A little more
El Salvador.
A lot less roaming.

Travelling to El Salvador: what to know before you go

El Salvador is the smallest country in Central America, a land of volcanoes, crater lakes, coffee-growing highlands and a Pacific coast with some of the region's best surf. Because it is compact, you can be on a volcano rim in the morning and on the beach by the afternoon. It suits surfers, hikers and travellers interested in Maya sites, colonial towns and food, especially pupusas.

Where to go

• Santa Ana Volcano (Ilamatepec). The country's highest volcano has a turquoise, steaming crater lake at its summit.
• Lake Coatepeque. A large crater lake whose water can turn a vivid blue-green, ringed by forested slopes.
• Ruta de las Flores. A winding road through coffee country in the western highlands, linking the towns of Juayúa, Apaneca, Ataco and Nahuizalco.
• The surf coast. El Tunco, El Zonte and Punta Roca near La Libertad have consistent waves breaking over rocky points, attracting surfers from around the world.

Best time to visit

The dry season, from roughly November to April, is the best time for hiking and sightseeing, with sunny days and clear volcano views. The rainy season, from May to October, brings afternoon and evening storms but green landscapes; mornings are often clear.

Staying online in El Salvador

Mobile coverage is good in San Salvador, other cities, the surf towns and along main roads, with 4G widely available. Coverage can weaken in rural highlands, on volcano trails and in the more remote eastern beaches and national parks such as El Imposible. Hotels, hostels and cafés usually have Wi-Fi. Install an eSIM before you fly and switch it on when you land so maps and ride-hailing work from the airport.