What can you find in El Salvador that you won't find anywhere else?
Inland, Parque Nacional Los Volcanes, El Salvador's national treasure, is a major bird sanctuary which also offers great guided climbing on one of three volcanoes or hiking along an extensive network of trails. An hour away, the Ruta de las Flores takes you to the heart of the country's coffee region where a tour of a plantation is a must, and the friendly locals are sure to give you a warm welcome as you wander through the brightly painted colonial villages and pick up some authentic arts and crafts.
Some of the country's finest examples of colonial architecture, as well as excellent restaurants and bars, line cobblestone streets in Suchitoto, El Salvador's answer to Antigua before the tourists arrived. This quaint town is especially worth visiting in February when it plays host to a world renowned arts and culture festival.
What are the best ways to discover El Salvador?
As a small country that has only recently started becoming popular with tourists, El Salvador is not yet crammed full of luxury hotels, however we have uncovered two gems that between them provide the perfect holiday retreats: one right on the coast and one in the heart of the town of Suchitoto. Both of these hotels have less than ten rooms, with an intimate and rustic feel while blending seamlessly in with their surroundings.