Before You Go
Territory
The territorial extension of El Salvador is 20,742 kilometersē, 320 kms. of these along the Pacific coast which extends all throughout the country. The country's landscape includes numerous valleys, mountains, volcanoes, and coastal low lands. The mother mountain range runs all throughout the country from east to west. El Salvador borders Guatemala to the West and Honduras to the North. Located right in the middle of Central America, is a perfect point of start, when exploring the whole region. Map of El Salvador
Language
The official language is Spanish. Small indigenous groups (less than 0.3% of the population) still speak the indigenous mother tongue "Nahuatl".
Population
The country's six million inhabitants are divided into three major ethnic groups: European descendant, half European - indigenous and Salvadorian indigenous.
Religion
Approximately 80% of the population practices the catholic religion, but also many other religions such as: Evangelic, Baptist, Jehovah witnesses, Adventists, Mormons are practiced.
Currency
US Dollar, we recommend to always carry a little cash with you, since many stores and small businesses do not take credit cards.
Highest Point
Cerro El Pital 2,730 meters.
Taxes
Most goods and services must be applied a 13% tax called IVA (Value Added Tax).
National Time
El Salvador is six hours behind Greenwich Meridian time (GMT-6).
Tipping
A ten percent (10%) of the total amount of a bill is recommended at most places. Before tipping, check with the establishment since many usually include it in the bill's total.
Holidays
January 1st New Year's Day; March / April: Easter or Holly Week; May 1st: Labor Day; August 4, 5 and 6: El Salvador's Patron Saint festivities honoring the "Salvador del Mundo" (Saviour of the World); September 15th: Independence Day; October 12th: Discovery of America by Christopher Columbus; November 2nd: Memorial Day; December 25th: Christmas.
Beaches
El Salvador borders the Pacific Ocean to the south. The dark sand beaches come from volcanic origin and the water temperature ranges from 17°C to 20°C all year round. The country is famous for its great waves for surfing.
Weather
Tropical climate; summer lasts from November to April and rainy season from May to October. During these months it generally rains in the late afternoon and evening. The average annual temperature is 25°C. (77°F.)
Security
We recommend taking guided tours since they will advice you on conflictive areas you should avoid.