I've got the itch to go somewhere interesting over Memorial day weekend (using United Miles)

El Salvador looks interesting, reasonably close, can take an overnight flight, get there Saturday morning, leave monday, looks like there's award availability (at least from LAX), relatively cheap, no advance visa required, US Dollars can be used as currency.

So...Anyone have any suggestions on things to do and see over a quick weekend. I'm thinking I will stay in San Salvador and hit some of the food markets and museums on Saturday and possibly a trip to one of the ruins on Sunday.

Any must dos or don'ts?

Any good websites to check out things to do?

Did you go? Would love to hear about suggestions if you did.

Thanks

No, unfortunately I didn't make it. If I remember right, award availability never materialized for SEA-LAX.

I'd still like to make it at some point, it looks like an interesting place to visit.

El Salvador and Panama are the only two countries in Centroamerica I haven't visited, but from watching Univision (working on my Spanish) here in the greater Houston area, San Salvador is one of the most dangerous cities in Centroamerica.

Apparently there aren't any places to go to the beach, even though Pacific Ocean is very close by.

Don't know if you can use your reward travel for Costa Rica, Guatemala or Honduras, but those would be my recommendations. I'll get to El Salvador one of these days, as well as Panama, but I would recommend CR or Honduras for a visit. And Antigua was very nice as well, thoughi it was overrun by Europena tourists. Still, I would recommend it.

Many time visitor to Costa Rica, and it has good tourist setup. First time in Honduras a couple of weeks ago: loved Copan Ruinas (one of the main Mayan ruins) and getting there by excellent via first class bus service from SAP, though didn't make it to Roatan for snorkeling (diving for many).

EmailKid

BTW, I'm only lurkdig here, normally I post on CO board.

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I am NOT a tin elite! Then again, what the hell do I know?

I am planning a trip to El Salvador with a friend who is from there. I've been doing some reading on it and talking to people who have been there, and by most accounts it is really up-and-coming (some people are calling it the "next Costa Rica").

I'm reading "On Your Own in El Salvador," which is a great book. If you look for it on amazon.com, be CERTAIN you are buying the most recent edition, as many things have changed since the first edition.

I've heard the people are exceedingly friendly, the food/lodging is ridiculously inexpensive, and it's a beautiful country. However, this is based on accounts of areas outside of the city of San Salvador. There are some beaches that are well-known to the surfing community, and are supposed to be beautiful (La Libertad, Costa del Sol, etc.).

I will post a trip report upon my return.

I don't know what the hell you've been watching, emailkid, but you've been given some bad information.

El Salvador is a beautiful country with very friendly people. San Salvador, as Central American cities go, is just fine. I never felt the least bit unsafe walking around the Rose Quarter at night. Nor did I travelling around the countryside.

There are at least a dozen beach resorts up and down the Pacific coast with pristine and uncrowded black and white sand beaches, crystal clear water, and small hotels and lodges.

And then there's Pollo Campero!

My trip report has more details. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=182379

Well, 2 1/2 years after starting this thread I have my tickets to San Salvador in hand!

I've got three days on the ground over Thanksgiving (United has a good fare, I paid $390.20 all in from SFO ($250+$140 in taxes!).

I've got the El Salvador On Your own book on order and am re-reading Alanw great trip report.

I'm hoping the recent Volcano unrest won't be a problem.

After reading Alanw's thread, it sounds like Los Almendros de San Lorenzo in Suchitoto is the way to go with excursions to the ruins and beach.

Just thought I'd resurrect this post to see if anyone had a any recent experiences and recommendations.

Have a great time. And don't forget the chicken. :)

Well, 2 1/2 years after starting this thread I have my tickets to San Salvador in hand!

I've got three days on the ground over Thanksgiving (United has a good fare, I paid $390.20 all in from SFO ($250+$140 in taxes!)....


My BF and I will be stopping over there on the way back from Honduras over the Christmas holidays - I've been wondering whether we should just hire a taxi upon arrival, or arrange an airport transfer in advance. Security being my main concern...

Anyway, let me know if you have any tips when you return!

We took a few taxis on out trip and they were about par for Central America -- not exactly professional but safe and the drivers were courteous.