7 Weekend Getaways for Digital Nomads Living in San Salvador

As a digital nomad living in San Salvador, you have the unique opportunity to explore a variety of weekend getaways that offer both popular tourist spots and hidden gems. Whether you're looking to relax on a beach, hike through lush forests, or immerse yourself in local culture, there's something for everyone within a short distance from the city. Here are seven fun weekend getaways that cater to different tastes and interests.

Suchitoto

Suchitoto is a charming colonial town that boasts cobblestone streets, vibrant art galleries, and a rich cultural scene. It's a perfect spot for those who appreciate history and the arts. Visitors can explore the Santa Lucía Church, enjoy the view of Suchitlán Lake, or attend one of the many festivals that take place throughout the year. The town is also known for its indigo workshops, where you can learn about the traditional dyeing process.

How to Get There: Suchitoto is about an hour's drive from San Salvador. You can rent a car or take a bus from the Terminal de Oriente in San Salvador.

Travel Tip: Don't miss the Casa Museo de los Recuerdos Alejandro Cotto, which showcases the life and work of the famous Salvadoran filmmaker and is set in a beautiful garden with stunning views of the lake.

Where to Stay: Consider staying at Los Almendros de San Lorenzo, a boutique hotel with a pool and a restaurant that offers live music on weekends.

Where to Eat: La Lupita del Portal is a must-visit for its traditional Salvadoran cuisine, especially the pupusas, which are a national favorite.

El Tunco

El Tunco is a popular beach destination known for its excellent surfing conditions, lively nightlife, and laid-back atmosphere. The small town is a hub for both international and local surfers, with a variety of surf schools and shops. Even if you're not into surfing, you can enjoy the beautiful sunsets, relax on the black sand beach, or take a yoga class.

How to Get There: El Tunco is approximately 30-40 minutes by car from San Salvador. Buses also run regularly from the city to the beach.

Travel Tip: Make sure to check out the iconic rock formations along the beach, especially the one that gives El Tunco its name, which resembles a pig ("tunco" in Spanish).

Where to Stay: Eco del Mar is a great option for those looking for eco-friendly accommodations right on the beach.

Where to Eat: Café Sunzal offers a great view of the ocean and is known for its fresh seafood dishes and cocktails.

La Palma

La Palma is a small town nestled in the mountains near the Honduran border, famous for its colorful hand-painted crafts and murals. The cool climate and pine forests make it a refreshing escape from the city. Hiking, bird watching, and visiting local art workshops are popular activities. The town played a significant role in the peace negotiations during El Salvador's civil war, adding historical significance to its cultural allure.

How to Get There: La Palma can be reached in about 2 hours by car from San Salvador. Buses are also available, but the journey is longer.

Travel Tip: Visit the workshop of Fernando Llort, the artist who inspired the town's distinctive art style, and try your hand at creating your own piece of La Palma art.

Where to Stay: Hotel La Palma offers simple accommodations with beautiful mountain views.

Where to Eat: Comedor Mary is a local eatery where you can enjoy traditional Salvadoran dishes like tamales and atoles.

Los Planes de Renderos

Los Planes de Renderos is a popular spot for locals looking to enjoy cooler temperatures and stunning views of San Salvador. It's home to the famous Pupusería, where you can indulge in El Salvador's national dish, pupusas, with a variety of fillings. The area also offers hiking trails, picnic areas, and the Balboa Park for a relaxing day in nature.

How to Get There: It's a short 30-minute drive from San Salvador, making it an easy trip for a day or weekend.

Travel Tip: Visit the Puerta del Diablo, a rock formation with panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and the Pacific Ocean.

Where to Stay: There are several guesthouses and lodges in the area, such as the cozy and rustic Cabañas de la Montaña.

Where to Eat: Pupusería Olguita is one of the most famous spots in Los Planes de Renderos to try a variety of pupusas.

Joya de Cerén

Joya de Cerén is a UNESCO World Heritage site often referred to as the "Pompeii of the Americas." This pre-Columbian Mayan farming village was preserved under layers of volcanic ash from an eruption around 600 AD. Today, visitors can explore the archaeological site and learn about the daily lives of the ancient Maya people through well-preserved structures and artifacts.

How to Get There: The site is located about 30 minutes northwest of San Salvador by car. Public buses also run to the site from the city.

Travel Tip: Make sure to visit the museum on-site to gain a deeper understanding of the significance of the findings at Joya de Cerén.

Where to Stay: There are no accommodations at the site itself, but nearby San Andrés offers hotel options like the Hotel San Andrés.

Where to Eat: There are local eateries around the site where you can try typical Salvadoran dishes, such as tamales and yuca frita.

Concepción de Ataco

Concepción de Ataco is a picturesque town in the Ruta de las Flores, known for its colorful murals, cobblestone streets, and weekend food festivals. The town has a vibrant arts scene, with galleries and workshops showcasing local crafts. Coffee lovers will enjoy touring the surrounding coffee plantations and tasting some of the best coffee in the region.

How to Get There: Ataco is about a 2-hour drive from San Salvador. Buses are available but can take longer due to multiple stops.

Travel Tip: Visit during the weekend when the town comes alive with the Feria Gastronómica, a street food festival offering delicious local and international cuisine.

Where to Stay: Hotel Misión de Ángeles is a charming option with comfortable rooms and a peaceful garden setting.

Where to Eat: Piccolo Giardino Ristorante & Pizzeria is a cozy spot with a lovely ambiance, offering Italian cuisine and local favorites.

El Imposible National Park

El Imposible National Park is one of the last remnants of the tropical forest in El Salvador and a haven for biodiversity. It's an off-the-beaten-path destination for those seeking adventure and nature. The park offers challenging hikes, stunning vistas, and the chance to spot rare wildlife. It's an ideal spot for birdwatching, with over 500 species recorded in the area.

How to Get There: The park is about a 2.5-hour drive from San Salvador. It's recommended to rent a car or join a guided tour, as public transportation options are limited.

Travel Tip: Hire a local guide at the visitor center to enhance your experience and help you navigate the park's trails safely.

Where to Stay: There are a few eco-lodges near the park, such as La Cocotera Resort & Ecolodge, which offers a unique experience in harmony with nature.

Where to Eat: Dining options are limited within the park, but the eco-lodges typically offer meals prepared with local ingredients.