San Salvador and the East

San Salvador, Pacific coast beaches and historic colonial town, Suchitoto

The capital, San Salvador, is a modern-looking city surrounded by mountains with upmarket shopping centres, restaurants and hotels which cater particularly for the business visitor. It has some excellent museums and art galleries, particularly the National Anthropology Museum which charts the history of the different periods in the development of the region, from Olmec to Toltec to Maya. Because of the small size of the country, it is easy to base yourself in the capital and go out each day on excursions.

There are beaches for 300km all the way along the Pacific coast, some which are best for surfing and others for diving. Playa Costa del Sol is being particularly developed as an international tourist resort and the Jiquilisco bay, towards the east, is lined with mangroves and home to a wide variety of birds. The coastline has both private and public resorts and is a mix of grey, volcanic black and golden sand beaches. Further east there are the remote islands of the Gulf of Fonseca and the faded glory of the port town of La Unión.

Suchitoto is about 1.5 hours north east of San Salvador and lies at the foot of Lake Suchitlán, with fine views across the water to the mountains of the north. Suchitoto, founded over 1,000 years ago by the Pipiles, has had a cultural renaissance over recent years with artists and artisan workers basing themselves in the town and makes a pleasant base from which to explore.

Our preferred accommodation

Courtyard by Marriott

City hotel - San Salvador
A smart and friendly hotel in La Gran Via, a good part of the city, within safe walking distance of shops, restaurants and bars. There is a restaurant and bar and a small outdoor pool set in pleasant gardens
La Posada de Suchitlán

Inn/Posada - Suchitoto
On the edge of the town, this colonial hotel is set in spacious grounds and has the most wonderful views over Lago de Suchitlán and to the mountains of the north. It is full of character with many antiques and local artefacts, a bar, restaurant and outdoor pool.
Las Puertas

Inn/Posada - Suchitoto
Opened in Autumn 2007, this elegant small hotel is on the main square in Suchitoto and rooms have a fine view of the old church opposite.
Los Almendros de San Lorenzo

Inn/Posada - Suchitoto
A charming and beautifully appointed boutique hotel with character, just a few steps from the main square, with rooms set around two courtyards, an outdoor pool, bar, air-conditioned restaurant and traditionally furnished sitting room. Breakfast can be eaten on the terrace.
Suites Las Palmas

City hotel - San Salvador
A comfortable, well-situated hotel in Zona Rosa, near some of San Salvador's best shops and restaurants, and near the Museo de Arte and the Anthropology Museum. There is a restaurant, gym and small rooftop pool.
Villa del Angel

City hotel - San Salvador
A small boutique hotel with only 9 rooms in Colonia Escalón, a quiet street near to a large shopping mall. There is a small terrace and garden, a restaurant for breakfast and a couple of restaurants within walking distance.