what to do in santa ana el salvador
It has 2,023 km and a population of over 613,000. Santa Ana is located in the western part of the country, closer to the Guatemalan border. Near the Santa Ana Cathedral and theatre is the Santa Ana main square. Something you simply cant miss. Looking for something other than local food? If you need to travel out of the city, public buses are widely available and run frequently throughout the day. There are a few local vendors along the way that sell food, drinks, and even inflatable toys for the beach. Im currently travelling around the world with my boyfriend (read more here! The beach itself is free but parking is $2 per car and $3 for truck. Concepcin de Ataco is also home to several unique stores such as Coffee Ataco and many shops that sell candles and different art, all of which offer a fascinating glimpse into El Salvadors culture. Europe is a continent that you could travelto hundreds of times, yet still, find something new to discover. IUDOP Survey: 97.7% of Salvadorans Believe that Crime in the Country has Decreased. Yes! El Salvador is a small country in Central America with so much to offer. Whether you eat meat or are a vegetarian like me, there are plenty of options to try. For those who are looking for an active adventure, you can hike to the top of the volcano and explore the area around its crater lake. Be sure to check out some of the most popular waterfront restaurants in Santa Ana, including La Octava Maravilla Restaurante, Tekunal Lago de Coatepeque, and Restaurante Solsticio. The most common way for backpackers to travel around El Salvador is via rental car or shuttle. Looking for something outside the city? From the volcanos summit, you will get iconic views of the other two volcanos in Cerro Verde National Park, the surrounding areas, and the Coatepeque Lake. Youre in thr right place! One of the easiest and most popular ways to travel around El Salvador is by rental car. Other things to do in downtown Santa Ana El Salvador include the Municipal House and the National Theater, which is known for its great acoustics. You can also drive the Rutas De Flores at your own pace if you have your own car. Eat Pupusas Hike Santa Ana Volcano Appreciate the Views of Coatepeque Lake Visit the Mayan Ruins at Tazumal Jump into a Hot Spring Waterfall Pool Visit UNESCO Heritage Site Joya de Cerren Visit San Andres Archaeological Park Sample Delicious Food at Juayua Food Festival Check Out Metrocentro Santa Ana Where to Stay in Santa Ana Try to make a reservation at Casa 1800 Cerro Verde, one of the most beautiful hotels in El Salvador, located on the Cerro Verde volcano. Exploring the park is a unique experience youll find plenty of wildlife, from colorful birds to deer. I have explored Santa Ana, El Salvador a couple of times now and would like to share with you a detailed list of the top activities and things to do in the area! Do you also want to hike the Santa Ana volcano? One of the best things to do in Santa Ana is to visit the Cerro Verde National Park and hike the Ilamatepec volcano (aka Santa Ana Volcano). Santa Ana in El Salvador is the perfect city for those looking for a town with a fascinating history, great local traditions, and plenty of activities. Then take day trips and explore the tourist spots near the city. You don't need a visa to travel to El Salvador, but you do need a passport. Santa Ana is the second city of El Salvador and the capital of the province. This Mayan pyramid is located in the middle of the town Chalchuapa, near the border with Guatemala, and is part of a larger archaeological complex. Alternatively, yourSanta Ana hostelshould have options to book shuttles to El Tunco. The erupting volcano is said to have served as a landmark for ships for years up to 1966. From creamy classics like chocolate and vanilla to more exotic flavors like Tamarindo and Mango Verde, Boston Premium Ice Cream has plenty of dessert options. Located in Cafe Albania, this is an adventure park for those who want to do something a little different in Santa Ana. No matter what you choose, you cant go wrong with a visit to one of the popular pupuseras in Santa Ana. But to be even safer, make sure you are taking a well-known route, keep your belongings close to you and use common sense. There are no restaurants along the beach and no amenities. Theyre reliable, cheap and have car rentals all over the world! Decline Accept, traveltips, cityguides, history, art and experiences for the cultural & scenic traveler, One of the top things to do in El Salvador is to, One of the most beautiful viewpoints in El Salvado, Suchitoto is one of the most beautiful destination, I just came back from an amazing trip in El Salvad, Look at the views! Antigua (Guatemala) to Santa Ana, check out my post here. I was afraid that my girlfriends car was going to get stuck along several muddy spots in the road. Western El Salvador travel - Lonely Planet Pickup offered Cities in the Ruta de las Flores include some that weve already covered, Ahuachapan and Atcaco, and others such as Apaneca, Juayua, and more. The art school is now a mysterious building of ruins, making it the perfect day out for curious, dark tourists (as well as budding photographers). If youre visiting Central America as a backpacker, or even for a short vacation, it issoimportant to havetravel insurance. If so, we have you covered. Sites like San Andres, Joya de Ceren, Tazumal, and Casa Blanca are within two hours of the city. How Long Does It Take To Hike Santa Ana Volcano? The city is located on a plateau at an altitude of 665 meters above sea level and 40 miles from the nations capital, San Salvador. Im Jennie, a British digital nomad and travel blogger. There are two companies that will get you there: The TUDO (Transportes Unidos de Occidente) and SEISABUS. It is on the southern Pacific coast and attracts both tourists and locals due to its fun nightlife, incredible surfing spots and beautiful sunsets. This volcano is located at an altitude of 1950 meters but is more difficult to reach because you first have to walk all the way down to climb up again. They are an easy and common way to get around the country, mainly because they are so frequent and cost-effective. For example, hiking the Santa Ana volcano, sliding down the famous Rainbow Slide, swimming in Lake Coatapeque and jumping in waterfalls at Tamanique. Ask your hostel for the best directions. El Tazumal is an archaeological site located in the city of Chalchuapa in the department of Santa Ana, El Salvador. El Tunco is the most visited location in El Salvador. San Salvador is El Salvadors busy and popular capital city. Follow me on social media here! They serve cones, shakes, sundaes, banana splits, and cakes. When travelling, we use this company to book our tours. You can now visit the archaeological site as a day trip from Santa Ana, and learn more about the prehispanic community and the events that took place thousands of years ago. Sample One-Day Itinerary in Santa Ana. Pack your bags and get ready for a wonderful adventure in this small beach town. On top of the covered terrace you have a good view of the plaza. To travel between the two, you can either rent a car, hire a private driver or take a public bus. My phone said I had almost 20,000 steps and did 71 flights after completing the hike. Being safe in Santa Ana or El Salvador is all about using common sense, planning ahead, and following safety recommendations. 16 Cool Things to Do in Santa Ana El Salvador (2023) - Our Offbeat Life There are plenty of coffee shops to choose from, Read More 15 Best Coffee Shops In Antigua Guatemala (+ Digital Nomad Spots)Continue, A detailed guide to planning and booking a trip around Europe, whether youre travelling solo, in a couple or with a friend! These settlements were destroyed by Lake Ilopangos eruption. Some of the main towns and cities are a distance away from each other, so to maximise your time in the country, you may want to hire a car. If you are doing the Ruta de las Flores on the weekend, make sure you stop at Juayua! Mayan ruins of Tazumal - cultural things to do in Santa Ana El Salvador. Santa Ana Volcano | Hike experience in El Salvador how to visit? Theres also Cafe Tejas, which serves salads, pasta and cerviche. El Salvador airport is around a 2-hour drive from Santa Ana. Most backpackers visit the Copan Ruins and Utila in Honduras. The structure is 90 meters long, and has a Gothic and Byzantine style. One of our highlights when visiting Mexico in 2022 was the, Read More How to Visit Sian Kaan WITHOUT A Tour: Ultimate Guide! This is the original point from where the expansion of the town began. They've visited over 20 countries together (and counting) in the last ten years! When youre planning a trip to El Salvador, make sure you let me know over on Instagram or in the comments below! When you think of Switz, Have you ever been to Ticino? We spent just under a month living and working in Antigua Guatemala, and we found it to be the perfect spot for digital nomads looking for a cosy cafe or co-working space. The Santa Ana Cathedral was built around 1575. Check car hire prices in El Salvador now! Located in Santa Ana, this restaurant serves up some of the best dishes from the region and offers its guests a unique culinary experience. Pupusas can be bought all over Santa Ana, and usually taste the best when ordered from the small street food stalls or the hole-in-the-wall venues. Interior design, a nice atmosphere, a lovely setting and good service are important topics for me, when choosing a hotel. And dont forget Ive written a comprehensive, easy-to-read guide about backpacking El Salvador, so be sure to check it out before you visit! We enjoyed the atmosphere of the main square and loved walking around the small markets in the centre of town. For Accommodations and short-term rentals, I recommend Booking.com as they are the best in the business when it comes to rates and places to stay. The cloud forest and conical splendor of Parque Nacional Los Volcanes, the mysterious and at times unvisited Maya ruins at Tazumal, the Ruta de las Flores, and a volcanic lake are all within a 90-minute drive of Santa Ana, the charming provincial capital with the finest plaza in El Salvador. Looking for something to do in Santa Ana? Always On The Shore contains affiliate links and is a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. -TOP TIP: You can take a bus from Santa Ana to Lake Coatepeque. As always, thanks for reading and supporting the blog! The best time to visit Ataco is during the weekend when the little city comes alive. Book Your Next Trip! Related post: El Tunco Beach, A Complete Guide. It cost each of us $1 dollar to get in this area. The hike to the top should take about 2-3 hours, depending on your pace. Santa Ana is the perfect location to start your backpacking trip in El Salvador. One of my favorite restaurants near Santa Ana is Tekunal Restaurante on Lago Coatepeque. See all 2022 Best Day-Tour : Santa Ana Volcano Hiking + Panoramic View Lake Coatepeque 68 Adventure Tours from $85.00 You can take a tour like this one where the logistics are taken care of!. Driving in El Salvador is safe and straightforward. Here are some top recommended tours and experiences! If youd like to do some hiking whilst in Santa Ana El Salvador, head to the Cerro Verde National Park. The Santa Ana and Izalco volcano are located within two hours of Santa Ana city. Lake Coatepeque (Lago de Coatepeque) is a large crater lake around 2 hours from Santa Ana. Santa Teresa Hot Springs is the perfect destination for those looking to relax and rejuvenate. For more information about safety and staying safe in El Salvador, please read the following UK Government advice. Just be sure to check the taxi you get into in Santa Ana is licensed. Dont worry if you dont have a car or find the bus inconvenient. The Cathedral was destroyed by lighting at the end of the 19th century. It may sound hard to believe but there is a giant rainbow slide near Santa Ana that can be enjoyed by adrenaline junkies. Need help with planning your El Salvador trip? If youre looking for some amazing things to do in Santa Ana, dont forget to add El Tazumal to your itinerary. Driving in between towns like El Tunco and Santa Ana will save a lot of time on shuttles. In addition, I like to support the locals and love a sustainable approach around a hotel. It is bordered on the southwest by the Pacific Ocean, and lies between Guatemala and Honduras . Its a traditional Salvadorian city, with bustling streets, busy market stands, smells of local foods and a true insight into what local life looks like. Its a great activity to do if youre in Santa Ana, and its right next to some of the citys best restaurants for a treat afterwards! 2) Why should I visit Santa Ana El Salvador? I'm an inspired traveler looking for the best beaches, attractions, restaurants, and more. Hike in the Cerro Verde National Park, 19. They also have great discounts and cancellation policies. Youre in the right place! A quick and easy tool and no need to have up multiple tabs trying to figure out which company is the most affordable. The city is a good starting point for amazing volcano tours in the surroundings, a visit to Lake Coatepeque and the Mayan ruins of Tazumal. Did you enjoy reading this article with tips and things to do in Santa Ana? Find unique places to stay with local hosts in 191 countries. Yes, we were just as shocked to see this as you will be! Its one of the best locations in El Salvador to visit and is a great day or overnight trip from Santa Ana. However, most of the building was destroyed by a lightning strike in the 19th century and was rebuilt over a hundred years later. With its classic architecture, luxurious interiors, and guided tours, this theatre will transport you to another world. The theatre hosts various events throughout the year, including art exhibitions and cultural festivals. Some of the activities are in town, whilst some may require booking a tour, hiring a car or using public transport. I know, I know, youre thinkingbut I cant afford that!. One of my favorite times to come here is for breakfast. Explore the fascinating pre-Columbian villages of San Andrs and UNESCO-listed Joya de Cern. It's located within the Cerro Verde national park. The Joya de Ceren archaeological site was previously a large farming area. For details on how to travel to El Tunco from Santa Ana, check out my detailed guide here. Youll also want to be careful when visiting because there are a lot of large rocks in the water that are slippery from walking on. Looking To Start Your Own Travel Blog Or Take Yours To The Next Level? Cerro Verde is part of El Salvadors Los Volcanes National Park, which consists of five volcanoes: Santa Ana, Izalco, San Marcelino, Coatepeque, and Cerro Verde. Dont be that person! The black-colored cone volcano is the youngest in the country with a height of 1950 meters. Juayua is a famous town in La Ruta de Las Flores; this small city is well-known for its weekend food festivals. 7) Do I need a SIM card to travel around El Salvador? If youre not from the area, you may want to use a taxi because driving in El Salvador can be a bit chaotic with narrow streets, cars parked in both directions of the street, and lots of traffic. Santa Ana is deemed a safe city in El Salvador. If you're staying away from the station you can also pick up the bus as it follows Calle 25 out of the city. Are you ready to discover the best things to do in this beautiful area of El Salvador? Do you want to visit Tazumal from Santa Ana? Check out Simmer Down, a popular pizza and pasta food restaurant near the Santa Ana main square. Public buses in El Salvador: Are they safe? Santa Ana, El Salvador 2023: Best Places to Visit - Tripadvisor From Florida, The Caribbean, and the Atlantic Coast, my goal is to give you ideas for the best beach vacations and experiences! We found El Salvador easy enough to travel around via buses and shuttles, but one of the preferred modes of most backpackers is hiring a car. Jennie Wanders is part of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. The Santa Ana volcano hiking tour lasts for about 5 hours, with 2.5 hours for climbing and 2.5 hours for descending. It stands as a beautiful example of colonial architecture and a reminder of the citys rich history. Santa Ana is a city that is easy to explore on foot if youre near the Cathedral or theatre. Its also known for its rich history in the downtown area, with landmarks such as the National Theatre and Cathedral. It originated more than 70,000 years ago and is one of the largest lakes in El Salvador (26 km2). One of my favorite foods in El Salvador, pupusas are a traditional dish from El Salvador that has been around for hundreds of years. 19 Amazing Things To Do In Santa Ana, El Salvador! Private drivers can be hired for different amounts of time. Its about 70 miles from the international airport and 40 miles from San Salvador. A visit to the hot springs is one of the best things to do in Santa Ana El Salvador. You can stand on the edge of the steamy fumaroles and witness a powerful reminder of the Earths power. Suchitoto is known for its beautiful colonial architecture. There are direct shuttles from El Tunco to Leon,Nicaragua. El Salvador is world-famous for its coffee, so what better place to do a coffee tour? But what if something DOES happen? You cannot bring your bottles or plastic onto the beach. It also has an upstairs, where you can drink a cocktail and overlook the Santa Ana main square! You can travel to Honduras easily from El Salvador. The best way to explore the waterfalls is to take aguided tour. Its tough to fork out $42 a month on something you might not need. However, that doesnt mean that visitors or residents can be careless and not worry about safety at all. NOTE: This information works in both directions: from Caye Caulker to San Ignacio, Read More Caye Caulker To San Ignacio: Backpacker Guide 2023Continue, Your email address will not be published. The crater is eroded and covered by a thick cloud forest. The Santa Ana Cathedral was built in the 16th century, making it over 400 years old. The main square is also near to some of Santa Anas best restaurants, so you can enjoy a cocktail or two whilst enjoying the atmosphere! You can also eat delicious fish in one of the surrounding restaurants, such as Octavo Maravilla. Walking throughout the city is the thing to do if you want to experience local culture at its best. Just about all the varieties that you can imagine! Travel NORTH to Guatemala. One of the most visited iconic buildings in the city of Santa Ana is the Cathedral of Our Lady Saint Anne or La Catedral de Santa Ana in Spanish. So drive with caution and take a bigger vehicle if possible. This is one of the top tourist attractions in El Salvador. Just about all the varieties that you can imagine! Its a great place to start if you want to go on volcano tours, visit Lake Coatepeque, and see the Mayan history of Tazumal. Ten Things to Do in El Salvador (Save & Share) 1. Visit the First, there are many things to do in the city and its near surrounding, second, and more importantly, Santa Ana is known as one of the safest places in El Salvador. One of the top things to do when you are in Santa Ana in El Salvador is the hike to the Ilamantepec volcano. Here you will find the cathedral, which is also on the UNESCO World Heritage List. 17 Top Things To Do In El Salvador in 2023 Things to Do in Santa Ana Department - Tripadvisor They spend time exploring the city and take day trips to other touristic spots nearby. This is another easy and safe way to travel around El Salvador. Its an incredible adventure that shouldnt be missed! Shuttles in El Salvador can either be pre-booked online or booked by a travel agent. Visitors should use common sense and plan ahead when traveling to this city. Note that you must hike the Santa Ana volcano with a guide. And then of course the same way back. Its known for its lively culture and stunning architecture- many of the buildings are colorful and painted with murals. Tickets are available right up until showtime and can be as little as 3 ($4) a show. Tazumal was an important Mayan settlement between 100 BC to about 1200 AD. Youll want to make sure you have enough of a health and fitness level that you can complete the hike. It is estimated that the last eruption was 25,000 years ago. Santa Ana Volcano tour from: El Tunco, El Zonte or San Salvador Starting time: 08:30 am Experience duration: 9 hrs Difficulty: Moderate Are you ready for an awesome experience hiking and active volcano? Follow me on Instagram! Eat pizza and drink cocktails at Simmer Down, 11. Inthe next article you will find an overview of the best boutique hotels in El Salvador. Honduras President Xiomara Castro orders an offensive against gangs similar to Bukeles in El Salvador. Located in El Imposible National Park, these majestic marvels of nature are a must-see for any traveler visiting El Salvador. All of this, make Santa Ana worth exploring! Bring cash when visiting. You can find the Santa Ana Metrocentre here. See Live Music (& Have Some Pizza) At Inna Jammin, The best way to explore the waterfalls is to take a, FAQs: Things To Do In Santa Ana, El Salvador. Head out into the streets of Santa Ana, where youll find vendors selling all sorts of delicious treats, from fresh fruits and coconut water to freshly-made pupusas and juicy avocados. Hi, I'm Wayne! Manufacturing is significant in the city of Santa Ana; there are many factories and assembly plants that produce goods for the country and for exporting. However, it also includes outdoor festivities, live music, and gastronomy, to name a few. If yourebackpacking El Salvador,the most common, safest and easiest way to travel between Santa Ana and El Tunco is byshuttle. The downtown area is home to Liberty Park, the iconic cathedral, the theater, and the mayors office. Youre in the right place! 94.3% Approval Rating in the Latest Survey. It is known for its abundance of street vendors, lively street markets, and beautiful cathedral, and as a place for backpackers to base themselves whilst completing some of the best adventure tours nearby. If youre visiting Cafe Albania for the rainbow slide, you can also push yourself to zip line over the jungle whilst youre there. Passport The World, is an online travel magazine by Deborah Durrfeld, focusing on scenic and cultural travel. It is the perfect day trip from Santa Ana, especially if you are hiring a car. If youre looking for the best coffee tour from Santa Ana, I highly recommend this one! Check Out This Free Workshop! I personally joined Scale Your Travel Blog in 2021 and my website has grown exponentially. They also have pancakes, waffles, and other breakfast options. Travel south to the coast and to the beach town of El Tunco. 6) How many days is enough for El Salvador? Just be sure to tell the driver that you are going to Lago de Coatepeque. Stay in Santa Ana and explore all the tourist activities that the city offers. Most backpackers use Santa Ana as a base, as it has some great hostels and accommodations to stay in. The tourist industry plays a significant role in the local economy; Santa Ana is a hub for local and international tourists. Now you can find me travelling the world with my boyfriend, scoping out the best hidden gems, wildlife, culture and adventures (and misadventures) as we go. 1. Best guided tour: Suchitoto Full-Day Tours. During your visit, you can walk around and observe the temple from different sides. Best guided tour: Cerro Verde National Park Tours. 3) What is the most visited place in El Salvador? This leg is $0.25 and takes around 20 minutes. Santa Ana, El Salvador: What to See, Do and Eat GETTING AROUND EL SALVADOR BY A PRIVATE DRIVER. You can view the cathedral from both the outside and inside, and even climb to the top for views over the whole city! Related post: 7-Day Itinerary for El Salvador. The atmosphere at Inna Jammin is always buzzing, and the live music is sure to get everyone in the mood for a good time. Its an adventurous day out, and one you wont forget for a while! You can check out the prices and packages for eSIMs here! (2023)Continue, How to get from Cozumel to Tulum (or the other way round) safely, easily and cheaply. Pupusas can be served plain or topped with salsa, curtido (, Many also offer a variety of tacos and other traditional dishes like pupusas de queso (, 8. Its a unique experience to have in Santa Ana El Salvador, thats for sure! Check flight prices now. The crystal-clear waters of Lago de Coatepeque are ideal for those looking for a more laid-back spot and some beautiful views. The Santa Ana, as it is often called, is the highest volcano in the country at 2300 meters. If youve eaten enough street food in Central America, you can visit one of the best restaurants in Santa Ana Simmer Down. Visit the small towns of Concepcin de Ataco and Apaneca, 5. From Santa Ana, you will need to board the 209 or 220 bus. Moreover, on a clear day you have an amazing view of the surroundings. Bear in mind this takes around 19-20 hours! To learn more about all archeological sites in El Salvador, visit our page, Mayan Ruins in El Salvador. Pupusas are the national dish of El Salvador and are pancake-like tortillas, stuffed with either a savoury or sweet filling. You have to go beyond the rocks to really get to the deeper parts of the water. The popular place Simmer Down, on the plaza serves tasty pizzas, pastas and salads.
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what to do in santa ana el salvador
