And one of the cheapest they have deals that start atjust $42 USD per month. You can now visit the archaeological site as a day trip from Santa Ana, and learn more about the prehispanic community and the events that took place thousands of years ago. Santa Ana received the title of town around 1812. Near the Santa Ana Cathedral and theatre is the Santa Ana main square. With a menu full of pizza, pasta, seafood and desserts, its the perfect place to have some comfort food. Hi, I'm Wayne! During the trip, be sure to check out the amazing restaurants, markets, coffee farms, and vendors along the route. Cerro Verde is part of El Salvadors Los Volcanes National Park, which consists of five volcanoes: Santa Ana, Izalco, San Marcelino, Coatepeque, and Cerro Verde. For details on how to travel to El Tunco from Santa Ana, check out my detailed guide here. Therefore, most people visiting the town use it as a base of operations. As well as spotting the beautiful flowers along the roads, you can stop off in the local towns and learn more about El Salvadorian culture. Thats why Ive done the hard work for you. It is located in the downtown area with a plaza, a church, and governmental offices. Dont feel like a steep climb? Take the time to appreciate the statues and ornate altars as you explore its sacred chambers. Then you want to spend the night at Casa 1800 Cerro Verde. Private drivers can be hired for different amounts of time. Santa Ana is situated in a basin between mountains at an elevation of 2,182 feet (665 metres). Tazumal is one of the things to do in Santa Ana El Salvador if you are interested in history. Santa Ana is a vibrant and bustling city in El Salvador, boasting incredible natural beauty, unique culture, and plenty of activities for every type of traveler. Visitors come to this charming town to explore its unique shops and restaurants as well as its delightful cobblestone streets. The theatre hosts various events throughout the year, including art exhibitions and cultural festivals. Ask your hostel for the best directions. Santa Ana Volcano Tour. The most common way for backpackers to travel around El Salvador is via rental car or shuttle. They serve cones, shakes, sundaes, banana splits, and cakes. Here is more information about El Salvador's capital city: San Salvador. We found the locals to be exceptionally friendly and welcoming and loved trying some new dishes that we hadnt seen before. El Salvador is great for tourists, especially if you would like to do some of the adventurous activities the country has to offer. Or have a Pilsener or large Regia beer. 1. In the next article I will tell you everything you want to know about a hike to the Santa Ana volcano, including useful tips. Check the latest prices and availability at Casa 1800 Cerro Verde here. The structure is 90 meters long, and has a Gothic and Byzantine style. There are several restaurants on the edge of the road showing off amazing viewpoints. Expect personal travel stories, backpacking tips + the latest travel inspiration! Its one of the only modern shopping centres in the area and has high street stores, electrical shops and American food outlets such as Mcdonalds. Relive the glory of the mighty Mayan empire with this half- or full-day tour of the most notable Mayan ruins in El Salvador. But thats not all they also host a variety of live music events throughout the week. Yes, I highly recommend downloading an eSIM on your phone to ensure you can use it for directions and safety in El Salvador. As a backpacker in El Salvador, it is important to stick to buses that take safe and well-known routes. Keep an eye out for more El Salvador content, all written from a personal and realistic point of view. Tazumal was an important Mayan settlement between 100 BC to about 1200 AD. This is translated as crazy corn, and again, can be bought all over the city. Bus operators. 16 Cool Things to Do in Santa Ana El Salvador (2023) - Our Offbeat Life A hike to this crater would take close to 2 hours and can be done only with a guide and two armed escort personnel, but is not as strenuous as climbing the nearby Izalco Volcano, which is much steeper. Check out my honest opinion about safety in El Salvador here | Is El Salvador Safe? Public buses in El Salvador: Are they safe? If youre visiting Central America as a backpacker, or even for a short vacation, it issoimportant to havetravel insurance. Ruta de las Flores is a must-see for visitors to El Salvador. The city of Sant Ana is excellent for shopping; it can be done at the big stores located at the shopping mall or at the local markets. Retail, manufacturing, and tourism are the three most important sectors in the city. The star attraction of the Cerro Verde National Park is also its most menacing - the Santa Ana Volcano (Volcn Ilamatepec), El Salvador's biggest and most active volcano, last erupting as recently as 2005, when the force of the eruption flung car-sized rocks for more than 1.5 km. If youre seeking a little more adventure, you can also jump from the cliff edges and rock faces around the hot springs. Los Cobonos is located at the end of a rural area. Even if you dont feel like jumping in the water, you can admire the views from the sideline, and drink a beer in the famous Captain Morgan lakeside bar. The Cathedral of Santa Ana, declared Cultural Heritage of El Salvador in 1995. If you are visiting El Salvador for the first time, eating in the local pupuserias is a must. History This section is empty. If youre looking for the best coffee tour from Santa Ana, I highly recommend this one! El Salvador is a hidden gem with beautiful beaches, shimmering lakes, volcanoes you can climb, national parks and pretty colonial villages. Fancy watching a show in the Santa Ana theatre to improve your Spanish? Do you want to read more about Mayan ruins in Central America? Public buses in El Salvador are similar to the chicken buses in Guatemala (just with less decoration!). This neoclassic French-style theater was built in 1912 with funds collected by taxing coffee growers in the area. El Jardin de Celeste is an unmissable spot for foodies visiting El Salvador. People visit this Cathedral for either religious purposes or to admire the incredible neo-gothic architectural design. You can stand on the edge of the steamy fumaroles and witness a powerful reminder of the Earths power. This leg is $0.25 and takes around 20 minutes. It is bordered on the southwest by the Pacific Ocean, and lies between Guatemala and Honduras . Spanish is spoken in El Salvador. Looking for something to do in Santa Ana? El Salvador is world-famous for its coffee, so what better place to do a coffee tour? Here are some top recommended tours and experiences! After visiting El Salvador, most backpackers do one of the following. Related post: Backpacking El Salvador? Looking To Start Your Own Travel Blog Or Take Yours To The Next Level? Decline Accept, traveltips, cityguides, history, art and experiences for the cultural & scenic traveler, One of the top things to do in El Salvador is to, One of the most beautiful viewpoints in El Salvado, Suchitoto is one of the most beautiful destination, I just came back from an amazing trip in El Salvad, Look at the views! The Santa Ana July festivities are celebrated every year in the last two weeks of July. It also has iconic buildings, a charming historic district, and excellent shopping. Trust me, I have heard enough horror stories about backpackers who havent had insurance and have ended up in alotof debt. Finally, if you have the time whilst visiting El Salvador, I recommend spending the evening at the Captain Morgan hostel. Otherwise, youll want to have a car. If you need medical help atany pointwhilst in Central America,you needtravel insurance. I know, I know, youre thinkingbut I cant afford that!. ), spinach, mushrooms, fish, or tomatoes. You can travel around El Salvador in multiple ways, depending on how much time you have, your budget and where you want to visit. Located in Santa Ana, this restaurant serves up some of the best dishes from the region and offers its guests a unique culinary experience. This extensive volcanic lake was once a sacred site for the ancient Maya civilization. Theres also Cafe Tejas, which serves salads, pasta and cerviche. Come early if possible and pay attention to the weather. There are plenty of coffee shops to choose from, Read More 15 Best Coffee Shops In Antigua Guatemala (+ Digital Nomad Spots)Continue, A detailed guide to planning and booking a trip around Europe, whether youre travelling solo, in a couple or with a friend! Exploring El Salvadors cascading waterfalls is an unforgettable experience. Then, on the same side of the road, catch bus #192, 192a, 192b to El Zonte. This is an overview with tours and things to do in Santa Ana El Salvador. The art ruins are open throughout the day and can be visited for free. Santa Ana, El Salvador: What to See, Do and Eat June 23, 2023 - 613 likes, 31 comments - Sienna Christine | Traveler (@iamsiennachristine) on Instagram: "Ten Things to Do in El Salvador (Save & Share) 1. It isn't well marked on the street but here it is on Google Maps. Visiting Santa Ana is a great way to experience El Salvadors vibrant culture and nightlife. Im Jennie, a British digital nomad and travel blogger. Related post: Travelling from Santa Ana to El Tunco Beach. You can find the Santa Ana Metrocentre here. Happy reading . Then have a look at the Remfort Hotel. Visit top-rated & must-see attractions. There are a couple of stands at the parking lot when you park for the beach. Between 1530 and 1540, the city was conquered by the Spanish. Travel EAST to Honduras. Santa Ana (El Salvador) - Wikitravel As a digital nomad and world traveller myself, I can confirm it is the best travel insurance out there. It has 2,023 km and a population of over 613,000. Cool Off With Ice Cream At Boston Premium Ice Cream, 11. Santa Ana Department - Wikipedia Santa Ana in El Salvador is the perfect city for those looking for a town with a fascinating history, great local traditions, and plenty of activities. Personally, I recommendSafetyWing. The capital is Santa Ana, one of the largest cities in El Salvador. Today, visitors can explore Tazumals fascinating ruins which include structures built more than 2,000 years ago. Check out this Santa Teresa Hot Springs & Santa Ana Private Day Tour in El Salvador!. In the next article you will find the best things to do in El Salvador. You don't need a visa to travel to El Salvador, but you do need a passport. The activities held during these weeks are mainly religious. Youll also want to be careful when visiting because there are a lot of large rocks in the water that are slippery from walking on. Dont even think twice about getting travel insurance for Central America. Then you can also book a tour where you enjoy views of both the Cerro Verde and the Izalco volcano. The Santa Ana Cathedral was built in the 16th century, making it over 400 years old. Some visitors or locals take day trips to Juayua and enjoy what the small town has to offer, especially on the weekends. The Historical Complex, comprised by The Palace of the City Council, seat of the municipal government; the National Theater, one of the most beautiful and with the best acoustics and decoration of . It is a great place for backpackers in El Salvador to base themselves whilst enjoying some of the best adrenaline-fuelled activities in the country. There are plenty of activities to choose from when visiting Lake Coatepeque, from swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding and even tubing! After a typical Salvadoran lunch (own expense), admire the colonial landmarks of Santa Ana and stand in awe before El Salvador's largest pyramid at the Tazumal archeological . Some of the best tours in El Salvador include: Check out more tours for your trip here! Its an incredible adventure that shouldnt be missed! If you arent hiring a car in El Salvador, you can travel via shuttle bus. See all 2023 Santa Ana Volcano 342 Volcanos Lago de Coatepeque 177 Bodies of Water Izalco Volcano 30 Volcanos Santa Ana Cathedral 118 Churches & Cathedrals Teatro Nacional de Santa Ana 61 Theaters National Park Cerro Verde 124 And in 1569, it was given the name of Santa Ana, La Grande. Its one of the best places in El Salvador to take a coffee tour. After you exit the main road in Sonsonate, its about a 30-minute drive on an old, rocky, dirt road thats not well maintained. This Cathedral is one of the best churches in El Salvador to visit. Some of the activities are in town, whilst some may require booking a tour, hiring a car or using public transport. Every weekend (and sometimes even Friday night), the main streets of Juayua transform into an open-air food festival. I have explored Santa Ana, El Salvador a couple of times now and would like to share with you a detailed list of the top activities and things to do in the area! One of the top things to do when you are in Santa Ana in El Salvador is the hike to the Ilamantepec volcano. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. No matter what you choose, you cant go wrong with a visit to one of the popular pupuseras in Santa Ana. Jul 7, 2023 - Rent from people in Santa Ana, El Salvador from $20/night. Due to the rapid growth of algae, the color of Coatepeque sometimes changes from dark blue to turquoise, depending on the season. We found most of the cities to be chaotic and difficult to find local SIM cards. Again, most of the time, public buses in El Salvador are safe. Take in the sights of the buildings and craft shops, enjoy a cup of coffee at one of the local cafes, and sample some local delicacies like pupusas and fried plantains. Belong anywhere with Airbnb. Its one of the best locations in El Salvador to visit and is a great day or overnight trip from Santa Ana. We hiked at a consistent pace with a few short breaks and it took us about 2.5 hours to reach the top. Are you ready to discover the best things to do in this beautiful area of El Salvador? Things to see and do on a trip to Santa Ana - Passporter Blog The top archaeological sites in the country are near the city of Santa Ana. Its a fairly moderately challenging hike, and isnt anything like hiking Acatenango in Guatemala! Santa Ana is the capital city of the department of Santa Ana. There is an international airport in El Salvador, around 2 hours from Santa Ana. Rent This Space Skip the bots. In the next article you will find the most beautiful hotels in El Salvador my personal favorites, sorted by region. The Santa Ana volcano hiking tour lasts for about 5 hours, with 2.5 hours for climbing and 2.5 hours for descending. Ilamatepec is the highest volcano in El Salvador and reaches a height of 2381 metres (7812ft) above sea level. Yay! Related post: El Tunco Beach, A Complete Guide To El Salvadors Liveliest Beach | Best + Safest Hostels in El Tunco, El Salvador. Check the latest prices and availability at Remfort Hotel, Hotel Equinoccio and Casa 1800 Cerro Verde. It also has an upstairs, where you can drink a cocktail and overlook the Santa Ana main square! Im currently travelling around the world with my boyfriend (read more here! Within El Salvadors boundaries lie some of the countrys highest mountains, including Cerro Verde and El Pital. Two of the prettiest towns on the Ruta de las Flores are Concepcin de Ataco and Apaneca, and visiting them makes for the perfect morning trip from Santa Ana. My girlfriend is an El Salvador native so Ive got to experience the best tourist attractions and the finest local spots. El Salvador Local Buses operates a bus from San Salvador to Santa Ana every 10 minutes. What Is Santa Ana In El Salvador Known For? Cities in the Ruta de las Flores include some that weve already covered, Ahuachapan and Atcaco, and others such as Apaneca, Juayua, and more. Driving in El Salvador is safe and straightforward. The main square is also near to some of Santa Anas best restaurants, so you can enjoy a cocktail or two whilst enjoying the atmosphere! Juayua is a famous town in La Ruta de Las Flores; this small city is well-known for its weekend food festivals. Additionally, Metrocentro, a large shopping plaza, is located here, and so is Walmart. If youd like to do some hiking whilst in Santa Ana El Salvador, head to the Cerro Verde National Park.