El Salvador

General Information and Tips for Travelers

El Salvador is the smallest country in Central America. Counting with aprox. 320 km of beaches at the Pacific Ocean, with many majestic volcanoes, marvellous lakes and lagoons, tropical forests, natural parks and impressive archeological sites, this small - and from a touristic point of view - hardly discovered country offers a large diversity of attractions.

First thing any visitor will notice en El Salvador is the hospitality and friendlyness of the Salvadorians. Any visitor who asks for some information always is addressed with a warm and confident smile, and a short but friendly conversation and only then a precise answer to his question.

Friends of archeological sites will find in El Salvador important tracks of the original inhabitants of Mesoamerica. In the most important site, Joya de Cerén, an entire village that had been buried under a 5 meter layer of lava from the volcanoe Laguna Caldera was uncovered. This village has a great historical value as it reveals a lot of daily life details from the former Mayan culture.

Maybe the forest "El Imposible" is the most important ecological heritage of El Salvador. It is located in the area of Ahuachapán and houses more than 350 species of birds and more than 500 species of butterflies. This national park is one of the last places of refuge in the world, among others for pumas, ocelots, ant-bears, eagles and white sparrowhawks.

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It is the volcanoes that give the landscape of El Salvador its unique profile. Out of more than 25 large volcanoes there are three still active: Izalco, Santa Ana and San Miguel.

The volcanoe Izalco with ist perfect peak is about 1885 meters high. It is surroundied by lush tropical forests which house a rich diversity of flora and fauna. Very close is the mountain Cerro Verde. From here one of the most fascinating landscapes can be admired. Main attraction of Cerro Verde used to be the possibility to watch from the mountain top the volcanoe Izalco in constant eruption. Unbelievable but true: this volcanoe has never erupted again since the "Hotel de Montaña" was opened in the close neighborhood.

Beaches: The coasts of small El Salvador are blessed with a large number of absolutely different beach attractions.
In Ahuachapán, for instance, at the beach Barra de Santiago, visitors can cross by boat the dense mangrove swamps and discover spectacular virgin beaches. The largest coral reef at the Central American Pacific coast can be visited starting at the beach Los Cóbanos which is just 85 km away from San Salvador. The city of Sihuapilapa invites visitors to one of the most beautiful landscapes of the Pacific coast in El Salvador. And for surfers the beach El Sunzal is ideal. The most famous beach is possibly Costa del Sol. Here many hotels are located directly at the beach. The most beautiful and largest beach, however, is said to be El Cuco. And those who are just looking for some relaxation should visit El Tamarindo, as here the sea is absolutely calm and perfect for swimming.

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Tips for Travelers

SAN SALVADOR, the capital, is located practically in the middle of the country. From here, all villages, regions and touristic attractions can be visited easily.

TRAFFIC / SERVICES

El Salvador has a good public bus system. In the capital, taxi services are recommended. Also, here are very reliable car rental agencies (Hertz).

IMMIGRATION POLICIES

Europeans need a passport that must be valid at least another 6 months, as well as a flight ticket back to Europe. Airport tax is USD 28.00 (to be paid when leaving the country).

BUSINESS HOURS

Public offices are generally open from 8 am through 4 pm. Banks are open from 8 am through 5 pm and commercial hours are from 8 am through 6 pm.

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COMMUNICATION

The telecommunication system is well established. Almost all countries of the world can be called directly. The international prefix of El Salvador is: 00503.

CURRENT

Electricity is 120V / 60 Hz, and North American electrical items can be used with no adapter necessary.

GOVERNMENT

El Salvador is a Republic whose government is elected democratically. The President is elected for 5 years and may not be elected twice. TAXES AND TIPS The VAT in El Salvador is 13 %. In Restaurants and bars generally a tip of 10 % is given.

Further information offers the Tourist Board of El Salvador at: www.elsalvadorturismo.gob.sv

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