When you think of the ideal solo trip destination, what countries and cities come to mind? I immediately gravitate towards Los Angeles, France, Arizona, Thailand, or Jamaica. I’ve been to these cities/countries, and I agree with the idea that they are solo trip friendly.

A month ago or so, I started researching solo destinations other than the popular ones. The world is such a beautiful place, and so many countries remain underrated for one reason or another. One of those countries is El Salvador, located in Central America. As I unearthed all these artifacts about El Salvador, I knew that was my next solo destination, from the dormant volcanoes to the tortillas and more.

In a two weeks span, I bought a flight ticket, secured my accommodation, and locked in a few activities. This time around, it was all about getting a well-rounded experience; both rest and adventure were in order. It’s so important to get what you want out of an experience as a solo traveler. El Salvador delivered just that.

From the Black Sand Beaches to the authentic Pupusas and more, El Salvador delivers a true taste of Latin America. It surpassed all expectations and added value to the words ‘wholesome travel experience.’

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT EL-SALVADOR AS A TOP TIER DESTINATION IN CENTRAL AMERICA

• It costs $12 for a Visa. No need to apply prior to your visit. You can get that at the airport. They accept both cash and credit card.

• 72 hours PCR negative tests are required for entry in El Salvador. Proof of vaccination is equally acceptable to enter the country. That is what I used. You have to be fully vaccinated or have a negative COVID test.

• You will need a personal driver to help get you around town. The name of my driver is David, and he is linked here.  

• La Libertad is a beach town, and San Salvador is the capital. If you want the beach vibes, you should consider staying in La Libertad.

4 BEACH RESORTS TO MUST CONSIDER FOR ACCOMMODATION

1. Lagarza Hostel. I stayed at Lagarza during my visit to El Salvador. I enjoyed all the amenities, especially my outdoor bathroom. Please note that it is a hostel. You can share a room with multiple people to save money or choose a private room. I paid $125/night for a private room and shower. It comes with a complimentary breakfast.

2. Located in La Libertad, Lagarza is about one hour away from the airport. Due to the distance, you will need a taxi to get there. It is not the most accessible place to get to, but it is magical once you get there. I had a personal driver during my stay; his name is David. He speaks English and has a lot of knowledge regarding the culture.

3. Acantilados El Salvador. This is a dream resort located in La Libertad. The rate is $185/night. It has a restaurant, a massive swimming pool, a bar, and free private parking.

4. Hotel Palo Verde. Palo Verde is a boutique hotel right on the beach, so that’s a vibe. It is in Chiltiupan, El Salvador – a small surf town. Near by attractions include Playa El Tunco, El Sunzal and Nattivo. Hotel Palo Verde is close to La Libertad, where Lagarza Hostel is located. The rate is $130/night. I highly recommend it to my beach lovers.

5. Hotel Losfarallones. This beachfront property is on a private beach in La Libertad. Hotel Losfarallones offers tropical gardens, a private infinity pool, and a sun terrace with hammocks and sea views. I had the intention to spend a night there but sold out. This property is 15 minutes from Lagarza Hostel. The rate is $174/night.

I’ve noticed that Booking.com is a lot cheaper than Hotels.com. I would encourage you to compare both.

5 DISHES YOU ABSOLUTELY MUST TRY

1. Pupusas. It’s made from cornmeal flour that is mixed with water. Pupusas are usually stuffed with refried beans, shredded pork, or cheese. That’s a cultural dish, so you must try it. Plus, they’re delicious!

2. Typical El-Salvadoran Breakfast. It includes eggs, beans, casamiento (rice and beans mixed), fried plantains, avocado, cheese, tortillas, and coffee or juice. Panaderías (bakeries) usually offer morning cakes and coffee. This was my favorite meal in El – Salvador.

3. Tortillas. Tortillas are a staple in El-Salvador. It comes with every meal. If not, ask for one. They are so cheap; 20 cents apiece.

4. Pollo Campero & Don Pollo. I didn’t know that this restaurant chain is originally from El Salvador. It is a huge deal over there. I saw so many people bring it back to the United States. I recommend that you try it out if you are a fan of fried chicken. Don Pollo was my favorite one; it’s a local chain, and it’s much cheaper than Pollo Campero. I paid $2 for two wings at Don Pollo and $6 for two wings at Pollo Campero.

5. Fried Fish. I love fried fish, but fried fish in El Salvador hits different. El Salvadorans pair this meal with avocado, cheese, plantains, and rice. No words except delicious!

6. Margheritas. I added the Margheritas to this list because they cost $5. It’s the cheapest you’ll pay for that drink on this green earth.  

There are many other cultural dishes you can try, especially the fresh fruits. Avocado was one of my favorite fruit to eat while I was there. Try it all!

TOP THINGS TO DO EXPERIENCE IN EL SALVADOR

1. The Giant Rainbow Slide. The slide is located at the Picnic Steakhouse outside of San Salvador. Entry to the restaurant is free, but you have to purchase an item on the menu to get on the slide. The slide cost $5 per round. The slide is outside of San Salvador; I would recommend a taxi or a car rental if you have family there, even better. An absolute must. Check out the video of me going down the slide here.

2. Learn about the culture by hiking to active and inactive volcanoes. The most popular volcano in El Salvador is Santa Ana. Santa Ana is west of San Salvador City, and it is considered the highest and most active volcano in El Salvador. I tried to visit but didn’t have enough time, as the tours are scheduled for 7 am. El Salvador is home to 17 volcanoes, both active and inactive: Santa Ana Volcano, San Salvador Volcan, Izalco, Lago de Coatepeque, San Miguel, Conchagua, San Vicente, Chinameca, Usulutan, Tecapa, Cuazapa, Conchaguiita, Cerro El Taburete, Chingo, Cosiguina Volcano, Tacana Volcano, and Tiger Island.

I checked out El Boqueron, which is a 10 minutes drive up from the Picnic Steakhouse. El Boqueron is a dormant volcano; breathtaking! I hiked about 10 minutes up; that’s not a long hike compared to Santa Ana. It takes three hours to walk to and from Santa Ana. Nonetheless, you can learn a lot about the indigenous people at the El Boqueron museum center. You get an insight into their lives pre and post volcanoes; it goes deep into the El Salvadorean ancestry.

3.  Hang out on the Coatepeque Caldera. From El Boqueron, you can spot Lago de Coatepeque. Lake Coatepeque is a large crater lake surrounded by wooded hills in western El Salvador. You can drive up to the lake and have lunch by the water. The lake has an active volcano right underneath. How cool is that? I recommend.

4. Spend a Day at Nawi Beach House. Nawi Beach House is a beautiful beach club to spend a relaxing afternoon with unlimited $5 drinks. The beach house is $15, and it includes a horseback ride and a welcome drink. Nawi Beach House is very instagrammable, so great photo ops.

5. Visit Joya de Cerén

6. Check El Imposible National Park

7. Spend a day at Los Chorros

8. Wander through colonial Suchitoto

9. Embark on the Ruta de Las Flores

10. Spend a day at Playa El Tunco

5 TESTING LABS FOR AN ANTIGEN TEST IN EL SALVADOR

A negative antigen test result is required to re-enter the United States. Please note that antigen test results come out in a matter of hours or less. I received my antigen test results in 20 minutes. PCR tests are not required to re-enter, just an antigen test. Here are five popular places where you can get tested.

1. Laboratorio Centre de Diagnostico. This lab is a common one used by American travelers. It is located in San Salvador and costs $35. This location is further away from the airport so give yourself ample time. 

2. Laboratorio Clinico Torres Campo. I did my antigen test at this lab. It cost me $50, and it’s right next to the airport. My results were available in 20 minutes.

3. Laboratorio Centro De Diagnostico. It is located in San Salvador and it cost $30 for a test.

4. Analiza. I spotted this on the El Salvador website. Depending on where you are staying, it is a good option. Analiza is in San Salvador. The antigen test is $30.           

5. Max Bloch. I also spotted this on the website with travel resources. Their website is in Spanish. I added it to the list just in case you need extra help.      

Please note that I used the Lab you see pictured. It’s 5 mins from the airport, so you can’t beat that!

I hope you found this helpful! Feel free to shoot me an email if you have any questions. I shared a lot of content on Instagram and Tiktok. Check those out for more inspiration and day-to-day travels. Have a read on everything you need to know about taking your 1st solo trip here.

Happy traveling!
Xx Kris