'''San Salvador''' [http://www.elsalvadorturismo.gob.sv] is the capital city of El Salvador,approximately in the center of the country in a valley near the base of the San Salvador volcano. The city has a long history, with origins dating back to the Spanish conquest of the Pipil tribes.

Understand

San Salvador lies in the "Valle de las Hamacas" (literally "Valley of the hammocks", as it was called by the Pipil, due to its intense earthquake activity) at the foot of the San Salvador volcano. It covers an area of 600 square km and is home to nearly 2 million people. It is home to one-third of El Salvador's population and one-half of the country's wealth. The downtown area is filled with shops and modern buildings, but unfortunately earthquakes have damaged or destroyed many of the city's historic buildings.

The people of San Salvador are generally friendly, though as in any large city, less inclined to engage in conversations with strangers on the street as opposed to other parts of the country. The wealthy live in exclusive suburbs behind tall security walls or luxury condominium buildings. Wealthier areas such as San Benito, Colonia Escalon, Colonia San Francisco, Colonia Maquilishuat, Santa Elena (where the U.S. embassy is located) and Ciudad Merliot have tree-lined avenues, the biggest malls in Central America, bars, clubs, gyms, restaurants, luxury hotels, modern high-rise buildings, plazas, boutiques, cafes, luxury salons, jewelery stores, etc. Some of these neighborhoods are located in the hills surrounding the city and have breathtaking views. A number of new gated housing communities complete with parks, swimming pools, fitness facilities & tight security are popular with middle class families. Most of the city's hotels can be found in these suburbs.

There are middle class neighborhoods and residential areas close to the wealthy neighborhoods. Poorer areas are located in the northern & eastern districts, along with an abundance of shanty towns sprawling along the city's fringes.

San Salvador's climate is tropical, although the weather can vary; the nights may be cool (especially in December), however, most of the time it is sunny and warm. Wearing t-shirts, jeans, and possibly a light rain jacket is usually sufficient.

Whilst not on most tourists' "to do" list in El Salvador, the capital provides a good base for exploring the rest of the country as it's a transportation hub, with most major roads running through it due to it's central location. Spending a few days exporing this cosmopolitan & internationally-conscious city can be a rewarding experience. Whilst parts can seem like a maze of confusion, rich vs poor, modern vs dilapitaded, cars vs pedestrians, the city has played a major role in defining and shaping the rest of this small yet intruiging country, once at the forefront of the Cold War. To understand this polarized country, it is essential to understand it's political, cultural and social headquarters.

Get in

Travelers arriving by air will fly into ANSEL Comalapa Airport, the biggest airport in Central America, which is located 45 minutes by highway from the city.

For budget travelers the local bus can take you from the airport into downtown San Salvador for 0,70USD. It is slower than the shuttles and can take up to an hour to get into town. To reach the local buses; cross the big parking lot. Then go through an open building to reach the road. There is a bus-stop.

NOTE: If driving to the city from Comalapa, please exercise extreme caution. There are many residents who walk this highway as well as cross it. With this said there are many accidents with vehicles speeding as well as people who are hit.

Get around

If driving, rental car agencies include Budget [http://www.budget.com.sv], Alamo [http://www.alamo.com], Hertz [http://www.hertz.com] and Argus Rentals [http://www.argusrentals.com/South-America/car-rental-car-hire-El-Salvador.html]. Buses and taxis also provide good ways of getting around. Negogiating the cost of your taxi as soon as you step in is common practice and expected. Distances between sights make walking an unpopular option, as does the street layout in the city; San Salvador is not a square city, but has long avenues that are straight and streets that aren't. That said, in some areas walking is a great option, such as from Zona Rosa to Las Terrazas (Sheraton hotel) which are close together and within sight of one another. The Micro Buses have the reputation to drive fast and sometimes very dangerously. Take caution in using the Micro Buses as they are places where tourists are most likely to be robbed.

See

Boulevards

San Salvador has wide avenues and boulevards, including the two widest boulevards in Central America: '''Boulevard de los Proceres''' and '''Boulevard de los Heroes'''. Other important boulevards include '''Alameda Roosevelt''', '''Paseo General Escalon''', '''Av. Jerusalem''', '''Boulevard Constitucion''' and '''Av. Juan Pablo Segundo'''.

Monuments

San Salvador has many beautiful monuments, some of them dating back to the early 20th century, while others are more modern. Some of the most important monuments include the National Palace, Plaza Gerardo Barrios, Plaza Morazan, Water Clock, Monument to the Sea, Atlacatl Monument and the Proceres Monuments (it has 10 monuments). One of the most recognizable monuments in El Salvador is the Monumento a El Salvador del Mundo, or "Monument to the Saviour of The World".

Business

Feria Internacional de El Salvador is the largest convention center in Central America. El Salvador is rated third best place for investment in Latin America by Moody's. Some of the very wealthy business families in San Salvador & through out El Salvador are, Siman (owners of the largest department store chain in Central America),The Rivas (Mineros) Family which own and operate some of the largest fleets of public transportation, including water taxis and restaurants in the country, Poma (owners of Grupo Roble and Grupo Poma), Quiros (owners of Grupo Q in Central America), Kriete (owners of TACA Airlines), Duenas (owners of La Gran Via), the family that owns Biggest, Pops, Nash and Mister Donut, and a lot of other important families. In addition, San Salvador is one of the only two cities in Central America that have a World Trade Center.

Parks

San Salvador has the large urban park, the "Parque de los Pericos". There is another park called '''Parque Cuscatlan''' (close to downtown), which is very elegant, with lights, trees and paths. Popular with locals, the beautiful botanical gardens of '''La Laguna''' (close to the the U.S. embassy) showcase much native fauna. '''Zoologico Nacional''' (The National Zoo), and '''Parque Saburo Hirao''' (with a collection of native plants) are in the SE part of the city by the old Presidential House. If you don't get a chance to visit smaller towns & villages outside the capital, a must see destination is '''Los Planes De Renderos'''. 1000 Metres above sea level, the mountain offers a spectacular view of San Salvador, and is a popular oasis for locals from the hectic city. Check out the restaurants, walking tracks & parks ideal for picnics. Visit the nearby colonial town of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Panchimalco Panchimalco], one of the few towns in the country with a large indigenous population.

Museums

San Salvador has many museums, the two most important are "Museo David J Guzman" and "Museo de Arte MARTE". David J Guzman National Museum of Anthropology[http://www.munaelsalvador.com] contains a variety of Mayan and Pipil artifacts, while Museo de Arte MARTE[http://www.marte.org.sv] displays an extensive collection of international art. Both are located in the Zona Rosa district. There is also a children's museum, the Tin-Marin [http://www.tinmarin.org] museum, where kids can experience the world in a fun way. The old national palace is being restored to house the "National Archives," and the "National Museum." Also a new display of early mammal fossils, including a giant sloth, mastodon and more than twenty other species is being set up in the "Museo de Historia Natural," or "Natural History Museum" situated in the SE section of Saburo Hirao park by the National Zoo. Close to the zoo is the "Museo Militar," or Military Museum which is housed in the old castle-like "El Zapote" barracks built in 1895. In the military museum you can find weapons and army uniforms from the 17th, 18th, and early 20th centuries, which were historically used by the Salvadoran army. Other highlights of this museum include the original copies of the 1992 peace accords and the Pope Mobile used when Pope John Paul II visited the country. Entrance is free and a guide service is provided at no charge.

Theatres

San Salvador has numerous theatres, including the beautiful Teatro Presidente (located near Zona Rosa), where the symphony regularly performs expensive and inexpensive concerts, and the Teatro Nacional (downtown), which was recently restored to its full splendor. Here you can step back and experience the grandeur once reserved for the city's elite in the early 1900s.

Aquarium

There are plans for an aquarium to be built in El Salvador. This Aquarium will be built in '''El Parque de los Pericos''', next to the Multiplaza mall.

Entertainment

San Salvador has several entertainment venues. You can go to restaurants, bars, clubs, casinos, or if you are traveling with kids you can go to the cinemas, bowling, bingo, arcades etc. Cinemas in San Salvador include

  • '''Cinemark''' Various locations throughout El Salvador, Ph:503 22294315, Merliot,[http://www.cinemarkca.com/sel_pais.asp].
  • '''Multicinema''' Various locations throughout El Salvador, Ph:503 22439269, Multiplaza [http://www.multicinema.com.sv].
  • '''Cinepolis''', Galerias Escalon, [http://www.cinepolis.com.sv].
  • You can also play video games at World Games and El Mundo Feliz. Families may also want to visit Central America's largest toy store:
  • '''Jugueton San Salvador'''. boulevard de los proceres #2000. Ph:503 22481253 [http://www.jugueton.com.sv] this a toy store similar to toys r_L us you will find all types of variety of toys and other fun crafts.
  • Also, you can go via cable car to an amusement park on top of Cerro San Jacinto mountain.
  • The trendiest night spot to visit is called Zona Rosa. Some of the best hotels are located there, including the Sheraton Presidente as well as one of the most luxurious hotels in Central America, the Hilton Princess. Although Zona Rosa doesn't cover a large area (around 1sq mi), it's home to many exclusive, upscale bars and nightclubs (Los Alambiques, Code), and the best restaurants in town (Paradise, 503, A lo Nuestro). If you want to visit a nightclub without the probable inconvenience of not being let in, you should visit Las Terrazas (Stanza, Envy) at Multiplaza Mall or La Gran Via (Llenya, El Alebrije), a life style center.

    Learn

    There are many private schools and universities, including numerous language schools. Some of the best private schools are

  • '''Colegio Externado San Jose''' (Externado San Jose), 33 Av. Norte, Final Pasaje San Jose, Residencial Decapolis. Ph:503 2261-4000, [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Externado_san_jose].
  • '''Liceo Salvadoreno''' Col. Flor Blanca, ph:503 2260 9888- 503 2260 7459. [http://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liceo_Salvadore%C3%B1o]
  • '''The American School''' (Escuela Americana), San Benito, ph:503 2257-8336, [http://www.amschool.edu.sv].
  • '''The British Academy''' (Academia Britanica Cuscatleca) in front of CA1 Santa Tecla. Ph:(503) 2241 4400, [http://www.abc.edu.sv].
  • '''The Panamerican School''' (Escuela Panamericana), Colonia Escalon, ph:503 2209-6000, [http://www.escuelapanamericana.org].
  • '''The German School''' (Deutsche Schule) Jardines de Guadalupe. Ph: 503 22438120, [http://www.ds.edu.sv].
  • '''The French School''' (Lycee Francais St Exupery) Next to the British Academy , [http://www.lfsv.org/].
  • '''The International School of San Salvador''' Calle La Reforma. Ph: (503) 224-1330, [http://www.intschoolsansal.com/]
  • A list of El Salvador's Universities and their websites can be found here: [http://www.internationaleducationmedia.com/elsalvador/index.htm].

    Buy

    Bookstores

  • '''La Casita'''. Locations in both Centro comercial multiplaza, San Benito and Centro comercial Plaza San Benito.
  • '''Bookmarks''' [http://www.bookmarks.com.sv], Centro Comercial Basilea [http://www.ccbasilea.com], Zona Rosa (Next to the Hilton).
  • '''La Ceiba''', Galerias, Col.Escalon Av. Paseo Gral.Escalon. There are Many other la ceiba stores in the city.
  • Malls

    Some of the shopping malls include: Loma Linda, Multiplaza [http://www.multiplazamall.com/grupo.html], Las Fuentes, Galerias [http://www.galerias.com.sv] (elegant), Metrocentro (said to be the largest in Central America), El Paseo (expensive), Plazamundo [http://www.plazamundo.com.sv/quienes.html], Plaza Merliot [http://www.plazamerliot.com.sv], La Gran Via [http://www.lagranvia.com.sv] (a lifestyle center / "city walk"), Las Cascadas, Basilea [http://www.centrocomercialbasilea.com] (unique), Plaza San Benito, Villas Espanolas and many more. These malls have luxury boutiques, the latest in international fashion, specialty stores, large foodcourts (some even have 3 food courts) and many other amenities.

    Local Crafts

    For local arts & crafts, visit the Ilopango markets east of the city. Test your bargaining skills & take home some unique, handmade goods. For cheap souvenirs such as hammocks and other local crafts try the Mercado Cuartel. A good hammock can be yours for under 15USD, depending on bargaining skills.

    Fuel

    There are many gas stations, including Texaco, Shell, Puma, Petrotec, Esso and others all over the city. No need to step out of the car.

    Department stores

    San Salvador and some Mexican cities are the only cities in Latin America with Sanborns (restaurant and store chain) and Dorians (or Sears). Other department stores include Siman [http://www.siman.com.sv/], Carrion and Almacenes Europa.

    Eat

    The restaurant scene in San Salvador is influenced by many different cultures. Food options include Italian [http://www.alpomodoro.com.sv/], Korean, Japanese, Thai, French, Chilean, American, Peruvian, Mexican, Spanish, Middle Eastern, German, Chinese, Argentinian and others. Local food options include Tipicos Margot where one can purchase the famous Salvadoran '''Pupusas'''. Perhaps the biggest indictment against the quality of the San Salvador restaurant scene however is the sheer number of chain restaurants referenced in this article.

    Budget

  • '''Burger King'''
  • '''McDonald's'''
  • '''Wendy's'''
  • '''Biggest'''
  • '''Pollo Campero'''
  • '''Pollo Campestre'''
  • '''Pollo Tip-Top'''
  • '''KFC'''
  • '''Subway'''
  • '''Quiznos'''
  • '''Pollo Tropical'''
  • '''Pizza Hut'''
  • '''Domino's'''
  • '''Little Caesar's'''
  • '''NASH'''
  • '''Tipicos Margoth'''
  • When you are in El Salvador you won't have to worry about not finding a place to eat there is food everywhere you go.

    Mid range

  • '''Tony Romas''', Blvd. el Hipodromo, Col. San Benito, Zona Rosa Ph: (503) 2-298-5050, Fax:(503)2-298-5964, [http://www.tonyromas.com.sv]. American casual. There are 3 more Tony roma's in the city.
  • '''La Panetiere''', San Benito, Zona Rosa Ph: (503) 2-263-8792, Fax: (503) 2-264-1759. There are many other La Panetiere in all San Salvador.
  • '''Punto Literario'''. In El Museo de Arte Marte col. San Benito. Zona Rosa.
  • '''Sal y pimienta''', Tercera calle poniente #3877 entre 73 y 75 av. Norte Col. Escalon, Ph: (503) 2-298-1766, Fax: (503) 2-245-0998.
  • '''Restaurante Chileno Hey''', 97 av Nte. calle Pte. #4509, Col. Escalon. Ph/Fax: 503-22637281
  • '''Restaurante Basilea''', Blvd. El Hipodromo 2-502, col. San Benito, Zona Rosa Ph: 503-22236818 Fax:503-22790056
  • '''Pasquale''', Paseo Gral. Escalon, Col. Escalon frente a Galerias shopping center. Ph:503-2263-1693 Fax: 503-22635445. Italian food.
  • '''Tre fratelli''', Blvd. El Hipodromo #307, Zona Rosa Ph/fax: 503-2224-2951 Italian Food.
  • '''Al Pomodoro''', Paseo Gral. Escalon #3952 Ph: (503) 2514-4455 or 2257-2545 [http://www.alpomodoro.com.sv] Italian food.
  • '''Diva''', Blv. El Hipodromo, centro comercial San Benito, Zona Rosa PH:503-22790814 Fax:503-2223-6026
  • '''Dynasty''', Frente a Blv. el Hipodromo y Av. Las mangolias Col. San Benito, Zona Rosa Ph: 503-22639955 Fax:503-22638615. Chinese food.
  • '''Sushi-Itto'''. Zona Rosa Ph:503-22241900 Fax:503-22982676
  • '''Chili's''', Paseo Gral. Escalon #4220 col. escalon Ph: 503-2637556 Fax:503-22638352
  • '''Cafe Cafe''', calle el tanque #13099 av. Norte y 7a calle poniente Bi. Col. Escalon, Ph: (503) 226-32413, Fax: (503) 226-34024, [http://www.cafecafe.com.sv]. Peruan food.
  • '''Pueblo Viejo''', Blvd. Los Heroes, MetroSur 2 nivel. Ph/Fax:503-22611256
  • '''Tequila y Botanas''' Hotel Real Intercontinental , Blvd. de Los heroes Ph:503-22113333 fax:22114444 Mexican food.
  • '''Los Balcones''', km 40.5 autopista al aeropuerto Ph:503-23660000 fax:...01
  • '''Tanoshii sushi bar''', Centro Comercial El Paseo, Col. Escalon, Paseo Gral. Escalon. and Tanoshii Hotel Real Intercontinental Blvd. de los Heroes Ph: (503) 221-13333, Fax: 221-14444, [http://www.icsansalvador.gruporeal.com/sancam/dining_03.html]. Japanese food.
  • '''Royal''', Col. Escalon in front of Pops escalon. Chinese Food.
  • '''Sanborns rastaurant and store''', Multiplaza, mexican food.
  • '''Rj''', multiplaza. Peruan food
  • '''Inka Grill''', Blvd. El Hipodromo, Col. San Benito, Zona Rosa Peruan food.
  • '''Voi-la''', Av. Masferrer infront of Texaco. French food.
  • '''Restaurante Club Campestre''', Av. masferrer , Col Escalon 550 mts arriba de Redondel Masferrer. Buffet and a la carte. Ph:503-22633555.
  • '''Diva Bistro''' Multiplaza.
  • '''San Martin''' Multiplaza and El Paseo. Bakery.
  • '''El Rincon de mi Tia''' Multiplaza. Cafe and restaurant.
  • '''Olivos''' Multiplaza and Hilton princess Hotel at Zona Rosa. Salads and Sandwiches.
  • '''Benihana''' La Gran Via - International Japanese Steak House
  • '''Bennigans''' La Gran Via - International - Irish
  • '''Senor Tenedor''', Av.Olimpica #3544 plaza Jardin, Ph: 2-298-1766, Fax: (503) 2-245-0998.
  • '''La Media Cancha''', Steakhouse Restaurant and Sports Bar with TV's for watching sport - 79 Avenida Sur #48, Zona Rosa
  • '''Basilea''', Centro Comercial Basilea, Col. San Benito, Zona Rosa, Ph: (503) 2223-6818 [http://www.restaurantebasilea.com]. International food.
  • '''168ChineseRestaurant''', 89Av. Nte y 9a calle poniente #4612 Col. Escalon, Ph: (503) 2264-1168, 2264-6168, [http://www.168chineserestaurant.com]. Chinese food.
  • Splurge

  • '''503''', Blvd. del Hipodromo, Zona Rosa. Upscale, international cuisine and sushi lounge. Ph: (503) 2223-4770.
  • '''A lo Nuestro''', Calle la Reforma #225-A Col. San Benito, Zona Rosa Ph:503-22235116 Fax:503-22791920
  • '''La Pampa Argentina''', In Zona Rosa, in Col. Escalon 1000mts arriba del redondel masferrer, in Santa Elena Boulevard Orden de Malta, and Boulevard. Constitucion Col. Escalon Ph: 2-2786057.
  • '''Los Ranchos''', Calle La Mascota #232 Interseccion Pje. A y Pje #3 Col.La Mascota, Zona Rosa.
  • '''Angus''', La Gran Via
  • '''Hacienda de los Miranda''', Jardines de Guadalupe frente a CA1, La Libertad Ph:503-22431108, Fax: 503-22434841. Buffet and a la carte. [http://www.hdalosmiranda.com.sv]
  • '''Finisterre''', Col. La Mascota Pje. A#30 Ph/Fax: 503-22637691
  • '''Escorial''', Hotel Real intercontinental Blvd. de los Heroes Ph:503-22113333 Fax:503-21144444, [http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/ic/1/en/hd/sslhb?irs=null] or [http://www.icsansalvador.gruporeal.com/sancam/dining_01.html]
  • '''Las Orquideas''', Hotel Terraza 85Av. Sur y calle Padres Aguilar Ph:503-22630044 Fax: 503-22632828
  • '''El Mirador''', Hotel Radisson Col. Escalon. Buffet and a la carte.
  • '''Hunan''', Upmarket Chinese Restaurant specialising in Szechuan, Pekin & Shanghai in elegant surroundings - Paseo General Escalon y 99 Avenida Norte. Plaza Villavicencio
  • '''Paradise''', Blvd. El Hipodromo, Zona Rosa. Ph: 503-2223-4832 fax: 503-22244201 [http://www.paradise.com.sv]
  • '''Faisca Do Brasil''', Authentic Brazilian 'Rodizio' style dining in luxurious surroundings. Hotel Real intercontinental Blvd. de los Heroes Ph:503-22113333.
  • If you need to buy something, there are a lot of supermarkets in this city. Some are international, which come from Guatemala, the USA and other countries that are interested in bringing supermarkets to San Salvador. The supermarkets contain products such as food, clothing, candies, tools, shampoos, toys, cosmetics, soaps, etc. Some of the supermarkets are:

  • '''Super Selectos'''. Everywhere in the city.
  • '''Hiperpaiz''', Blvd. Los heroes and Las cascadas hipermall Antiguo cuscatlan.
  • '''DeTodo'''. Everywhere in the city.
  • '''La despensa de Don Juan'''. Everywhere in the city.
  • '''Pricesmart''' (Costco in the U.S.A.), Blvd. De los Heroes and Santa Elena.
  • Drink

    San Salvador is well-known for its nightlife. Clubs and bars can be found in the Zona Rosa, Basilea Mall, La Terraza (Sheraton Hotel), Las Terrazas (Multiplaza Mall), Boulevard de Los Heroes, Temptation Plaza, and the bars and restaurants area in La Gran Via (Mall and night lifestyle center). These places have many bars, discos, restaurants, DJ centers and boutiques.

    Visit the laid back bohemian bars (university crowd) around Calle San Antonio Abad to meet interesting locals or head to the Zona Rosa/Multiplaza Mall area to dance the night away with the city's style-conscious upper class youth.

    Bars and Clubs

  • '''? La Luna Casa Y Arte''' [http://www.lalunacasayarte.com/] - Art Gallery/Restaurant/Bar, popular with artists, art exhibitions, poetry, live acts, reggae nights, jazz nights etc, check out their website for extensive list of events
  • '''Los Rinconcitos''', Zona Rosa.
  • '''Code(Mario's)''', Zona Rosa.
  • '''Zanzibar''' [http://www.zanzibar.com.sv/index.html], Zona Rosa. The mac daddy of places. Great live party music on Saturday afternoons and Acoustic Thursdays quality faves. Centro Comercial Basilea.
  • '''La Taberna''', Beer House 79 Av. Norte. Col. Escalon
  • '''Tabu''', Zona Rosa. Next to Code
  • '''Stanza''', Las terrazas (multiplaza).
  • '''Bliss''', Las terrazas (multiplaza).
  • '''MaiThai''', Las Terrazas (multiplaza).
  • '''Envy''', Las Terrazas (Multiplaza).
  • '''El Alebrije''', La Gran Via.
  • '''Llenya''', La Gran Via.
  • '''Republik''', La Gran Via.
  • '''Dolce Fiero''', Popular with younger Salvadorans
  • '''Malibu Santa Elena''', Boulevard Orden de malta, Santa Elena.
  • '''El Arpa''', San Salvador - Popular with expats, Avenida "A" 137, Col. San Jose
  • '''La Ventana''', Colonia Escalon. This is not a club, more of a lounge/coffee spot with munchies available, and a little bit of liquor. Owned by a German who now resides in El Salvador.
  • '''Scape (Gay)''',Centro Comercial Juan Pablo Segundo, Local 311A, Prolongacion Juan Pablo Segundo, San Salvador.
  • '''Millenium (Gay)''', 50 meters South of Scape
  • For the latest information on '''gigs''', '''raves''','''dance parties''', '''international acts''' & '''concerts''' in San Salvador check here: [http://www.musica.com.sv/]. Larger events & conventions are generally held in the Feria Internacional [http://www.cifco.gob.sv/].

    Sleep

    Budget/Backpackers

  • '''La casa de Ivonne''', 2910, Calle Sisimiles, Colonia Miramonte, Ph: (503) 2262-7346 or call from USA direct at (514)461-3446.[mailto:ivonneport123@hotmail.com ivonneport123@hotmail.com] Shared rooms from $6 per night, private rooms $12 per night including breakfast, private bathroom available , Internet, Cable television in the living room, access to kitchen, laundry service available, inside parking available for an extra $1,00. It is located at one block from the shopping mall Metrocentro where you can find everything including Cinemas. All the major buses pass at one block from the house. We speak spanish and english.
  • '''Ximenas Guest House''', Calle San Salvador #202, Ph: (503) 2260-2481,cel: 7981-4517 [mailto:ximenas.guesthouse@gmail.com ximenas.guesthouse@gmail.com], [http://www.ximenasguesthouse.com/]. Dormitory rooms from $7 (cold water) to $9 (hot water) per night, single rooms from $16 to $30 per night, doubles from $23 to $35 per night, and triples are $38 per night.+ add 13% sales tax. Private rooms feature hot showers, cable TV and ceiling fan, some have A/C. The common TV room has cable TV, book exchange,and internet service.(wireless throughout the hotel) Restaurant serve meals around the clock, try our delicious fruit salad with home made yogurt and granola. Many of the ingredients (fruit, coffee, honey etc.)are from our own organic farm. We offer laundry service,roof terrace, safe deposit lockers, luggage storage and free tourist information. We arrange transport and tours to any corner of the country. Ximena's has been a favorite for international travelers for over 25 years. Its located in a safe and quiet residencial area just one block off the main street; Blvd. de Los Heroes and is a perfect base while exploring El Salvador. Malls, banks, pharmacies, post offices, coffee shops, bars and restaurants are all within walking distance and safe even after dark.
  • '''Mariscal Hotel & Suites''', Paseo Escalon 3658 (comfortable), from $28
  • '''Tazumal Guesthouse''', 35 Avenida Norte, Casa 3. Aircon, cable TV, free internet use. From $10 to $40.
  • '''International Guest House''', 35 Avenida Norte No. 9, Breakfast, internet, laundry, safety box. From $16-$26.
  • '''Hostal Esencia Nativa''', el Zonte beach www.surfer.com.sv mail to esencianativa@yahoo.com(503) 2301-4322 or 7737-8879 dobles rooms from $7.5 per person per night, room with A/C and private bath available, surf lessons, laundry, english speakers.
  • '''Laguna Verde Guest House''' The domo shaped house is located at the border of an ancient, deep, secondary crater with vertical walls, the "Cuajusto" extinct crater in Apaneca town (1 hour from San Salvador). From here you can catch some impressive panoramic views and do hikes to the nearby Laguna Verde, Black Forest and other natural beauties. Ph (503) 2262-0879,(503) 7859-2865,(503) 2260-2481. Website [www.apanecasguesthouse.netfirms. com], mailto:gpssal@intercom.com.sv. Dormitory rooms from $7 to $10 per night.
  • Mid range

    The staff of all the hotels speak English and Spanish, but there are also others who speak other languages. All the hotels include room service.
  • '''Real Comfort inn''', Calle el Carmen y Prolongacion Juan Pablo, (503) 2237-7000, Fax: (503) 2237-7001, [http://comfort-sansalvador.gruporeal.com]. 4-Stars Located in the heart of the business district close to important residential areas. Special in-room amenities for long stay guests include mini fridge, microwave, and coffeemaker. Check in time:1:00 PM Check out time is 12:00 PM. Take Prolongacion Juan Pablo II north until you reach 75th Avenue where you will turn left. Advance on 75th Avenue and then turn left again onto Calle El Carmen.
  • '''Ramada Inn''', 85 Ave. Sur y Calle Juan Jose Canas, Col. Escalon San Salvador, Ph: (503) 2263-0033, Fax: (503) 2263-4099. The hotel includes air conditioning, king size beds, double bed rooms, restaurant, bar and many other amenities. 4-stars.
  • '''Quality Hotel''', KM 40.5 Carretera Al Aeropuerto de El Salvador, (503) 2366-0000, Fax: (503) 2366-0001, [http://www.choicehotels.com/ires/en-US/html/HotelInfoGeneral?hotel=SV002]. 4-Stars. Just 3 minutes from the airport and 20 minutes from the sandy beaches of Costa del Sol. In house restaurant. Room service, business center, bar and pool. Check in time is 12:00 PM, check out time is 4:00 PM.
  • '''Hotel Happy House''', Avenida Los Sisimiles, #2951, Colonia Miramontes, Phone and Fax (503) 22 60 15 68. Hotel includes air conditioning, double bed rooms and free wireless internet access. [mailto:hotelhappyhouse@hotmail.com], [http://www.hotelhappyhouse-elsalvador.com/]. 3-stars
  • '''Siesta Casino-Hotel''', Hotel Siesta Final Boulevard Los Proceres, Ph: (503) 2-283-0100, Fax: (503) 2-283-0125, [mailto:info@hotelsiesta.com info@hotelsiesta.com], [http://www.hotelsiesta.com/]. The hotel includes air conditioning, king size beds,double bed rooms,restaurant, bar and many other amenities. 4-Stars.
  • '''Holiday Inn''', Urbanizacion y Boulevard Santa Elena a 400 mts. de la Embajada Americana, Ph: (503) 2-241-4000, Fax: (503) 2-241-4070 or (503) 2-241-4067, [http://www.holidayinn.com.sv/]. The hotel includes air conditioning, king size beds,double bed rooms,restaurant, bar and many other amenities. 4-Stars.
  • '''Terraza Hotel''', 85 Ave. Sur y Calle Padres Aguilar Colonia Escalon, Ph: (503 )2263-0044, Fax: (503) 2263-3223, [mailto:hterraza@terraza.com.sv hterraza@terraza.com.sv], [http://www.terraza.com.sv]. The hotel includes air conditioning, king size beds, double bed rooms, restaurant, bar and many other amenities. 4 stars.
  • '''Hotel Alameda''', 43 Ave. Sur y Alameda Roosevelt #2305, Ph: (503) 2267-0800 / 2267-0801, Fax: (503) 2260-3011, [http://www.hotelalameda.com]. The hotel includes air conditioning, king size beds, double bed rooms, restaurant, bar and many other amenities. 3-Stars.
  • '''Hotel Alicante''', Col La Sultana, calle las rosas y ave los Laureles #1, Ph:(503) 2243-0889 / 2243-5838, [www.alicante.com.sv]. The hotel includes air conditioned, king size beds,double bed rooms,restaurant, bar and many other amenities. 3-Stars.
  • '''Hotel Casa Berlin''', Avenida El Espino Lote No 62-64, Santa Elena, Madreselva, Antiguo Cuscatlan, Ph: (503) 2243-8877, Fax: (503) 2243-8872, [http://www.hotelberlin.com.sv]. The hotel includes air conditioning, king size beds,double bed rooms,restaurant, bar and many other amenities. The staff speaks Spanish, English and German. 3-Stars.
  • '''Hotel Capital''', Autopista Sur, Boulevard La Sultana y Pasaje Monelca, Ph:(503) 2247-7100, Fax (503) 2243-8018, [http://www.hoteleselsalvador.com/hotel-capital.htm]. The hotel includes air conditioning, king size beds, double bed rooms, restaurant, bar and many other amenities.
  • '''Hotel Grecia Inn''', Avenida Sisimiles 2922, Colonia Miramonte, Ph: (503)2261-0555 / (503) 2261-0566 / (503) 2261-0577, [http://www.greciareal.com]. A 50 metros de Hotel Real Intercontinental, frente a Metrocentro, the hotel includes air conditioning, king size beds, double bed rooms, restaurant, bar and many other amenities. The staff speaks English, Spanish and Greek. 4-Stars.
  • '''Hotel Mediterraneo Plaza''', 15 Calle Pte. No. 4319, Col. Escalon, Ph: (503) 2263-4592, Fax: (503) 2263-4612, [http://www.hotelmedplaz.com.sv/]. The hotel includes air conditioned, king size beds,double bed rooms,restaurant, bar and many other amenities.
  • '''Hotel Mirador Plaza''', Calle El Mirador y 95 Ave. Norte Col. Escalon, Ph: (503) 2244-6000, Fax: (503) 2244-6099, [http://www.miradorplaza.com/]. The hotel includes air conditioned, king size beds,double bed rooms,restaurant, bar and many other amenities.
  • '''Novo Aparthotel''', Final 61 Ave. Nte. Col. Escalon, Ph (503) 2260-2288, Fax: (503) 2260-5053, [http://www.novoapart-hotel.com/]. The hotel includes air conditioned, king size beds, double bed rooms, restaurant, bar and many other amenities. 4-Stars.
  • Splurge

  • '''InterContinental Real San Salvador''', Blvd. de los Heros, 544. +503-22113333, Fax: (503) 221-1444, [http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/ic/1/en/hd/SSLHB]. Located across the street from the Metrocentro. The staff speaks Spanish, French, and English. Rooms start at $139 per person, per night.
  • '''Hilton Princess San Salvador''', Av. Magnolias y Boulevard del Hipod, Ph: (503) 2268-4545, Fax: +503-2268 4500, [http://www.hilton.com/en/hi/hotels/index.jhtml?ctyhocn=SALHIHI]. Located in the center of Zona Rosa, and offering quality comparable to Hilton Hotels found elsewhere in the world. Rooms from $109 per person, per night. Wireless Internet Access in All Rooms
  • '''Radisson Plaza Hotel''', 89 Avenida Norte y 11 Calle Poniente, Colonia Escalon, Ph: (503) 2-257-0700, Fax: (503) 2-257-0710, [http://www.radisson.com/hoteldirectory/hotelbio.jsp?hotelCode=ELSANSAL]. Rooms from $139 per person, per night.
  • '''Sheraton Presidente''', San Benito (''in front of El Chulon''), Avenida la revolucion, Ph: (503) 2-283-4000, [http://www.hotelpresidente.com.sv/portada.htm].
  • '''Suites Las Palmas Aparathotel''', Av. Las Palmas y Pje. 6 Col. San Benito, Ph: (503) 2210-3111, Fax: (503) 2210-3100, [http://www.suiteselsalvador.com/].
  • Visit the hotel websites for specials.

    Stay safe

    San Salvador has had a history of violence. San Salvador was considered the most dangerous city in the world in 1992. Since the end of the civil war in 1992 San Salvador has seen a significant reduction in crime rates. Today San Salvador, and El Salvador in general, experience some of the highest homicide rates in the world, it is also considered an epicenter of the gang crisis, along with Guatemala and Honduras.[http://www.fas.org/sgp/crs/row/RS22141.pdf] The homicides reported in 2006 reached up to 3,906, in 2005 3,779 were reported; 57.2 violent deaths per every 100,000 people.[http://www.economist.com/agenda/displaystory.cfm?story_id=8616598]. Crime rates in general have been steadily growing throughout the years, from 2005-2006 crime rose 7.5%. Most tourists will experience few problems in the city as they are not specifically targeted. Whilst the homicide rates don't paint the city in a good light, it's important to remember that the majority of these murders are committed by, and upon, gang members.

    To stay safe there is some advice:

  • Don't walk on streets that look abandoned and dark.
  • Use only licensed taxis or rent a car. If you're adventurous, watch your valuables and put away jewelery when using the public buses.
  • At best, walk in tourist areas and not '''STRANGE''' areas.
  • If you don't have a place to sleep then don't go to old and dirty motels.
  • Be careful with your handbag or purse while walking on crowded streets.
  • Don't flaunt jewelery/Mobile Phones etc on public transport or crowded areas - remember, common sense prevails!
  • You won't have a problem in the malls or inside major stores or museums, and most public buildings are full of security guards, alarms, fire extinguishers, etc. If you go out of the city into some national parks, volcanoes or the country and such, it is better to hire an armed escort or guide because you can get robbed. There is much gang violence in El Salvador, especially in San Salvador and in its poorer neighborhoods; but in the downtown areas, the malls, the ''Zona Rosa'', most tourist attractions, and the upmarket neighborhoods where the hotels are it's generally safe. Doing your homework and avoiding gangland areas will ensure you have a hassle free and enjoyable experience. The government tried controlling the gangs with a tactic called "Super Mano Dura" which means "Super Strong Hand", however it has not been successful and crime rates have continued to rise.[http://www.fas.org/sgp/crs/row/RS22141.pdf] No matter how adventurous you may feel, it is advisable to stay away from the city's poorer districts of Soyapango & its surroundings.

    Cope

    Health services

    San Salvador is a city full of pharmacies. Hospital services are also very good and facilities include Hospital de Diagnostico in Villavicencio Plaza.

    Banks

    Finding a bank is not a problem within the city. Banks include HSBC, Citibank, Banco Agricola, BanTpym, Banco Centromericano, Scotiabank, Procredit and others.

    Get out

    You can get out of Comalapa International Airport or rent a plane for a moderate fee in Ilopango Airport to give you a ride to other of the countries important cities. The rent a plane service is available to go to Santa Ana, San Miguel and La Union (on Tamarindo, near the Gulf of Fonseca where you can board a ferry to take you to the other Islands)