San Salvador, El Salvador's vibrant capital, has several hidden gems waiting to be explored. Beyond the bustling markets and colonial charm, this city offers a surprising variety of thrills. Get ready to hike towering volcanoes, delve into ancient Mayan ruins, surf epic waves, and indulge in mouthwatering local cuisine. Let's explore the best tours and activities to make your trip unforgettable.
Disclaimer
Part of the job of a travel agent is to save clients time and money. I looked through hundreds of tours and picked out the best tours to book in various categories that are both the best in quality and price.
Prices listed below are subject to change. Rates are typically discounted for larger groups and children, so use the links provided to see the exact cost for your specific scenario and book what is of interest to you.
City Tour
Explore El Salvador’s capital city with a local-in-the-know on this private tour of San Salvador. A great way to squeeze in visits to all the city’s most popular sights in just a few hours—including the historic center with its colonial-era palaces, museums, and theaters, and the craft market—this tour also gives visitors the chance to gain a deeper understanding about El Salvador’s history and culture.
Duration
3 hours
Availability
Monday - Saturday at 9 am
Price
$40 per person
Alternative
Full Day San Salvador City Tour and Rainbow Slide - $69 per person
Flowers Route Tour - $79 per person
Colonial Route & Volcanoes of El Salvador - $89 per person
San Salvador Volcano and Historic Downtown - $95 per person
Ruta de Los Pancho - $99 per person
Colonial Suchitoto Tour Experience
Explore the buzzing cultural center of El Salvador on this tour of Suchitoto from San Salvador, including hotel pick-up. Admire the cobbled lanes and colonial buildings on a guided tour of the historic center; visit the landmark Santa Lucia Church, and browse the markets and handicrafts shops.
Duration
5 hours
Availability
Monday - Saturday at 8:30 am
Price
$65 per person
Alternative
Suchitoto and San Salvador Guided Tour - $79 per person
San Salvador Volcano (El Boqueron) and Suchitoto Colorful Town - $90 per person
Mayan Ruins
The Ancient Maya Civilization has to be one of the most fascinating societies of Central America, El Salvador holds the southernmost settlements of the Mayan world. The tour includes a visit to San Andres ruins a large park where experts are still working, Tazumal ruins the largest in the country, casa Blanca archeological site, the town of chalchuapa, and the amazing Coatepeque lake.
Duration
8 hours
Availability
Thursday - Sunday at 8:30 am
Price
$95 per person
Volcanoes, Lake & Mayan Sites - $99 per person
Copán Archaeological Site Day Trip - $149 per person
Copán 2 Day Tour - $250 per person
El Boquerón National Park
Dare to visit one of San Salvador's active volcanoes with this excursion to El Boquerón National Park, one of the most important natural reserves in the Central American country!
Duration
3.5 hours
Availability
Everyday at 9 am
Price
$70 per person
Alternative
Santa Ana Volcano and Lake - $75 per person
El Boqueron, Rainbow slide and Historic Center - $89 per person
Santa Ana Volcano Sunrise - $95 per person
San Miguel Volcano Hike - $150 per person
Gulf of Fonseca
Discover the beauty of the Gulf of Fonseca with this excursion to the islands from San Salvador. You'll learn about the local culture and enjoy incredible views.
Duration
15 hours
Availability
Everyday at 5:15 am
Price
$58 per person
Alternative
Conchagua Volcano Tour - $58 per person
Cerro Verde National Park and Coatepeque Lake - $92 per person
Gulf of Fonseca 2-Day Tour - $166 per person
Hot Spring and Albania Cafe
Spend a day relaxing at a tropical thermal spring spa in the rainforest on this full-day private hot springs trip from San Salvador. With over 20 pools to choose from, and the chance to see one of the biggest geysers in Central America, this full-day tour is a great way to combine sightseeing with relaxation—and even a pampering massage. It also includes hotel pickup and transport, so you don’t have to worry about a thing.
Duration
8 - 10 hours
Availability
Everyday at 8:30 am
Price
$94 per person
Alternative
Ruta de Las Flores Adventure, Hot Springs & 1930's Farm Coffee Tour - $116 per person
Bike Zipline, Rainbow Slide All Cafe Albania Activities
Visit three of the main attractions of El Salvador in one day. Drive to the mountains in the west of El Salvador, in a mountain ridge where the Ruta de Flores is located. Then, visit the bicycle zipline and rainbow slide at Cafe Albania in the town of Apaneca. Enjoy plenty of time to enjoy the adventure park that also features a tall swing, maze, and surf zipline that you can add to your experience.
Duration
7 hours
Availability
Everyday at 9 am
Price
$146 per person
Alternative
Ruta de Flores Bike Zipline and Rainbow Slide - $107 per person
Ruta de Las Flores: Bike Zipline + Ataco + Hot Springs - $135 per person
Tamanique Waterfalls Tour
Explore the amazing Tamanique Waterfalls just 30 minutes away from El Tunco beach. With an altitude of 700 meters above the sea level, Tamanique town offers incredible views, colorful walls, and crazy waterfalls.
Duration
4 hours
Availability
Friday at 1 pm
Price
$70 per person
Alternative
El Tunco Beach Visit - $50 per person
Malecon, Sunset Park and El Tunco Beach - $85 per person
Dive at Ilopango Lake
Put your PADI Open Water Certificate to use with this guided dive. Explore an active crater filled with hot water vents, geological formations, submerged statues, and fresh water sponges. Led by a professional guide, this intimate experience is personalized according to your interests and tailored to small groups. All diving gear can be hired and discovery dives are available for those without certification experience.
Duration
6 hours
Availability
Everyday at 7 am
Price
$95 per person
Monkey Sanctuary Reserve + Kayaking at BahÃa de Jiquilisco
Prebook this San Salvador Monkey Sanctuary Reserve and Kayak Eco Tour and enjoy nature with the safety of a guide and group. First, visit a monkey sanctuary reserve before heading to Bahia de Jiquilisco for lunch and a kayak tour.
Duration
7 - 10 hours
Availability
Everyday at 6 am and 7am
Price
$175 per person
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