Know where you are going. Where is El Salvador? El Salvador is a country in Central America, located on the North American Continent. It is located between Honduras and Guatemala and has the Pacific Ocean on its northwest border. You can obtain maps of the areas you are visiting through either automobile clubs (i.e. AAA), at local bookstores, or through travel agencies.
Know the language. Spanish is the primary language in El Salvador (although there are some towns with Indian populations that speak Nahuat – the language of the Pipils, which is usually only spoken in the home). If you don’t know a ton of Spanish, try to learn at least some of the basics (i.e. bathroom, money, hello, goodbye, and help). You can prepare for the Spanish language by listening to books on tape or cd that teach the language, or through instructional videos. You might look into getting a guide to help you communicate with the people of El Salvador during your visit. It might also be handy to bring along a dictionary that has English words and their Spanish translation, so you can look up words in English and communicate your idea or question in Spanish.
How do I get to El Salvador? You can enter by plane, which tends to be fairly expensive. You can enter by car using the Pan American highway, which travels through El Salvador and is a fairly safe way to enter the country. You can also enter via bus, which tends to be very inexpensive but also difficult to understand. There is not an agency that coordinates the bus routes, so you need to ask the driver where they are going and when. These buses are usually easy to spot, being well painted with all kinds of logos on them. Even though traveling via bus can be less expensive, they are often more crowded and the chance for being robbed increases greatly. So keep your things close at hand and be careful. Once you are in El Salvador, you can rent a car (Alamo and Hertz is available), travel by bus, taxi, or walk in some towns. There is also some means of private transportation available (Linea Ejecutiva), which will be more expensive. Please note that you will also be charged a $32 fee upon departing El Salvador.
Have proper identification when entering El Salvador. It is required for people visiting El Salvador to have both a passport and a second form of identification, consisting of either a visa or a tourist card. A visa is free for American citizens and can be obtained through the Consulate of El Salvador. A tourist card is good for 90 days, costs $10, and can be obtained at the port of entry.
What currency is used in El Salvador? El Salvador uses the American dollar. Do not carry any bills larger than a twenty, as many markets and stores won’t take larger than twenty. If you need to change your higher bills, you can do so at any bank. You’ll enjoy the fact that things in El Salvador are cheap (i.e. $10 for a hotel room, $4 for a meal, $1 to use the Internet for an hour).
What kind of food do they eat in El Salvador? You can find all kinds of ethnic foods in El Salvador, including Chinese, Korean, Japanese, French, Italian, and many more. You can also find American food and fast food restaurants, such as McDonalds, Wendy’s, Burger King, Pizza Hut, Dominos, and more in the larger cities including Santa Ana, Santa Tecla, Merliot, and San Salvador. You can also find tradition Salvadorian food. The typical diet includes rice and beans, seafood, and a traditional dish called Pupusa, which is a corn tortilla filled with cheese and other items, including shredded pork (aka chicharon). You can also find fried, sliced plantains (platanos) that are served with beans, cheese, and sour cream; turkey sandwiches (panes con pavo); handmade tortillas; and more delicious Salvadorian treats.
What are some of the popular places to visit in El Salvador? San Salvador is the capital and has numerous large malls and stores to shop in. You can buy both local and international goods and foods galore. It is also known for its popular entertainment and nightlife. If you are into surfing, there are a few widely known surf spots that are becoming known as some of the best surfing spots in the world. These can be found in La Libertad, El Zonte, El Sunzal, and El Este (the east). The countryside of El Salvador offers beautiful scenery with its mountains and volcanoes. You can visit the colonial towns of Juayua, Suchitoto, Apaneca, and Panchimalco. The Mayan ruins also make for a fun adventure and include the sites of Joya de Ceren, San Andres, and Tazumal.
Relax, enjoy, and take lots of pictures. El Salvador is a beautiful and enjoyable country. Take lots of pictures, spend your money wisely, and enjoy yourself. After all, you are on vacation!
