Last week, I got to check off a big bucket list destination—El Salvador! I spent a week exploring a cute coastal town, hiking a volcano, chasing waterfalls, and soaking up all the sunshine and good vibes with my friend Nathalia. We were hosted by Linea Ejecutiva El Salvador, who provided our amazing guide Adonis, and transportation for our entire visit — and let me just say, they absolutely nailed the itinerary. Here’s how it all went down:

Day 1 – Touchdown in El Salvador + Sunset at El Tunco

We landed in La Libertad and checked into Boca Olas Hotel, tucked right near El Tunco Beach, only about 45 mins away from the international airport. This little surf town has all the boho, barefoot energy—think colorful shops, live music floating through the air, and people cruising around with surfboards under their arms. Truly, a highlight of my trip was just roaming the area day and night. There are boutique coffee shops like Ohana Surf Cafe, Soya, and Boa House. If you need a good place to start, head over to El Tunco Town Center and you’re bound to leave with a handmade popsicle or an acai bowl. The shopping over here is also cute with a handful of boutique shops that exceed your typical t-shirt shops. Nathalia and I sat and worked in this area on our computers for a while - a true nomadic dream.

We also hit Mercado del Mar, the local sea market, where we watched fishermen unload the freshest catch of the day. There are about four isles of seafood vendors displaying the catch of the day. Certainly smelly but worth a walk through.

Lunch in La Libertad

Then we walked down the newly renovated **La Libertad Dock**, which gave us the perfect ocean view. Lunch was at **Legends**, which served up some of the tastiest coconut shrimp + passionfruit dipping sauce. This area is no doubt up and coming.

In the afternoon, we took surf lessons with a local guide from WAYO Surf School. We hopped in the back of a pickup truck with our two guides and zipped off to a nearby beach with beginner-friendly waves. There was a small language barrier, but nothing that good vibes couldn’t handle. I’ve taken surf lessons in the past, and this one truly had me walking away feeling like I had learned something new.

Day 2 – Front Row at the World Surf League

This was such a cool surprise! We got to watch the WSL Championship Tour at Punta Roca. The energy was electric—pro surfers from around the world absolutely shredding while the crowd cheered from the coast. This beach is covered in palm trees, and the coast is lined with big black rocks and boulders - watching the surfers and commentators struggle their way back to land had me happy I was only spectating this day.

Balance Surf & Yoga

We had dinner next door to Boca Olas at Balance Surf & Yoga. This is no doubt where I’d like to stay on a future visit. There was a yoga studio, board rentals, and a primarily veg-forward menu at their onsite restaurant. Although the Pad Thai was not my favorite, everything else they served was very tasty.

Day 3 – Tamanique Waterfalls (aka Jungle Gym Goals)

If you’re looking for adventure, this day was it. We hiked to the Tamanique Waterfalls, a series of four dreamy cascades tucked into the lush hillside.

You’ll need a local guide for this one (we booked ours through the tourism board, but you can go with a guide from the town of Tamanique. They were proud to let us know Mr. Beast had gone on a tour with them once. The hike takes about 45 minutes to an hour, and be warned—it’s steep and can be muddy, so wear real shoes, boots, and bring water! There is a refreshments stand midway down. They sell cola, water and we had a bagged cucumber snack topped with lime and spices.

There are a series of waterfalls. I visited two of the four. You’ll see one upon your descent but the biggest is tucked away around the corner. Go early if you’d like to be the only ones. We arrived at around 8 AM and had about 45 mins to ourselves before other groups showed up.

Lunch was at Betos in La Libertad, perched on the cliff with ocean views that made the post-hike pupusas taste even better. They are famous for seafood and ceviches.

Aerial view of Santa Ana Volcano crater in El Salvador with vibrant turquoise crater lake and rugged volcanic ridges.

Day 4 – Santa Ana Volcano Hike

This one was epic. Santa Ana Volcano is the tallest in El Salvador, and we hiked to the crater’s edge at 2,381 meters (7,812 feet!). We had a two hour drive from El Tunco to get to this area. The hike took us about 1 hour to ascend at a pretty average pace. The trail is well-marked but you are required to go with a guide. Even our assigned guide from the tourism board wasn’t enough to embark on this trail. Each group goes up in amounts of 10 or more. I got seriously sunburned, so go early if you can, and bring a hat, sunscreen, and water. At the top, you’re rewarded with a glowing turquoise crater lake that looks like something from a sci-fi movie. There is a local selling popsicles so be sure to bring some money so you can have a treat. The rim is patrolled by the guides and law enforcment ,assuring that no one gets too close. At first, this bothered me, but upon reflection, I realize how crumbly the earth is up there and you really can never be too cautious. I had no problem flying the drone here. Honestly surreal.

Drone view of Casa 1800 Cerro Verde resort nestled in lush green hills, with Santa Ana Volcano rising dramatically in the background.

After the hike, we had lunch at Casa 1800 Cerro Verde, where you can chill on the terrace with panoramic views of the volcano you just conquered. We stayed there that night, and was obsessed with the view from my room. It’s peaceful, cozy, and surrounded by forest trails if you’ve still got energy left. The restauarnt on site is known for being a more upscale option in El Salvador and we enjoyed lunch, dinner, and breakfast here. They serve up Salvadorian classics, so if you eat meat, come hungry! I went with Papussas once again and was not disappointed.

Day 5 – Beach Day at Mizata + Nawi Vibes

We wrapped up the trip with pure beach bliss. Mizata is this hidden-gem stretch of sand that somehow feels both wild and luxurious. One side of the beach is all soft sand and calm vibes; the other is pure surf haven.

We spent the afternoon at Nawi Beach House, sipping fresh juice, iced coffees and watching the waves roll in. The whole place feels like a jungle oasis. It’s a great spot to unwind and reflect after a week of adrenaline and adventure. There is a netlike bungalow hung overtop the bar and it was a cool place to lounge around with a great view of the beach and restauarnt. The evening converts this property into a raging beach club and we were sad to leave just after sunset as the pool and beach were starting to fill up with people from all over the world.

We stayed the night at Roca Sunzal in La Libertad before heading to the airport the next morning—exhausted, sun-kissed, and wildly happy.

Let’s Wrap Things Up

If El Salvador isn’t on your radar yet, I hope it finds its way there soon. It wouldn’t feel right to share about my time here without acknowledging the deeper context. So often, we’re taught to view unfamiliar places through a lens of fear or suspicion—especially as Americans. But travel, at its best, is about connection, not caution.

During my time in El Salvador, I was met with generosity, joy, and open-hearted kindness. One evening, after realizing we didn’t have cash to buy water at a small bodega, we turned to leave. The woman behind the counter called us back and handed us the bottles anyway, asking for nothing in return. It was a simple act, but it said everything about the spirit of this place.

El Salvador is on the edge of a tourism renaissance, and it’s easy to see why. I felt safe, welcomed, and inspired every step of the way—from hiking to the rim of a volcano to swinging into jungle waterfalls, and learning to surf alongside locals who genuinely love sharing their culture.

This country has so much to offer—not just in beauty and adventure, but in heart.

Would I go back? Absolutely. And next time, I’m bringing more friends for an even longer stay!