lively – beachfront bars host open-mic nights, and you might end the evening around a bonfire on the sand under a blanket of stars.

Everywhere I went, I was struck by the warmth and hospitality of Salvadorans. Whether it was a family inviting me to make pupusas with them in their home or a guide going the extra mile to show me a hidden waterfall, the people made me feel not just like a tourist, but an honored guest.

There’s a local saying: “En cada salvadoreño, un amigo” – in every Salvadoran, a friend. I found that to be absolutely true. The cultural interactions – sharing meals, stories, and laughter – became some of my most treasured memories.

Better Roads, Better Connectivity, Better Travel

One aspect of El Salvador’s rise as an adventure destination that really surprised me was the improving infrastructure. Let’s face it, half the challenge of adventure travel is just getting places.

In El Salvador, I found traveling around refreshingly straightforward. Despite being off the mainstream tourist track, the country’s roads and transport networks are arguably the best in Central America. Paved highways connect major regions, and even many rural roads have been upgraded.

I rented a 4x4 for a week (for about $40/day) and was able to drive from the Pacific Coast to the Honduran border in under 5 hours on smooth highways – try that in some neighboring countries!

The small size of El Salvador works in its favor too: nothing is more than a half-day journey away. “You can stick to three hotels over two weeks and cover the entire country,” a Canadian tour operator told me, noting that the compactness and road quality let travelers see a lot without constantly packing and unpacking.

A major point of progress is in air connectivity. Currently, most visitors fly into Monseñor Óscar Arnulfo Romero International Airport outside San Salvador, which is a modern and efficient hub. (I was through immigration and collecting my backpack in record time.)

That airport is already served by 14 international airlines, including big players like Avianca, United, American, Delta, Copa, and even new low-cost carriers. This means plenty of flight options and competitive fares.

On my flight in, I sat next to a Salvadoreño family returning from Washington D.C. and a surfer from Los Angeles – evidence of the diverse traveler demographics now coming in.

To meet growing demand, the government has started building a second international airport on the eastern side of the country. In a few years, flying directly to the surf beaches or eastern region will likely be possible, further easing access.

Within the country, I predominantly drove, but I also tried the revamped public transport for the experience. The iconic “Chicken buses” (colorful converted school buses) are still the cheapest way to go – and quite an adventure in themselves – but there are also more comfortable shuttle services and private drivers readily available.

I took a shuttle from San Salvador to El Tunco for $10, which was clean, air-conditioned, and even had Wi-Fi. Speaking of connectivity: cell coverage and internet access were better than expected. I had 4G mobile signal on top of Santa Ana volcano and even decent reception in remote areas like Morazán. Many cafés and hotels offer free Wi-Fi.

This is another area seeing investment – one initiative is expanding free Wi-Fi to public spaces and tourist sites, which I noticed in San Salvador’s plazas. If you’re a digital nomad or just like to stay connected, you’ll manage fine here (just have a local SIM as backup if you plan to work from the road).

Another piece of infrastructure that adventurers will appreciate: new accommodations and eco-lodges. El Salvador’s tourism renaissance has spurred a wave of boutique hotels, hostels, and eco-friendly lodges. I split my stays between budget hostels and mid-range guesthouses, and in both cases I was impressed.

For instance, in El Tunco I stayed at a surf hostel that had a pool, gear rental, and nightly communal BBQs – all for under $20 a night. In contrast, at Lake Coatepeque I splurged on a night at a stunning eco-resort (pictured below) with an infinity pool overlooking the lake’s sunset.

The range of options is growing, from beach glamping sites to mountain B&Bs. Importantly, many new spots are locally owned, ensuring tourism dollars benefit the community. Advanced booking is still recommended in high season, but I found availability even with same-day plans (a perk of not being overrun by tourists – yet).

Infrastructure extends to things like tourism services and information. The government and private sector have launched initiatives to help travelers navigate the country. Tourist police (POLITUR) patrol popular sites to assist visitors – I chatted with a friendly officer at Joya de Cerén who was happy to recommend a lunch spot.

There are also new info kiosks in places like El Tunco and Suchitoto, and an official tourism app/website with suggested itineraries. I even noticed improved road signage for attractions, which made my road trip easier (a small thing seasoned travelers will appreciate!).

These might seem like minor details, but together they create an environment where adventure seekers can travel independently with confidence.

All these developments show a country investing in its future as a tourism player. As one news outlet succinctly reported, El Salvador’s push to enhance safety and infrastructure – from roads and airports to public spaces – is propelling it into the ranks of Central America’s most dynamic travel hotspots. In short, the country is now ready for prime time.

Big Thrills, Small Prices

It’s one thing for a destination to offer epic adventures, but it’s icing on the cake when those adventures are affordable. In El Salvador, I found exceptional value for money.

This is a place where you can surf all morning, tour ruins in the afternoon, and enjoy a seafood feast at night without breaking the bank.

The cost of traveling in El Salvador is notably lower than many of its neighbors. Compared to tourist magnets like Costa Rica or Belize, El Salvador is a bargain.

For example, I met a backpacker who had just come from Costa Rica – he was astonished that his daily expenses in El Salvador were roughly one-quarter of what they were in Costa Rica.

To put numbers in perspective, travel blogger budgets estimate around $35–60 USD per day can get you by comfortably here. As a mid-range traveler, I averaged about $60/day, and I was living well – private rooms, guided tours, the occasional craft beer or cocktail, all included.

Let’s break down some typical costs I encountered, just to illustrate the value:

• Surfing: Board rental ~$10, one-hour private lesson ~$20. In Hawaii or California you’d pay double. Here, after a $20 lesson at El Sunzal, I was sharing fresh pineapple slices (50 cents from a fruit cart) with my instructor on the beach – an incredible experience for the price of an entree back home.

• Hiking tours: Guided Santa Ana volcano hike (with park entry and security) was $8. Many trails can be done for free or just a few dollars for a local guide. My impromptu guide on Conchagua Volcano? He asked for $5, and I threw in lunch.

• Transportation: Long-distance “direct” shuttles $5–$15. Local chicken bus rides as low as $0.50 (and definitely under $2 between most towns) – and they’ll cram your surfboard on top at no extra cost, as I found out! Gasoline prices are moderate, and splitting a rental car with friends can be very economical.

• Food and drink: Street food like pupusas for $0.50–$1 each (3–4 make a meal). A lunch at a comedor (local eatery) with grilled meat, rice, and salad ran me $4. Even a nicer dinner of fresh grilled fish at a beach restaurant was under $15, beer included. Speaking of beer, a cold local Pilsener costs about $1.50 at a corner store, $3 at a bar. Craft beers or cocktails in city bars might hit $5 – still far cheaper than a night out in, say, New York or even San José.

• Accommodation: Hostel dorm beds $10–15. Good guesthouse or Airbnb private rooms $25–$40. I often split costs with a travel buddy, which made stays very cheap. We rented an Airbnb in Santa Ana for $24 a night (that’s $12 each), walking distance from the central plaza. It was simple but clean, with strong Wi-Fi and a friendly host who gave us travel tips.

• Entrance fees and tours: Many museums and sites charge $1–$3 for entry (the revolution museum in Perquín asked only for donations). National parks are similarly a couple of dollars. I hired an English-speaking birdwatching guide at El Imposible for $10 for a half-day – a huge value considering his expertise.

One reason these prices stay low is that El Salvador is still under the mass-tourism radar, which means less tourist price inflation. Also, using the U.S. dollar as the official currency (yes, they use USD, no need to exchange money) keeps prices relatively stable and easy to understand for American visitors.

Bargaining isn’t as common here as in some countries; frankly, I often felt the quoted price was already so reasonable that I was happy to pay it.

Importantly, affordability doesn’t mean a lack of quality. I found that even budget accommodations were clean and secure, local tour operators were professional, and the cheaper eateries often served the tastiest food (nothing beats a $1 street pupusa made by a grandma who’s probably been perfecting the recipe for decades).

Value for money is part of El Salvador’s allure – you can indulge in extra activities or a nicer stay with the savings. As a traveler who’s always counting pennies to extend my trips, I deeply appreciated how far my dollars went here.

This affordability, combined with the richness of experiences, makes El Salvador a sweet spot for adventurers who want maximum thrill per buck.

Top Destinations and Activities

El Salvador may be small, but it packs a punch with its diverse regions. Whether you’re a surfer, hiker, culture buff, or all of the above, there’s a corner of this country for you.

Based on my journey, here’s a quick guide to some of the top destinations and what adventures await there:

This table barely scratches the surface – part of the fun is discovering your own hidden gem. But it gives you a roadmap to start dreaming.

Tip: Distances are short, so you can combine many of these in one trip. In a single week I managed to surf the coast, climb a volcano, and soak in culture in the villages. Two weeks or more will allow a deeper dive, including the far eastern and northern reaches.

My Secret Salvadoran Moments

Despite all the highlights above, some of my fondest memories in El Salvador came from unplanned detours and conversations. Adventure sometimes finds you when you least expect it.

One afternoon, while driving a backroad near the town of Tacuba, I saw a hand-painted sign: “Cascada – 2 km”. On a whim, I veered off onto a dirt path. After a bumpy ride and a short hike, I found a secluded waterfall cascading into a crystal-clear pool.

A couple of local teenagers were already there, swimming and laughing. They waved me over, and soon I was plunging into the refreshingly cold water with them. We communicated in broken Spanish and gestures, sharing cookies I had in my pack.

There was not another soul around, just the sound of water and our laughter echoing in the green canyon. It struck me that in more touristed countries, this waterfall would probably be an Instagram hotspot with an entry fee. Here it was just a hidden slice of paradise I had all to myself (and new friends).

Another offbeat experience was joining a turtle release on the coast. At Barra de Santiago, a community-run hatchery releases baby sea turtles certain evenings in season.

I arrived on a day when a batch of olive ridley hatchlings was due to be set free. As the sun dipped red over the ocean, local kids and a few volunteers handed out tiny wriggling turtles to each of us.

We set them gently on the sand and watched as instinct drew them to the waves. I found myself cheering softly each time a little turtle caught a wave out to sea. It was a moving experience – participating in conservation and witnessing a fragile life begin its journey.

Afterwards, the locals invited me to sit around a small bonfire. We roasted corn and traded stories under a sky bursting with stars. It’s moments like this that don’t make any guidebook, yet they define the soul of travel.

Finally, I’ll always remember a night in a remote village in Morazán. I was the only foreigner for miles, staying in a simple homestay. After dinner, my host – an elderly gentleman named Don Rafael – took out his guitar. He began playing a soulful Salvadoran folk song.

His wife joined in singing, and soon the neighbors wandered over. We had an impromptu jam session on the porch, taking turns singing (they made me sing something, and the only thing I could think of was La Bamba, which made everyone laugh).

In that humble setting, with crickets chirping and music in the air, I felt an overwhelming sense of belonging and joy. I wasn’t an outsider; I was a guest among friends.

Those off-the-tourist-trail interactions are where El Salvador truly shines. This is a country where tourism is still personal.

Locals are genuinely excited to share their favorite spots and proud to see travelers appreciating their homeland. Every traveler I met echoed the sentiment: El Salvador has a way of stealing your heart when you least expect it.

Conclusion

Leaving El Salvador, I felt a mix of excitement and nostalgia. Excitement, because I knew I’d be singing this country’s praises to anyone who would listen – I had become that person saying “You have to go, now, before the rest of the world catches on!”

And nostalgia, because in a short time El Salvador had given me a wealth of experiences and friendships that usually take much longer to cultivate.

It’s remarkable how far El Salvador has come in such a short period. From notorious to noteworthy, it has reinvented itself as a haven for adventure seekers.

What makes El Salvador truly special is that it offers authentic, raw adventure with a warm human touch.

The country’s tagline could well be what I heard repeatedly along the coast: “Donde hay olas, hay vida” – where there are waves, there is life.

I’ll be back. El Salvador stole my heart with its fearless spirit and soul-stirring adventures.