I am traveling to El Salvador to do some volunteer work. We will be doing some independent travel for one week afterwards. Any suggestions. We are two women and will not be renting a car.
Posted by
Bay Area
3551 posts
As a freq traveler to central am , safety should be no 1. Safety in numbrs is a gd rule. It would be better if u could join up with a bus tour. If u cannot find one that works for u at least try to get a male in your
Group. ES is not europe were 2 females can travel alone. Be xtra vigilant. ANd read up on US state dept warnings.
Posted by
Denver, CO, USA
1600 posts
I was in El Salvador with the family in January and other than the normal precautions, especially in the central area and market place of San Salvador, found the country quite safe even though I know it has a reputation.
Suchitoto is well worth visiting - only about 1 - 1.5 hrs from San Salvador. Nice place to take a boat ride and do some bird watching. There is a nice waterfall (dry when I was there) that is a short distance from town - you can either walk or take a tuk-tuk (or the equivalent).
We also spent one night on the beaches at San Blas - great place if you are a surfer, though don't expect white sand beaches. The beaches here are made up more of black volcanic sand. There are other areas to explore - I suggest getting the Lonely Planet guidebook to help you decide.
Visa is easily obtained on arrival - cost is $20 if I remember correctly.
The following are some links to places I looked at when doing research:
http://www.suchitoto-el-salvador.com/english/viajes.html
http://www.elsalvador.travel/welcome/ruta-sol-y-playa
http://meckleyearth.blogspot.com/2012/12/santa-ana-part-1.html