El Salvador’s capital, San Salvador, lies in the country’s center in a valley at the base of the great San Salvador Volcano. An area known for its seismic activity, earthquakes have unfortunately damaged or destroyed many of the city’s historic buildings. The vast city, home to over two million, is modern yet plagued by crime, deterring tourists from exploring its polluted streets.
Visitors to San Salvador would be wise to avoid some parts of the city and opt for an early night, with gang-related crime rife. However, the city offers plenty of daytime attractions including two lively markets. The Mercado Ex-Cuartel sells handicrafts, hand-woven textiles and ceramics, while the Mercado Central has everything from fresh produce to Velcro gun holsters. For relief from the traffic pollution, head for the beautiful La Laguna botanical garden, built on what used to be a marsh at the floor of a volcanic crater.
Brave night owls will find plenty of restaurants, bars, clubs and casinos, while culture buffs can enjoy the city’s safer attractions such as theaters, including the attractive Teatro Presidente where the city’s symphony regularly stages concerts. San Salvador’s many beautiful monuments include the Monument to the Savior of the World.
Highlights
Metropolitan Cathedral: features a prominent dome and is the city’s central landmark and final resting place of Archbishop Oscar Romero.
National Theater: dates from 1917 and features lavish red velvet and opulent ceiling murals.
Liberty Park: is home to a gaudy monument to liberty, the Church of Rosario and the Palace of the Archbishop.
Balboa Park: is the starting point for a scenic road up Cerro Chulo, from where you can see the city below through the Puerta del Diablo.
National Zoo: while this attraction may not be up to US standards, it can make for a pleasant day out if you have kids.
David J Guzman National Museum of Anthropology: trace the city’s origins at this interesting museum containing a selection of Mayan and Pipil artifacts