El Salvador Trip Details

Welcome to El Salvador!

Discover El Salvador, the real jewel of Central America! This small nation will astonish you with its towering volcanoes, stunning Pacific beaches, and a very interesting culture. Known as the "Land of Volcanoes," El Salvador features majestic peaks, fertile highlands, and shimmering crater lakes. Get ready to explore a place where adventure and beauty come together!

Duration: 5 days & 4 nights

Trip begins at El Salvador Monseñor Óscar Arnulfo Romero International Airport (SAL) in San Salvador at 1:00 p.m.
Trip ends at El Salvador Monseñor Óscar Arnulfo Romero International Airport (SAL) in San Salvador at 2:00 p.m.

Arrival and departure times are flexible, but group transportation is included within the mentioned time.
Airfare booking details will be sent after registration. Please wait for further instructions before booking your flight.

• 5 days & 4 nights shared accommodations
• 4 breakfasts, 1 lunch, & 3 dinners
• Entrance fee to Cerro Verde
• Entrance fee to the Devil’s Door
• Cafe Albania Coffee Plantation
• City Tour of downtown San Salvador
• Coffee tour in Ruta de Las Flores
• Private Beach Day in La Libertad
• Private airport pick-up upon arrival
• Private airport drop-off upon departure
• Under30Experiences Trip Leader
• Personal recommendations for optional activities
• The chance to meet some kick-ass people
• Access to the Under30Experiences Community
• All taxes always included, never hidden fees, & NO blackout dates

What’s NOT Included

• International airfare to and from El Salvador 
• Meals and drinks not mentioned above or on the itinerary
• Optional activities not included in the price
• Travel Insurance

Book confidently: Free Changes 30+ Days Out

Airfare booking details will be sent after registration. Please wait to book your flight until you get further instructions.
All Under30Experiences trip prices are in USD.

• Tour Historic San Salvador
• Visit Ruta de las Flores
• Private Beach Day in La Libertad
• Sustainable Coffee Tour
• Visit Cerro Verde & Coffee Plantation
• Devil’s Door Viewpoint

This trip to El Salvador is ideal for adventurous travelers seeking stunning natural landscapes, including volcanoes, cloud forests, and Pacific beaches, alongside rich cultural experiences. You’ll explore charming towns, visit coffee farms, and meet local artisans. 

Enjoy shared accommodations for social interaction, with included transportation and some meals, guided by a knowledgeable trip leader. If you’re looking for an exciting and well-organized journey that combines adventure with authentic culture, this Salvadoran escape is an excellent choice.

-Age requirement: 21+

-Group size: 16 max, average 15

-Physical rating: Moderate. Some activities involve physical activity, like swimming and hiking.

Travel connects us. Community keeps us connected.

Before your trip, you're welcome to join a custom WhatsApp Group and connect with others. Many travelers meet at the airport or for pre-trip drinks if they are from the same city. Others make plans to stay in a country after their trip.

During your adventure, our Trip Leaders strive to create an open and supportive environment where everyone feels safe to be themselves truly.

After your trip, you'll be an official U30X Alumni and part of our larger online Travel Community; You'll have access to our network of thousands of past travelers. We often host meetups, ranging from simple happy hours to hikes to outdoor movie nights.

More than 70% of our travelers come solo, but they all leave with friends.

Travel can be unpredictable, and we aim to provide you with the most rewarding experience possible.

Although we always strive to adhere to the itinerary, it is flexible, and alterations may occasionally be necessary or desirable.

Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and may change depending on local circumstances.

You will be traveling by private ground transportation throughout your trip.

• Private ground transportation to and from the airport (included)

You will be staying in shared hotel rooms for your trip.

Laundry is available at the hotel for an additional fee. Ask your Trip Leader for details.

Accommodations may vary, but will be of the same quality standards.

Solo travelers are paired with someone of the same gender.

Private room options are available upon request, subject to availability, for an extra charge.

Travel insurance with a minimum of  200,000 USD in medical coverage is required to participate in our trips. This must include coverage for repatriation.

Please note that travel insurance covers trip-related issues such as trip interruption, lost luggage, theft, etc. Travel medical insurance covers expenses such as repatriation, medical care, ambulance rides, and hospital visits/stays. 

We strongly suggest that the policy also cover personal liability, cancellation, curtailment, loss of luggage, and personal effects. Your travel insurance should cover all of the activities you plan to participate in.

Here are a few options for travel insurance that meet our minimum medical coverage requirements: Wanderwell, SafetyWing, and World Nomads. Some plans do not cover certain “high-risk” activities. Please review your plan’s coverage and make a selection based on your planned trip.

Wanderwell donates at least 1% of your insurance purchase to Explore Austin, a sustainable youth outdoor education program, via 1% for the Planet, selected by Under30Experiences.

We receive a fee if you purchase products through links on this page at no extra cost to you.

We receive a fee when you use our affiliate links to get a quote from World Nomads. We do not represent World Nomads. This is not a recommendation for buying travel insurance.

Very Flexible

If you give us at least 30 days' notice, you can switch your trip for free, or we'll hold your Experience Credits for future use.

For emergency cancellations made at least 30 days prior to your trip, please refer to your travel insurance company, as they may cover some of your expenses. We cannot transfer trips or hold experience credits within 30 days of the trip because we have already secured reservations for you.

Experienced Trip Leaders accompany all Under30Experiences trips. Their goal is to ensure everyone has a fantastic time and the best trip possible. They will share information about the places you are traveling through, suggest things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues, and introduce you to our local friends.

They will know a great deal about the countries you visit, from their history and culture to their religious and social customs.

Tipping Trip Leaders: While gratuities for Trip Leaders aren’t mandatory, they can make a big difference for locals in the tourism industry. If you’re satisfied with the services you’ve received, a tip is a great way to show your appreciation. Although it may not be customary to you, it means a lot to the people caring for you during your travels. Moreover, it inspires excellent service and is a part of the tourism industry across many destinations. If you’re pleased with their guidance, consider tipping 3-5 USD per person daily for Trip Leaders.

Please be eco-friendly!

• Bring a reusable water bottle to refill from the water stations.
• Minimize plastic usage by declining straws and plastic bags at restaurants and shops.
• Please avoid aerosol bug sprays as they harm the environment.
• Use "reef-safe" sunscreens that do not contain oxybenzone and octinoxate because they kill coral reefs.

We recommend a travel backpack or a medium-sized suitcase for your convenience. You’ll also need a daypack for carrying your everyday items. Since space on transportation is limited, only one main piece of luggage per person is allowed. You are responsible for carrying your luggage.

Below are our staff picks for the best essentials. All products selected are 3 ounces or less to comply with TSA carry-on size and are organically inspired when possible.

We highly recommend packing active gear to explore hidden beaches and coastal towns during the trip.

Do not forget: water bottle, sunscreen, sandals, beach towel, waterproof rain jacket, sunglasses, and a hat!

Some links on this page are affiliate, meaning that Under30Experiences will earn a small commission if you purchase them at no additional cost to you.

Guidelines for U.S. Passport Holders

You must have an updated passport with you, valid for at least 6 months beyond the last date of your trip. Please consult the U.S. Department of State for any further questions.

Ensure that your passport is not damaged. Conditions that may constitute damage requiring you to replace your passport include water damage, a significant tear, unofficial markings on the data page, missing or torn out visa pages, a hole punch, or other injuries.

The tap water in El Salvador is NOT safe to drink. Please bring a reusable water bottle to refill from watercoolers and join us in our efforts to be environmentally friendly and keep El Salvador beautiful.

Please consult with your doctor before traveling to discuss physical activity and vaccination requirements.

No inoculations are required to enter El Salvador from the United States, but the Center for Disease Control suggests vaccinating for Hepatitis A and Typhoid.

Mosquito-borne viruses exist in most of Latin America.  Please cover exposed skin and use mosquito repellent.

We recommend bringing 300 USD in cash for use at establishments that do not accept credit cards. This is not the total cash amount that you should expect to spend on your trip. Please consider your own spending habits for additional expenses such as snacks, souvenirs, and optional activities.

The official currency of El Salvador is the United States Dollar (USD).

Please note that U.S. Dollar notes that are slightly torn, heavily marked, or faded may be difficult to exchange. It would be best to bring notes in fairly good condition, with denominations lower than 100 USD.

U.S. citizens should consider registering with the U.S. State Department's "Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)," which allows them to contact their family in an emergency.

General Safety Tips

• Stay informed and monitor official travel advisories from your home country for the latest updates and recommendations.
• Be aware of your surroundings and avoid walking alone, especially after dark, in unfamiliar areas.  
• Secure your belongings, avoid displaying signs of wealth, and keep valuables out of sight. Use hotel safes when possible.  
• Use safe transportation. Opt for registered taxis (yellow taxis with license plates starting with "A") or reputable ride-sharing services over public buses or unofficial taxis.  
• Avoid isolated areas and stick to well-traveled and tourist-friendly zones.
• Don't physically resist robbery if confronted.
• Be cautious when using ATMs and banks on the street.

The weather in El Salvador is generally warm throughout the year due to its tropical climate. Temperatures vary more by elevation than by season.

​​Pacific Lowlands: This is the hottest region, with average annual temperatures ranging from 77-84 degrees Fahrenheit (25-29 degrees Celsius)

Central Plateau (including San Salvador): The average highs are around 86-93 degrees Fahrenheit (30-34 degrees Celsius)

The overall average annual temperature for the country is around 82 degrees Fahrenheit (28 degrees Celsius)

Mountain Regions: These are the coolest areas, with average temperatures ranging from 53-73 degrees Fahrenheit (12-23 degrees Celsius)

It's worth noting that the dry season (November to April) tends to be hot and hazy, while the wet season (May to October) brings more rainfall but similar temperatures.

El Salvador's culture is a blend of indigenous and Latin American influences. The majority of the population is mestizo, with ancestry from both Native American and European origins. The Catholic Church plays a significant role in the daily lives of the people of El Salvador. 

The official language of the country is Spanish.

Key Phrases

• Hello -- Hola
• Excuse me -- Perdón
• How are you? -- ¿Como está?
• Thank you -- Gracias
• Please -- Por favor
• A beer please -- Una cerveza por favor
• Where is the bathroom? -- ¿Dónde está el baño? 

Tipping Customs

While tipping isn't a deeply rooted expectation across all service industries in El Salvador, it is becoming more common, especially in tourism-related businesses. A 10% tip is standard in restaurants without a service charge, and small gestures such as rounding up fares or tipping porters are appreciated. You can always offer more for exceptional service, but it's generally not considered mandatory.

While your Trip Leader will assist you with optional activities, please note that they are not part of the Under30Experiences itinerary. Hence, we offer no guarantees on the safety or quality standard of these activities.

Under30Experiences has a zero-tolerance policy for bullying, harassment, and hate speech. Violations will result in immediate removal from the trip.

Respect the people around you and the environment in which you’re traveling. This includes, but is not limited to, fellow travelers, Trip Leaders, the local community, nature, wildlife, and yourself.

Always prioritize your safety and the safety of your fellow travelers.

It’s essential to respect local laws and customs while traveling. This includes, but is not limited to, wearing appropriate clothing while visiting certain communities, refraining from taking photos of people without asking, and avoiding any illegal activities such as drug use, carrying weapons, and soliciting prostitution. If you’re unsure about something, always ask for clarification.

Travel involves contact with new cultures. When exposed to a way of living different from your own, do your best to understand that neither way is better or worse. They’re simply different, so approach these differences with an open mind and respect.

You should be aware of your limits in every situation, whether it involves physical ability, emotional space, social situations, or alcohol consumption. If you can’t participate in something, be upfront about it. If you need a break from people, take it. Stop drinking before you get too drunk.

Our Trip Leaders work in the best interest of the travelers. If they say something or ask you not to do something, it’s not because they want to hinder you, but because it is for a good reason, and they want you to have a good time.

Be honest about your health. Failing to disclose any physical or mental condition that could impact your participation in activities may result in removal from the trip with no refund.

Recommended accommodations in El Salvador 

• Hotel Mirador Plaza 
• Terraza Best Western Plus

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