13 Best El Salvador Tours You Can’t Miss!

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You’re about to discover the 13 best El Salvador tours — all led by El Salvador locals so you can have more authentic (less touristy) experiences, and not spend your whole trip navigating the chicken buses.

Don’t have time to search for the perfect El Salvador day tour? Look no further – Ruta de las Flores: Hot Springs + Coffee Tour + Nahuizalco and Ataco Towns is the best of the best in El Salvador, boasting all 5-star reviews. You can trust this tour won’t let you down!

I recently spent 3 weeks solo backpacking around El Salvador, and can now say this is my favorite country in all of Central America. This tiny country has so much to offer travelers – beach towns with surfing, hikes with stunning views, one of the most beautiful lakes in the world, and the best street food.

Although I do a lot of sightseeing on my own, I love a good day tour.

Not only are small group tours a great way to meet other travelers, but it’s such a relief to take a day off from planning and decision-making. The local buses take a long time and energy to get around, making many of the best El Salvador day trips best done with a guide.

So, if you’re looking for the least stressful way to do and see a lot in a short amount of time, book some of these El Salvador day tours!

1. Ruta de las Flores: Hot Springs + Coffee Tour + Nahuizalco and Ataco Towns

⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 7-8 hours | 😎 BOOK NOW

With a local guide to show you around and tell you personal stories of the area, this Ruta de las Flores tour offers an insight into Salvadorean culture that cannot be found in any guidebook, making it one of the best tours in El Salvador.

The Ruta de las Flores (i.e. Route of Flowers) is one of El Salvador’s most stunning and must-visit attractions. This picturesque route takes you through some of the country’s most beautiful landscapes, charming towns, and hot springs.

My favorite tour of the trip! I had an amazing time & my tour guide was excellent. Loved the hot springs and coffee tour. Coffee was really good. The small towns were beautiful and great shopping.

– Teri (See More Reviews)

Not only will you get to explore the vibrant town of Nahuizalco and the photogenic murals in Ataco, but you’ll also have time for relaxation at Santa Teresa Hot Springs – said to be the biggest hot springs in Central America!

You’ll learn all about how some of the world’s best coffee is made. And let’s not forget about sliding down the famous rainbow slide – it’ll make your trip even more memorable!

So, if you want to experience all these amazing things without taking multiple chicken buses each way, don’t miss out on this highly-rated small group tour!

2. Santa Ana volcano hike with privileged early access

⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 7-8 hours | 😎 BOOK NOW

If you’re up for a bit of a hike, then you should definitely book this Santa Ana volcano tour. It’s the highest and most active volcano in El Salvador, with gorgeous views from the top.

During the hike, Alfredo had a lot of great insight into the history, geography and botany of the volcano and the surrounding areas. We never would have learned about these things if we had not hired Alfredo.

– Ken (See More Reviews)

I’m not much of a hiker, but this hike was the right amount of challenge without being too tough, and the turquoise crater lake at the top was spectacular.

There are limited buses that go to and from Cerro Verde National Park each day, which can be stressful to figure out. A lot of hikers end up hitchhiking in order to catch the bus. And there’s only one public tour time slot, so it can be crowded later in the morning.

With this tour, you’ll be picked up and dropped off at your hotel in El Salvador, and beat the crowds and the heat, allowing you to go at your own pace and get the best pictures. This is definitely one of the best El Salvador tours to do!

3. Day Tour: Joya de Cerén Mayan Site +Tazumal + Indigo Workshop Casa Blanca

⭐️ RATING: 4.5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 6-8 hours | 😎 BOOK NOW

Located in the northwest of El Salvador, the Joya de Cerén UNESCO World Heritage Site offers travelers an insight into the lives of the indigenous people who once inhabited this area. 

This full-day tour from San Salvador takes you to the archaeological site, where a Maya farming village was miraculously preserved by volcanic ash (kind of like Pompeii in Italy except the village wasn’t inhabited when it happened) – making it one of the most significant archaeological finds in Central America.

If you love Mayan history this is a must. There is so much to learn on this trip and they have you covered. Also Santa Ana and Lake Coatepeque are beautiful.

– Kyle (See More Reviews)

You’ll learn all about Mayan culture and their ancient customs as you explore the site with an expert local guide.

The tour also includes a visit to Tazumal – one of Central America’s most important pre-Columbian archaeological sites. You’ll also get to take part in an Indigo Workshop at Casa Blanca where you can learn how traditional dyes are made from natural ingredients.

This six-to-eight-hour tour will give you a glimpse into El Salvadorean life that cannot be found in any guidebook or museum. And to top it off, you’ll enjoy lunch at Lake Coatepeque, one of the most picturesque places in the country. Don’t miss out on your chance to experience it!

4. Hike to Waterfall + Relaxing at the beach

⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars| ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 8-12 hours | 😎 BOOK NOW

Get your adventure on with a hike to Tamanique Waterfalls in El Salvador.

Having a guide for the waterfalls is highly recommended – they know the trails and can tell you about the surrounding forest. They also know where it’s safe to cliff jump, which is kinda important.

Chasing waterfalls in El Salvador was one of the highlights of my entire trip – and I was really glad to have a guide for this one! My guide held my hand at one point so that I wouldn’t slip, and I was grateful!

The experience to waterfall was definitely an adventure and when you get there Ahhhh!!! It’s so breathtaking.

– Tripadvisor Reviewer (See More Reviews)

This El Salvador day tour offers you an escape into nature, with stunning views of cascading waterfalls and lush green landscapes. As you make your way, take in the fresh air and admire the picturesque scenery around you – it’s sure to be an unforgettable experience!

After all that hiking, reward yourself with relaxing at the beach, a perfect day, and one of the best El Salvador tours. Don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity to explore El Salvador’s breathtaking natural beauty!

5. Monkey Sanctuary Reserve + Kayaking at Bahía de Jiquilisco + Lunch Included

⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars| ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 7-10 hours | 😎 BOOK NOW

This small-group tour offers a unique El Salvador excursion that many travelers to El Salvador miss because it can be tricky to get to and explore the country on your own.

On this full-day tour, you’ll learn how this sanctuary is saving the spider monkeys (these guys are my favorites), enjoy kayaking at Bahía de Jiquilisco, and have a nice lunch with the group.

Had a great day seeing the monkeys and kayaking. Josue is very passionate about his country and very patient. Amazing experience!

– Tripadvisor Reviewer (See More Reviews)

Travelers rave about the exceptional local guides who run this tour. So if you’re looking for an easy way to spend time in nature, this tour is perfect for you!

6. El Salvador: The Peace Route Tour

⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars| ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 13 hours | 😎 BOOK NOW

This El Salvador Peace Route tour is a must-do for anyone interested in gaining a deeper understanding of how El Salvador has been impacted by its recent civil war.

One of my favorite tours while in El Salvador and worth the drive to Morazan. Our tour guide Alex was super friendly and knowledgeable.

– Ceci from United States (Read More Reviews)

You will visit the Mozate Memorial site, meet veterans of the war who are rebuilding their community and hear witness testimonials at the Museum of the Revolution. It’s one thing to read about the sad history, and another to hear about it firsthand from someone who lived through it.

With pick-up and drop-off at your hotel included, this tour is a great way to gain a deeper understanding of El Salvador’s civil war.

7. Ruta de Las Flores Adventure, Relax at Hotsprings + 1930’s farm Coffee Tour

⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars| ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 8 hours | 😎 BOOK NOW

Experience El Salvador’s breathtaking natural beauty and rich culture on this 8-hour tour of Ruta de Las Flores!

It can take a couple of hours each way on the chicken bus to get to the Ruta de las Flores, and then more time to travel by bus between the towns, but this tour removes the hassle.

The shopping, the swing, the bicycle ziplining, the hot springs, the random stop at Pollo Compero at the end of the day….this tour was amazing, and our tour guide (sorry can’t remember his name) was amazing, a good photographer, and made our experience memorable. Definitely book!

– Essence (Read More Reviews)

Visit charming colonial towns, learn about indigenous customs and crafts in Nahuizalco, explore the highest village in the country famous for coffee plantations, add on a zip line adventure, or try to complete the largest maze in Central America (this was one of my favorite excursions in El Salvador!).

If you time your trip right, you’ll catch the wildflowers in all their glory!

End your day with a relaxing visit to a 1930s farm coffee plantation and hot springs before heading back home with unforgettable memories. Don’t miss out on this exciting day tour from San Salvador!

8. Combo Tour: Volcanoes, Lake and Mayan Sites including Joya de Ceren

⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars| ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 9 hours | 😎 BOOK NOW

This El Salvador tour is perfect if you have limited time, but want to see as much as possible in the short window. 

Visit Joya de Ceren, a Mayan city and UNESCO World Heritage Site, the pre-Columbian city of San Andres, and Cerro Verde National Park. Enjoy a 45-minute walk around the park to take in stunning views of Santa Ana and Izalco Volcanoes and Lake Coatepeque – all with an experienced and knowledgeable guide. 

Eduardo was a great tour guide! Knowledgeable of every place we visited, great storyteller, mindful of time, and funny.

– Shannon (Read More Reviews)

This tour offers a great combo of nature, history, and culture – it’s the perfect way to get to know El Salvador in one day! Pickup/drop off from San Salvador, El Tunco, or El Zonte is included for your convenience.  Book it now and you’ll love it!

9. San Salvador City Tour and El Boquerón National Park including Pupusa Tasting

⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars| ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 6-7 hours | 😎 BOOK NOW

This San Salvador City tour had me at pupusa tasting – pupusas are my favorite street food in all of Central America (I ate a lot of them and a lot of interesting fruits, too)!  And as if that wasn’t enough, the tour is run by one of the top-rated tour companies in the country.

What an experience… Pupusas overlooking the valley below the mountain and experiencing the breathtaking views that were offered was amazing!

– Shawn (See More Reviews)

Explore the capital on foot on a half-day city tour, and then take a drive to El Boquerón National Park for amazing volcano views.

Take a leisurely hike through the park before heading to a traditional pupuseria for delicious pupusas overlooking stunning valley views. Try a loroco and queso-filled one if they have it.

This is one of the best San Salvador tours, with a little bit of everything!

10. Hidden Waterfall Guided Tour in El Imposible National Park

⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars| ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 6-9 hours | 😎 BOOK NOW

You can’t leave El Salvador without seeing at least one waterfall, and this waterfall tour takes you to a hidden gem!

Start your adventure with a 4WD trip from Concepcion de Ataco (one of my favorite towns along the Ruta de las Flores) to El Imposible National Park.

Loved every minute of this experience. I most definitely recommend and would do it again if I go back to El Salvador.

– A Tripadvisor Reviewer (See More Reviews)

Learn about the flora of the jungle as you go, and then take a 45-60 minute downhill hike towards the waterfall. If you’re feeling brave, jump off the 10ft high waterfall!

You’ll then finish the tour at Cascada El Perol, a 130-foot (40-meter) high volcano with stunning views.

After enjoying some time in the crystal clear waters, you will hike an hour back uphill to the start point. Although it’s challenging at times, don’t worry – your guides will make sure you’re safe and comfortable, with plenty of breaks to enjoy the surroundings.

This is a must-do tour in El Salvador – book it now! The tour includes breakfast and lunch too – bonus!

11. Santa Ana Volcano Hiking + Panoramic View Lake Coatepeque

⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars (89 reviews!) | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 7-10 hours | 😎 BOOK NOW

I love this Santa Ana Volcano Hiking tour that combines a morning hike up the Santa Ana Volcano with an afternoon of enjoying one of the most beautiful lakes in the world.

Wonderful hiking trip to Santa Ana Volcano and the beautiful adjacent lake Coatepeque with Gabriela. The view at the top of the Volcano is well worth it. I enjoyed the fresh seafood while gazing at the panoramic lake.

– Sundeep (See More Reviews)

Let someone else take care of the logistics so you can relax. You’ll be taken to the volcano where a moderate level of fitness is required – it’s about two hours up to the top, but so worth it. If I can do it, most people can!

Take in views over the turquoise lagoon inside the crater of the volcano. If you’re into photography, this is one place famous pics of El Salvador come from.

Afterward, head over to Lake Coatepeque where now you can take a swim or rent a jet ski and explore even more. Enjoy lunch here before heading back. A perfect day tour in El Salvador!

12. Antigua Guatemala World Heritage Site, Day Tour from San Salvador

⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 15 hours | 😎 BOOK NOW

If you want to squeeze in a second country while you’re in El Salvador, you can book this day tour to Antigua, Guatemala. It’s a 15-hour day that includes a 5-hour drive each way, but it’s well worth it if you only have one day (if you are spending more time in Guatemala, make sure you visit Lake Atitlan, too!).

I cannot say enough great things about this tour. I would not hesitate to tell anyone and everyone to take it.

– Kyle (Read More Reviews)

This charming colonial town was founded in 1543 and declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979. You’ll be able to take in views of the Fuego and Acatenango volcanoes, too – something you can’t see every day!

Your tour includes an air-conditioned vehicle, bottled water and pick up/drop off services. The guides who run the tours are amazing, so you know you’re in great hands for the long day ahead. Don’t miss out on this unique experience!

13. Full Day Tour : Copan Ruins an Amazing Mayan Site from San Salvador City

⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 12-15 hours | 😎 BOOK NOW

If you don’t have time to do a separate trip to Honduras, you can visit the famous Mayan Ruins of Copan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as a day trip from El Salvador. It’s a 12-15 hour tour, with a 5-hour drive each way.

This tour is a must! Not only do you get to visit Honduras, but the Mayan ruins are also breathtaking. Our tour guide, Josue, was amazing! He was beyond kind, well-informed, and one of the best tour guides in my many travels.

– Edgar (Read More Reviews)

The ruins are one of the most spectacular cities of the ancient Maya civilization and include huge complexes with preserved stone temples, altars, and hieroglyphs built between 400-800 AD. Your guide will ensure a stress-free border crossing to and from Honduras.

The El Salvador day tour is small and maxes out at 10 people, so you get a more intimate experience. Plus, you can see the beautiful red macaws that live in the area! The tour includes transportation and a guide, pick-up and drop-off services. Don’t miss this amazing day tour from El Salvador!

Best Things to Do in El Salvador

• Hike the majestic Santa Ana Volcano and explore its diverse cloud forests
• Catch some waves in El Tunco, one of El Salvador’s best surf spots
• Embark on a scenic day trip to the charming towns of Ruta de las Flores
• Learn how coffee is made and taste delicious brews at a local plantation
• Immerse yourself in San Salvador’s vibrant culture and experience nightlife like no other
• Discover hidden waterfalls around El Salvador – perfect for a cool dip!
• Visit local markets and enjoy traditional cuisine such as pupusas
• Explore historical archaeological sites nestled between lush jungles
• Visit El Imposible National Park, a unique ecosystem with lush vegetation and diverse wildlife
• Relax on the white sand beaches of El Zonte
• Take a tour of the renowned Joya de Cerén ruins – an extraordinary archaeological site buried by volcanic ash
• Spend time at one of many natural hot springs spas for ultimate relaxation
• Experience vibrant festivals year-round such as carnivals, processions, and religious celebrations
• Learn about traditional Mayan culture while exploring indigenous villages

Top Day Tours from San Salvador FAQs

Wrap Up: Best El Salvador Tours

El Salvador has so much to offer travelers, from its diverse landscapes and stunning natural wonders to the colonial towns in Ruta de las Flores.

For my money, the best El Salvador day tour is this Ruta de las Flores: Hot Springs + Coffee Tour + Nahuizalco and Ataco Towns, which has 5-star reviews and is the easiest way to experience everything the Ruta has to offer.

Each of the El Salvador tour companies featured here makes an awesome addition to your El Salvador sightseeing itinerary. They’re all offered in English and Spanish, and they’re essential for any El Salvador trip.

No matter what time of year you visit or how long your stay is, make sure not to miss out on these best El Salvador Tours!