Secure Cheap Flights to El Salvador for Your Next Adventure

From May to October, the wet season brings lush greenery and consistent surf swells, perfect for nature lovers and professional surfers.

As the rains begin to taper off, the landscape remains vibrant and the weather starts to stabilize for outdoor adventures.

From November to April, the dry season offers endless sunshine, making it the most popular time for beach holidays and exploring.

The transition back to the rainy season sees fewer tourists and lower prices, while the weather remains warm and inviting.

Brazilian citizens do not need a visa to enter El Salvador for tourism stays up to 90 days. However, you must hold a valid passport and purchase a tourist card upon arrival at the airport, which costs approximately 12 USD. It is also mandatory to carry an international certificate of vaccination against yellow fever if you are traveling from Brazil. Ensure your passport has at least six months of validity remaining from your date of entry. Local immigration officers may ask for proof of a return ticket and sufficient funds for your stay. Keep a digital copy of your documents as a backup during your travels through the country.

Public transportation in El Salvador relies heavily on colorful buses known as chicken buses, which are very cheap but can be crowded and slow. For better comfort and safety, use reputable private shuttle services or ride-sharing apps like Uber in major cities like San Salvador. Renting a car is a great option for reaching remote surf spots or coffee plantations, though driving can be aggressive. Unlike the large highways in Brazil, many local roads are narrow and winding. Always travel during daylight hours when moving between cities. For coastal trips, many hotels offer private transfers which are highly recommended for international visitors seeking convenience and peace of mind.

Salvadorans are known for their warmth and hospitality. A polite greeting like Buenos dias or Buenas tardes is expected when entering shops or restaurants. While the culture is similar to the social nature of Brazil, El Salvador is slightly more conservative in formal settings. Tipping is customary, with 10% usually added to restaurant bills. When visiting small towns, dressing modestly is appreciated. It is important to respect local traditions and avoid discussing sensitive political history unless invited to do so. Learning a few basic Spanish phrases will go a long way in building rapport with locals, as English is not widely spoken outside of major tourist hubs and surf zones.

The culinary star of El Salvador is the pupusa, a thick corn tortilla stuffed with cheese, beans, or pork. You will find pupuserias on almost every corner, offering a delicious and very affordable meal. Try the curtido, a fermented cabbage relish, and tomato salsa served on the side. Beyond pupusas, enjoy fresh seafood along the coast and traditional tamales wrapped in banana leaves. For a local drink, try horchata made from morro seeds, which has a distinct nutty flavor different from the rice-based versions found elsewhere. Don't be a tourist who only eats at malls; visit local markets to experience authentic flavors and see where residents shop for fresh tropical fruits and coffee. For the best photos, head to the Santa Ana volcano at sunrise for a breathtaking backdrop of the turquoise crater lake.