Introduction
What to do
Where to eat
When to visit
How to get there
Where to stay
Renting 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 4 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 May
Estimated hotel price
$147
1 night at 3-star hotel
San Salvador in May
Estimated hotel price
$147
1 night at 3-star hotel

Looking for warm weather? Then head to San Salvador in March, when the average temperature is 77 °F, and the highest can go up to 86 °F. The coldest month, on the other hand, is January, when it can get as cold as 64.4 °F, with an average temperature of 73.4 °F. You’re likely to see more rain in August, when precipitation is around 13″. In contrast, February is usually the driest month of the year in San Salvador, with an average rainfall of 0″.

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 downtown San Salvador is San Salvador Ilopango, which is located 6 miles from the city center. Further away is San Salvador El Salvador Intl, 20 miles from the center of San Salvador. San Salvador Ilopango is the most popular, with regular flights from Avianca, Air Canada, United Airlines and other airlines departing from the United States. The shortest flight to San Salvador from the United States departs from Miami and takes around 2h 50m.

Car

Another option to get to San Salvador is to pick up a car rental from Comalapa la Paz, which is about 16 miles from San Salvador. You’ll find branches of Fox and Budget, among others, in Comalapa la Paz.

Plane

San Salvador is served by 2 airports: San Salvador Ilopango (ILS) and San Salvador El Salvador Intl (SAL). The closest to downtown San Salvador is San Salvador Ilopango, which is located 6 miles from the city center. Further away is San Salvador El Salvador Intl, 20 miles from the center of San Salvador. San Salvador Ilopango is the most popular, with regular flights from Avianca, Air Canada, United Airlines and other airlines departing from the United States. The shortest flight to San Salvador from the United States departs from Miami and takes around 2h 50m.

Car

Another option to get to San Salvador is to pick up a car rental from Comalapa la Paz, which is about 16 miles from San Salvador. You’ll find branches of Fox and Budget, among others, in Comalapa la Paz.

Airports near San Salvador

ILSSan Salvador Ilopango
SALSan Salvador El Salvador Intl

Airlines serving San Salvador

KLM
Good (1,441 reviews)
British Airways
Good (7,687 reviews)
Delta
Good (8,075 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (4,189 reviews)
Iberia
Good (3,090 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (9,174 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,717 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,523 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (10,632 reviews)
Avianca
Good (2,494 reviews)
ANA
Excellent (1,077 reviews)
LATAM Airlines
Good (1,908 reviews)
Frontier
Okay (3,057 reviews)
Spirit Airlines
Good (8,340 reviews)
Aeromexico
Good (1,596 reviews)
Copa Airlines
Good (1,559 reviews)
EVA Air
Excellent (1,325 reviews)
Air Transat
Good (496 reviews)
American Airlines
Good (11,155 reviews)
Volaris Costa Rica
Good (80 reviews)
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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 $75 per night for a double room in a 3-star hotel to $122 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
Hyatt Centric Las Cascadas San Salvador
4 stars
Excellent (9.2, 340 reviews)
$163+
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Barceló San Salvador
5 stars
Excellent (9, 2723 reviews)
$113+
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Hotel Villa Serena Escalon
4 stars
Excellent (8.8, 1046 reviews)
$56+
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Holiday Inn San Salvador By IHG
4 stars
Excellent (8.7, 786 reviews)
$137+
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Intercontinental Hotels San Salvador-Metrocentro Mall By IHG
5 stars
Excellent (8.7, 717 reviews)
$169+
View
Hotel Villa Serena San Benito
4 stars
Excellent (8.6, 842 reviews)
$61+
View

Renting a car in San Salvador

Renting a car in San Salvador costs $36 per day, on average, or $146 if you want to rent if for 4 days.

You’re likely to save money by renting your car at the airport: locations in the city are, on average, 3% more expensive than at San Salvador El Salvador Intl.

Expect to pay $3.86 per gallon in San Salvador (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your rental car, filling up the tank will cost between $46.33 and $61.78. The most frequently booked car type in San Salvador is Compact (Nissan Sentra or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Economy rental cars (Class Economy Car or similar) are, on average, 74% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.

Renting a car in San Salvador costs $36 per day, on average, or $146 if you want to rent if for 4 days.

You’re likely to save money by renting your car at the airport: locations in the city are, on average, 3% more expensive than at San Salvador El Salvador Intl.

Expect to pay $3.86 per gallon in San Salvador (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your rental car, filling up the tank will cost between $46.33 and $61.78. The most frequently booked car type in San Salvador is Compact (Nissan Sentra or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Economy rental cars (Class Economy Car or similar) are, on average, 74% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.

Best car rental deals in San Salvador

Economy

2 Adults, 2 Bags

$12/day

Economy

Mini

2 Adults, 2 Bags

$12/day

Mini
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