Things to do in  San Salvador

One of the largest lakes in El Salvador, the turquoise-hued waters of Lake Coatepeque are found between Santa Ana and Cerro Verde National Park. Part of an ancient volcanic caldera, the lake was formed during a series of explosive eruptions more than 50,000 years ago. It’s now a popular spot known for its scenic views and watersports.

From its modern shape to its main altar placement, El Rosario Church was a controversial project in the 1960s, designed by Salvadoran architect and sculptor Rubén Martínez, under the supervision of Pope John XXIII. Featuring stained-glass windows that cast colorful hues down on the parishioners, this Catholic church is active throughout the week.

The UNESCO World Heritage-listed Joya de Cerén Archaeological Site is a pre-Columbian Mayan farming village that dates to AD 600. Smothered by ash during a volcanic eruption of Laguna Caldera, the buried village was preserved in near-perfect condition, earning it the nickname “Pompeii of the Americas.”

Cerro Verde National Park is an impressive volcanic site located 40 miles (64 kilometers) from San Salvador. A lush jungle with a network of hiking trails, the landscape embraces three volcanic peaks and a serene crater lake. From the oft-erupting Izalco and highly active Santa Ana to the extinct Cerro Verde, volcano views are the hallmark of the park.

A short drive from the bustling streets of San Salvador, El Boquerón National Park is a natural wonderland at the top of an ancient volcano. One of El Salvador’s most popular hiking destinations, El Boquerón offers incredible views over the capital city and is also home to El Boqueróncito, a tiny volcanic crater at the center of the main crater.

San Salvador’s Metropolitan Cathedral is an imposing white Roman Catholic Church built in the mid-1880s in the heart of the historic district. The cathedral’s interior is adorned with images depicting the city’s patron saint, the Divine Savior. Sadly, this cathedral was also the site of a tragic event when dozens of people were stampeded to death during Archbishop Oscar Romero’s funeral. Today, the church serves as a place of worship for local and visiting parishioners.

The National Theatre of El Salvador takes center stage among the buildings defining the country’s capital. Designed by French architect Daniel Beylard with a neoclassical facade and adorned with lavish French Renaissance interiors, this performance center is as captivating as the shows it produces for crowds capped at 650 seats.

One of San Salvador’s most important landmarks, the National Palace of El Salvador stands proud on Plaza Gerardo Barrios at the heart of the capital’s historic center. Bringing together neo-Gothic, neoclassical, and Renaissance architectural styles, the national monument was originally built in 1866 and reconstructed in the early 20th century.

The San Andres Archaeological Park is a former Mayan site and one of the largest pre-Spanish ruins in El Salvador. Located less than 20 miles from downtown San Salvador, this archaeological site was unearthed in 1977, and features ruined houses and an acropolis. An on-site museum offers a glimpse into this 600–900 AD civilization.

The Monument to the Divine Savior of the World (Monumento al Divino Salvador del Mundo) lies in the Savior of the World Plaza on a traffic island in a busy intersection of downtown San Salvador—but don’t let its location fool you. The statue features Jesus Christ on top of a globe and is a major symbol of the country known worldwide.

Colonial architecture stands tall in the hilltop town of Suchitoto. The cobblestone streets provide a contrast to its jungle surroundings, weaving together El Salvador’s lakeside scenery with historic remnants from the mid-1800s. It’s a picturesque town where locals escape from the busy capital to lounge on the shores of Lake Suchitan.

Once you’re up there, it’s easy to see why Devil's Door (Puerta del Diablo) was used as a sacred site by the Mayan Pipil people. Overlooking Los Planes de Renderos, it’s made up of massive boulders that almost feel as if they’ve parted themselves just to give way to panoramic vista views of El Salvador.

A volcanic caldera close to San Salvador, Lake Ilopango is one of the largest lakes in the country. Warm water invites people to discover underwater features like volcanic rock formations and caves, while small, rocky islands play host to birds and marine life searching for a quiet spot under the sun.

Contrary to the name, it is possible to see El Salvador’s El Imposible National Park. While its moniker comes from a steep gorge, which created a deadly, often impossible route for traders to cross, a bridge was built in 1968, making this dazzling yet fragile ecosystem much more accessible to travelers.

The National Museum of Anthropology (Museo Nacional de Antropología Dr. David J. Guzmán) houses two floors of Mayan and Salvadorian historical artifacts and cultural exhibits from pre-Columbian times. Visit for insights into Mesoamerican death rituals, crafts pieces of the past, and historical tidbits. It's conveniently located in the Zona Rosa area of El Salvador’s capital city, San Salvador.