Tourist guide: what to do and see in San Salvador

You'll find the large cluster of buildings that make up this covered public market bounded by Calle 12 Poniente and 7 Avenida Sur. Inside, thousands of locals buy from from businesses operating out of thousands of stalls - in fact, all the activity can be a little overwhelming at times. But this kind of market is a great window into local life, culture and society (not to mention a marvelous trove of colourful photo opportunities), selling food, textiles, electronics, and household goods.

Near the city centre in Saburo Hirao Park is a spot that makes a great visit for fans of science and nature as well as for families, dedicated as it is to the education and entertainment of kids. It's divided into three main sections, devoted to geology, paleontology, and ecosystems, all filled with artifacts and recreations of the biosphere throughout Central America, from flora through fossils. The museum is open daily except Monday.

Right in the heart of San Salvador, a few steps from the Metropolitan Cathedral, the Independence Monument dates from 1911 and presides over one of the area's busiest squares at almost any time of day, Plaza de la Libertad. At the centre of it all you'll find a detailed sculpture marking the centenary of independence from Spain, mounted on a pedestal 20 metres (66 feet) high. From there you can wander round the square or head over to the Church of the Candelaria, the cathedral, the Church of El Rosario, and the National Palace, just a few yards away.

If you love both nature and a good adrenaline rush, listen up. Ziplining (aka canopy tours) originated in Central America, and here in El Salvador it's become one of the country's most popular adventures. You go up into the jungle-covered hills and zip through the treetops suspended in a harness along a network of steel cables. It's an exhilarating experience and allows you to experience nature from a very different perspective. There are plenty of outfitters who can set you up; one particularly recommendable one can be found at ecoexperienciaselsalvador.com.

Some 8 kilometres (5 miles) long, this expansive strand at kilometre 44 of El Salvador's coastal highway is another of the great beachy paradises that this country is increasingly well known for, and an especially great spot for water sports like jet skiing, waterskiing, and surfing - in fact it's a magnet for surfers from all over the world. The offshore rocks support an ecosystem that makes for great snorkeling and diving, too - with a variety of fauna including lobsters and brightly coloured fish. After dark, you can take a stroll and enjoy dinner al fresco at any one of various restaurants nearby, then even linger into the evening in your choice of cafés and bars.

Furesa Adventure is much more than a zoo; it's a 200-hectare (494-acre) nature reserve with endangered animal species from all parts of the world, including Bengal tigers, pumas, various monkeys, and all kinds of birds, all donated by other various countries to try to ensure the survival of the species. It's a little out of town - about a half hour from San Salvador in the municipality of Jayaque - but worth the trip, and all of its proceeds go toward animal protection and convervation efforts. It makes a great outing for families, and besides the critters there's also a fun zipline out here, too.

In the week before and after August 5, much of San Salvador pauses to observe the fiestas agostinas, in honour of the city's patron saint, the Divine Saviour of the World. It's a time when a good bit of the citizenry takes to the streets, whether for religious processions (such as that conveying a painting of Christ from the basilica to the cathedral) or street fairs, partying, concerts, perfomances, and more. So bottom line - if you're looking for 24/7 action, San Salvador in the first half of August is your place.

At number 228 of Calle Berlín, next to Bulevar de los Héroes near the university, you'll find one of the city's coolest and most legendary watering holes. La Luna has been the flagship of San Salvador's alternative scene for years, known for good music and drinking. And at this artist hangout it's not uncommon to find live performances from top-notch talents. Maybe it'll be your night!

In San Salvador, young people who go out at night are known as parrenderos. And whether you're young or young at heart, you're invited to join them for a night by hopping onto one of the zaniest parties in town. Yes, you read that right, because this is the Conga Bus - a colourful party bus with an open top which cruises the streets like a rockin' nightclub on wheels, complete with a bar and bangin' tunes. One of the coolest things about this experience is that it makes for an extremely fun mix of locals and visitors. With La Conga Bus, it's literally time to rock and ROLL!

This collection of streets known as the Zona Rosa ("Pink Zone") in the San Benito district has some great dining and shopping during the day. But it's after the sun goes down that the area shines brightest, as the premier destination for locals - especially college kids and twenty- and thirtysomethings - to come out to play. They start out at the cafés and pubs early on, moving on to the dance clubs where they party till the wee hours. Here's where you'll find the country's most popular nightclubs, such as Republik, Zanzibar, and Code. Covers, drink, and other prices are pretty affordable (many times covers are free before a certain time). Time to get down...

As night falls in San Salvador, you might feel like getting to know its fun after-dark side. A good place to start would be the huge Multiplaza mall/entertainment centre a bit outside downtown in the Antiguo Cuscatlán area. For some time this has been a popular going-out destination for its mix of bars, restaurants, cafés, and clubs open until the wee hours of the morning. So it's a one-stop shop, all right here. If you're not sure where to begin, three spots which rate high for reputation and ambiance are Mai Thai, Likwid and Nvy. Knock yourself out!

The impressive white building with Greek columns you'll find in the heart of the city, at the side of Francisco Morazán Plaza next to Calle Delgado, is the National Theatre, the capital's flagship of high culture. Inaugurated in 1917 on the ashes of its predecessor which burned down in a fire that ravaged much of the old town, it hosts theatre, dance, and concerts of diverse musical artists and genres, from homegrown folkloric to revered international headliners. If culture is even remotely of interest to you, you really should have a look at the listings here, because the price is right, and you could find yourself enjoying a tremendous experience in a handsome, historic setting.

One of El Salvador's main draws for visitors is its Pacific Coast beaches, many of them within easy reach of San Salvador. The first is Playa Dorada at kilometre 91 of the coastal highway, a huge stretch of one of the best quality sandy playgrounds in the country, surrounded by woods that are great for a stroll. The waters themselves are top notch for snorkeling, with great underwater flora and fauna viewing at the offshore rocks, and the surfing here is considered some of the country's best.

The gallery called "The Tree of God" is dedicated to the work of one of El Salvador's most beloved artists, Fernando Llort (b. 1949). Inspired by the indigenous tribal culture of the past, Llort produces boldly coloured images that bring to mind aspects of Miró, Picasso, and Britto. Although dedicated primarily to painting, you'll find his work in a variety of media, from glass to wood, even screened on T-shirts, at a variety of price points. This is definitely a great spot to pick up a memento of high quality, striking visual appeal, cultural depth, and uniqueness - you will not find this stuff anywhere else but in this gallery. Avenida Masferrer Norte 575, Colonia Escalón.

Marketplaces abound in San Salvador, and one of the first things you'll notice is that there are improvised market stalls everywhere - sometimes here and there, in some cases occupying entire streets. Strolling through the historic centre, you'll spot merchandise from knockoff brand-name fashion to toys to local handicrafts. Then there's the "Mercado móvil," where food vendors set up stands every day in different parts of the city. In areas like the Paseo del Carmen in Santa Tecla, on the other hand, you'll find local artists exhibiting and selling their works. Street commerce like this is quintessential San Salvador.

One of San Salvador's main shopping streets runs from the city's far west about 8 kilometres (5 miles) until it becomes Alameda Franklin Delano Roosevelt. So if it's shops you're looking for, this is one mighty stretch of possibilities, and one moreover with the advantage that it takes you through some noteworthy areas, including two attractive and/or interesting resting spots. One is Plaza Beethoven, a charming place to sit for a bit before the large fountain, and the other is the Monument to the Divine Saviour. Between these two spots you'll find the General Escalón shopping centre with a multitude of diverse shops.

In this mall on the Pan American Highway in central San Salvador's Santa Tecla district, upscale shopping mixes with nightlife. Stores selling premium brands in fashion, jewelry, and design share the premises with a multitude of cafés, nightclubs, cinemas, and arcades. On weekends, live performances are added to the mix.

The long Pan-American Highway runs through San Salvador and links three of the city's largest shopping centres, so if you're up for a day of shopping, start out at the Multiplaza. After breakfast at any of its eateries, you can browse some 250 shops. Next up is Las Cascadas, with the top international brands, then what better place to spend at evening than the "lifestyle centre" La Gran Vía in Antiguo Cuscatlán.

For the past half century, a onetime infantry barracks from the 19th century has been a beloved public clothing market, and is worth a visit of your own to see the locals in action, browsing the footwear and garments. However, there are also some items of handicrafts here and there, one particularly popular example of which are colourful handmade hammocks. You'll find the market between Calle 1 Oriente and Calle Delgado at 8 Avenida Sur.

Halfway along Alameda Manuel Enrique Araujo in downtown San Salvador, this is a great place to go to pick up a high-quality memento of your visit. If you were so inclined, you could spend quite a while browsing the hundreds of stalls offering a huge variety of Salvadoran crafts, from figurines of wood or ceramic to garb, jewelry, and all manner of trinkets.

Some 30 kilometres (18 miles) south of the capital the port town of La Libertad is all about fishing and the sea. You'll see it especially in action right on the waterfront, where a long, partly roofed pier reaching out into the harbour is lined with tables and stalls where fishmongers clean and sell their catch. Lining the waterfront are restaurants where you might then sit down for some of that fresh fish, literally right off the boat.

Shopping malls in San Salvador are more than places to shop - for plenty of locals they're full-fledged social centres, destinations for an afternoon or evening, to spend time with family, meet up with friends, make new friends, and more. So they're an interesting window onto one aspect of the local social scene. If you walk along the southern stretch of Bulevar de los Héroes, because of its size you won't be able to miss the Metrocentro San Salvador, Central America's largest shopping centre. Head from there southwest, passing the Divine Saviour of the World Monument, and you'll come across Galería Escalón, unquestionably the city's poshest - worth a visit if for no other reason than to savour its impressive design. Over in the Santa Tecla district you can visit the Multiplaza on the Pan American Highway, where lots of people will meet for a drink and perhaps a meal after work.

Along with a number of other nature reserves, Coatepeque is located up in the Salvadoran mountains some 60 kilometres (36 miles) from the capital city but with easy access via buses from downtown that will get you out here in just over a half hour. Formed more than 60,000 years ago, its volcanic origin makes both the flora and geology hereabouts feel different from what you'll find in other parks. On the lake is a small islet called Teopán which you can get out to by boat, and the lake is also a great place for a swim and even as a spot to snorkel/dive for a look at some exotic underwater life. We'd also recommend you not miss any of the lookout points set up in the hills around to get a glorious eyeful of the lake and island from above.

A mix of folklore, legend and landscape not far south of San Salvador, past the Balboa Park in the town of Panchimalco, the Puerta del Diablo is one of the most impressive spots in the country. Its main feature is a huge boulder split in two. According to legend, the devil was chased here after abducting the daughter of a colonist, and fell, causing the famous split (local guides will go into great detail). The view from up here is spectacular, and it's also a big destination for rock climbers and other adventure tourists. We'd also recommend stopping for a meal of local fare at one of the nearby towns such as Panchimalco.

El Salvador's largest national park at 38 square kilometres (15 square miles) must rank as one of the world's prettiest. It's a solid day trip, more than 100 kilometres (67 miles) west of the capital, but worth it if you're a real nature lover, containing as it does a rugged, endangered dry tropical forest landscape with hundreds of animal species. Hikers will be in heaven!

If you don't know where to go, you can always go here. Since it is undoubtedly one of the places with the most atmosphere in the city. On any walk through Santa Tecla it is well worth taking a detour along this itinerary that goes from the Tecleño Palace to the Cafetalón. In its short distance, a multitude of things are concentrated that make it attractive at any time and with which it has earned the title of Tourist Center of National Interest. Before leaving the city, you must have sat down to have a drink on its terraces at least once. On the other hand, if you are looking to immerse yourself in Salvadoran culture, it is a place full of art galleries and street stalls of artisans and young artists. The most recommended time is in the middle of the afternoon, when its cafeterias and restaurants are livelier. On weekend nights, its streets are taken over by food stalls.

And now for something completely different. If you're curious to check out one of Central America's top zoos (an especially appealing option if you're a family with kids), head to Laguna Modelo, a verdant parkland south of San Salvador's historic centre. Founded in 1953, the national zoo is of modest size - a rectangle some eight blocks in size - but well designed and home to more than 400 animals of nearly 120 species, including mammals, reptiles, amphibians, birds and fish from around the planet. There are daily animal shows which attract a good number of locals.

Though centrally located between 2 Avenida Sur and 1 Calle Oriente in the historic centre, this square offers a bit of an oasis from the surrounding urban bustle. You'll notice, first off, flocks of pigeons, with people strolling among them or feeding them from benches. The focal point here is the monument to Francisco Morazán, the martyred first president of the Central American Federation. In front of this you can see the National Theatre on the south end, while a bit farther down is the Metropolitan Cathedral. It makes a nice spot to rest during your exploration of this part of the city.

Welcome to the historic heart of San Salvador. All you need to do is look around to comprehend the importance of this square; facing north, you have the Metropolitan Cathedral, behind you and presiding over the square, the National Palace. Check out the equestrian statue of General Gerardo Barrios, a martyred mid-19th-century president for whom the plaza is actually officially named (Plaza Cívica is what it's more commonly known as). It has stood here since 1909, witness to historical events such as the military coup against president Manuel Araujo in 1931 and the end of the civil war in 1992. A great spot to get a sense of the city's and country's history.

Crossed by the Alameda Franklin Delano Roosevelt and steps away from the Divine Saviour of the World Memorial, this park is one of the nicest parts of San Salvador - and one you'll probably find yourself coming back to more than once as you explore the downtown. It's a great hangout for locals, and a common practice is to buy something to eat or drink and enjoy it on the grass here. Have a stroll under the trees with local families in the afternoon, passing kids playing and people reading on benches - you'll get a nice snapshot of people relaxing in a lovely public space. If you happen to be visiting with little ones of your own, by all means bring them to the locally beloved Tin Marín Children's Museum, which is on the premises.

When you visit El Boquerón volcano crater park north of the capital, this culinary hideaway in the area of Cantón El Progreso, is the perfect place for a lovely feed en route to or from, amid lovely surroundings, featuring lovely private outdoor dining with a view of the volcano. The menu is full of tasty homestyle Salvadoran fare, including pupusas, empanadas, sausages, fried yuca, empanadas, and more, and the nearby tables will be full of Salvadoran diners on hiatus from the big city.

As night falls, head toward the Boulevard de los Héroes and then Avenida Sisimiles - this is the Zona Rosa, where much of San Salvador's top nightlife is centred (you'll recognise it by the vibe and the number of people you start seeing on the streets, especially if it's a Thursday, Friday or Saturday evening). As a first stop, Tequilas Bar & Botanas is perfect. If you haven't already had dinner, ask for a table and have at it - the Mexican food is pretty good. If not, just order a drink - no, it doesn't have to be tequila! - and get into the fun atmosphere, full of festive locals enjoying a night out (in fact, if you get here later at night, perhaps a bit too full).

Here's an experience you won't soon forget, thanks not just to the food but because of the surroundings, with spectacular, sweeping views. You'll need to travel a bit to enjoy it - some 13 kilometres (8 miles) out to Comasagua, southwest of San Salvador (so you might want to schedule it as part of one of the out-of-town day trips you should certainly be making here), and you should try to be here for sunset, as it is one of the most striking spots in the entire area. Sundays especially you'll find it full of Salvadorans who come to spend an afternoon here with family or friends. You have the option of just sitting out on the patio with a coffee or drink, or enjoying a delicious Mediterranean/tropical fusion meal (perhaps serenaded by live music). If you're taken enough with the experience, there are rooms to spend the night, too!

"Clove and Cinnamon" is a great spot to start the day off right, worth a trip to any of its four central locations (at the top of the list, of course, are the pastries and the gourmet coffee, though it's also got a fully and tasty non-breakfast menu). It's a favourite spot for office workers and just locals hanging out to come and meet friends or colleagues for a bite or a cup. The decor and ambience are a mix of contemporary and traditional. Locations: Calle Sisimiles, Avenida Olímpica at 67 Avenida Sur, Metrosur Mall, Arcos de Santa Elena Mall.

If you're out for a night on the town, you'll want to head toward the Zona Rosa, where this restaurant is located, and so Esperanto, at the corner of 79 Avenida Sur and Calle Mascota, makes a great place to start the evening out with a great meal. The menu here is international (as the name "Esperanto," evoking the international language, might suggest), with a creative tropical/Salvadoran fusion touch, with dishes such as bass in Champagne/grape emulsion on a bed of seasonal greens or cassava gnocchi with loroco (a local vine) (you can also opt for simpler offerings such as tuna burgers). With its cosmopolitan air, it's a great place to dine among chic Salvadorans who have made it one of the capital's top destinations for foodies.

It's impossible not to feel welcome out here at La Hacienda Real, which is perfect for a romantic evening, a dinner with friends, to celebrate a wedding, birthday, or any special occasion - or simply to enjoy its warm, very local-feeling atmosphere. All that plus the best steak in the area. To get to the acreage surrounding the restaurant you'll need to get out of town just a bit, traveling about 8 kilometres (5 miles) down the Panamerican Highway towards the area of Antiguo Cuscatlán. The menu is a mix of Salvadoran and a variation of northern Mexican known as Tex-Mex. Whatever it's called, it's a local favourite, and an excellent value (which is actually not uncommon in San Salvador). Come with an appetite and some time to kick back and relax.

If you're a seafood lover, we'd recommend cruising up to this restaurant, northeast of downtown on Avenida Los Bambúes, marked by a hard-to-miss sign with its name. With a long fishing tradition and seafood component to their cuisine, Salvadorans know their way around seafood, and here they've been winning praise at it since 1974, so you'll definitely want to come and give it a try.

For the best dining in town, you'll want to make your way to Santa Tecla, the area of ​​the city with the best-known pupuserías (restaurants specialising in local cuisine and especially the national dish, corn pupusas) where many locals get together. And try to make one of the visits be to one of the branches of Típicos Margoth, which began as a single humble pupusería in 1962 but eventually grew to become a small chain, with two of its four locations in Santa Tecla (Calle Chiltiupán and Plaza Merliot mall); the other two are on Calle Itsmania and the Carretera al Puerto. Top-quality local cuisine, relaxed atmosphere.

One very typical way to enjoy this city is through its comida callejera or street food (from a cultural and tastiness as well as a convenience standpoint), and there are certain parts of town which are especially good for seeking this out. One of these is the busiest streets in the southwest of the city. If you find yourself walking through the Santa Tecla area around dusk, you should head toward Paseo del Carmen, especially if it happens to be a weekend. There you'll find small makeshift outdoor kitchens where you can taste homemade dishes at great prices. You'll find something similar during the day in the Zona Rosa, although in the form of take-away spots. Or you can have a seat at any street café to order a plate of beans, bread, and a cup of shuco, a fermented corn drink that's one of the most typical local libations.

El Salvador's culinary heritage harks back to the ancient Amerindians, who planted corn, yuca (cassava), and beans, along with a variety of herbs and spices, which are still among the country's staple crops today. These ingredients and the influence of indigenous culture, blended with centuries of Spanish colonisation, have led to a cuisine which is similar to others in Central America but also distinctive in some ways. Perhaps the main food element you'll notice is corn, and you'll want to make a particular point of sampling the local tortillas (the soft corn-flour flatbread similar to the Mexican tortilla), melcocha (a honey-based sweet), and riguas (corn fritters), and above all the national dish, pupusas. These are tortillas filled with various local forms of squash, beans, cheese, meats, and so forth. They're a quintessential street food, sold at stands all over town, though there are also eateries called pupuserías that specialise in them, the best of which you can find in Antiguo Cuscatlan and the Zona Rosa. And remember, especially when it comes to pupusas, fresh is best!

It's true that the Salvadoran military has over the generations played an outsize role in the the life of this country, so a visit to the military museum occupying onetime army barracks on 10 Avenida Sur at Calle Alberto Sánchez in the San Jacinto neighbourhood provides important insight into the history of El Salvador as a whole. The collection ranges from 18th-century uniforms to tanks and weaponry of the present day, and includes a section dedicated to military documentation and biographies. There are a couple of things here, though, that have nothing directly to do with war that might be of interest to a general audience: one is an enormous relief map of the country that really gives you a perspective on El Salvador's topography and geography, and the other is a Popemobile! Yes, the actual Popemobile used by John Paul II during his 1993 visit. Before leaving, don't forget to pay a visit to the Monument to the Heroes of National Independence.

If you're a true aviation geek, by all means hie thee hither, way out to the onetime Ilopango airport east of the city. The National Aviation Museum now occupies an area of more than 1,900 square metres (about a half acre) here, with a huge and enviable exhibit that reviews more than 70 years of aviation history in El Salvador, from fighter jets to cargo planes to helicopters all impeccably preserved. A number of these, of course, are military, with several playing important roles in the civil war or the four-day conflict with Honduras in 1969 (dubbed by some "the Football War"). There are also plenty of informational displays and exhibits with everything from newspaper clippings to antique engines. It actually offers a pretty interesting angle on the country's history and development. Closed Monday.

You shouldn't visit El Salvador for the first time without a day trip to the country's most interesting Mayan site - and one that's unique in all the Americas. About an hour northwest of the city, skirting Boquerón, it also makes a good combination excursion through nature spots in the area such as Las Flores and Lake Coatepeque. Joya de Cerén is a village that was buried in the year 590 AD by an eruption of the nearby Laguna Caldera. It is, in effect, the Pompeii of the Americas, and the only one of its kind in the hemisphere - though much smaller and less elaborate than Pompeii (also different in that the inhabitants were able to get away, so there are no fossilised bodies). Joya's excavation has however been tremendously important, and the site does show a number of everyday dwellings, and its museum a collection of artifacts that shed light on the lives of average Mayans thousands of years ago.

To get a grounding and background of Salvadoran culture and society since pre-Columbian times, head to the southern end of the Avenida de la Revolución, where you'll find the city's oldest (1883) and perhaps still most popular museum. Its five halls are full of interesting displays including original objects both artistic and mundane, from all eras of history, and you can dip in for a quick overview or spend hours perusing the exhibits more in depth. You can also take advantage of being in the neighbourhood to pop over to the nearby MARTE museum of art or stroll up the Alameda Manuel Enrique Araujo to the iconic Divine Saviour of the World monument.

El Salvador possesses an artistic identity all its own, and to appreciate it fully, you'll want to pay a visit to the Museum of Folk Art on Avenida San José, northwest of downtown. It includes several rooms devoted exclusively to national culture, from works in the more "fine art" style to traditional artisanry and handicrafts such as embroidery and masks. The most prominent is without a doubt the one devoted to Dominga Herrera's miniature figures depicting various images of the country's history, including indigenous peoples, popular musicians, and historical events. It's actually a particularly striking and memorable way to soak up Salvadoran culture.

Located toward the southern end of 27 Avenida Norte, near the historic city centre, this innovative museum was founded in the 1990s largely to preserve the words and images relating to the 1981-1992 civil war, though it includes quite a few other aspects of Salvadoran society before and after that period as well, including indigenous cultures, natural phenomena, and women in El Salvador.

At the end of Avenida de la Revolución, behind the the modern Monument to the Revolution, the private but not-for-profit MARTE in its relatively short life (inaugurated in 2003) has arguably become the city's most significant museum. It covers the mid-19th century through the contemporary period (especially strong in 20th-century art), with temporary exhibitions bringing in international works, sometimes including blockbuster names like Rembrandt and Picasso. The museum is not huge - it should take no more than an hour or two - but it's a wonderful showcase for some of the fine-art talent that doesn't get a lot of attention beyond these borders.

If you happen to find yourself down amid the government buildings along Alameda Juan Pablo II, the handsome yellow and white structure at the corner of Ninth Avenue is worth a stop and a look. The Casa de las Academias (also known as the Casa Dueñas) is notable for its Art Deco style. Built in 1920 by the wealthy Palomo Dueñas family (but never inhabited by any of its members), it ended up hosting diplomats (such as the Mexican embassy), dignitaries (Robert Kennedy, Richard Nixon), famous visitors (Clark Gable, Tony Curtis, Tyrone Power), and ministries (Labor and Education). Today it houses the Salvadoran Academies of History and of the Spanish Language (hence the moniker "House of Academies").

Among the bustle of pedestrians in the area of downtown's Civic Plaza, the grandiose neoclassical National Palace, built in the first decade of the 20th century, is well worth your attention. There are more than 100 rooms, including four large salons, the Red (still used for political functions), Yellow (once the president's office, now used for diplomatic functions), Blue (used in the past by the national parliament), and Pink (once used by the supreme court and ministry of defence). It's open weekdays from 8am to 4pm.

Located downtown near Plaza de la Libertad and the historic quarter, El Rosario stands out not because of its history but because of its modernity. An icon of modern architecture in Central America, built in 1962 in an unusual halfmoonlike wedge shape, it merits a look inside, as well. Its soaring space is layered with various tiers of stained glass in a truly impressive effect, flooding walls with colour and giving the entire space an otherworldly feel mixing tranquility with a richness that's very clean and contemporary, yet timeless in feel. A number of interesting modern sculptures and bas relief complete the interior decor.

You don't have to travel anywhere to check out what is probably the capital's most unusual public display; as you head into town from the airport the highway runs right by an enormous arch of metal struts supporting an also huge sign that reads, "Hermano, bienvenido a casa" ("Brother, welcome home"), constructed by the city government in 1994 to honour the many Salvadorans living outside the country who remain, after all, so important to the country's economy thanks to the money they send home. The migrant population is an important part of culture and the Salvadoran economy and has a place of honor when visiting the city. More recently additions and changes have been made, adding ceramic-tile mosaic murals by folk artist Fernando Llort, as well as nighttime illumination. It provides a wonderful greeting not just to returning Salvadorans but to all visitors.

One of San Salvador's busier downtown traffic roundabouts, at the intersection of Bulevard de la Constitución and Calle San Antonio Abad, is worth a stop for a look at a naked lady holding a sword and a set of scales, supported on a white framework a couple of storeys high. Popularly called La Chulona ("the naked lady"), she actually symbolises Justice and the country's loyalty to the new constitution put in place in 1993 after the wrenching civil war of the previous decade, ended by peace accords in 1991. Like another statue raised around that time, the Monument to Peace, this was executed by Salvadoran sculptor Rubén Martínez.

This modest colonial-era church on Calle 6 de Oriente, a few steps from the Plaza de la Libertad and the National Palace may not call much attention to itself. But it's well worth a look - the belfry, for example, whose bells sounded at dawn on November 5, 1811 to signal the start of Central America's struggle for independence from the Spanish Crown. Even today, its bells continue be rung every year to commemorate the anniversary of that momentous event. Despite the major renovations that have been necessary to preserve its façade and bell tower, the Iglesia de la Merced is a historic site well worth visiting for its classic presence and historic pedigree.

A bit away from the centre of San Salvador on a plot of parkland in the San Marcos district, this statue of Christ with a dove, built in 1994 on the occasion of the Central American and Caribbean Games, was meant to symbolise the peace finally achieved after the brutal civil war of the 1980s, and in the decades since it's become a popular place for locals - especially couples and families, and especially on weekends - to have a nice stroll amid the greenery, and maybe even a picnic, complete with barbecues.

If you make it to only one monument in San Salvador, it should probably be this one, because it has become such a treasured icon for Salvadorans (and after all, the city and country themselves are named after its subject). Located downtown in Plaza Las Américas (where three of the city's most important thoroughfares meet, Alameda Manuel Enrique Araujo, Paseo General Escalón, Boulevard de la Constitución), the 18-metre (59-foot) monument consists of a statue of Jesus Christ standing atop a globe, which in turn rests on a tall cross-emblazoned pedestal. Built in 1942, it was originally part of the tomb of President Manuel Enrique Araujo, and it has undergone several renovations (most recently in 2010) and even survived an earthquake. It's lit up at night.

This is one of those works that is particularly impressive from afar, so the best way to begin your approach is with a stroll along Avenida de la Revolución, which leads up to it. That's when you start to get a sense of its size - a couple of storeys high. Essentially it's a curved wall of colourful mosaic art, made of up stones brought from across the country, depicting in a modernistic way an unclothed fellow representing the Salvadoran people freed from tyranny following the 1948 overthrow of a short-lived military strongman, General Salvador Castaneda Castro, triggering a constitutional reform of great importance in the country. Right behind it is the Museum of Art, which of course makes a perfect next stop after you've taken in "El Chulón," as it's is popularly known (local slang for "naked bloke").

In this National Park there are three important volcanoes that allow you to enjoy nature in its greatest splendor through activities such as birdwatching, geotourism, ecotourism or hiking. One of these volcanoes is Cerro Verde, with a height of 2,030 meters above sea level, its last eruption was 25 years ago BC and it is covered by a thick forest. For its part, Izalco is the youngest volcano in El Salvador and one of the youngest in the entire American continent, since its origin dates back to the year 1722. Its surface is rocky. And finally, the Ilamatepec Volcano, the highest in El Salvador with an elevation of 2,381 meters above sea level whose main attraction is the beautiful lagoon of volcanic origin that is located inside the crater of the volcano and stands out for its turquoise color due to at a high concentration of sulfur.

El Salvador is par excellence the tourist destination for Coffee. And the coffee-growing landscape is present in 5 of the 6 coffee-growing regions of the country: Cordillera Apaneca – Ilamatepec, the main coffee-growing region; Balsamo Mountain Range; Tecapa Chinameca Mountain Range; Alotepec Metapán Mountain Range and Cacahuatique Mountain Range. The country's coffee farms have guided tours within the facilities so that visitors can appreciate the complete process of transforming a coffee bean into a gourmet cup of coffee. And the Café de El Salvador brand honors the precision behind each bean, each bag and each cup of coffee.

Located in the heart of the capital city, history, culture and architecture converge in the Historic Center of San Salvador, offering a window to the country's past and present, being a living testimony of the rich history and cultural diversity of the region. . Exploring the historic center is like immersing yourself in a journey through time. Walking through its streets, through its main squares such as Plaza Gerardo Barrios, Plaza Morazán and Plaza Libertad or visiting its churches such as the Metropolitan Cathedral, the El Rosario church and Nuestra Señora de Candelaria with colonial architecture is a luxury for the senses. . You can also visit the Palace and the National Theatre, enjoy local cuisine at cafes and restaurants, or shop locally at the city's various markets, such as the Hula Hula Market.

El Boquerón Natural Park is geographically located in eight districts such as San Salvador, Santa Tecla, Quezaltepeque, Nejapa, Apopa, Mejicanos, San Juan Opico and Colón, with the district of Santa Tecla being where most of El Boquerón is located. It is a protected natural area, a true natural oasis, with a cool climate in the middle of the city just 20 minutes from the capital and with an excellent gastronomic offer. Along the entire El Boquerón highway you can find viewpoints, restaurants with different specialties, cafes, accommodation and recreation sites.

The Oriente Salvaje destination includes part of the beaches of El Salvador, being in the departments of La Unión, San Miguel and Usulután, the latter having black sand beaches. All of them are beaches for surf lovers where you can find everything from waves for beginners to waves for professionals. The tourist can take the tour from Las Flores beach, in San Miguel to the Gulf of Fonseca and its islands of La Unión, passing through a wonder of nature such as the Conchagua volcano with privileged views of Honduras, Nicaragua and the Gulf of Fonseca.