Introduction
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 one of the most popular cities to visit in the country. We recommend you stay at least 3 days in order to fully appreciate everything San Salvador has to offer.

Article

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
$282
1 night at 3-star hotel
San Salvador in December
Estimated hotel price
$282
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 10 km from the city centre. Further away is San Salvador El Salvador Intl, 33 km from the centre of 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 10 km from the city centre. Further away is San Salvador El Salvador Intl, 33 km from the centre of San Salvador.

Airports near San Salvador

ILSSan Salvador Ilopango
SALSan Salvador El Salvador Intl

Airlines serving San Salvador

KLM
Good (1,577 reviews)
British Airways
Good (8,229 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (4,464 reviews)
Delta
Good (8,585 reviews)
Iberia
Good (3,249 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,650 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,733 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (10,231 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (11,653 reviews)
Avianca
Good (2,548 reviews)
Air Europa
Good (640 reviews)
Aeromexico
Good (1,463 reviews)
ANA
Excellent (1,316 reviews)
LATAM Airlines
Good (1,984 reviews)
Frontier
Okay (2,598 reviews)
Copa Airlines
Good (1,543 reviews)
EVA Air
Excellent (1,527 reviews)
American Airlines
Good (12,084 reviews)
Air Transat
Good (579 reviews)
Viva
Good (804 reviews)
Show more

Where to stay in San Salvador

From 5-star hotels such as the Villa Stahl to great affordable options like the Kaleo Hotel Boutique, San Salvador offers a range of accommodations for every taste. Average rates range from around $125 per night for a double room in a 3-star hotel to $232 and up for a 5-star experience. If you’re on a budget, well-reviewed accommodations include Hotel Villa Florencia Centro Histórico and Hotel Tazumal House.

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)
$255+
View
Villa Serena Escalón
3 stars
Excellent (8.9, Excellent reviews)
$98+
View
Terra Bella Hotel Boutique
3 stars
Excellent (8.8, Excellent reviews)
$106+
View
Sheraton Presidente San Salvador Hotel
5 stars
Excellent (8.3, Excellent reviews)
$318+
View
Intercontinental Hotels San Salvador-Metrocentro Mall By IHG
5 stars
Excellent (8.3, Excellent reviews)
$315+
View

Hiring a car in San Salvador

Expect to pay $2.29 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 $27.48 and $36.64. The most frequently booked car type in San Salvador is Full-size (Class Full-size Van or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Mini car hire (Kia Picanto or similar) is, on average, 74% cheaper than other car hire types in the city.

Expect to pay $2.29 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 $27.48 and $36.64. The most frequently booked car type in San Salvador is Full-size (Class Full-size Van or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Mini car hire (Kia Picanto or similar) is, on average, 74% cheaper than other car hire types in the city.

Car hire agencies in San Salvador

Budget

Budget

Alamo

Alamo
Find car hire in San Salvador