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Week Long Itinerary in El Salvador
Home » El Salvador » El Salvador - A Week Long Itinerary » Week Long Itinerary in El SalvadorThe enchantment and charm of El Salvador is hard to capture on paper. This week long itinerary offers travelers the opportunity to explore a glimpse of the beauty El Salvador has to offer. The home base for the excursions will be the capital city of San Salvador, where visitors can enjoy accommodations at one of the hotels in the city. Seven days will be spent exploring a little of all the magnificence El Salvador provides. Visitors will tour to Joya de Ceren, hike El Imposible National Park, kayak to Madre Sal Island in Jiquilisco Bay, explore Cerro Verde Volcano National Park, tour the Pyramids of Tazumal, Casa Blanca, and the ancient city of Chalchupa in this exciting week long itinerary.
Day One: Pyramids of Tazumal, Casa Blanca and the colonial city of Chalchuapa, San Salvador
Arrive at the airport on your first day in San Salvador. After you have checked into the hotel of your choice, leave the city to visit two archaeological sites located in the same complex. First, stop at Casa Blanca; this site is home to a set of pyramids. The pyramids here are exceptionally uncommon in El Salvador and Meso America with their distinctive circular shape. The colonial city of Chalchuapa was constructed partly on the grounds of this pyramid complex.
Next, visit El Tazumal, which is the largest pyramid found in El Salvador. The architecture of Tazumal Pyramid is extremely remarkable. If you have time, visit a craftsman's shop where guests can observe the impressive creating of the jade stone, which is today regarded as a jewel and is extremely valuable.
Day Two: Historical Sites of San Salvador
Begin day two by visiting all the historic sites San Salvador has to offer. San Salvador provides its visitors various options for exploring its culture. By visiting the historic sites, guests will have a deeper understanding of San Salvador's origin. Make sure you visit the National Theater and Palace as well as the Metropolitan Cathedral, architectural buildings that date to the beginning of the century.
In the afternoon, enjoy great shopping. The city of San Salvador has many options to choose from in regards to shopping: Galerías Escalón, which is thought to be the best in the country, Metrocentro, the largest mall in Central America, Plaza Merliot, and Plaza San Benito.
In the evening, visit "Zona Rosa", found in an elite residential zone. Here the nightlife is sure to please visitors of all ages. Guests can appreciate excellent cuisine, exotic drinks, and dance until morning in many discotecs.
Day Three: El Imposible National Park, San Salvador
On day three, rise up early to travel to El Imposible National Park, located 110 kilometers west of San Salvador. The park receives its name from the earlier traders who used to travel through this forest, guiding their mules along the precipitous "Impossible Pass", hence, the name of the national park. El Imposible National Park makes up part of the Apaneca, the Ilamatepec mountain range. Explore "Mirador del Mulo", the heart of the park. If you have time, go swimming in the middle of the forest in the crystal clear waters. Hike through the park observing this protected natural region, which has the biggest biological assortment presently existing in El Salvador. The park provides a natural habitat where these species can thrive. El Imposible National Park also contains species that are in danger of becoming extinct all over the world. It is one of the final remnants of rainforest that developed previously all along the Mesoamerican Pacific coast.
Day Four: Joya de Ceren, San Salvador
Spend day four exploring an archeological site that was pronounced human heritage by UNESCO, Joya de Ceren. This archaeological site is thought to be the most significant archaeological site discovered to date in El Salvador. Joya de Ceren is the only spot in the entire Mayan culture where people can value the way of life of the admired pre-Columbian inhabitant.
In the afternoon return to the capital city. Visit the National Museum of Anthropology and the National Historical Center. Make sure you stop to observe the monument of Central American independence.
Day Five: Cerro Verde Volcano National Park, San Salvador
Begin day five by leaving San Salvador in the morning to travel 65 kilometers east to Cerro Verde Volcano National Park. Begin by enjoying a trek within the boundaries of the park, and then hike a path that leads to the feet of the Izalco Volcano. Climb the surface of the volcano until you arrive at its crater, which typically takes around 3 hours. Those who make it to the top of this climb will greatly appreciate the beautiful landscape above. In the afternoon, hike through the dense, misty forest of Cerro Verde Volcano National Park.
Day Six: Jiquilisco Bay, Madre Sal Island, San Salvador
On day six, travel to Puerto Parada, Usulutan, located 120 kilometers east of San Salvador. Be prepared to spend the day in the water, as this is the perfect place to go kayaking. Kayak the channels of Jiquilisco Bay until you come to the cavernous mangrove swamps of San Dionisio's Island. Keep your eye out for the Tecapa-Chinameca volcano range.
In the afternoon, you can disembark at Madre Sal Island and spend the rest of the day. Enjoy the uninhabited, breathtaking beach located on San Juan's Peninsula. This provides the perfect getaway for a relaxing day.
Day Seven: Santa Ana and Metapan
Spend your last day strolling through the beautiful city of Santa Ana, regarded as the second most important city in El Salvador. Tour Santa Ana's historical center, and wander through the gothic cathedral. Make sure you do not miss Santa Ana's theater, as it is a beautiful configuration of architecture.
In the afternoon, you can travel to the splendid city of Metapan, which provides a gorgeous view to the lake of Metapan. Explore the highlights of this beautiful colonial city by touring its churches, plazas, and historical center.
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