Private Tour Highlights
- Wander through cobblestone streets, visit markets, and admire colonial architecture in this charming lakeside village.
- Unearth the secrets of El Salvador's ancient past at the Pre-Hispanic archaeological site of Cihuatán.
- Trace the tumultuous history of the FMLN guerrillas and immerse yourself in the Museum of the Revolution.
- Take a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear waters of Rio Sapo, hailed as El Salvador's cleanest river.
- Cruise through scenic vistas, spot dolphins, and explore volcanic islands in this picturesque gulf.
- Unwind on the stunning black-sand beaches of El Cuco, known for their natural beauty and tranquility.
- Delve into the biodiverse wonders of this RAMSAR site with a kayak tour through mangrove forests.
- From exotic birds to elusive caimans, witness the diverse flora and fauna of El Salvador's East Coast.
Tour Overview
Escape to the captivating East Coast of El Salvador with a meticulously curated itinerary that promises cultural immersion, historical exploration, and natural wonders. Your journey begins with a warm welcome at El Salvador International Airport, followed by a scenic transfer to the picturesque lakeside village of Suchitoto.
Over the course of your stay, delve into the heart of Suchitoto through guided walks, culinary delights, and visits to significant sites like the Pre-Hispanic archaeological marvel of Cihuatán. As your adventure unfolds, uncover the rich history of Perquín, once a guerrilla stronghold, and embrace the tranquility of La Unión’s pristine landscapes before setting sail through the Gulf of Fonseca. From encounters with dolphins to the breathtaking vistas of volcanic islands, each day promises a new discovery, culminating in a memorable retreat within the biodiverse sanctuary of Bahia de Jiquilisco.
Inclusions
- Private transfers as mentioned in Itinerary
- Local Speaking English Guide during the tours
- Sales Taxes & service charge for restaurant meals included on the trip.
- Salvadoran 13% value-added tax (IVA) and 5% tourism tax on all hotel services
Note: This is just a quote and suggested program. If at time of booking quoted hotels are not available, similar hotels will be booked and price is subject to change.
Exclusions
- Extras at hotels (telephone calls, room service, porterage, laundry, alcoholic drinks, etc.)
- Drinks
- Any additional/extra tours or park fees.
- Tips & Gratuities for Guide, Driver, local guides and service providers.
- Personal and/or medical expenses.
- Any incidentals out of pocket or medical expenses. Please ensure you carry appropriate
insurance, which covers all the activities in this itinerary, inherited risks, luggage protection and
holiday cancellation.
- Late check-out or early check-in.
- International Flights
Package Price: From £$ 4966
Prices shown above are per person. Hotel categories do not adhere strictly to international ratings; Yampu has evaluated the hotels according to destination and availability. Prices include local airfare (where applicable), hotel accommodation including daily breakfast; all transfers with baggage handling, all guided tours in English and all entrance fees.
Please note that prices are subject to change based on availability and seasonality, especially during the holiday season from December 20th through January 5th each year. Please contact a Yampu Travel Specialist for more information on best times to travel.
Trip Type:
All our trips are operated on a private basis unless specified otherwise. This is only a sample itinerary; your Yampu Tour Consultant will personalize this trip for you according to your available dates, interests and type of hotels. This is your trip and we will work on making it perfect!
Tour Itinerary
Airport – Suchitoto
Upon your arrival at El Salvador International Airport, your guide will greet you and transfer you to the charming lakeside village of Suchitoto, about an hour and a half away.
When you’re ready, select a local restaurant for a meal. As the day winds down, take in the breathtaking sunset over Lake Suchitlán, visible from various spots around town.
Overnight at Suchitoto.
Upon your arrival at El Salvador International Airport, your guide will greet you and transfer you to the charming lakeside village of Suchitoto, about an hour and a half away.
When you’re ready, select a local restaurant for a meal. As the day winds down, take in the breathtaking sunset over Lake Suchitlán, visible from various spots around town.
Overnight at Suchitoto.
Suchitoto
In the morning, you will enjoy a guided walk through the lakeside village of Suchitoto, exploring the church, market, and corn mill.
After lunch, you will head to Chalatenango to visit the Pre-Hispanic archaeological site of Cihuatán, one of El Salvador's most significant sites, spanning approximately 3 square kilometers (1.2 square miles). This site was a crucial trading route with the Caribbean coast of Honduras. After the tour, you will be transferred back to your hotel in Suchitoto.
In the morning, you will enjoy a guided walk through the lakeside village of Suchitoto, exploring the church, market, and corn mill.
After lunch, you will head to Chalatenango to visit the Pre-Hispanic archaeological site of Cihuatán, one of El Salvador's most significant sites, spanning approximately 3 square kilometers (1.2 square miles). This site was a crucial trading route with the Caribbean coast of Honduras. After the tour, you will be transferred back to your hotel in Suchitoto.
Suchitoto - Perquín
Today, read more...
Today, we'll travel from Suchitoto to the municipality of Berlin in the Usulután district, known for its rich indigenous traditions.
We'll stop to sample the local coffee, enjoy the refreshing fresh air, and visit notable attractions such as the Central Church. We'll also visit the small town of Alegria, home to about 15,000 residents and covering an area of 40.4 km² (15.4 square miles). Situated over 1,240 meters (4,068 feet) above sea level, Alegria boasts a climate typical of high altitudes. The town is surrounded by coffee plantations, which are the main source of income, followed by various ornamental plants, with many plant nurseries located in the area.
A major attraction in Alegria is the Laguna de Alegria, located on the outskirts of the town. The lake's turquoise water, rich in sulfur, supports no life forms but features hot springs and fumaroles (fissures emitting hot volcanic gases). The lagoon is situated in the crater of the now dormant Tecapa volcano. From there, we'll transfer to the town of Perquín in northern El Salvador, where you will stay overnight. ...read less
Perquín – La Union
Once read more...
Once the headquarters of the FMLN guerrillas during the war, Perquín offers a glimpse into its fascinating and traumatic history, with remnants such as bunkers and bomb craters still visible. The town is also home to the Museum of the Revolution, which provides a poignant overview of the civil war through photos, posters, and weapons.
Next, we will drive to Rio Sapo, the country's cleanest river, for a refreshing swim. Afterward, we will transfer to the port of La Unión, where you will have the option to spend the night at a local hotel or, for a more luxurious experience, on the island of Meanguera. ...read less
Gulf of Fonseca – El Cuco
From read more...
From La Unión, you will take a boat trip through the Gulf of Fonseca, which is shared by El Salvador, Honduras, and Nicaragua.
The gulf has beautiful views of volcanic islands, small fishing villages, and black-sand beaches. We will visit Isla Meanguera, an important trading post, and Zacatillo, where you will have lunch. You will likely see dolphins along the way, and from November to February, you might even see whales!
After the boat trip, you can visit the town of Conchagua, which has a very old church and a volcano with great views of the gulf. Then, we will transfer to the beaches around El Cuco, which are the most beautiful in El Salvador. You will stay overnight at your hotel in El Cuco. ...read less
El Cuco - Bahia de Jiquilisco
From El Cuco you will transfer to the Jiquilisco Bay, a natural treasure in the Eastern part of the country that is home to abundant biodiversity, declared a RAMSAR site and a Biosphere Reserve.
Visit to Puerto Barillas Marine where you will take a kayak tour or boat ride through the mangroves to see all different species of birds, sea life and, if you are lucky, Caimans. Optional visit to the monkey sanctuary, cocoa plantation or turtle farm tour.
Overnight within de Jiquilisco bay.
From El Cuco you will transfer to the Jiquilisco Bay, a natural treasure in the Eastern part of the country that is home to abundant biodiversity, declared a RAMSAR site and a Biosphere Reserve.
Visit to Puerto Barillas Marine where you will take a kayak tour or boat ride through the mangroves to see all different species of birds, sea life and, if you are lucky, Caimans. Optional visit to the monkey sanctuary, cocoa plantation or turtle farm tour.
Overnight within de Jiquilisco bay.
International Flight Home
Today, you will be leaving Bahia de Jiquilisco and heading to El Salvador International Airport for your journey back home.
Today, you will be leaving Bahia de Jiquilisco and heading to El Salvador International Airport for your journey back home.
Suchitoto, El Salvador
Perquin, El Salvador
La Union, El Salvador
El Cuco, El Salvador
Bahía de Jiquilisco, El Salvador
Places You'll See
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Suchitoto
Suchitoto is one destination that can fulfill every person’s interests from the outdoor adventurist to the art focused. Enjoy the weekly markets along the cobblestone streets that are lined with local artisans or trek to the numerous volcanoes and waterfalls nearby. The colonial buildings will captivate every type of traveler.
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Perquin
The area of Perquin is surrounded by local coffee plantations and is home to the Museum of the Revolution. This museum focuses on artifacts from the Salvadorian Civil War which lasted over twelve long years.
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El Cuco
El Cuco is a serene beach town situated on the Pacific coast of El Salvador, known for its long stretches of sandy beaches and laid-back atmosphere. Located in the San Miguel department, El Cuco is a popular destination for surfers, sunbathers, and anyone looking to unwind by the sea. The town offers a range of accommodations, from rustic beach huts to comfortable hotels, catering to various tastes and budgets. With its stunning sunsets, warm waters, and relaxed vibe, El Cuco is an ideal spot for a tranquil seaside escape.
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Bahía de Jiquilisco
Bahía de Jiquilisco is a breathtaking coastal bay located in the Usulután department, renowned for its rich biodiversity and ecological significance. This protected area encompasses mangrove forests, estuaries, and numerous islands, making it a paradise for birdwatchers, marine life enthusiasts, and eco-tourists. The bay’s calm waters and secluded beaches offer perfect conditions for kayaking, fishing, and relaxing in a pristine natural setting. Bahía de Jiquilisco’s commitment to conservation and sustainable tourism ensures a unique and enriching experience for visitors.
Media Gallery
Hotel Options
4 Star Properties
Suchitoto : Los Almendros de San Lorenzo
Los Almendros de San Lorenzo
Suchitoto , EL SALVADOR
In Suchitoto in El Salvador, this charming colonial house overlooks Suchitlán Lake. It offers an outdoor pool and air-conditioned accommodations with flat-screen cable TV and a private bathroom. Set around a central courtyard, the rooms and apartments at Los Almendros de San Lorenzo feature colonial-style décor, and some include original features such as fountains. Some accommodation comes equipped with a whirlpool bathtub. Overlooking the tropical grounds, the hotel’s restaurant serves international food, specializing in Mediterranean dishes. There is also a bar where guests can get a snack or a drink. For a charge, the hotel offers a return shuttle. service for day trips to San Salvador. El Salvador’s capital city is around a 45 minute drive away.
Hotel Los Mangos
El Cuco , EL SALVADOR
Offering an outdoor pool and a restaurant, Hotel Los Mangos El Salvador is located 10 km west of El Cuco. The property is set in a privileged place to practice surf.
Each suite here will provide you with satellite flat-screen TV, air conditioning and a seating area. Private bathrooms also come with a hot water shower. The suites also boasts a seating area, fans and a wardrobe. Hotel Los Mangos is located on a cliff and several stairs away from the beach. At Hotel Los Mangos El Salvador you will find a garden and a terrace.
Other facilities offered at the property include water sports facilities, a tour desk and luggage storage. An array of activities can be enjoyed on site or in the surroundings, including fishing, hiking and canoeing. The property offers free parking.
Testimonials
Philicia and Trevor
Traveled March, 2017
Completely Amazing Guatemala and Belize
Our trip was completely amazing! We cannot express enough just how happy we were with Yampu services! Every hotel, tour, transfer and flight was flawlessly easy and each excursion was a wonderful experience. The only thing we had problems with was coming home and dealing with cold weather again!
Traveled To
Cheryl
Traveled October, 2016
Great time in Costa Rica!
Had a great time in Costa Rica. We did get stuck in San Jose for a few hours when that volcano erupted, but that just adds to the story.
The sloth sanctuary was amazing. What wonderful people with such a wonderful story. Doing the insiders tour was the way to go, getting to go behind the scenes into the nursery with all the baby sloths. I would not recommend any other tour to anyone. When the people who ran the facility found out it was Nicole’s birthday, they gave us both t-shirts that we picked out from the gift shop. I also really enjoyed the two people that transferred us to the sanctuary and back to San Jose!
I also enjoyed the day in Manual Antonio. By far El Remanso was the highlight. I am glad Wendy recommended it when Bosque del Cabo could not fit us in. The owners make it a point to get to know you, and the staff was top notch and knew what we liked and our names quickly. The food was some of the best I have had at a lodge! That is a property you should recommend again and again!! Nicole also really enjoyed the whale watching. She had never seen a whale before and being in such a small boat the whales came right up. The captain also worked hard to find them for us!
We did not end up doing the wildlife sanctuary because even though we did not sign up for a private tour, because we were the only tourists that had planned to go that day, the owner decided we should pay 100 dollars to get in. I thought (as well as El remenso) that was super shifty and she should not be able to do that to tourists, so we cancelled. It just gave us more time with the whales. We also ended up changing our tour to Corcavado to where we flew into Sirena Station,. Our guide at El remanso use to work there and knew that was the spot for tapirs (one of my main targets). He found me 3 within 50 minutes. That was also the most wildlife rich part of the trip. They told me doing the beach walk that we were signed up for, there would be a slim chance of tapirs.
Traveled To
Louise
Traveled March, 2014
I will recommend your service to any friend who plans to visit south-america!
My daughter and I were very pleased with your planning especially your choice of hotels! The hotels (especially Babel Hotel in Buenos Aires) were friendly, charming and were in great locations. The local guides all turned up on time. I am most grateful for your detailed explanation and speedy response every time I wrote to you. I will recommend your service to any friend who plans to visit south-america!
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