Introduction
What to do
Where to eat
When to visit
How to get there
Where to stay
Hiring a car

San Salvador travel guide

San Salvador Tourism | San Salvador Guide

You're Going to Love San Salvador

With 525,990 inhabitants, San Salvador is the most populous city in El Salvador. It is the most popular tourist destination in the country. We recommend you stay at least 7 days in order to fully appreciate everything San Salvador has to offer.

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Where to Eat in San Salvador

If you’re looking for affordable options, El Xolo (Av. De La Revolucion) and Monarca (Boulevard el Hipodromo #729) are great picks.

When to visit San Salvador

San Salvador in December
Estimated hotel price
£15
1 night at 3-star hotel
San Salvador in December
Estimated hotel price
£15
1 night at 3-star hotel

Looking for warm weather? Then head to San Salvador in March, when the average temperature is 25 °C, and the highest can go up to 30 °C. The coldest month, on the other hand, is January, when it can get as cold as 18 °C, with an average temperature of 23 °C. You’re likely to see more rain in August, when precipitation is around 330 mm. In contrast, February is usually the driest month of the year in San Salvador, with an average rainfall of 0 mm.

Data provided by weatherbase
Temperatures
Temperatures
Data provided by weatherbase

How to Get to San Salvador

Plane

San Salvador is served by 2 airports: San Salvador Ilopango (ILS) and San Salvador El Salvador Intl (SAL). The closest to the city centre of San Salvador is San Salvador Ilopango, which is located 6 miles from the city centre. Further away is San Salvador El Salvador Intl, 20 miles from the centre of San Salvador. The shortest flight to San Salvador from the United Kingdom departs from London and takes around 15h 25m.

Plane

San Salvador is served by 2 airports: San Salvador Ilopango (ILS) and San Salvador El Salvador Intl (SAL). The closest to the city centre of San Salvador is San Salvador Ilopango, which is located 6 miles from the city centre. Further away is San Salvador El Salvador Intl, 20 miles from the centre of San Salvador. The shortest flight to San Salvador from the United Kingdom departs from London and takes around 15h 25m.

Airports near San Salvador

ILSSan Salvador Ilopango
SALSan Salvador El Salvador Intl

Airlines serving San Salvador

KLM
Good (1,527 reviews)
British Airways
Good (8,039 reviews)
Delta
Good (8,398 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (4,408 reviews)
Iberia
Good (3,232 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,602 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (9,808 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,726 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (11,158 reviews)
Avianca
Good (2,535 reviews)
Frontier
Okay (2,898 reviews)
LATAM Airlines
Good (1,927 reviews)
ANA
Excellent (1,230 reviews)
Aeromexico
Good (1,489 reviews)
Copa Airlines
Good (1,569 reviews)
EVA Air
Excellent (1,470 reviews)
Air Transat
Good (555 reviews)
American Airlines
Good (11,640 reviews)
Viva
Good (802 reviews)
Show more
Find flights to San Salvador

Where to stay in San Salvador

From 5-star hotels such as the Villa Stahl to great affordable options like the Best Western Plus Hotel Terraza, San Salvador offers a range of accommodations for every taste. Average rates range from around £56 per night for a double room in a 3-star hotel to £80 and up for a 5-star experience. If you’re on a budget, well-reviewed accommodations include Hotel Tazumal House and Hotel Bella Luz Centro Historico.

Where to stay in popular areas of San Salvador

Most booked hotels in San Salvador

See all
Barceló San Salvador
4 stars
Excellent (8.9, Excellent reviews)
£102+
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Hotel Villa Serena Escalon
3 stars
Excellent (8.9, Excellent reviews)
£47+
View
Courtyard by Marriott San Salvador
3 stars
Excellent (8.7, Excellent reviews)
£93+
View
Intercontinental Hotels San Salvador-Metrocentro Mall By IHG
5 stars
Excellent (8.4, Excellent reviews)
£120+
View

Hiring a car in San Salvador

Hiring a car in San Salvador costs £26 per day, on average, or £184 if you want to hire it for 7 days.

You’re likely to save money by hiring your car at the airport: locations in the city are, on average, 49% more expensive than at San Salvador El Salvador Intl.

Expect to pay £0.94 per litre in San Salvador (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your car hire, filling up the tank will cost between £11.21 and £14.95. The most frequently booked car type in San Salvador is Intermediate (Class Intermediate SUV or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Mini car hire (Class Mini Car or similar) is, on average, 82% cheaper than other car hire types in the city.

Hiring a car in San Salvador costs £26 per day, on average, or £184 if you want to hire it for 7 days.

You’re likely to save money by hiring your car at the airport: locations in the city are, on average, 49% more expensive than at San Salvador El Salvador Intl.

Expect to pay £0.94 per litre in San Salvador (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your car hire, filling up the tank will cost between £11.21 and £14.95. The most frequently booked car type in San Salvador is Intermediate (Class Intermediate SUV or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Mini car hire (Class Mini Car or similar) is, on average, 82% cheaper than other car hire types in the city.

Best car hire deals in San Salvador

Pick-up truck

5 adults, 2 Bags

£35/day

Pick-up truck

Compact SUV

4 adults, 2 Bags

£35/day

Compact SUV
Find car hire in San Salvador