SAN SALVADOR

Depending on where you are coming from, you’ll arrive at:
Terminal de Occidente:
San Salvador’s bus terminal handles all arrivals and departures from Western El Salvador, e.g., Santa Ana (bus 201, $1.35, 1,5 hours), Ruta de las Flores/ Ahuachapan (bus 202, $1,5, 2,5 hours), or La Libertad (bus 102, $0.60, 1 hour).
Terminal de Oriente:
The bus terminal handling Eastern El Salvador, e.g., San Miguel (bus 301,$4, about 3-4
hours), Suchitoto (Bus 129, $0.70, 2 hours), La Union (buses 304&446, $3.50, 4 hours)
Terminal del Sur:
This bus terminal serves all Southern destinations, including Costa del Sol (bus 495, $1.25, 25 hours) and Puerto el Triunfo (bus 185, $1.60, 2 hours)

You can easily explore the city and its surroundings by bus. Unfortunately, the buses might sometimes take a slightly different route depending on traffic. But, don’t worry, many El
Salvadorians have lived or had family in the US, making it easy to find someone who speaks English and helps you out.

Zona Rosa and Colonia Escalón are two of the best neighborhoods to stay in. Naturally, the prices are a bit higher. Alternatively, check out Antiguo Cuscatlan. The young community close to the university is a lot budget-friendlier.

Our friends recommend us to come back in August for the “Fiestas Agostinas” in San Salvador and “Las Bolas de Fuego” in nearby Nejapa. The “Fiestas de Agostinas” celebrate San Salvador’s patron saint with parades and fireworks. “Las Bolas de Fuego” is a spectacle that follows a long-standing tradition of throwing fireballs at each other.

There is no denying it. San Salvador is a Central American capital, and certain precautions must be taken. Don’t flash your big camera around and take taxis at night. Yet, San Salvador felt a lot safer than one would have expected. We felt comfortably secure and welcomed. You have to note that until today, El Salvador is ruled by fear and brutal memories. Therefore, many locals take extreme precautions and will advise you against many things. As a visitor, you must be aware of that and know that you are NOT the target.

El Salvador’s past was brutal and dark. Thousands of people were tortured, disappeared, or murdered during the civil war. Yet, Oscar Romero stood with his people and demanded justice. The remarkable bishop stopped the reconstruction of the famous Catedral Metropolitana to help the poor instead. In 1977, when he became archbishop, the police shot down 24 people. Tragically, Romero was killed only three years later. Even at his funeral, the killings continued. Yet, today, Oscar Romero is widely beloved and remembered. His life and memory of him are unintendingly tied to San Salvador’s dark past.

Do not drink tap water in El Salvador; bring your Lifestraw instead! While water from the national water company (ANDA) is generally safe, you never know the water source the restaurant, hotels, and so on may use.

Trash: As anywhere in Latin America, a lot of street food is served in plastic or one-way containers. Make sure to bring your foldable food container with you. Don’t forget to bring your Lifestraw, too.
Sunscreen: Protect El Salvador’s marine life and bring riff-friendly sunscreen.