El Salvador
I don’t just visit El Salvador — I return to it.
Over the past 12 years and more than 30 trips, this small country has taught me about beauty, resilience, and what it means to belong to a place you didn’t grow up in. These Field Notes aren’t from a tourist. They’re from a traveler who's been shaped by this land — and who keeps coming back for more.
Quick Snapshot
Best Time to Visit: September to February
Local Currency: US Dollar (USD)
Language Spoken: Spanish
Safety Level: Safe
Must-See Places: El Zonte, Ataco, San Salvador
Top 5 Tips for Traveling in El Salvador
1. Trust Local Wisdom
Locals know which beaches are safest, which markets have the best pupusas, and where to explore with ease. Ask, listen, and move with respect.
2. Carry Small Bills
Even though El Salvador uses the U.S. dollar, most shops, taxis, and street vendors can't break big bills. Carry $1s, $5s, and $10s whenever you can.
3. The Country is Small—But Don’t Rush It
You can technically drive across El Salvador in a day, but you’d be missing the magic. Linger longer in each spot to really feel the soul of the place.
4. Stay Near the Water When You Can
From the surf at El Sunzal to the peaceful vibes at Playa El Zonte, life feels different by the ocean. Even if you’re not surfing, the coast has a way of slowing you down.
5. Respect the Rhythms
Schedules move differently here—and that’s the beauty of it. Embrace slower service, spontaneous sunsets, and conversations that matter more than time.
What to Pack?
1. Trust Local Wisdom
Locals know which beaches are safest, which markets have the best pupusas, and where to explore with ease. Ask, listen, and move with respect.
2. Carry Small Bills
Even though El Salvador uses the U.S. dollar, most shops, taxis, and street vendors can't break big bills. Carry $1s, $5s, and $10s whenever you can.
3. The Country is Small—But Don’t Rush It
You can technically drive across El Salvador in a day, but you’d be missing the magic. Linger longer in each spot to really feel the soul of the place.
4. Stay Near the Water When You Can
From the surf at El Sunzal to the peaceful vibes at Playa El Zonte, life feels different by the ocean. Even if you’re not surfing, the coast has a way of slowing you down.
5. Respect the Rhythms
Schedules move differently here—and that’s the beauty of it. Embrace slower service, spontaneous sunsets, and conversations that matter more than time.
Surf a beginner wave at El Sunzal, even if you’ve never touched a board.
Order pupusas off a roadside cart where the locals eat — they’ll change your life for about $0.50 each.
Wander through the towns of Ruta de las Flores, where the air smells like coffee and the murals tell local stories.
Hike to the waterfalls in Tamanique after a morning of pupusas and strong coffee.
Things I wish I knew Before Going
Cash is king in small towns. Keep some on hand even if you’re using cards in the cities.
Banco Agricola ATMs tend to charge fewer fees than others.
Uber works great in San Salvador — faster and safer than hailing random taxis.
Street food is amazing, but aim for the busiest vendors (high turnover = fresher food).
Wi-Fi is spotty outside cities—download maps and offline translation apps before you go.
Map Section
