Explore San Salvador: Historic Center, local market and volcano
Description
Explore the highlights of the city with a native guide of San Salvador. Visit major historical spots, main avenues, commercial and residential districts, sightseeing landmarks and monuments that commemorate relevant historical figures and events. Many public buildings in El Centro were made during years of splendor of coffee exports, with a mix of architectural styles. Since the recent renovation Downtown is nicer and safer than ever to walk. Many businesses are boosting up and it has become "the place to be". Walk the streets learning details of events that occurred on this very place over almost 500 years of history and the people that took part in it. From colony to Independence. From the Federation to the Coffee Republic. From military regimes to democracy. From repressions to big celebrations and presidential inaugurations. On the afternoon visit a local market (you can have lunch here) followed by a walk in the cloud forest at El Boquerón Nat. Park, on San Salvador volcano.
Tour Options
Itinerary
One of the most intriguing buildings of San Salvador downtown and a must-see for any visitor to the city. Finished in 1971 El Rosario is the pièce de résistance of the architect/sculptor Rubén Martínez: a brutalist temple wich is also a mind blowing piece of art. The contrast of the gray facade and the colorful interior, the use of space, the large and small details and all those hidden stories make El Rosario one of the places you must see in your life. This place is not only a landmark but also a major historical spot. It was Declared Historical Site in 1973 by the National Congress.
This is the oldest public square of San Salvador, dating back from the second foundation of San Salvador in the 1545, surrounded by important civil and religious buildings. It was in this city where the independence process of Central America started and Plaza Libertad pays honor to the Founding Fathers that led this major historical event.
Built over a hundred years ago this elegant neoclassical theater is the center of the performing arts in the city. This theater and the Plaza Morazán square across the street were part of the renovation of San Salvador Downtown few years ago. (Guided visits into the theater upon request and availability).
The most important church in El Salvador for the catholic community, this is also the seat of the Archbishop of San Salvador. In its crypt lays the body of Saint Óscar Romero. The current temple is the third in this location after the previous two were destroyed by earthquakes and fires. Along 40 years of construction it was silent witness of many historical events. From passionated speeches delivered by Óscar Romero to military repressions. And from celebrations to presidential inaugurations in Main Square, across the street. Plaza Gerardo Barrios is the heart of the city. Flanked by historical buildings this is the Main Square of the city and a gathering place for Salvadorans. Learn about historical events and stories of the people that built this city while you walk in the recently renovated streets of El Centro. Have a coffee or talk to the locals. There's always something worthy to discover in downtown.
San Salvador Main Square or Plaza Cívica is the heart of the city. Silent witness of some of the most important historical events for almost 500 years, from colony to present and surrounded by major iconic buildings.
The seat of central government during the splendor years of the Coffee Republic. A magnificent building, rich in details and history featuring a mix of architectural styles from Neoclassical to Renaissance.
Sightseeing drive across main streets and avenues, major monuments, landmarks, commercial and residential districts while learning the history and stories of events and the people that built this nation.
A short stop on a viewpoint overlooking San Salvador city, downtowns and the mountains and volcanos around the metropolitan area.
Due renovation works in the El Boquerón Nat. Park, the facilities will be closed to visitors (expected) till January 2024. We'll visit a nearby private attraction instead
Few things are more representative of a country than local markets with the vendors, the fresh products, flowers, fruits, groceries and, of course, local food. We make a stop at the Mercadito de Antiguo to enjoy a home-style lunch. Here, where the locals eat.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
For departures outside San Salvador Metropolitan Area (e.g. airports, beach resorts, international borders, bus stations) a supplement may apply.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
Reviews(12)
Excellent excellent excellent , highly recommend. Very detailed oriented. Will do again in the future
We had a private tour of San Salvador and learned so much. Very informative and well paced. We visited churches and markets.
I visited the Historic Center at night, as the tourist spots remain open 24 hours. I visited the library and the National Palace (there is guided tour and US$2 is paid), I walked around, there are music, singers, etc. And plenty of restaurants to choose from. It's worth it.
My family spent 2 full days with Alfredo just before Christmas and he also took care of our airport transfers. We just had THE BEST time! Alfredo is so kind and friendly and personable and so proud of his country and culture. He took us one day to an ancient ruins, volcano and a rainbow slide and we saw some of the city. The next day we released baby sea turtles at San Blas beach and then hiked to Tamanique waterfalls. Alfredo was an amazing tour guide and gave us so much history and background to all of the places he took us to, we felt like we really got to know El Salvador through his eyes and stories! 🇸🇻
Very informative and amazing tour!! Our tour guide Alfredo Avalos was perfect! Very accommodating and social. Highly recommend if you want to learn more about El Salvador.
A fabulous introduction to El Salvador, seeing the nearby naturally crested wonders, and the hub of the historic city centre. Alfredo has the ability to talk so clearly, explaining the history and present of the country, he is tour guide of the highest calibre
While visiting our son and daughter in San Salvador, they booked a tour for my wife and I with Alfredo which was amazing and informative. First of all, Alfredo is warm and personable and enthusiastic about his country and its history. His narration throughout the tour is upbeat with vitality that keeps you interested in what he has to say and show you. Also, he a great driver who knows the streets and approaches them safely. Alfredo started our tour from a hilltop with a panoramic view of Central San Salvador whereby he lays the groundwork from El Salvador's history to the present in a nutshell and points out key structures that he will take us to as we head into downtown San Salvador. My wife, whom I met while working in Honduras some 40 years ago, was enthralled with El Salvador's history and role of the church since she was a social studies teacher. I was more tuned into the cultural changes from the past to today's times and direction of El Salvador in the present. We learned about how different presidential, military and church leadership roles helped shaped public sentiments to what shaped San Salvador today. It was also interesting to view some of downtown's architecture that has some influences from various outside cultures. Note: For those who appreciate viewing church architecture and history are in for a treat, especially the tall arched cathedral made from recycled materials from a past built church that was a sight to see. All the driving and walking helped create an appetite for lunch whereby Alfredo took us to a typical mercado full of different food establishments that were quite popular with locals from all walks and very clean. The food was delicious!...A nice way to end our tour as Alfredo continued to share points of interest en route to our temporary residence. We highly recommend taking your own tour with Alfredo whereby you will be taken care of and come away with an appreciation for the sites, history and culture of El Salvador. :) Charles and Leyla Acosta Lakewood, California
Muchas gracias por tan extenso y detallado review. Me llena de emoción leer cada palabra. Mi meta es siempre que los visitantes vean San Salvador a través de los ojos de un nativo del Centro Histórico. Y que así descubran los detalles e historias menos conocidas, aún en los lugares más conocidos y populares. Me alegra especialmente que disfrutaran la experiencia del mercado, comiendo en medio de gente local y saboreando las delicias locales. Muchos saludos a Leyla y espero verlos pronto.
Alfredo was excellent, being born and raised in San Salvador, he has a very deep understanding of the city. His ability to make history fun and memorable is rare. He also provides pictures for reference, and he knows all the good spots to eat. He also knows the best spots for pictures that would make you the envy of all your friends.
Such wonderful words! Thank you. I enjoyed that infectious energy of your group. It made me forget the weather! Hope you had a memorable experience as I do. All the best
Our tour guide, Alfredo, was simply fantastic! He was knowledgeable and passionate about the city's history. The tour was well-organized, and his stories were fascinating and informative. Alfredo and his driver, David, who accompanied us, were both kind, respectful, and professional. Lunch at the local market was amazing and delicious! It is truly a memorable experience!
During the planning stage Alfredo always replied quickly to any questions i had. From the moment my friend and I arrived in El Salvador Alfredo was very accommodating to our needs and to our last minute itinerary changes. I dont typically hire guides but Im certainly glad i did for this trip, it made things so much more easy and Alfredo is a wealth of knowledge, in fact i wondered if i knew as much history about my own country as he did his to which the answer is No. Very quickly i felt our relationship was more than guide/client, Alfredo went along with our sense of humour and banter and we had a lot of fun with him and i consider him a friend. People should definitely visit El Salvador, it has a lot to offer in a small area and they should definitely reach out to Alfredo, they wont regret it. Thanks for everything Alfredo i hope our paths cross again my friend!
