Best Ruta de las Flores Tours from San Salvador in 2024

Looking for the best Ruta de las Flores tours in El Salvador? You’re in luck! 

I’ve been to Ruta de las Flores multiple times – by local bus and rental car – and I’ve been solo traveling full-time for nearly 3 years. 

The Flowers Route is about 1 hour and 45 minutes to the center of the Ruta de las Flores from San Salvador by car, 1 hour from Santa Ana, and 2 hours from La Libertad. Taking local buses adds even more time to the journey.

I 100% recommend taking a day tour of Ruta de las Flores, especially if you’re short on time, don’t want to spend the night, or you’re not keen on renting a car.

Taking a day tour of Ruta de las Flores from San Salvador, Santa Ana, or La Libertad means someone else handles the logistics, so all you have to do is soak in the beauty of charming villages, vibrant markets, and breathtaking views along the Flower Route. 

These Ruta de las Flores tours are some of the best day tours in El Salvador

Ready to discover the best Ruta de las Flores tours? Let’s get to it!

A Colorful mural of Salvadoran coffee farmers working on a coffee farm in Ataco, Ruta de las Flores, El Salvador.

Quick Guide: Top 3 Ruta de las Flores Tours

#1 Top Pick
A colorful mural of a local woman wearing a long purple skirt and holding a basket of produce on her head, standing on the cobblestone streets of Ataco.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thermal Tour – Bike Zipline + Hot Springs + Ataco

✅ Salto de Malacatiupan waterfalls

✅ Santa Teresa hot springs

✅ Bike zipline

#2 Pick
A colorful mural of a local woman wearing a long purple skirt and holding a basket of produce on her head, standing on the cobblestone streets of Ataco.

Ruta de las Flores Group Tour – 4 Towns + Coffee Farm

✅ Visit 4 towns

✅ Coffee farm tour

✅ Max. 6 travelers

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

Ruta de las Flores Tour – Hotsprings + Coffee Tour + 2 Towns

✅ Santa Teresa hot springs

✅ Coffee farm tour

✅ Nahuizalco and Ataco towns

A group selfie of me and 3 guys I became friends with at my hostel, ringing the bell in front of a Albania Labyrinth Cafe sign, after we successfully completed the maze in Apaneca Ruta de las Flores, El Salvador.

1. Thermal Tour: Café Albania + Hot Springs + Ataco + Lunch

⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH:  7-10 hours | ✅ Book it!

Why choose this tour? This Ruta de las Flores tour from San Salvador is one of the highest-rated tours available! It’s also the best for seeing the highlights of the Ruta de las Flores, including a hot waterfall, hot springs, and the adrenaline-rush of a bike zipline. 

You’ll get a taste of everything that makes Ruta de las Flores special. 

This tour includes stops at Salto de Malacatiupan waterfalls (a HOT waterfall!) and Santa Teresa hot springs – both must-sees in the area. Your rejuvenating volcanic mud treatment is included in the tour. 

Stop in Ataco, a picturesque colonial town covered in murals, where you can taste some of the best coffee in the world at local cafes. 

Unlike other tours, lunch is included in the price – which is always a welcome perk!

You’ll also visit the quaint town of Apaneca, home of Cafe Albania – this is where you’ll conquer the bike zipline (included), zoom down the rainbow slide, and perhaps get lost in the giant maze – trust me, the maze is harder than it looks, and so fun!

Thermal Tour: Café Albania + Hot Springs + Ataco + Lunch includes:

  • Hotel pick-up/drop-off in San Salvador
  • Transportation
  • Knowledgeable Ruta de las Flores guide
  • Small Group – Max. 10 Travelers
  • Famous Salto de Malacatiupan hot spring waterfalls
  • Relaxing Santa Teresa hot springs (largest in Central America)
  • Volcanic mud treatment included
  • Bike Zipline included
  • Lunch included

It started as a solo trip for me and ended with me making some really awesome friends! I felt safe and I had so much fun! David was the absolute best tour guide I’ve ever had on any excursion and when I come back, I’d do it all again!

– Jessica (Read more reviews)

Hands holding freshly picked red and green coffee beans over a barrel of more coffee beans.

2. Ruta de las Flores Tour: Visit Four Colonial Towns and Coffee Farm

⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH:  9 hours | ✅ Book it!

Why choose this tour? This highly-rated Ruta de las Flores tour is great for seeing most of the Ruta de las Flores towns and touring a coffee plantation. It also has the smallest group.

This tour includes pick-up and drop-off from San Salvador and other cities. Don’t stress about negotiating taxi fares or navigating restrictive bus schedules. 

You’ll have no problem squeezing all the highlights of Ruta de las Flores into this day tour, stopping by all the most popular towns in the area, visiting the best local market, and learning the history of the local Nahua people.

Plan your adventure on a weekend if possible, so you can experience the weekend food festivals. Lunch isn’t included in the price, but you’ll find delicious local food for cheap.

The Ruta de las Flores: Visit Four Colonial Towns and Coffee Farm Tour includes:

  • Hotel pick-up/drop-off
  • Transportation
  • Knowledgeable Ruta de las Flores guide
  • Small Group – Max. 6 Travelers
  • Visit the best fresh market in the area
  • Stop for delicious local food (go on the weekends for the famous weekend food festivals)
  • Visit the best colonial towns on the Flowers Route
  • Learn about the indigenous Nahua people

We were lucky to join a small group with our guide Alfredo. He’s incredibly knowledgeable about the Ruta de Los Flores history, which made for an engaging tour. It was a great way to spend our last full day in El Salvador. We saw volcanoes, churches, coffee farms, colonial towns, and so many local arts and crafts. Please be sure to add this tour to your plans if you’re staying in San Salvador. It’s a great way to see more of the country, including historical indigenous lands with rich history.

-Nicole (Read more reviews)

The hike to Mirador de la Cruz in Ataco begins near this white colonial church.

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

⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH:  8 hours | ✅ Book it!

Why choose this tour? This tour has it all – culture, coffee, fun, and relaxation. Start with a visit to the Santa Teresa Hot Springs, famous for being the biggest hot springs in Central America. 

Try exotic fruits at local markets. Listen to stories about Ruta de las Flores that can’t be found in any guidebooks while you explore the indigenous village of Nahuizalco. 

This tour also takes you to Ataco, a vibrant town decorated with colorful murals that reflect the town’s rich cultural heritage.

Coffee lovers will be thrilled by a coffee tour that reveals the secrets behind every cup brewed in this region. 

While lunch and activities like ziplining and dune buggies aren’t covered, rest assured there’s no shortage of excitement on this tour! 

If your schedule permits, aim for a weekend visit, the best time to visit Nahuizalco. 

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

  • Hotel pick-up/drop-off in San Salvador, Airport, Acajutla Port, and El Tunco Beach
  • Transportation
  • Knowledgeable Ruta de las Flores guide
  • Small Group – Max. 10 Travelers
  • Visit the biggest hot springs in Central America
  • Visit the indigenous village of Nahuizalco

The tour exceeded my expectations. Unbelievable what we experienced in just one day. A big thanks to our excellent and passionate guide Josue, who made the tour an unforgettable experience. We started at a market, where we could taste lots of fresh fruits. Then we even made a detour at the Rainbow Slide. We continued with exciting insights into coffee production and a stopover to the murals and stores in Ataco. Freshly strengthened from lunch, we went to the thermal baths to relax. I recommend the tour 110%!

-Sandra (Read more reviews)

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

4. Ruta de Las Flores Adventure + Hot Springs + 1930’s Farm Coffee Tour

⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH:  8 hours | ✅ Book it!

Why choose this tour? You’ll explore some of the most picturesque colonial towns, including the indigenous town of Nahuizalco, renowned for its fine crafts in wicker and tule, making excellent souvenirs. 

Apaneca town, set amidst lush coffee plantations, offers an optional bike zip line or maze adventure for thrill-seekers. Then, you’ll indulge in a fascinating tour of El Carmen Estate, a long-standing coffee farm. 

You’ll love the colorful town of Ataco, famous for its cobblestone streets, food scene, and eye-catching handicrafts. Though lunch isn’t included, there are plenty of local spots you’ll want to try! 

And after your day filled with adventure and exploration? Unwind and rejuvenate at the Santa Teresa Hot Springs

The Ruta de Las Flores Adventure, Relax at Hotsprings + 1930’s farm Coffee Tour includes:

  • Hotel pick-up/drop-off in San Salvador
  • Transportation
  • Knowledgeable Ruta de las Flores guide
  • Visit beautiful Nahuizalco town
  • Taste tropical fruits at local markets
  • Optional activities: Bike Zipline, maze, ATV tour
  • Coffee farm tour and tasting
  • Relax in the largest hot springs in Central America
  • Small Group – Max. 10 travelers

This tour was amazing! I learned so much about El Salvador and loved visiting all the towns. The coffee tour was very interesting and the coffee tasting was really good. The hot springs spa was the cherry on top of an amazing day. Loved our tour guide Rafa – so friendly and knowledgable!

Stephany (Read more reviews)

3 travelers ringing the victory bell at the center of the giant maze at Cafe Albania in Ruta de las Flores in El Salvador.

5. Private Excursion: Bike Zipline, Rainbow Slide All Cafe Albania Activities Included

⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH:  7 hours | ✅ Book it!

Why choose this tour? This private excursion to Cafe Albania from San Salvador and other cities is an ideal choice for adventure-seekers who prefer not to worry about transportation logistics. 

All activities at the park are included in your package, so you’ll enjoy all the adrenaline-inducing attractions, such as the bike zipline, rainbow slide, tall swing, maze, and surf zipline. 

The friendly guide will be on hand throughout the day to assist you in capturing unforgettable photos and videos of your exhilarating exploits. 

The Bike Zipline, Rainbow Slide All Cafe Albania Activities Tour includes:

  • Hotel pick-up/drop-off in San Salvador, Airport, Acajutla Port, and El Tunco Beach
  • Transportation to Cafe Albania in Apaneca
  • All Cafe Albania activities included: bike zipline, maze, surf zipline, rainbow slide, etc.
  • Private excursion – only your group

Had such a great time! If you are looking for a thrill-seeking day of fun, this is for you. My friends and I enjoyed all the activities (and the food at the cafe was so tasty, too

-Howard (Read more reviews)

A food display showing "Conejo Asado" for $5 at the Juayua Food Festival in Juayua, Ruta de las Flores, El Salvador.

6. Magic Tour to Flowers Route – Colonial Towns & Handicrafts

⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH:  9 hours | ✅ Book it!

Why choose this tour? This Ruta de las Flores tour is customizable based on the group’s interest – your guide will tailor your itinerary just for you! This is the most flexible tour on the list.

The wildflowers along the route (when in season) will blow you away. You’ll pass sprawling coffee plantations that give El Salvador its signature brew. 

The quaint villages of Nahuizalco and Apaneca are on the route, where you can visit artisan workshops displaying their crafts. In Juayua, visit the fascinating coffee museum before treating yourself to local specialties like paella (not included). 

This tour outdoes others by visiting not one but up to five picturesque colonial villages in Rute de las Flores, each bedecked with charming churches, history, and culture. 

Magic Tour to Flowers Route – Colonial Towns & Handicraft includes:

  • Hotel pick-up/drop-off available in San Salvador ($10 USD) or El Tunco ($20)
  • Knowledgeable Ruta de las Flores guide
  • Max. 15 participants
  • Flexible itinerary tailored to group’s interest
  • Visit up to 5 towns in Ruta de las Flores
  • Lunch and other activities not included (more flexibility)

Alfredo was a wonderful guide who was very fluent in English. He was willing to answer any questions that were asked of him. At our request, he adapted our itinerary to add another site. We don’t linger so this did not add to the length of the day. Was a wonderful way to see more of El Salvador!

-Linda (Read More Reviews)

My friend standing under the branches of a giant, ancient La Ceiba tree in Ruta de las Flores El Salvador.

7. Best of Ruta de Las Flores: Bike Zipline + Ataco + Hot Springs

⭐️ RATING: 4.5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH:  9 hours | ✅ Book it!

Why choose this tour? This full-day tour journeys through the stunning Ruta de las Flores region from San Salvador. Navigate this picturesque trail confidently and safely with a knowledgeable local guide by your side.

The adventure takes you across five charming towns – Nahuizalco, Salcoatitan, Juayua, Apaneca, and Ataco. Soak in the diverse history as you step inside one of the oldest churches in El Salvador. 

Visit a flourishing coffee plantation where you get insight into the process behind El Salvador’s renowned brews. 

For thrill-seekers, Cafe Albania offers an exhilarating bike zipline ride, amongst other adrenaline-filled activities! 

The Best of Ruta de las Flores tour includes:

  • Hotel pick-up/drop-off in San Salvador
  • Transportation
  • Knowledgeable Ruta de las Flores guide
  • Small Group – Max. 10 participants
  • Admission to Cafe Albania Adventure Park
  • Coffee plantation tour
  • Termales de Santa Teresa (hot springs)
  • Lunch not included

We had an amazing tour for the entire day including visiting a coffee plant. Our guide was terrific and as well as the other visitors that joined. I was picked up at the hotel and they were in contact the night before as well as tour day. We visited 3 towns and experienced the sites as well as shopping and grabbing snacks and lunch. Well worth the time and getting outside of San Salvador to experience another side of El Salvador.

-Matthew (Read More Reviews)

I'm standing in front of a lush waterfall, one of the seven on the Seven Waterfalls Hike in Ruta de las Flores El Salvador, holding a walking stick.

Ruta de las Flores FAQs

Is Ruta de las Flores worth visiting?

Yes, Ruta de las Flores is definitely worth visiting! This stunning route in El Salvador offers picturesque landscapes, charming towns, vibrant markets, and delicious local cuisine. Whether you’re a nature lover, a culture enthusiast, or a foodie, Ruta de las Flores has something to offer everyone. 

Where is Ruta de las Flores located?

Ruta de las Flores is located in El Salvador. It is a 50-kilometer scenic route that runs through several charming towns. 

It is about 1 hour and 45 minutes to the center of the Ruta de las Flores from San Salvador by car, 1 hour from Santa Ana, and 2 hours from La Libertad.

How do you get to Ruta de las Flores?

The easiest way to get to Ruta de las Flores is to join a group tour – this is great for travelers with limited time who don’t want to spend the night. Renting a car is another good option, as well as taking local buses or hiring a private driver.

When is the best time to visit Ruta de las Flores?

The best time to visit Ruta de las Flores in El Salvador is November to February. This period offers the best chance to see the wildflowers in bloom, and the lack of rainfall is ideal for exploring the charming towns and beautiful coffee plantations along the route. 

Is Ruta de las Flores safe to visit?

Yes, Ruta de las Flores is generally considered one of the safest places to visit in El Salvador. However, as with any travel destination, taking necessary precautions and being aware of your surroundings is always advisable.

Check the latest travel advisories and follow local guidelines for a safe and enjoyable experience in El Salvador.

A graphic of Ruta de las Flores map including approximate location of the towns of Ruta de las Flores El Salvador.

Final Thoughts: Best Ruta de las Flores Tours

The Thermal Tour: Café Albania + Hot Springs + Ataco + Lunch tour is my top choice for exploring the vibrant Ruta de las Flores. This tour includes all the region’s highlights in a single-day trip. 

You won’t have to stress about arranging transportation or navigating through foreign roads – instead, you’re picked up and dropped off at your San Salvador hotel.

You’ll see the best of Ruta de las Flores, like the famous Salto de Malacatiupan hot spring waterfalls and the relaxing Santa Teresa hot springs – they even throw in a volcanic mud treatment and Bike Zipline!

Exploring the towns of Ruta de las Flores was one of the highlights of my time in El Salvador – the waterfalls, maze, coffee, and food festivals, especially. 

If you want to make every moment of your time in El Salvador count without any logistical headaches, tours are it. 

Now that you know the best Ruta de las Flores tours, learn more about other amazing tours and experiences this gem of a country has to offer!

👉 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!

📝 El Salvador Travel Planning Guide 🇸🇻🌟

Before you embark on your unforgettable journey to El Salvador, here are the essential tips every traveler should know:

🚑 Should I buy travel insurance for El Salvador?

✅ 100% YES! — My #1 Safety Tip for all travelers is to buy travel insurance for every trip in case anything happens on their visit. I recommend and use SafetyWing – it’s cheap and comprehensive.

✅ YES, El 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. When you’re out, stay alert, stick to busy streets, and avoid isolated areas. Read more about staying safe in El Salvador.

💧Can you drink the water in El Salvador?

🚱 No — It’s recommended to drink filtered or bottled water in El Salvador (but using tap water to brush your teeth is usually fine). I recommend this reusable water bottle! It works great, turning tap water into safe-to-drink water that tastes good.

🚙💨 Is it safe to rent a car in El Salvador?

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

🏩 What’s the best way to book my El Salvador accommodations?

My go-to for El Salvador hotels is Booking.com. For hostels, I use HostelWorld. Or get free accommodations with Trusted Housesitters!

✈️ What’s the best site to book El Salvador flights?

For finding cheap El Salvador flights, I recommend CheapOAir.

🎫 Do I need a visa for El Salvador?

Likely Not — El Salvador allows visitors from close to one hundred jurisdictions to visit El Salvador without a visa and stay for up to 180 days. US passport holders don’t need an El Salvador visa for stays of up to 90 days, but you must purchase a tourist card for $12 USD upon arrival.

💰 𝗖𝘂𝗿𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆: The currency here is the US Dollar, and there are plenty of ATMs if you need cash. I always withdraw from ATMs to get the best rates (select “no” when it asks you if you accept the conversion rate). Credit cards aren’t commonly accepted outside of major cities.

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

🚕 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Getting around El Salvador is a breeze! Uber is safe and cheap in major cities like San Salvador and Santa Ana. Local buses are generally efficient and easy to use. Renting a car is also a good option.

🗣️ Language: Many 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’ll be offline.

📶 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗶𝘁𝘆: El Salvador has inconsistent internet connectivity – it’s better in the main cities than in rural areas.