3 Best El Salvador Hot Springs: Everything You Need To Know

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Are you wondering if El Salvador hot springs deserve a place on your itinerary? The answer is YES!

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El Salvador is full of incredible natural wonders, from stunning volcanoes to lush rainforests. But one of the most unique experiences you can have in this Central American country is its hot springs!

I recently spent a few weeks solo traveling through El Salvador, and I definitely earned a day of relaxation in the El Salvador hot springs after hiking up the Santa Ana Volcano and the 7 Waterfalls Hike.

With three different thermal baths in El Salvador to explore (including a hot waterfall!), plus two waterparks with thermal pools for those traveling with kids, a trip to El Salvador‘s hot springs will be an unforgettable experience.

Whether you’re looking for a relaxing soak or an adventure-filled day tour that combines hiking and hot spring hopping there’s something here for everyone!

So if you’re ready to see why El Salvador’s hot springs should definitely be on your list of must-see destinations, read on!

Four backpackers at the end of a maze in El Salvador.

Thermals Day-Tour: Santa Teresa Hot Spring + Cafe Albania (Bike Zipline) + Ataco

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

Are you looking for an easy, hassle-free way to explore El Salvador’s hot springs? Look no further!

This day tour from San Salvador (with pick-up and drop-off included) is the perfect way to experience two of the top hot springs in El Salvador: Salto de Malacatiupan hot spring waterfall and Santa Teresa hot springs.

This tour is a MUST. Roberto is a phenomenal tour guide. He kept us entertained with the history of El Salvador from their ancient history to current day. We were able to pack in so much, hot springs, ruins, village and waterfall. This was the highlight of our visit.
– Sandra (Read More Reviews)

It also includes a stop in the town of Concepcion de Ataco along the famous Ruta de las Flores, and also at Cafe Albania in Apeneca where you can get your adrenaline pumping on the bike zipline.

1. Salto de Malacatiupan: El Salvador Hot Spring Waterfall

A thermal pool in one of the El Salvador hot springs.

Cost: Free to Visit

Are you looking for a unique El Salvador hot spring? Then look no further than the Salto de Malacatiupan hot spring waterfall!

I had never even heard of a hot waterfall before I visited El Salvador – it’s super unique! Many travelers miss it, so it’s still relatively off the beaten path. If you only have time for one hot spring in El Salvador, I definitely recommend this one since you can’t find hot waterfall hot springs everywhere.

This incredible natural wonder is full of warm cascading waterfalls, and both hot and cold pools perfect for soaking in. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can jump off one of the 10 m (33 foot) waterfalls.

With temperatures reaching up to 36 Celsius (97 Fahrenheit), this is an amazing spot to relax and enjoy some well-deserved R&R. You cannot visit this hot spring during El Salvador’s rainy season due to the risk of flooding.

Whether you’re looking to take a dip or just explore, this hot spring waterfall has something for everyone – so don’t miss out on your chance to visit this El Salvador hot spring waterfall during your trip!

How to Get to Salto de Malacatiupan:

This El Salvador hot spring is located just outside Santa Ana and close to the towns of Atiquizaya and Ahuachapan along the Ruta de las Flores. You can also come from San Salvador if that’s where you’re staying, it will just take a bit longer.

By Car/Tour – The easiest way to get to Salto de Malacatiupan Falls is via car – either your rental car or by booking this day tour from San Salvador. It”s just a 20-minute drive down a dirt road to the river bank. Someone may try to charge you $1 to park there – that’s technically not required, so up to you if you want to pay it or ignore them.

🚙 I recommend using Discover Cars to compare costs and get the best deal.

By Bus – Take the 210 or 214 from Santa Ana to the town of Atiquizaya, around 45 minutes away. You’ll pay about $1 USD per person per bus, more if you end up taking multiple buses or coming from further away.

Then you’ll need to hire a tuk-tuk (negotiable price, probably around $5) from town to take you about 15 minutes to the falls – don’t forget to arrange a pick-up time with your driver before they leave (or you can hitch a ride with a local, which is pretty common)!

👉 My pick for the best tour of the Salto de Malacatiupan Hot Waterfalls is this private Thermals Day Tour: Santa Teresa Hot Spring + Cafe Albania (Bike Zipline) + Ataco, with a near-perfect 5-star rating. It includes the bike zipline at Cafe Albania and a mud bath!

2. Santa Teresa El Salvador Hot Spring (Termales de Santa Teresa)

A selfie of me standing in a thermal hot spring with sunglasses on my head.

Cost: $10 per adult ($5 per child) entrance to use all the pools, chairs, tables, and a small shower changing room until 9:30 pm. Packages are available that include meals.

Located on the edge of the Apaneca mountain range, this El Salvador hot spring is home to 30 pools of natural thermal water with trails, swimming pools, and even a blue pond – and it’s the largest hot water geyser in Central America!

What I love about this hot spring is that you get some amenities like a toilet and changing room for a relatively low price. You can also get spa treatments such as massages, mud scrubs, and saunas. And there’s a delicious restaurant on site, so you don’t have to worry about a thing.

But you do have to bring your own towels, water, and bug spray.

These El Salvador hot springs are family-friendly and perfect for couples or groups of friends who want to enjoy either a day or an overnight stay in this tranquil oasis. I could easily spend a whole day here relaxing and reading a book on my waterproof Kindle.

Note: The entrance closes at 7 pm, and the hot springs closes at 9:30 pm.

Some really awesome tours of the Ruta de las Flores region include time at Santa Teresa Hot Springs.

⛑️ My number one safety tip for travelers, no matter where you’re going or how long your trip is, is to buy SafetyWing insurance to protect your trip.

How to Get to Santa Teresa Hot Springs:

By Car/Tour – The easiest way to get to Santa Teresa hot spring is via car – either your rental car or by booking this day tour from San Salvador. Located between the Ruta de las Flores towns of Ahuachapan y Ataco, 2km from downtown Ahuachapan, you’ll enjoy beautiful views of coffee plantations and volcanic landscapes along the way.

By Bus – Take the 210 bus from Santa Ana to Ahuachapan, or the 249 from Ataco. Keep in mind the last bus from Ahuachapan to Santa Ana leaves at 6 pm. Hire a tuk-tuk from town or walk the 2km to the hot spring.

🚙 Looking to get around via car? Find the cheapest car rentals here!

3. Alicante Hot Springs in Ahuachapan (Termales de Alicante)

Young man stands in a hot spring in winter time facing away from the camera, steam coming off the water.

This lesser-known hot spring (which is very close to Santa Teresa hot springs detailed above) offers fourteen thermal pools of different sizes tucked away in the mountainside, with breathtaking views that make it worth the journey. I love that there are green spaces you can lay out in.

You can take a hike through the hills to get there or hire a tuk-tuk from town – either way, you won’t regret it!

The complex even has its own restaurant and bar serving local cuisine, so you can relax and enjoy your time here.

Whether you’re traveling solo or with friends and family, Alicante Hot Springs is sure to be a relaxing day – you deserve it!

How to Get to Alicante Hot Springs:

By Car – The easiest way to get to Alicante Hot Springs is via car (renting a car in El Salvador is easy). Located between the Ruta de las Flores towns of Ahuachapan y Ataco, 2km from downtown Ahuachapan, you’ll enjoy beautiful views of wildflowers (when in season), coffee plantations, and volcanic landscapes along the way.

🚙 I recommend using Discover Cars to compare costs and get the best deal.

Waterparks in El Salvador

A baby happily getting splashed at a waterpark

If you have kids and would rather bring them somewhere with more to do than enjoy the El Salvador Hot Springs, consider these options: Termos del Rio (about 40 km from San Salvador, near Santa Lucia/La Libertad, or Ecoparque Acuatico Entre Rios (in Caluco in Sonsonate, about a 40-minute drive from San Salvador). Apuzunga Parque Acuatico in Metapan is also great for families.

What to Bring to Hot Springs in El Salvador

– Water – Stay hydrated while relaxing in the hot springs!

– Bug Spray – Don’t forget bug spray so you can enjoy being outdoors without any unwanted pests.

– Towel – Bring a towel for drying off after exiting the hot spring.

– Shoes or Hiking Sandals – Getting out of Salto de Malacatiupan requires scrambling up slippery rocks, so flip-flops are not enough – you need shoes or hiking sandals.

– Food (optional) – You can buy food on-site at Santa Teresa and Alicante if you don’t want to bring your own snacks. Stop by a local market and buy some unique tropical fruits on your way there.

– Kindle (optional) – A waterproof Kindle is great for reading while soaking in the thermal baths!

Other Things to Do in El Salvador

A traveler (me) facing away from the camera with the turquoise Santa Ana volcano crater lake in the background.

– Take one of my favorite day tours from San Salvador

– Explore the colorful colonial towns of El Salvador and marvel at the vibrant street art that adorns their walls

– Enjoy hikes through lush green forests and take in stunning views from atop volcanoes, such as Santa Ana Volcano in Cerro Verde National Park

– Go on an adventure to find El Salvador’s most stunning waterfalls

– Cool off with some water sports in the gorgeous Lake Coatepeque

– Indulge in delicious traditional Salvadoran cuisine such as pupusas, yuca con chicharron, panes rellenos de carne desmechada

– Lounge on one of El Salvador’s many beaches or take a surf lesson while you’re there!

– Visit archaeological sites such as Joya de Ceren where you can explore the remnants of a prehispanic civilization

– Take a day trip out to beautiful islands off the coastline near La Libertad, such as Punta Mango Island for snorkeling and kayaking activities

Best Hotels in El Salvador

Luxury Hotels in El Salvador

Equinoccio Hotel (Lake Coatepeque) – a 4-star hotel by Salvadoran standards, this hotel is right on the lake and also has a pool.
Hyatt Centric San Salvador (San Salvador) – a brand-new, comfortable hotel that opened in 2022 with a great open-air swimming pool and gym.
Boca Olas Resort (El Tunco) – Nice swimming pools, breakfast with a view, and steps to the beach.

Mid-level and Boutique Hotels in El Salvador

Remfort Hotel (Santa Ana) – Guests rave about the prime location of this hotel, as well as the great breakfast and pool.
Hotel Juayua (Juayua) – Boutique hotel with an incredible view of mountains and a volcano.
Las Casitas Hostal Ataco (Ataco) – Convenient location in town, comfortable rooms, and very helpful staff.
Casa Degraciela Hotel Boutique (Ataco) – Beautiful boutique hotel with a very attentive staff.
Papaya Lodge (La Libertad) – Basic hotel in a great location, with air-conditioning, and a pool.

Budget or Cheap Hotels in El Salvador

Hostal Casa Verde (Santa Ana) – This is where I stayed during my time in Santa Ana. It has a pool, a good breakfast, and a caring owner who gives great travel tips.
Hotel Oasis (San Salvador) – lovely garden and patio, and decent breakfast that changes daily.
Hostal Dona Mercedes (Juayua) – Great base for the Ruta de las Flores with hot showers and helpful staff.
Pelicano Surf Camp (La Libertad) – A bare-bones hostel where you stay in a hut right on the beach.

FAQs About Hot Springs in El Salvador

Does El Salvador have hot springs?

There are 3 different hot springs in El Salvador that travelers should visit, including a unique hot spring waterfall called Salto de Malacatiupan.

Wrap Up: El Salvador Hot Springs

Me standing with my walking stick in front of a waterfall in El Salvador, with lots of lush greenery around.

El Salvador is full of hidden treasures, and its hot springs are certainly one of them.

If you only have time for one hot spring in El Salvador, make it the unique Salto de Malacatiupan hot spring waterfall, one of my favorite waterfalls in El Salvador, which is free to enter.

An easy way to see multiple waterfalls and some towns along the Ruta de las Flores is by booking this day tour from San Salvador. You can also rent a car in El Salvador or get to the hot springs via the local bus.

Remember – it can get hot during the day, so plan accordingly by visiting either early morning or late afternoon. And keep in mind that hot springs may close during the wet season due to the possibility of floods.

Soak up all this amazing country has to offer at these beautiful hot springs in El Salvador!

👉 My top pick for the best Ruta de las Flores small group tour is the Thermal Tour: Café Albania + Hot Springs + Ataco + Lunch, with a near-perfect 5-star rating. You’ll visit Salto de Malacatiupan waterfalls, Santa Teresa Hot Springs, hop a bike zipline, and more!

Read More About El Salvador:

El Salvador Travel Tips

🚗 Renting a car in El Salvador is one of the best ways to see the country! I always rent with Discover Cars, which checks both international companies and local Salvadoran companies, so you get the best rates.

🏨 Accommodation: For El Salvador hotels and hostels, Booking is the best site – I get such great Genius discounts!

🤑 Money: The currency here is the US Dollar, and there are plenty of ATMs if you need cash.

Credit cards aren’t as commonly accepted outside of major cities, so it’s best to bring cash with you.

🤟 Language: Most locals don’t speak English, so brush up on your Spanish! It can also be helpful to download the Spanish language option on Google Translate if you’re going to be offline.

⛑️ Safety in El Salvador: San Salvador is generally safe for tourists, but there are some areas to avoid. Ask your hotel for the most up-to-date information before heading out. Whenever you’re out, be sure to stay alert, stick to busy streets, and avoid isolated areas.

🚙 Uber is safe and cheap in major cities like San Salvador and Santa Ana.

💸 Tipping: Tipping 10% in restaurants is expected but make sure it’s not already included in your bill as “servicio.”

💧Water: You shouldn’t drink tap water in El Salvador. Most hotels will provide filtered water, or you can buy bottled. Always have clean drinking water on hand and save money with this reusable water bottle!

3 Best El Salvador Hot Springs: Everything You Need to Know