San Salvador City Tour: Historical Center, Local Market, and Volcano Exploration
5.0
5 Ratings
San Salvador
Immerse yourself in the rich history and vibrant culture of San Salvador on this city tour. Explore the historical center, visit a local market, and hike through the cloud forest on San Salvador volcano.
Duration: 6 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Iglesia El Rosario - 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.
  • Plaza Libertad - 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.
  • National Theater San Salvador - 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).

  • Catedral Metropolitana - 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.
  • Plaza Barrios - 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.
  • National Palace - 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.
  • San Salvador - 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.
  • Mirador Municipal Jose Antonio Rodriguez Porth - A short stop on a viewpoint overlooking San Salvador city, downtowns and the mountains and volcanos around the metropolitan area.
  • Volcan San Salvador - 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
  • Antiguo Cuscatlan - 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.
What's Included
  • Private transportation
  • In-vehicle air conditioning
  • Admissions to public and private attractions
  • All fees and/or taxes
  • Offerings to churches on your behalf (sustainable tourism is key)
What's Not Included
  • Souveniers
  • Gratuities (voluntary)
  • Bottled water
  • Lunch
Additional Information

Embark on a journey through the city’s highlights with a local from San Salvador. Discover key historical sites, principal streets, business and living districts, and iconic landmarks memorializing significant historical figures and occurrences.

Plenty of government buildings located in El Centro bear witness to the prosperous years of the coffee export business, showcasing a blend of architectural influences. After recent upgrades, Downtown is more beautiful and safe for pedestrians than ever before. It has seen an uptick in business activity, and has emerged as a ‘hotspot’.

Wander the town taking in the history behind the events that transpired here over nearly half a millennium and the personalities that shaped them. Historical periods from colonization to independence, from the federation to the Coffee Republic, from military dictatorships to democratic rule, and from oppressive eras to grand festivities and presidential inaugurations are explored.

In the afternoon, take in a local market (where you may grab lunch) before making your way through a cloud forest at the El Boquerón National Park, located on the San Salvador Volcano.

  • Children must be accompanied by an adult
Location
Iglesia El Rosario
6a Avenida, Parque Libertad
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(5 Ratings)
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Es463
Nov 1, 2023
Picture Perfect - 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.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
551onec
Sep 4, 2023
Absolutely Fantastic Experience! - 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!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jcheverie
Nov 24, 2022
Two Canadians and an El Salvadorian = Great Trip - 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!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mirjana_p
Oct 15, 2021
THE BEST of San Salvador with Alfredo!!! - Alfredo made our Visit to El Salvador an unforgettable experience. From history to culture, the best pupusas in town, visit to San Salvador volcano, the market and la iglesia el Rosario (A must see), this tour was a great combination for a short visit. Alfredo even took us to Imagine, picnic place where we had a great lunch and a surprise ride. Also, he took us to do a COVID test and waited for the results with us. Thank you Alfredo for everything. We highly recommend this tour. El Salvador is county # 87 we visited so far! Mirjana & Jany
Review provided by Viator
Hamrickpa
Jun 13, 2021
Alfredo is the BEST - don't hesitate - We had an amazing tour with Alfredo. Honestly, he is one of the best guides I have worked with and I have visited 70 countries! He was always accessible via WhatsApp. He picked us up at the airport the day we arrived and even took us to the airport the day we left. He customized our tour to exactly what we wanted and even helped me get local beans to carry home to an El Salvadorian friend. Best tour ever! I will also add we were two American women travelers. Prior to going, we were slightly apprehensive based on "warnings" from travel sites. That's part of why Alfredo picked us up at the airport. Not only did he help us to feel safe but he taught us just how safe his country was. Before we knew it, we were ubering all about town! ALFREDO IS THE BEST!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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