Attractions of El Salvador

To help inspire or plan your trip to El Salvador, some of its major attractions for travellers are shown below, including some of the best natural, historical, cultural and adventure sites in the country. These include all of UNESCO World Heritage Sites for El Salvador which represent the best of the world's cultural and natural heritage.
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Natural	History	Wildlife	Trekking	Cities	Religious Monument	Boat Journey	Rail Journey	Diving	Cultural	Adrenaline	UNESCO WHS

San Salvador
The capital of El Salvador is a bustling city with a number of interesting attractions. There are several fascinating museums, including the El Zapote Military Museum which has a collection of weapons, uniforms and other mementos from the recent civil war. The Rosario Church is intriguingly decorated with rainbow-stained glass windows and some modern industrial artwork.

Joya de Cerén Archaeological Site
Joya de Cerén was a farming community that was buried by an eruption of the Laguna Caldera Volcano in approximately 600 AD. The excellently preserved remains provide an important insight into the lives of farming communities of this region in this period of time. 12 structures have been excavated which include living quarters, storehouses, workshops, kitchens and a communal sauna. It is thought about 200 people lived here at the time, though no human remains have been found, indicating the residents had time to flee from the eruption. UNESCO World Heritage Site: Joya de Cerén Archaeological Site

Joya de Cerén Archaeological Site

Joya de Cerén was a farming community that was buried by an eruption of the Laguna Caldera Volcano in approximately 600 AD. The excellently preserved remains provide an important insight into the lives of farming communities of this region in this period of time. 12 structures have been excavated which include living quarters, storehouses, workshops, kitchens and a communal sauna. It is thought about 200 people lived here at the time, though no human remains have been found, indicating the residents had time to flee from the eruption.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Joya de Cerén Archaeological Site

Mayan City of Tazumal
The Mayan ruins at Tazumal are considered the most important and best preserved in El Salvador. Only a portion of the site has been excavated but evidence suggests the area was occupied for over 1,000 years and had traded with places as distant as Mexico and Panama. One of the key findings at Tazumal is the life-size statue of Xipe-totec, a Nahua god of fertility and war.

Santa Ana
The colonial city of Santa Ana is located in western El Salvador. Its historical buildings of note include the impressive Gothic cathedral. Surrounding Santa Ana are some spectacular natural attractions. The Santa Ana volcano can be summited for superb views of the surrounding volcanic landscape and the Pacific Ocean while Cerro Verde National Park is beautifully located around Lake Coatepeque.

Montecristo-El Trifinio National Park
The Montecristo-El Trifinio National Park is located near the borders of Guatemala and Honduras. The high precipitation and humidity has created a spectacular cloud forest with trees up to 30 metres high forming a thick canopy. Some of the wildlife resident in the park includes spider monkeys, two-fingered anteaters, pumas, agoutis, toucans and striped owls.