Are you traveling to El Salvador in 2025? This is the guide for you! I am so excited for you and your adventure in store.
I have created a list of 10 top tips after my own solo El Salvador trip.
El Salvador is a hidden gem in Central America, filled with lush landscapes like streaming waterfalls and towering volcanoes.
From the vibrant streets of San Salvador to the serene beauty of the Pacific coastline, El Salvador is full of adventure and relaxation.
However, like any destination, having a few travel tips can make all the difference in ensuring a seamless and enjoyable trip.
These tips will help you navigate El Salvador with ease and make the most of your experience in this stunning country!
7 El Salvador Travel Tips for visitors in 2025 are: Uber or Taxi from the airport, rent a car on Ruta de Flores, book a private guide, carry small change, drink bottled water, stay in safe neighborhoods, and take public transportation.
7 El Salvador Travel Tips
1. Uber or Taxi from the Airport
There is no public bus from the main airport in El Salvador taking you to San Salvador or any other city. You are required to take an Uber, taxi, or other private transport option like Daytrip.
It is recommended to set the price for your taxi before getting in the car. Uber is considered the safest option because your ride is being tracked and all of the information for the driver is stored in your app.
2. Rent a Car on the Ruta de Flores
I struggled with my Ruta de Flores itinerary as a solo traveler in El Salvador. You can hop on the 249 public bus to get to most of the towns along the route for 50 cents each way.
However, this bus does not take you to the hot springs- one of the biggest attractions of the route.
I was not able to find any tours while on the Ruta de Flores that picked you up from your accommodation and brought you to the hot springs. The only tours that included hot springs were from San Salvador.
If you are hoping to make other stops along the Ruta de Flores besides the neighborhoods and you are not visiting on a day trip from San Salvador, then I highly recommend renting a car.
⭐Popular Hotels on Ruta de Flores
3. Book a Private Guide (if you are traveling with friends)
During my trip to El Salvador, I learned that it is very common to hire a private guide for a full day for around $100. It costs around $100 to take a day tour as part of a group.
So to pay the same amount to create a customized itinerary for the day is a great option- especially if you are traveling with friends.
If I was in a group of 4, spending $25 for a couple of days to get wherever I needed to in the country is highly efficient!
4. Carry Small Change
The US Dollar is the official currency in El Salvador. Street and market vendors do not accept credit cards, and it will be difficult to break a high bill.
Carrying small change in El Salvador is essential for smooth transactions, especially since most street vendors, market stalls, and some small restaurants only accept cash.
Street food items like sweet quesadillas or juice in a bag can be as inexpensive as 30 to 50 cents, so having the right change makes it easier to buy these affordable treats.
Having small bills on hand also helps avoid issues when breaking larger bills.
5. Drink Bottled Water
In El Salvador, it’s important to drink bottled water because tap water is not reliably treated and can contain bacteria or other contaminants that may cause stomach issues. Even locals typically avoid drinking tap water.
Bottled water is widely available and can be purchased at most grocery stores, convenience stores, and restaurants across the country.
For extra precaution, avoid ice in drinks and use bottled water for brushing your teeth as well. (I brushed my teeth with tap water and did not have a problem).
An alternate option is to bring a water sterilizer like a SteriPen.
6. Stay in Safe Neighborhoods
The safest neighborhood in San Salvador is considered Zona Rosa, or San Benito.
Travelers tend to advise against staying in the historic center but I felt super safe in this area as well. I also felt very safe staying in Escalon. I stayed at Hotel Villa Serena Escalon.
In all honesty, you just need to do your due diligence in researching the current safety conditions of an area before your trip, no matter where you are traveling.
⭐Popular Hotels in San Salvador
7. Public Transportation
Public transportation is widely available when traveling between big cities in El Salvador. The cost usually ranges from 50 cents to $1.30 USD.
For example, I paid 50 cents to take a chicken bus from Juayua to Sonsonate and then $1.30 to take a coach bus from the Sonsonate bus terminal to San Salvador.
Bus schedules are not frequently published in advance, so I highly recommend speaking with hotel staff or tour guides. They can guide you in the direction of your bus stop, times, and frequency in which the buses run.
⭐Popular Day Tours from San Salvador
Conclusion
El Salvador offers an incredible travel experience with its stunning landscapes, rich culture, and friendly locals.
By following these 7 tips, you’ll be better prepared to navigate the country safely and enjoy all it has to offer.
Whether you’re exploring the vibrant cities, relaxing on the beaches, or hiking volcanoes, being mindful of local customs, safety, and practical details will help ensure a smooth and memorable trip.
Safe travels, and enjoy discovering all the beauty that El Salvador has to offer!
