Ultimate El Salvador Itinerary: Surf, Volcanoes and Hidden Waterfalls

Overview

El Salvador is a small country that packs a massive punch. Over just a few days, we surfed Pacific waves, hiked an active volcano, plunged into jungle waterfalls, and sipped freshly roasted coffee with mountain views that stretched for miles. What surprised us most wasn’t just the variety of landscapes, but how quickly we were swept into its rhythm. It’s warm, spontaneous, and full of genuine connection.

This itinerary takes you from the buzzing beach town of El Tunco to the misty heights of Juayúa, into crater lakes, colonial towns, and adrenaline-fueled zip lines. Whether you’re in it for the surf, the food, the adventure, or a bit of all three, El Salvador offers a raw and real travel experience that is still wonderfully under the radar.

Quick Facts

Climate

• Dry Season (November to April)
  Warm, sunny, and ideal for beaches, volcano hikes, and outdoor adventures.
• Rainy Season (May to October)
  Hot and humid with daily afternoon showers and vibrant green landscapes.
• Shoulder Months (Late April and early November)
  Still warm with fewer crowds and occasional light rain.

El Salvador stays warm year-round, with a tropical climate that supports outdoor travel in any season. Dry months are best for hiking and surfing, while the rainy season offers lush scenery and quieter travel days.

Safety

Despite past reputations, we felt very safe during our time in El Salvador. Like anywhere, it helps to stay aware of your surroundings, avoid sketchy neighborhoods, and travel with someone you trust. Some of our most memorable moments came from spontaneous local interactions, including an invitation into a rural classroom to chat with school kids, and we found people warm, curious, and incredibly kind.

• Avoid solo nighttime walks.
• Keep your valuables close.
• Use registered guides for hikes.

Budget

Itinerary

First Light in El Tunco
We landed in El Salvador early in the morning, still a little groggy but eager to begin. At the airport, we connected with a local taxi driver who ended up becoming our go-to contact for the rest of the trip. He drove us straight to El Tunco, a laid-back surf town on the Pacific coast. (Read our guide on Where to Base Yourself in El Salvador And Why We Chose El Tunco)

After checking into our accommodation and grabbing a quick nap, we eased into the rhythm of the town. By early evening, we were out exploring, weaving through palm-lined streets, poking into beachfront cafés, and watching surfers chase waves as the light started to shift.

And then came our first El Salvador sunset. The sky lit up in a fiery gradient of orange and purple over the beach, and we sat there for a while, quiet and content. It was the kind of welcome that instantly made us feel like we were in the right place. We grabbed dinner at a casual beachfront spot and called it a night, ready for the adventure ahead.

Travel Tip: If you find a good driver, keep their number. El Salvador is a small country and chances are they can take you almost anywhere you need to go.

Wipeouts and Wandering in the Capital
We woke up early, energized by the ocean breeze and the smell of fresh coffee wafting through El Tunco’s narrow streets. After grabbing a quick breakfast and a rich local brew, we made our way to the beach for something we had never tried before: a surfing lesson.

Our instructors were laid-back but professional. They ran us through the basics on the sand, from paddling technique to how to pop up on the board. Before long, they were pushing us into small, rolling waves. We managed to ride a few but spent more time tumbling and laughing than actually surfing. It was a humbling and hilarious intro to the sport, and by the end of the session we were sunburnt, soaked, and smiling.

After rinsing off and resting for a bit, we headed into San Salvador for a change of pace. We spent the evening walking through the old town, peeking into local shops, and getting a feel for the city’s energy. It was a nice contrast to the beach vibe and reminded us how layered and diverse El Salvador really is.

Travel Tip: If you’re trying surfing for the first time, go with an instructor. The Pacific can be strong, and a good guide makes a huge difference.

Waterfalls, Cliff Jumps, and a Perfectly Timed Downpour
We hit the road early, headed for one of the most talked-about natural spots near El Tunco: the Tamanique Waterfalls. It’s just a 20-minute drive from town, but it feels like entering a different world. After parking, we met our local guide and began the 40-minute hike through lush forest and rocky paths.

The first waterfall was narrow and powerful, tucked into a steep ravine. Our guide pointed to a small ledge above and asked if we were in. We climbed up, counted to three, and launched ourselves into the narrow plunge pool below. It was a rush, and a little sketchy, but completely worth it.

From there, we continued the hike down to the main falls. The trail opened up to a wide, cascading drop with a deep pool beneath, perfect for swimming and cooling off. After some time soaking in the moment, we began the climb back up. Just as we reached the top, the skies opened up. A tropical rainstorm rolled through, but we were lucky enough to be under shelter by the time it hit.

That evening, we returned to El Tunco for another incredible sunset on the beach. Watching the sky change colors while reflecting on the day’s adventure felt like a proper reward. (Read our full guide on the perfect 3 Days in El Tunco)

Mountain Views and Treetop Thrills
We left the coast behind and made our way inland to Juayúa, a small town tucked deep in the mountains of western El Salvador. The drive was scenic, winding through green hills and quiet villages, and when we arrived at our Airbnb, we were greeted by one of the best views of the trip. From the balcony, we looked out over misty mountains that stretched all the way to the horizon.

After dropping off our bags, we drove a bit farther to Albania Adventure Park in Apaneca. This spot is built for adrenaline. We zipped across treetop lines with views of the surrounding valleys and then tried out a giant swing that sends you sailing over a cliff edge. It was fast, a little terrifying, and seriously fun.

We wrapped up the day back in Juayúa with a simple dinner and a stroll through the quiet streets. After a few packed days, this mountain town offered just the right mix of calm and adventure.

Coffee Buzz and Crater Lake Bliss
We started our morning with a visit to a local coffee plantation, tucked in the hills outside Juayúa. The experience was hands-on from the start. We walked through rows of coffee plants, learned about the growing and fermentation process, and even tried our hand at pulping some beans. By the end of the tour, we were handed steaming mugs of freshly brewed black coffee, and to our surprise, we actually loved it. It was rich, smooth, and completely different from anything we’d had back home.

From the mountains, we made our way down to Lake Coatepeque, a deep-blue crater lake surrounded by rolling hills. We found a lakefront spot, ordered a couple of cocktails, and soaked in the view. Later, we hopped on a short boat ride to get a better feel for the lake. It was quiet, scenic, and the perfect break between activities.

The slower pace of the day was a welcome change, and it gave us time to really enjoy the beauty around us without feeling rushed.

Volcano Hikes and Ice Pops at the Top
We woke up to thick, low-hanging fog blanketing the mountains and started to wonder if our Volcán Santa Ana hike would even be worth it. But as we got closer to the trailhead, the clouds began to lift and blue skies slowly pushed through. By the time we started the hike, the weather was perfect with clear skies, warm air, and bright sun.

The trail is steep but manageable. We had a four-year-old in our group who not only kept up but led the way, confidently urging the rest of us to hurry up. It added a bit of humor and motivation to the climb. As we reached the summit, the payoff came into view: a glowing turquoise crater lake surrounded by jagged rock walls.

At the top, we found a local vendor selling bright-colored ice pops, the perfect treat after the hot climb. We sat near the edge, enjoying the breeze and the view, and took our time before heading back down. It was one of the most memorable hikes we’ve done, not just for the view but for how unexpectedly joyful the whole day felt.

Travel Tip: Start early and bring a hat, sunscreen, and plenty of water. The trail has little shade, and the sun can be intense once the clouds burn off.

Classroom Moments and a Late-Night Coast Return
We left the mountains behind and started making our way back to the coast. Along the way, we stopped in a small town to stretch our legs and ended up having one of the most unexpected and heartwarming moments of the trip. As we walked past a local school, a teacher called us over and invited us inside to meet the students.

We chatted with the kids, helped them practice a few English words, and answered questions about where we were from. It was a simple exchange, but it felt honest and real. Those small, unscripted moments are often the most memorable.

After saying goodbye, we continued the drive back to El Tunco and arrived late that night. We were tired, but being back near the ocean felt right. It was our last leg of the journey, and we were ready to wind down with one more day of surf and sun.

One Last Ride and a Sunset Goodbye
With most of our highland adventures behind us, we started our final day right where we began, on the beach in El Tunco. After a quick breakfast and another strong cup of Salvadoran coffee, we met up with our surf instructor for one last session.

This time felt different. We were more confident, more balanced, and actually managed to catch a few solid waves. It felt like everything had come full circle. Surfing had gone from something totally foreign to something we genuinely enjoyed, and we left the water already talking about coming back for a dedicated surf trip.

The rest of the day was slow and peaceful. We soaked up the sun, lounged in the sand, and watched the sky turn golden one last time. There was something comforting about ending the trip where it all started, but with a new appreciation for just how much ground we had covered in a week.

Must-Do Experiences

• Surfing in El Tunco.
• Swimming in the Tamanique Waterfalls.
• Hiking Volcan Sana Ana.

Gear We Used

• Meir’s Backpack: Durable & great for hiking
• Chaya’s Backpack: Perfect for everyday travel

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