El Salvador

Overview

El Salvador, with its beautiful scenery and gentle, genuine people is a must visit for those looking to get off the typical Central American Gringo Trail. Being around the size of Wales, El Salvador is also easy to get to and around by road.

Highlights of the country include some spectacular volcanoes and national parks, ancient Mayan ruins, amazing food (look out for the Gastronomical Fairs) and wonderful people, as well as some truly fantastic beaches where the Pacific laps at beautiful soft sand. The variety of beaches is particularly spectacular; one can find idyllic deserted bays, never-ending white sand strips and everything in between. The surfing in El Salvador is also rated some of the best around, and you're unlikely to ever have to share a wave.

The city of San Salvador is an interesting mix of colonial architecture and modern malls. There is a good variety of night life from quiet drinking holes to buzzing salsa joints with live bands. As with everywhere in the world there is also a few Irish Pubs!

Whilst it is true that El Salvador can be a dangerous place to visit and may not be the easiest place for travellers with no Spanish at all (a little does go a long way), it is a fantastic country and from my experience, those who make the effort to get to know it will hold it in their hearts forever.

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.