El Salvador bursts with energy and variety, offering travellers a mix of volcanic lakes, colonial towns, vibrant markets, and palm-lined beaches. In just a week, you can move between them with ease, whether by car or organised transport. Deciding how you get around will shape how flexible and relaxed your trip feels.
To make planning simple, you’ll find a seven-day itinerary with options for both self-drivers and guided travel, plus practical tips and advice on car hire through Final Rentals. With the right plan, you can uncover the country’s highlights at your own pace and in the way that suits you best. Now, let’s explore what your week in El Salvador could look like!
El Salvador uses the US dollar as its currency, which helps simplify budgeting for many international visitors. Spanish is the language spoken by most, though in tourist areas, you will find some English speakers. The climate is tropical, with warm mornings, sunny afternoons, and comfortable evenings. During the wetter months, sudden rainstorms are possible, so it is wise to carry a lightweight rain jacket or umbrella.
The main highways in El Salvador are generally in good condition, especially those connecting cities and tourist destinations. Rural and mountain roads can be narrower, winding, or uneven. Public transport, such as buses and shuttles, reaches many towns, but journeys are often slow or indirect with multiple stops. In cities, taxis and ridesharing are easy to find, though less available in remote areas. These factors are important to consider when deciding whether to travel by car or rely on organised transport.
If you wish to enjoy full autonomy over your schedule, a week with your own transport allows you to pursue both popular and off-thebeaten-track experiences.
You’ll land at El Salvador International Airport and head to your hotel in the capital, San Salvador. After some rest, spend the evening exploring the city’s historic centre. Highlights include the Metropolitan Cathedral and the National Palace, both rich in history and architecture.
Wander through local markets where stalls overflow with handmade crafts, fresh produce, and street food. Be sure to try pupusas, the national dish, which are warm corn tortillas filled with cheese, beans, or meat. This gentle first day helps you settle in while giving you a taste of everyday life in El Salvador’s busy capital.
Begin early by driving out to El Boquerón Volcano National Park, located just outside the city. A hike takes you to a dramatic volcanic crater rim, offering wide views over green hills. In the afternoon, you head west to Lake Coatepeque, a vast crater lake that invites swimming, kayaking, or simply relaxing by the shore. You might find a lakeside café or restaurant to enjoy fresh local dishes. Spend your evening near the lake, perhaps watching sunset over the water.
On day three, drive along the celebrated Ruta de las Flores, a scenic route that threads through mountains and small towns like Juayúa, Apaneca, and Ataco. At each stop, you can visit artisan shops, sample local coffee from mountain farms, enjoy murals, or stroll through colourful streets. In Juayúa, on weekends, a late afternoon food festival (the Feria Gastronomica) brings local cooks and visitors together. Stay overnight in Ataco, a small town with cosy guesthouses and a charming evening ambience.
Continue your journey by heading to Cerro Verde National Park in the early morning. From there, embark on the hike to the Santa Ana Volcano summit. The route takes you through cloud forest and lava flows, emerging eventually beside the crater lake that shimmers with turquoise tones. After your descent, relax at a coffee plantation in the region, touring processing facilities or enjoying a cuppa in the hills. Later, reach Santa Ana city and stay the night, take a stroll through its colonial streets, visit Catedral de Santa Ana, and sample local snacks.
Depart Santa Ana and drive toward the central region to reach Suchitoto, a charming colonial town perched above Lake Suchitlán. The drive crosses scenic landscapes and small rural settlements. In Suchitoto, wander through cobbled streets, explore art galleries, and climb the hill to the town’s church for panoramic views. You can catch a boat ride on the lake to see local birdlife and mangrove edges. The restful ambience here makes it a pleasant contrast to the earlier adventure days.
On day six, leave Suchitoto behind and head south toward the Pacific coast. You may head to beach towns such as El Tunco or El Zonte. The drive takes you through rural countryside until you reach coastal palm-fringed shores. Here you can swim, sunbathe, or take a surf lesson (these hotspots are popular surf destinations). Evening life tends to centre around beachfront dining or relaxed bars. Stay the night by the sea, listening to waves and appreciating the laid-back atmosphere.
Your last morning is for relaxation, perhaps a final dip in the sea or a walk along the sand. Afterwards, drive back toward San Salvador, stopping along the way for a scenic vista or local snack. Arrive at the airport in time for your departure, returning your vehicle and preparing for your journey home. With a car, you have squeezed in volcanoes, lakes, towns, and the coast in just seven days by managing your own time.
If stress about driving in a foreign country doesn’t appeal, doing El Salvador with organised transport and tours still allows you to experience the country’s highlights—though with less flexibility.
You land in San Salvador and take a prearranged shuttle or reliable taxi to your downtown hotel. After resting, spend the latter afternoon exploring the capital. Join a walking tour to see the Cathedral, National Palace, and local markets. A guided intro gives context to the city’s streets, culture, and history, and helps you feel anchored in your surroundings.
Book a full-day guided tour that includes transport out to El Boquerón and Lake Coatepeque. The tour operator picks you up in the morning. You’ll hike to the crater rim, then travel onward to the lake, where you can relax or enjoy lunch overlooking the water. The guided structure means you don’t worry about navigation or parking, and you return to San Salvador in the evening feeling like you’ve seen a volcano and a scenic lake in one go.
Take a shuttle or join a small-group tour that runs the Ruta de las Flores. These tours typically stop in Juayúa, Apaneca, and Ataco. You’ll sample local coffee, enjoy murals, and walk through markets. If your timing is right, you’ll take part in a weekend food festival in Juayúa. Overnight lodging is arranged in one of the towns, and the return leg is handled by the same service.
On day four, sign up for a guided hike including transport to Cerro Verde National Park and back. The provider handles pickup, drop-off, park fees, and guides. During the hike, your guide shares information about ecology, volcanic geology, and local flora. You return to Santa Ana in the evening. You may spend extra time wandering Santa Ana’s colonial centre, enjoying its quieter pace compared to San Salvador.
Arrange a shuttle or small-group tour to Suchitoto. The ride often gives you glimpses of rural landscapes and villages along the way. In Suchitoto, your guides may take you on a walking tour of galleries, historic churches, and viewpoints. Later, you board a small boat and see Lake Suchitlán, including birdwatching and scenic mangrove segments. You stay overnight in Suchitoto, absorbing the calm colonial ambiance.
Leave Suchitoto behind in the care of your tour operator and head toward the Pacific coast, with El Tunco and El Zonte being common stops. Your shuttle or minibus will deliver you to the beach. You’ll enjoy surf lessons, swimming, or relaxing at the seaside. Some tours even include surfboard rental or beach-based meals. You stay overnight at a coastal guesthouse or small resort.
Your last day begins with a relaxing morning by the beach. Later, your shuttle collects you and brings you back to San Salvador airport in time for your flight. Your journey ends with no driving, but you have experienced the highlights through managed transport, tours, and local guidance.
When travelling in El Salvador, planning can help you enjoy your trip safely and comfortably. While the country is generally easy to navigate, being prepared for local conditions, language, timing, and packing needs will make your experience smoother.
Renting a car can make your trip more flexible and enjoyable. With a reliable vehicle, you can explore at your own pace, reach hidden destinations, and adapt your itinerary to suit your interests. Final Rentals offers practical support and local expertise to help make this possible.
For more tips on driving in El Salvador and making the most of your rental experience, check out Everything You Should Know Before Driving in El Salvador.
A week in El Salvador offers stunning landscapes, rich culture, and unforgettable experiences from volcanoes and colonial towns to lakes and sun-kissed coastlines. If you value flexibility and setting your own pace, you can rent a car in El Salvador with Final Rentals, giving you the freedom to explore hidden gems and travel on your own terms.
For those who prefer structure and guided ease, organised shuttles and tours provide a convenient way to see the highlights. Whatever approach you choose, leave room for unplanned stops or rest, as these moments often become the most memorable. With thoughtful planning and the right support, your journey through El Salvador can be both safe and rewarding!
