San Salvador is the capital of El Salvador and the country’s largest city. The mountains, museums, parks, and other attractions of San Salvador draw in many of the more than one million people that venture to El Salvador each year.
If you’re ready to discover an uncommon Central American destination, this guide can help you get started, and give you important information about travel medical insurance for your trip.
Travel Medical Insurance for Travelers visiting San Salvador – FAQs
Traveling outside your home country is exciting. But all that excitement can lead you to make choices you may regret. You might decide to take on a hike that’s beyond your ability, or sample some street food of questionable quality. The result is the same: You end up in the hospital. The difference is, you can’t use your domestic health insurance to help pay the bill while you’re in another country. This is why you should have travel medical insurance.
Do I need travel medical insurance for San Salvador?
You aren’t required by law to have travel medical insurance in order to enter El Salvador, but you owe it to yourself to look after your health and your bank account. Why take the risk of being stuck paying a massive medical bill all on your own? For a relatively small investment, travel medical insurance can help bear the brunt of the financial strain.
Why buy travel medical insurance before visiting San Salvador?
San Salvador has quality private medical facilities available, but don’t expect them to be cheap. The cost could go up even more if you need pricey emergency medical evacuation. The bill could get large enough to seriously threaten your financial security. Don’t let yourself end up in this position. Play it safe and get travel medical insurance.
San Salvador’s Most Popular Activities
The unique architecture, numerous museums, and mountainous terrain of San Salvador make it a beacon for tourists who are in the know. Be sure the put the following on your itinerary when you visit San Salvador.
Hike El Boquerón National Park
Located adjacent to San Salvador atop San Salvador Volcano, this national park can give you unparalleled views of the city, and the rare opportunity to get up close and personal with a volcano that last erupted in the 20th century. The numerous hiking trails of the park let you get right up to the crater’s edge, with fantastic opportunities to view native flora and fauna as well.
See Mayan Ruins at Joya de Cerén
A UNESCO World Heritage site since 1993, Joya de Cerén is a fascinating archaeological site that allows you to see remnants of Myan daily life from 1,500 years ago. The site is thought to have been buried by volcano ash around 600 AD, preserving the site in a similar manner to Pompeii in Italy. In fact, it is often referred to as the “Pompeii of the Americas.”
See the Church of the Rosary
Regardless of your faith, you absolutely need to see the Church of the Rosary in the historic center of San Salvador. This incredibly unique building was constructed in an oval shape without columns, and is over 72 feet tall. The minimalist altar is framed by arching stained glass windows that create a rainbow effect, giving the space an ethereal feel. In fact, it is said that the Pope himself oversaw construction of the church.
See a Wide Array of Architecture
Like most cities in Central America, San Salvador was once full of colonial cathedrals and structures. However, seismic activity and volcanic eruptions destroyed many of these structures over the decades. Today, San Salvador has an interesting mix of neogothic, modernist, art-deco, and futurist-style architecture. Spending an afternoon just walking around is sure to make any architecture buff’s jaw drop.
Watch a Football Match at Estadio Cuscatlán
In terms of spectator capacity, Estadio Cuscatlán is the largest football stadium in Central America and the Caribbean, with space for over 53,400. It is home to numerous clubs such as Alianza F.C., C.D. Atlético Marte, San Salvador F.C., and the El Salvador National Football Team.
Key Guidelines for Travelers visiting San Salvador
It’s impossible to know everything you need to know when visiting a new country or city for the first time. After all, learning is part of the fun of travel. But it can be helpful to have a few pointers. Keep the following in mind for your trip to San Salvador.
Crime Risks
Though San Salvador has done much to reduce its crime rate over the past 20 years, it still remains about 10 times higher than a city like London, for example. Try not to walk alone in unfamiliar areas or at night, do not flash your valuables or wear expensive jewelry in public, and inform the police if you see something concerning or you feel unsafe.
Watch Your Step
The topography of San Salvador is very hilly. This means you will find a lot of stairs and steep grades, even in urban areas. Be careful where you place your feet. It only takes one wrong step to result in a serious injury that ruins your vacation plans.
Natural Risks
Being adjacent to an active volcano means that there is always a risk of seismic activity in San Salvador. While it appears unlikely that a major eruption will happen anytime soon (if even in our lifetimes), it is still something to keep in mind. San Salvador can also be affected by tropical storms, though it is less likely to suffer severe impacts than locations on the Caribbean coast.
Best Time to Visit
Like most locations in Central America, the temperature remains fairly consistent in San Salvador throughout the year, with highs typically getting close to 90°F each day. The variance in weather comes from rainfall. The dry season typically runs from November to April, with the much wetter weather occurring from May through October. If you’d prefer not to pack an umbrella most of the time, your best bet is to visit during the dry season. However, the sun does come out for several hours most days even during the rainy season.
Getting There
Nearly all international air traffic to El Salvador now arrives to El Salvador International Airport, which located roughly 15 miles from San Salvador. There are numerous cabs and shuttle options available to get you to the city.
Before You Visit San Salvador – Do This
- Pack quality footwear – The ample hiking opportunities and undulating terrain of San Salvador make it ill-suited for flip-flops and sandals. Bring grippy, supportive shoes or hiking boots to keep your footing.
- Mosquito repellent is a must – If you plan to do a lot of hiking or visit during the rainy season.
- Insurance is essential – Purchase the right travel medical insurance for your needs.