Here are 10 of my favorite stops from my own road trip, that I think deserve a spot on your bucket list 👇

1. Santa Ana Volcano

The most iconic hike in the country and it absolutely delivers. You’ll hike up lava rock trails and end at a glowing green crater lake that honestly feels otherworldly.

I did this on day 2 of my trip, and started the hike around 9:30 AM after paying the $6 entrance to Cerro Verde, $3 for the local guide, and $6 to access the trail. It took us about 2 hours to reach the top. just in time for the hottest part of the day.

By the time we made it to the rim around noon, I was drenched in sweat, the last stretch of the trail was dry and dusty, and the sun was brutal. But the view was everything.

That moment looking down at the bright green crater lake literally took my breath away. We only stayed about 20 minutes to eat a snack, hydrate and take pictures at the summit, but it was completely worth it. Total time? Around 4–5 hours for the full hike and descent.

2. Lago de Coatepeque

Lago de Coatepeque is a volcanic lake that looks like it belongs in a screensaver. You’ll find lakefront restaurants, thermal springs, water sports vendors and dreamy boutique hotels with infinity views. It's one of the best spots for a relaxing El Salvador getaway.

After hiking Volcán Santa Ana, I spent the afternoon driving around the lake, pulling off at all the scenic lookouts and stopping at quiet, hidden corners. It was the perfect way to cool down after the hike.

We ended the day with dinner at Restaurante Las Palmeras, one of the most picturesque lakefront spots. Palm trees swaying, tropical music in the background, and views that just kept going. The breeze off the lake felt like a reward in itself.

3. Ruta de las Flores

This road winds through the mountains and drops you into the most colorful little towns. You can't miss Nahuizalco, Ataco, Juayúa. There’s street food, local art, and flower markets that smell like wild jasmine.

This was one of the most scenic drives we took in El Salvador.

I started my trip here on day 1, driving two hours from San Salvador to Sonsonate. First stop? Nahuizalco , where I wandered through the local market, visited the central plaza, and peeked into the town’s beautiful old church.

One of my favorite stops was Sacoatitlán where I found this ancient ceiba tree in the central square. Right by it, I followed the tip from a local lady and ended up at Marie’s kiosk , where I had the most unreal tortitas de maíz with crema and queso. I’m still dreaming about them.

We also stopped at the Mirador turistico de los 7 Volcanes and El Carrizal for quick views along the way. Every corner felt more picturesque than the last.

4. Cafe Albania

Not just a coffee farm, it’s a full-blown adventure park. Rainbow slides, ziplines over the forest, a maze and cable bikes strung high over the trees. I paid $5 for the entrance and $5 for the cable bikes.

This was my mid-day adventure fix. After the scenic drive through Ruta de las Flores, we spent about two hours here riding the cable bike (yes, I did it and it was VERY hard! ), getting lost in the giant maze, and flying down the rainbow slide. It’s touristy, yes, but also one of the most fun stops of the day.

My favorite part was watching the kids and rest of the adults screamed from the zipline and the cable bikes. it was hilarious! . The ambience was festive, the air smelled like fresh flowers and grilled snacks, and it was just a great energy boost before we moved on.

If you’re visiting with kids or want a bit of thrill, this is a great stop for an adventurous road trip in El Salvador.

5. Iglesia El Rosario (Rainbow Church)

Looks like a bunker outside. But step in, and you’ll walk through a rainbow made of stained glass. It’s moody, magical, and totally unexpected. It’s one of the most iconic modern buildings and a must on any San Salvador city itinerary.

This isn’t your typical place of worship. It’s a modern architectural marvel built entirely with iron and concrete.

The light inside is unreal. When the sun hits at the right time, the stained glass glows in waves of color all over the concrete walls and floors. One of the most striking features? A powerful, deconstructed iron sculpture of Christ and the via crucis at the altar.

I was stunned by how much symbolism is packed into every corner. It's the kind of place where you keep noticing new details the longer you stay.

It’s one of the most iconic modern buildings and a must on any San Salvador city itinerary.

Tip: Don’t look for a front entrance. The main access is around the side on 4 Calle Ote. It costs just $1 to enter, and there’s parking right next door for the same price per hour. We got there at 12:00 and it was closed for lunch and had to wait until 1:00pm. Make sure you avoid running into this issue.

6. Tazumal Archeological Site

Smack in the middle of a neighborhood, you’ll find these ancient Mayan ruins with 14 visible levels. It's easy to visit, not crowded, and costs just $5 to enter, but make sure you get there before 4:00 pm or you wont be able to enter.

We arrived just before closing after a full day of exploring, and it felt surreal walking around this 14-level pre-Columbian pyramid in the golden light. It’s part of a massive ancient city, most of which is still buried underground.

I was surprised by how peaceful and quiet it felt, especially after such an active day. The stone was still warm from the sun. It was the perfect slow-down moment before driving to Santa Ana to finish the day.

History lovers should definitely add this to their El Salvador cultural route.

7. El Boquerón National Park

Right above San Salvador City center, this volcano crater hike is short, sweet, and scenic. Don’t miss the glass lookout or the view of San Salvador below.

I visited El Salvador’s most famous volcano for just $5, and it was one of the easiest adventures of the trip. It’s only a 40 minute drive from the center (or 20 from Santa Tecla), and once you’re parked ($1 fee), it’s just a 10–12 minute walk up. But heads up, there are more than 150 steps to the top.

We paid $2 each to enter and went early in the afternoon to avoid the early crowds or the heat. The view from the crater rim was wide open and peaceful, and the breeze made it feel cooler than the city below.

It’s the perfect place to enjoy El Salvador’s nature and one of the best easy hikes near San Salvador.

8. BINAES Library

Okay, hear me out, this library is super cool. The National Library of El Salvador (BINAES) opened in November 2023 and spans seven levels with over 360,000 physical books and more than 9 million digital ones.

We walked in expecting a quiet reading spot and ended up exploring gamer zones, LEGO labs, and a virtual reality room.

It’s free to enter, open 24/7, and has everything from sensory games to panoramic city views.

Tip: take the elevator straight to the rooftop terrace and work your way down. You want to stop everywhere as every floor has a surprise.

You’ll need to leave your bag in a locker, and parking’s available nearby for $1/hour (next to Iglesia El Rosario). Trust me, even if you're not into libraries… this one will surprise you.

9. Playa El Tunco

Black sand, surf breaks, and beach bars with live music. This one’s a classic. It’s where locals and travelers all go to unwind and catch sunset.

El Tunco is part of El Salvador’s Surf City coast, stretching out from La Libertad and packed with beaches that cater to both pros and beginners. It’s kind of unavoidable. This is the surf mecca of the country, and there are tons of places offering lessons if you want to try it yourself.

I spent the day hopping between beaches like El Zonte and Sunzal, but my favorite spot was right near El Tunco where the vibe was relaxed and the waves were just right.

We stopped at Beto’s Restaurant for lunch and had one of the best seafood meals of the whole trip. The place was packed (definitely an “it” spot), but worth the 40 minute wait. I had the fresh catch of the day with ceviche for $16 and everything tasted incredibly fresh. We ate with an ocean breeze, the smell of salt and sizzling garlic in the air, and live music drifting in from the beach below. Just perfection!

10. Tamanique Waterfalls

Tucked deep in the jungle, this spot is pure adventure. You’ll hike down with a guide, leap off cliffs, and swim in bright blue pools.

We did this hike on our last day, starting from the small village of Tamanique in the La Libertad region. From the town center, we met a guide at the tourism office. You absolutely need one, it is mandatory as the trail goes through private land.

The trail winds down through forested cliffs to a series of stunning cascades and hidden grottos. There are four main waterfall areas, and some offer cliff jumping if you’re up for it.

The terrain can be intense in sections; ropes, steep slopes, and slippery rocks, but it’s incredibly fun and rewarding.

We parked in a private lot for $5 and paid just over $5 per person for the tour. The sound of rushing water, the cool mist on your face, and the views through the trees made this one of my favorite stops.

After the hike, we headed back toward the coast to explore more beaches and ended the day at the oceanside amusement park in La Libertad.

This is a must-add for curious travelers looking for hidden gems in El Salvador.