El Salvador Travel Guide

Full Name

Republic of El Salvador

Former Name

None

Capital City

San Salvador

Government Type

republic

Area Size

total: 21,040 sq km

Time Zone

UTC/GMT -6 hours

Climate

El Salvador has a tropical climate with pronounced wet and dry seasons. Temperatures vary primarily with elevation and show little seasonal change. The Pacific lowlands are uniformly hot; the central plateau and mountain areas are more moderate. The rainy season extends from May to October.

Geography

El Salvador is located in Central America. El Salvador is the smallest country in continental America. Due to its size it is affectionately called the "Tom Thumb of the Americas" ("Pulgarcito de America"). It has 320 km² of water within its borders. Several small rivers flow through El Salvador into the Pacific Ocean, including the Goascorán, Jiboa, Torola, Paz and the Río Grande de San Miguel. Only the largest river, the Lempa River, flowing from Honduras across El Salvador to the ocean, is navigable for commercial traffic. Volcanic craters enclose lakes, the most important of which are Lake Ilopango and Lake Coatepeque. El Salvador shares borders with Guatemala (203 km) and Honduras (342 km). It is the only Central American country that does not have a Caribbean coastline. The highest point in the country is Cerro El Pital at 2,730 meters.

Languages

Spanish, Nahua (among some Amerindians)

Culture

The cultural art of El Salvador has been preserved by generations through the folklore, the crafts and other expressions of art. Many native crafts are still elaborated in the original sites. The European influences are emphasized in the architecture of the colonial churches, museums and theaters.

History

El Salvador achieved independence from Spain in 1821 and from the Central American Federation in 1839. A 12-year civil war, which cost about 75,000 lives, was brought to a close in 1992 when the government and leftist rebels signed a treaty that provided for military and political reforms.

Travel Information

The national airline is TACA (TA). San Salvador (SAL) (El Salvador International) is 62km from the city. Minibuses and taxis to the city are available (journey time – 40 minutes). Airport Facilities are Restaurants, shops, car hire, banks, hotel reservation desk, left luggage and Wi-Fi Internet access. Departure Tax US$22 (transit passengers proceeding within six hours, and infants under two years of age are exempt) and an immigration tax of US$2.65. Main ports: Acajutla, La Unión and La Libertad on the Pacific coast. Transportes Mermex operates buses between El Salvador and Guatemala. Pullmantur buses travel from Guatemala City and from Tegucigalpa (Honduras) to San Salvador. Transnica runs bus services between Managua (Nicaragua) and San Salvador. Tica Bus runs buses from Tapachula (Mexico) to Guatemala and on to San Salvador; buses from San Pedro Sula and Tegucigalpa (Honduras) to San Salvador; and buses from Panama, Costa Rica and Nicaragua to El Salvador.

Accommodation

The main hotels are in the capital, and accommodation should be booked in advance. Lake Coatepeque is a popular resort in western El Salvador, which has good hotels, restaurants and lodging houses.

Visa Requirements

Visas are not required by all nationals of the EU, Australia, Canada and USA for stays of up to 30 days. Nationals of Canada, Greece and the USA must buy a Tourist Card for US$10, valid for 30 days, upon entry. Nationals not referred to above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements. Passport valid for at least six months after day of departure required by all nationals of countries referred to above.

Getting Around

Traffic drives on the right. Road conditions vary. Rebuilding of roads following the 2001 earthquakes is nearly complete. Car-jackings are frequent in El Salvador (especially in the cities) and drivers are advised to travel only by day and with the doors locked at all times. New cars, particularly with foreign licence plates, are frequent targets. Automóvil Club de El Salvador has reciprocal agreements with some international motoring organisations and can provide further information on driving in El Salvador. A good bus service exists between major towns, although there can be delays if the weather is bad. Buses can be hailed. Pickup trucks are an alternative method of transport to remote areas. Car hire is Available in San Salvador and from the airport from international and local firms. A national or International Driving Permit is required for 30-day visits, after which visitors need to obtain a Salvadoran licence. City buses offer a good service, but are often crowded. Taxis are plentiful but not metered, so it is advisable to agree the fare beforehand. Taxis are yellow and can usually be found cruising the streets looking for pick ups. Alternatively, head to the town square, where taxis usually congregate between fares. Many large hotels have their own taxi services. Taxi drivers do not expect tips, except when the taxi has been hired for the day.

Health & Safety

Travellers are adviced to take special precautions for Hepatitis A, Tetanus, Typhoid and at times diphtheria,malaria and rabies. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers over six months of age coming from infected areas. Dengue fever is reported to be on the increase. Vaccinations for tuberculosis and hepatitis B are sometimes recommended. Water used for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice should have first been boiled or otherwise sterilised. Milk should be boiled. Powdered or tinned milk is available and is recommended. Only eat well-cooked meat and fish. Vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled. Doctors and hospitals expect immediate cash payment. Travellers are advised to carry a copy of their insurance document as hospitals may not provide treatment otherwise. State-run hospitals are basic and visitors are advised to use private clinics where possible. The threat from terrorism is low, but you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks. Visitors are advised to avoid the volcano and monitor local media reporting for further updates on the latest volcanic activity. There are very high crime rates in El Salvador. Travellers should take great care if travelling alone or at night.

National Holidays

1 Jan - New Year’s Day. 5-8 Apr - Easter. 1 May - Labour Day. 3 Aug - Fiesta de San Salvador. 4-6 Aug - Fiestas Patronales. 15 Sep - Independence Day. 2 Nov - All Souls' Day. 24-25 Dec - Christmas Day. 31 Dec - New Year's Eve.

Currency

El Salvador Colon (SVC)

Electricity

110 volts AC

Working Hours

Office hours: Mon-Fri 8.00am - 5.00pm.

Emergency Numbers

911