Private Tour Highlights
- Explore Joya de Ceren, a unique pre-Columbian Maya village preserved in volcanic ash.
- Scenic walk through Los Volcanes National Park with views of Izalco volcano and Lake Coatepeque.
- Discover the Flower Route's vibrant wildflowers, coffee plantations, and traditional towns.
- Stroll through the colonial streets of Suchitoto, rich in art and history.
- Visit Hacienda Los Nacimientos to learn about organic farming and indigo dye production.
- Kayak through the mangroves of Bahia de Jiquilisco, spotting diverse birdlife and marine species.
- Participate in sea turtle conservation efforts, aiding research and protection initiatives.
Tour Overview
El Salvador, the smallest country in Central America, offers an extraordinary array of activities and landscapes, all easily accessible within a short drive. From volcanic hikes to historic archaeological sites, stunning beaches, and vibrant towns, El Salvador is a treasure trove of experiences waiting to be discovered. This itinerary takes you through the heart of El Salvador, from its bustling capital to serene mountain towns, offering a perfect blend of adventure, culture, and relaxation.
Your journey begins in the capital, San Salvador, and ventures to iconic sites like the UNESCO-listed Joya de Ceren, the picturesque Flower Route, and the colonial charm of Suchitoto. You will explore coffee plantations, relax in thermal springs, and engage in conservation efforts at Bahia de Jiquilisco. This diverse itinerary ensures you experience the rich heritage, natural beauty, and warm hospitality that define El Salvador.
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 £$ 5397
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
Welcome to El Salvador
Upon arriving at San Salvador Airport, you will be transferred to your hotel in the city, which is a 45-minute drive away.
Welcome to El Salvador! As the smallest country in Central America,
Overnight in San Salvador.
Upon arriving at San Salvador Airport, you will be transferred to your hotel in the city, which is a 45-minute drive away.
Welcome to El Salvador! As the smallest country in Central America,
Overnight in San Salvador.
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Joya de Ceren – Cerro Verde
Today, read more...
Today, we visit the archaeological site of Joya de Ceren, designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1993.
This unique site offers a glimpse into the daily lives of pre-Columbian Maya inhabitants, unlike any other in the Maya culture. Joya de Ceren was a village, not a ceremonial site, that was buried under 14 layers of volcanic ash from severalImportant elements like thatch roofs and artifacts have been recovered in situ.
A professional architect with extensive knowledge will guide the tour.
Next, we drive to the Los Volcanes National Park, where the volcanoes of Izalco, Santa Ana, and Cerro Verde converge. This area boasts stunning scenery and rich biodiversity. We'll take a short, hour-long walk through the park with a local guide, offering breathtaking views of the Izalco volcano and Lake Coatepeque.
We then transfer to the mountain town of Ataco for an overnight stay. ...read less
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Flower Route
Today, read more...
Today, you will explore the "Flower Route," aptly named for its remarkable abundance of wildflowers.
This region offers stunning panoramic views of mountainside coffee plantations, lagoons, and dense cloud forests. Your first stop is Juayúa, a charming city known for its weekend food festival or the Don Juan waterfalls during weekdays.
Next, you will visit Nahuizalco, one of the area's most traditional towns, renowned for its handicrafts and furniture made from tulle and willow. Then, head up to Salcoatitán, situated at over 3,412 feet (1,040 meters), where the country's first coffee plantations were established in the 1860s. This area is also known for its numerous craft shops. You will spend another night in Ataco. In the afternoon, unwind at nearby natural attractions like the geysers and thermal baths at Santa Teresa Hot Springs. ...read less
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Suchitoto
Suchitoto, read more...
Suchitoto, located about 47 km north of San Salvador, is a charming town with colonial homes, buildings, and cobblestone streets.
During our walking tour, we will explore several local art galleries. Various spots in the town offer stunning views of Lake Suchitlán, a former river that was dammed and now boasts an ecosystem rich in birdlife, including pelicans, herons, and storks.
After a short walk through town, we will drive to Hacienda Los Nacimientos. This site provides a glimpse into El Salvador’s recent history, having been a former guerrilla camp during the Civil War, which lasted from 1980 to 1992, between the military government and left-wing guerrillas. Today, the hacienda is home to an organic farming initiative aimed at rebuilding the community by providing jobs to war victims. One of the farm’s key products is indigo, a blue dye extracted from the leaves of the xiquilite plant, which has been used since ancient Maya times. We will observe the entire production process, including extraction, drying, and milling.
Dinner will be in town at a local pupuseria. These are typically small cafés or simple setups in front of locals' homes. You will have the opportunity to make your own pupusa by hand, filling it with cheese, beans, loroco, and pork.
Overnight in Suchitoto. ...read less
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Alegria – Bahia de Jiquilisco
Transfer read more...
Transfer to Bahia de Jiquilisco with a stop at the Los Pirineos Coffee Farm and Benefice in the Tecapa volcano region.
This farm, a winner of the local Cup Of Excellence for best coffee eight times, is reached by a 45-minute steep and dusty hike in the sun. The best time to visit is between October and February when coffee beans are on the plants. You will have lunch in the town of Berlin, where a barista will offer a tasting of the local coffee.
Laguna de Alegria, located in the crater of Tecapa in the Tecapa-Chinameca area, is less than two kilometers from the city. The lagoon is easily accessible via a cobblestone street that passes through coffee plantations. Known for its emerald waters due to the sulfur and minerals in the crater, Laguna de Alegria is a unique sight.
Puerto Barillas Lodge, located within the tropical forest around the bay of Jiquilisco, offers marine access to the bay. In the afternoon, you have the option of a kayak tour through the mangroves to see various species of birds, sea life, and possibly caimans.
Puerto Barillas offers four treehouse accommodations and six two-bedroom apartments, all equipped with air conditioning, TV, and hot water showers.
Overnight in Bahia de Jiquilisco. ...read less
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Bahia de Jiquilisco
Join read more...
Join this incredible tour where you will capture and release giant turtles (Hawksbill or Black Turtles).
Discover the efforts of the ICAPO (hawsbill.org) project in protecting sea turtles. These tours support the sustainability of the conservation project. By participating, you are aiding ongoing research for the conservation initiative.
You will have the opportunity to weigh and measure the turtles, take a skin sample, and place a tag on the turtle. The tour is led by professionals, including veterinarians and biologists, who are directly involved in the conservation program.
Overnight in Bahia de Jiquilisco. ...read less
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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.
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San Salvador, El Salvador
Concepción de Ataco, El Salvador
Suchitoto, El Salvador
Bahía de Jiquilisco, El Salvador
Joya de Ceren, El Salvador
Cerro Verde, El Salvador
Alegría, El Salvador
Places You'll See
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San Salvador
San Salvador, the vibrant capital city of El Salvador, serves as the country’s political, cultural, and economic hub. Nestled in a valley surrounded by volcanoes, the city offers a mix of modern urban life and rich historical heritage. Visitors can explore landmarks such as the Metropolitan Cathedral, the National Palace, and the iconic Plaza Libertad. San Salvador is also known for its bustling markets, lively nightlife, and burgeoning culinary scene, making it a dynamic destination for travelers seeking both adventure and culture.
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Ataco
Ataco, officially known as Concepción de Ataco, is a charming town in the Ahuachapán department, famed for its colorful murals and cobblestone streets. Located along the Ruta de las Flores, Ataco is a haven for art lovers and those seeking a quaint, picturesque experience. The town’s vibrant arts scene, local crafts, and traditional coffee plantations provide a rich cultural backdrop. With its cool mountain climate and friendly atmosphere, Ataco is a perfect spot for leisurely strolls and exploring El Salvador’s artistic heart.
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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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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.
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