5 of the top outdoor experiences in El Salvador

Dwarfed by volcano summits ever-looming on the horizon, El Salvador’s cloud forests flutter with the flight of iridescent birds. Its verdant hills level out at laid-back, black-sand beaches that line its Pacific shore, where surfers flock to the barrelling breakers. Opportunities for adventure far outstrip this Central American country’s small stature — despite its size, its landscape is diverse and densely packed with natural wonders.

The country’s cosmopolitan capital, San Salvador, is a convenient base for arranging adventurous excursions. From hiking up immense volcanos and swimming in the pools of hidden waterfalls, to paddling through mangrove forests brimming with wildlife and surfing world-class waves — here are the top outdoor experiences not to be missed.

1. Find secluded waterfalls near Juayúa

Enlist the help of a local guide and follow the rugged Las Siete Cascadas (Seven Waterfalls) trail into an otherworldly forest, where the thunder of the roaring cascades is muffled by the thick tree canopy. The steep, mud-slicked track leads travellers to seven secluded falls, which pour over blackened cliffs into swimmable pools. Detached from any sense of civilisation and designed for daring adventurers, the route involves rock-scrambling and rappelling on the side of a crashing waterfall. The four-mile trail begins in the small town of Juayúa, which is accessible from San Salvador in around two hours. With its cobblestone streets and Spanish-era architecture, it’s a worthy stop on El Salvador’s Ruta de las Flores (Flower Route), a scenic drive that links the mountaintop towns in the country’s central highlands.

2. Hike up the active Santa Ana volcano

El Salvador is home to a distinct ridge of rumbling volcanic summits. The tallest of its smouldering peaks is the Santa Ana volcano (also known as Ilamatepec), which has a popular hiking trail carved into its side. Climb through cloud forests and curve around the ash-dusted rim of the stratovolcano for a view of its bright turquoise crater lake — the steaming, sulphuric belly of the behemoth. For the chance to see Santa Ana in the soft, golden glow of the sunrise, consider staying at Casa 1800 Cerro Verde. The luxurious hideaway is situated in Cerro Verde National Park, just a five-minute drive from the starting point of the volcano hike.

3. Catch the waves in ‘surf city’

The black-sand beaches of El Salvador’s Pacific Coast have long been a beacon for visitors. Named after the pig-shaped rock formation near its shore, El Tunco (Salvadoran slang for pig), also known as ‘surf city’, is easily accessed from San Salvador in less than an hour by car. Beginners and serious surfers alike will enjoy catching the waves along El Tunco’s onyx coastline and soaking up the sun in the relaxed beach town. Perfectly positioned for big swells, it regularly hosts major global competitions such as the International Surfing Association’s World Longboard Championships and the World Surfing Games. For visitors wanting to stay overnight, Coco Surf Tropical Village has a range of private beachside villas, as well as an on-site surf school.

4. Paddle through the mangroves of Jiquilisco Bay

Bright white seabirds skim the cobalt surface of the Lempa River, the waterway that weaves through El Salvador’s largest mangrove forest and out to the islands on the cusp of the Pacific. Separated by swathes of sugarcane fields, Jiquilisco Bay sits two hours to the south of San Salvador — and it’s best to book a dedicated tour from the capital for easy access. Choose a kayaking excursion to get up close and personal with the tangled limbs of the low-lying mangroves or join a small boat cruise. The thick forests that flank the river can also be visited on foot — keep an eye out for crocodiles slinking in the shallows and stop by the bay’s Spider Monkey Sanctuary to see its inquisitive inhabitants.

5. Cruise on Lake Coatepeque

Encircled by a ring of softly smoking summits, Lake Coatepeque glints in the high sun, its calm waters disturbed only by the paddle of a passing kayaker or a jet-skier whipping past. The aquamarine volcanic crater lake is two hours away from San Salvador, making it a beloved escape for local Salvadoreños. Fringed by greenery and small wooden docks, it’s a hub for water activities including swimming, diving and fishing. Visitors can take scenic boat tours and hire paddleboards, kayaks and jet-skis from the waterside restaurants with private jetties. Alternatively, opt for an overnight stay in a room with a lake view at Cardedeu Hotel, where guests can arrange boat cruises and rent watersports equipment directly.