San Salvador City Tour
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San Salvador is the capital city of El Salvador. It lies in the “Valle de las Hamacas” (literally “Valley of the hammocks”, as it was named by the colonizing Spaniards, due to its intense earthquake activity) at the foot of the San Salvador volcano. It covers an area of 600 square km and is home to nearly 2 million people. It is home to one-third of El Salvador’s population and one-half of the country’s wealth. The downtown area is filled with shops and modern buildings, but unfortunately earthquakes have damaged or destroyed many of the city’s historic buildings.
The people of San Salvador are generally friendly, though as in any large city, less inclined to engage in conversations with strangers on the street as opposed to other parts of the country. The wealthy live in exclusive suburbs behind tall security walls or luxury condominium buildings. Wealthier areas such as San Benito, Colonia Escalon, Colonia San Francisco, Colonia Maquilishuat, Santa Elena (where the US embassy is located) and Ciudad Merliot have tree-lined avenues, luxurious shopping malls, bars, clubs, gyms, restaurants, luxury hotels, modern high-rise buildings, plazas, boutiques, cafes, luxury salons, jewelry stores, etc. Some of these neighborhoods are located in the hills surrounding the city and have breathtaking views. A number of new gated housing communities complete with parks, swimming pools, fitness facilities and tight security are popular with middle class families. Most of the city’s hotels can be found in these suburbs.
San Salvador’s climate is tropical, although the weather can vary; the nights may be cool (especially in December), however, most of the time it is sunny and warm. Wearing t-shirts, jeans, and possibly a light rain jacket is usually sufficient.
Whilst not on most tourists’ “to do” list in El Salvador, the capital provides a good base for exploring the rest of the country as it’s a transportation hub, with most major roads running through it due to its central location. Spending a few days exploring this cosmopolitan and internationally-conscious city can be a rewarding experience.
Distances between sights make walking an unpopular option for those in a hurry as does the street layout in the city; San Salvador is not a square city but has long avenues that are straight and streets that are not. That said, in some areas walking is a great option, such as the short, 15 minute walk between Zona Rosa and Las Terrazas which are close together and within sight of one another. If you are interested in Art Deco and Salvadoran architecture, walking is a perfect option to get around the city. One favorite stroll is along Paseo General Escalon (Colonia Escalon) to Central San Salvador – a 45 minute walk that takes you past many historical sites and interesting photo. Another great walking option is through Parque Bicentenario, a large green space in Antiguo Cuscatlan with paths and playgrounds, perfect for families.
San Salvador has wide avenues and boulevards, including the two widest boulevards in Central America: Boulevard de los Proceres and Boulevard de los Heroes. Other important boulevards include Alameda Roosevelt, Paseo General Escalon, Av. Jerusalem, Boulevard Constitucionand Av. Juan Pablo Segundo.
Monuments
San Salvador has many beautiful monuments, some of them dating back to the early 20th century, while others are more modern. Some of the most important monuments include the National Palace, Plaza Gerardo Barrios, Plaza La Libertad, Plaza Morazan, Water Clock, Monument to the Sea, Atlacatl Monument and the Proceres Monuments (it has 10 busts of famous Salvadorans that line the street).
One of the most recognizable monuments in El Salvador is the Monumento al Divino Salvador del Mundo, or “Monument to the Saviour of The World”. The Saviour is San Salvador’s Patron Saint and is celebrated with massive festivities during the first full week of August every year. The Metropolitan Cathedral has the tomb of One of the most surprisingly beautiful architectural gems in El Salvador is the Iglesia Rosario, a church built by sculptor Ruben Martinez in the 1970’s. Resembling an airplane hangar from the outside, it is visually stunning as you step through the doors
Business
Feria Internacional de El Salvador CIFCO is the largest convention center in Central America. In addition, San Salvador is one of the only two cities in Central America that have a World Trade Center.
Parks
San Salvador has a large urban park, the “Parque de los Pericos”. There is another park called Parque Cuscatlan (close to downtown), which is very elegant, with lights, trees and paths. Popular with locals, the beautiful botanical gardens of La Laguna located at the bottom of a volcanic crater showcase much native fauna. Zoologico Nacional (The National Zoo), and Parque Saburo Hirao (with a collection of native plants) are in the SE part of the city by the old Presidential House.
If you don’t get a chance to visit smaller towns and villages outside the capital, a must see destination is Los Planes De Renderos. 1000 Meters above sea level, and it offers a spectacular view of San Salvador. This is a popular oasis for locals from the hectic city life. Check out the restaurants, and near-by parque Balboa, (Balboa Park) with lots of trees and green lawns, ideal for picnics. Indulge yourself eating the tasty salvadorean treat known as pupusas! Puerto del Diablo is another interesting place near Los Planes, a natural rock formation that holds a morbid place in El Salvador’s historical civil war.
Museums
San – Salvador has many museums, the two most important are “Museo David J Guzman” and “Museo de Arte MARTE”. David J Guzman National Museum of Anthropology contains a variety of Mayan and Pipil artifacts, while Museo de Arte MARTE displays an extensive collection of international art. Both are located in the Zona Rosa district. There is also a children’s museum, the Tin-Marin museum, where kids can experience the world in a fun way. The old national palace is being restored to house the “National Archives,” and the “National Museum.” Also a new display of early mammal fossils, including a giant sloth, mastodon and more than twenty other species is being set up in the “Museo de Historia Natural,” or “Natural History Museum” situated in the SE section of Saburo Hirao park by the National Zoo. Close to the zoo is the “Museo Militar,” or Military Museum which is housed in the old castle-like “El Zapote” barracks built in 1895. In the military museum you can find weapons and army uniforms from the 17th, 18th, and early 20th centuries, which were historically used by the Salvadoran army. Other highlights of this museum include the original copies of the 1992 peace accords and the Pope Mobile used when Pope John Paul II visited the country. Entrance is free and a guide service is provided at no charge.
Theatres
San Salvador has numerous theatres, including the beautiful Teatro Presidente (located near Zona Rosa), where the symphony regularly performs expensive and inexpensive concerts, and the Teatro Nacional (downtown), which was recently restored to its full splendor. Here you can step back and experience the grandeur once reserved for the city’s elite in the early 1900s.
Local Crafts
For local arts and crafts, visit the Ilopango markets east of the city. Test your bargaining skills and take home some unique, handmade goods. For cheap souvenirs such as hammocks and other local crafts try the Mercado Cuartel. For Fair trade crafts from all over the country you can shop at the NGO Centro de Intercabio y Solidaridad. They have a store with diverse products and they support many small artisans.
Are you looking to discover San Salvador City? Click here to check some options that will help you organize your trip.