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One of the smallest countries within Central America and one of the most densely populated, El Salvador’s draw is not an abundance of unspoiled tropical rain forests. Rather, the country’s allure comes from mountainous terrain that is unlike the rest of central America – offering ample hiking opportunities, for its beach and nightlife, for the fact that it’s relatively off the beaten track, and for great surfing at sites including El Zonte, Sunzal, La Libertad, and more. Those seeking to learn more about El Salvador’s past can also visit the Museum of Revolution, which documents the events within the violent civil war that ravaged the country.
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Questions answered about visiting El Salvador
Travel Tips from people who've been to El Salvador
0197calm, quiet and beautiful
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0013San Salvador is quite an interesting place and an excellent starting point if you want to travel around El Salvador. Also, by choosing to go to El Salvador, you have already guaranteed yourself a rather cheep trip. San Salvador is certainly a third world city, but so long as there's sunlight and you watch your wallet carefully and don't walk down any obviously scary allies, you'll be alright.
San Salvador is the capital of El Salvador and is home of the Metropolitan Cathedral of the Holy Savior (Catedral Metropolitana de San Salvador). The cathedral is an amazing spectacle and is best known for the tragic assassination of the world famous Archbishop Romero.
There is plenty to do in San Salvador and you can travel to anywhere in the country from the capital. There are many things you can do, whether you want to see the condition in which the majority of the world lives in, go shopping, see Mayan ruins, or go zip-lining, San Salvador will make sure you get there. San Salvador is also in the area where the location where the airport is located, making it easy to reach the capital. Just one short taxi ride and you're there.
If you go to San Salvador, then you gotta watch you wallet and so long as you keep your wits about you, you'll be fine. Oh, and when you cross the street in San Salvador, be careful. One of our group members nearly got killed because she lacked the common sense that the drivers always have the right of way. Good thing the driver barely stopped in time, although the car did knock her over.
It may sound intimidating, but it's really not that bad. When you are looking for a hotel, pick one that has a security guard carrying a shotgun and there'll be no problem. Also, if you wanna go out at night, there's always a cool club somewhere and the locals are quite friendly. Oh and the most important thing is the Salvadorian famous pupusa! They are so delicious!!
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079El Salvador is beautiful, but it is still a country recovering from a long and extremely damaging civil war. Be aware of that while you are visiting. I never felt in danger while I was there, and I don't believe it is a dangerous place to visit, but it is something that you need to be sensitive to. These people are still trying to put their country back together and many of them have very vivid memories of losing friends and family.
As always, don't drink the water. Canned soda is your best bet unless you have bottled water or from a trusted source. The chains are typically safe to eat at, they usually use filtered water.
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