Find Cheap Flights to El Salvador and Start Your Trip

Winter coincides with the dry season in El Salvador, offering the most pleasant weather for exploring and finding flight deals to San Salvador.

March and April are still dry, but May marks the start of the rainy season. It is a good period to find cheap airfares to El Salvador before the summer peak.

This is the rainy season (local winter), with heavy afternoon showers. Cheap flights to El Salvador are easier to find, except around major holidays.

September and October are the wettest months, but November brings the return of the dry season. It is the best time to buy El Salvador plane tickets at low prices.

Portuguese citizens traveling to El Salvador for tourism do not need a prior visa for stays up to 90 days. However, it is mandatory to purchase a Tourist Card (Tarjeta de Turismo) upon arrival, which costs about 12 USD. Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry. Always keep a copy of your passport and tourist card with you. Always check the latest information with the Salvadoran embassy before traveling, as rules can change without notice. This is a crucial step to ensure your entry into the country is quick and hassle-free.

The main public transport is buses, which are very cheap but can be slow and crowded. For longer and more comfortable journeys, use executive buses (Pullman). For getting around cities, taxis and ride-sharing services (like Uber) are the safest and most convenient option, especially at night. Renting a car offers flexibility, but roads can be challenging, and signage is not always clear. Consider hiring a local driver for intercity routes. Remember that distances are short, making it easy to explore several areas in a single day. If you are coming from Portugal, you will notice that traffic is more chaotic, so be patient.

El Salvador offers a variety of accommodation options. In San Salvador, you will find international and luxury hotels. In coastal areas, such as El Tunco, hostels and boutique hotels focused on surfing prevail. For a more authentic experience, look for family-run guesthouses (*pousadas*) in smaller towns. Booking in advance, especially during high season (December to February and Holy Week), is advisable. Prices are generally lower than in Portugal, allowing for comfortable stays at a good value. Always check the safety of the area before booking, opting for places with good reviews and 24-hour security. Consider staying near central or tourist areas for easy access.

Although El Salvador has greatly improved in terms of safety, it is vital to remain cautious. Avoid displaying valuables, especially mobile phones and expensive jewelry, in public. Do not walk alone in deserted or unfamiliar areas, especially after dark. Use ATMs in secure locations (inside banks or shopping centers). Unlike Portugal, where security is high, here you should be more alert. Use recommended taxis or ride-sharing services. If you go to the beach, do not leave your belongings unattended. The local population is very welcoming; learning a few phrases in Spanish will be much appreciated and can help in situations of need. Trust your instincts.

Local cuisine is delicious and affordable. The national dish is *pupusas*, thick tortillas stuffed with cheese, beans, or pork, served with *curtido* (fermented cabbage) and tomato sauce. Try them in local markets or *pupuserias*. Other delicacies include *yuca frita* and *tamales*. To drink, try the local coffee, which is of excellent quality, and fresh fruit drinks (*refrescos*). Avoid drinking tap water; always opt for bottled water. Street food is safe if it is prepared on the spot and served hot. Do not be afraid to try the local flavors; they are an important part of the cultural experience. Prices are very inviting.

Salvadorans are known for their friendliness and hospitality. Punctuality is more relaxed than in Portugal. When greeting, a handshake is common, and between women or close friends, a kiss on the cheek. Dressing modestly outside of beach areas is a sign of respect, especially when visiting churches or rural areas. Tipping is not mandatory but is appreciated, especially in tourist restaurants (about 10%). Avoid talking about politics or sensitive issues with strangers. Showing interest in the local culture and trying to speak Spanish will open many doors. Respect for family is a central value in Salvadoran society.

El Salvador is small, which allows you to see a lot in a short time. Start in San Salvador to explore culture and history. Dedicate time to the Route of Flowers (*Rota das Flores*), a series of charming villages with weekend markets. For surfing, the beaches of El Tunco and El Zonte are unmissable. Visit El Boquerón National Park to see the San Salvador volcano, and the Mayan ruins of Joya de Cerén. A 7 to 10-day itinerary is ideal for covering the main highlights. Plan your movements early in the morning to avoid the midday heat and traffic. Remember that the best beaches are on the Pacific, and the interior offers mountains and coffee.

To capture the true essence of El Salvador, move away from the large resorts. Visit a local market like the Central Market in San Salvador to feel the pulse of daily life and try authentic street food. Spend an afternoon at a *pupuseria* outside the tourist zone. The best photo you can take is at the top of the Santa Ana Volcano at sunrise, overlooking Lake Coatepeque. This unique perspective offers unparalleled natural beauty. Use TICKETS.PT to ensure your trip starts with cheap flights to El Salvador, allowing you to spend more on the local experiences that truly matter.