December 29, 2015 | Leave a comment El Salvador is ridiculously deserted and therefore beautiful. The beaten path isn’t beaten. Guatemala and Nicaragua have bigger lakes, taller volcanos, and more hostels. El Salvador only wins in making the headlines for crime. With proper caution, two days was enough for me to enjoy the nature and people unfiltered. BUDGET BREAKDOWN: *This is only an example of some costs since Dad and I covered each other on many expenses. Flight- 88USD Customs Departure Tax- 32USD Customs Entrance Fee- 10USD Casa Verde- 10USD per night Pupusas- 3 for 1USD Bananas/mangoes- 5 for 1USD Hammock-10USD Headbands-4 for 5USD Anklets- 1-3 for 1USD Avis rental car for group of five- 137USD for 2 days Water pouch- .2USD Horchata- .25USD Toilet- .15-.25 USD TRANSPORTATION: Busses are ridiculously cheap and good for short rides, without fixed stops or schedules. For safer options, ask your hostel to arrange taxis or even rent a car (what we did). I personally have an aversion to car rentals because I hate dealing with gas, parking (the car could get robbed when you do manage to find a spot), and inconsistencies with rental policies from what is poorly described on the internet. WHAT TO DO: Santa Ana I’ll never forget the mint green color of the colonial-style theater looking over the central square. Fresh fruit from the market alleys fill the tired backpacker with vitamins and joy. This town is the typical quiet little beauty that can sneak its way into your heart. Cerro Verde National Park Don’t you dare miss the stunning views of the sulfur lake (Ilamatepec) hidden inside the Santa Ana Volcano. Group hikes set out daily at 11am from the park entrance, complete with guides and police escorts. Bring a jacket, sunscreen, snacks and 10USD in singles to pay multiple small fees. We took our time and finished within four hours. Not far away and visible during the hike is the alluring Lake Coatepeque. Juayua, Ruta de las Flores Delicious grills fire away in the humid tents of the noisy, sweaty market. Tres leches and chocolate cake stare at you in perfect slices. Salvadorans eat themselves silly on Saturdays. Swim off the calories at the nearby Los Chorros de Calera, a group of refreshing waterfalls on a scenic piece of shady property. Other Notable Destinations: El Tunco WHERE TO STAY: Casa Verde in Santa Ana WHAT TO EAT: Pupusas Mamey Pupusas Horchata Pupusas SAFETY: While the media is right about the gangs and dangers of El Salvador, it gives off an exaggerated sense of fear that is too severe for the actual risks at hand from a backpacker’s perspective. The lack of tourism contributes to the constant need to stay alert, and this mild uneasiness may even affect one’s ability to appreciate the nation itself, but I promise I felt safer walking on the streets of Sonsanate in broad daylight than I do when I’m walking home from my university campus. Avoid being alone, take less pictures with expensive phones in public, and don’t give anyone a reason to bother you. San Salvador is definitely requires more caution, as even the local vendors pack up and disappear by 6pm. Wherever you are, plenty of police with shotguns watch over the public spaces and gated parks and shopping plazas.