Find Cheap Flights to El Salvador and Book Your Plane Tickets at the Best Price

Peruvian citizens do not need a visa for tourist stays of up to 90 days in El Salvador. You will only need your valid passport. However, you must pay a Tourist Card upon arrival, which costs around 12 USD. Make sure you have a return or onward ticket as proof of your intention not to overstay. Always check the requirements before flying, as regulations can change.

The main public transportation system is buses, which are very economical but often slow and crowded. For short distances in cities like San Salvador, you can use ride-sharing services or taxis, but agree on the price before getting in. If you plan to explore the Ruta de las Flores or more remote beaches, renting a car gives you more freedom, although secondary roads can be challenging. Compared to Peru, where interprovincial transport is highly developed, in El Salvador, a private car or tourist shuttles are better for moving between regions.

El Salvador offers diverse accommodation options. In San Salvador and popular beach areas like El Tunco, you will find chain hotels and modern hostels. For a more authentic experience, consider renting a house or cabin on the Ruta de las Flores. Prices are generally lower than in large tourist destinations in Peru. Always book in advance, especially if traveling during the high season (December to March). Verify that your accommodation has air conditioning or fans, as the climate can be very hot and humid.

El Salvador has improved significantly in safety in recent years, but it is always good to take precautions. Avoid displaying valuables and use ATMs inside banks or shopping centers. Salvadorans are known for their friendliness; do not hesitate to ask for help or directions. A local tip is to try pupusas in small markets, where they are fresher and more authentic. Remember that the official currency is the US dollar, which simplifies payments for international visitors.

Salvadoran culture is warm and respectful. Greeting with a handshake is common, and it is good manners to use "usted" (formal 'you') when addressing older people or strangers, although "vos" (informal 'you') is very common in daily speech. Clothing is generally informal, but if you visit churches or government buildings, it is better to dress more conservatively. Punctuality is flexible in social situations, but be punctual for business appointments or tours. A good gesture is to try to speak a few phrases in Spanish, although many young people and those in the tourism industry speak English.

Salvadoran food is delicious and economical. The national dish is pupusas, thick corn or rice tortillas filled with cheese, beans, or chicharrón (pork cracklings). You should also try fried or boiled yuca with chicharrón, and tamales. In coastal areas, seafood is excellent. Unlike Peruvian gastronomy, which is very varied with strong Andean and marine influences, Salvadoran cuisine focuses more on corn and simple flavors. Don't forget to try the local coffee, which is high quality, especially in the Ruta de las Flores region. Look for local markets for the best culinary experience.

A typical one-week trip could include 3 days in San Salvador to explore museums and the historic center, 2 days on the Ruta de las Flores visiting colonial towns like Juayúa and Apaneca, and 2 days on the coast for surfing or relaxing in El Tunco or El Zonte. If you like hiking, the Santa Ana volcano offers incredible views. For a deeper trip, consider the eastern part of the country, which is less touristy. A tip from TICKETS.PE is to visit the archaeological site of Joya de Cerén, known as the Pompeii of America, for a unique photo and an immersion into pre-Columbian history.