El Salvador Travel Information.
The
smallest country in Central America and often the least visited by tourists,
El Salvador has pure physical beauty to offer it's guests. Sitting on
the Pacific coast and neighboring Honduras and Guatemala, El Salvador
is a lone country still recovering from civil war that ended in the
early 90's. Despite the civil unrest, El Salvador is a beautiful landscape
that won't want to be missed. In addition to scenery, San Salvador,
the capital, has great nightlife.
Traveling through El Salvador will bring you in contact with some of the most interesting people you will meet throughout Central America. At first locals may seem unwelcoming, but the facade is easily removed with a friendly smile and persistent attitude. Giving the locals in El Salvador just a little respect will take you a long way with them. El Salvadoreans are said to be hardworking and live life in a way that is hard to match.
El Salvador is not the booming tourist spot that Costa Rica\ is, and
in fact is lacking in the tourism industry. If traveling to El Salvador
be prepared that accommodations will not be up to par with some of the
other country's. Traveling to El Salvador is often reflected on as the
greatest lesson in humility found in Central America.
Public Transport
Airport - El Salvador is mainly serviced by private and military flights.
The best method for arrival is by bus.
Buses - Flag a bus down or ask to get off anywhere. Buses fare is paid
on the bus. Be sure to verify departure and arrival times and leave
room for error to avoid being stranded.
Taxis - Found around the central parts of the cities and near bus stations.
Negotiate rates before getting in. Tipping is not expected unless rented
for whole or half days.
Boats - Water taxis may be scattered along the Pacific coast.
Currency and Exchange Rates
As in some other countries, traveler checks are not widely accepted
so carry local currency.
Colón Occasionally called the peso. Divided into 100 centavos.
Exchange Rates US $1 = 8.75 Colons ; 1 Eur = 11.2 Colons
Languages
Primary Language - Spanish
Weather
Best Time to Visit - November to February.
Rainy Season May to November (From September to November El Salvador
is subject to the tail end of hurricanes on the Pacific.)
Capital and Country Population
San Salvador - Amongst the most unsafe cities in Central America.
Population - 6.6 million
Travel Highlights and Activities
San Salvador - Nightlife is great and it is the capital.
Ilopango - A crater lake great for swimming and sunbathing.
La Libertad - Pacific coast resort.
Maya Ruins - Visit the Maya ruins and go on some day hikes.
Western El Salvador - A great place for visitors to relax and enjoy
palm fringed beaches.
Travel Info:
Costa Rica | Panama
| Belize | Honduras
| Guatemala | Nicaragua
| El Salvador