Trip Planning
The TakeYourBackpack guidebooks are your all-in-one travel companion, featuring the best cities, national parks, hikes, beaches, and unique sites, along with essential tips on when to go, how to get around, exchanging money, and even local phrases to get you started — everything you need for a smooth, unforgettable backpacking adventure.
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Personal tip: I normally search on good rating for atmosphere (for meeting people) and location (for easy exploring). Cleanliness as a bonus.
Travel Essentials
Hepatitis A and Typhoid vaccinations are recommended for travel to El Salvador, as they protect against food and water-borne diseases. Consider a Hepatitis B vaccination if you plan on extended travel or have potential exposure risks. The CDC advises a rabies vaccine for those engaging in outdoor activities like hiking or caving. Make sure your routine vaccinations (MMR, DTP, chickenpox, polio) are up-to-date. If coming from a region with yellow fever, a vaccination certificate is required. Always consult with a healthcare provider for the most current advice.
vaccination requirementsWhen I first started traveling, I often spent part of my first day in a new country hunting for a local SIM card. While this can still be slightly cheaper, it also takes time and planning.
These days, it's much simpler to install an eSIM before leaving home. Once you arrive in El Salvador, you can activate it immediately and have mobile data from the moment you land — which is especially useful for ordering transport or navigating away from busy airports.
There are many providers nowadays, and price differences are usually small. I personally go with Airalo, as it offers excellent network coverage throughout the country and strong global coverage, so you can manage multiple countries from a single app.
Get your e-sim for El SalvadorCulture & Customs
Respect the local culture by dressing modestly, especially in rural areas; shorts and tank tops are generally fine in tourist zones. When greeting, a handshake is customary, but a slight hug or kiss on the cheek is common among friends. Punctuality isn’t strict; a 15-minute delay is usually acceptable.
Do: Use ”usted” instead of ”tú” for elders or in formal situations. Try local food; pupusas are a must.
Don’t: Discuss politics openly unless you’re with close friends. Avoid showing anger or frustration in public; it’s frowned upon.
For LGBTQ+ travelers, discretion is advised as public displays of affection may attract unwanted attention. Women may want to avoid going out alone at night and consider group travel for increased safety.
Trying traditional food is always a great way to experience the culture. Here are some must-try dishes for El Salvador.
- Pupusas: Thick corn tortillas stuffed with a savory filling, usually cheese, beans, or pork. This is the ultimate Salvadoran comfort food and a must-try for its simplicity and flavor. Often served with curtido, a tangy cabbage slaw, and salsa roja.
- Yuca con Chicharrón: Fried yuca served with crispy pork skin (chicharrón). It’s a favorite street food, combining the satisfying crunch of pork with the soft, starchy yuca.
- Sopa de Pata: A hearty soup made with cow’s feet, tripe, corn, and vegetables. This dish is a cultural staple, known for its rich and comforting flavors, and is often enjoyed on weekends with family.
- Panes Rellenos: Salvadoran-style sandwiches typically filled with marinated turkey or chicken, veggies, and a tomato-based sauce. They’re popular at celebrations and offer a delicious burst of flavors.
- Empanadas de Leche o Frijol: Fried plantain dough filled with sweet milk custard or beans. These treats are a sweet and satisfying snack, showcasing the Salvadoran love for plantains in desserts.
The tap water in El Salvador isn’t recommended for tourists to drink, even though some locals might do so. To be safe, stick to bottled or filtered water to avoid any potential stomach issues. You can easily find bottled water in most stores and markets.
The main language in El Salvador is
Spanish. Backpacking is way more rewarding if you know a bit of the local language, so I'd suggest brushing up on the basics just in case your Spanish skills have become a bit rusty.
Want to understand locals better?The complete Travel Guide for El Salvador includes 52 essential words and phrases — greetings, thank-yous, ordering food, transport, numbers, and common local expressions you'll actually hear.
Get your local basic phrases 👉
Get the Travel Guide - In El Salvador,
English is not widely spoken, as Spanish is the official language. However, in urban areas, tourist destinations, and among younger generations, you may find some English speakers, particularly in hotels, restaurants, and tour services. English proficiency tends to be better in San Salvador and popular beach towns like El Tunco and La Libertad.
In rural areas, English speakers are rare, and communication may rely heavily on Spanish. Basic Spanish phrases can significantly enhance your travel experience, as locals appreciate the effort and are often willing to help. Learning a few key phrases can facilitate interactions and enrich your understanding of the culture.
Overall, while you can get by with English in certain areas, knowing some Spanish will greatly improve your experience and help you connect more deeply with the local community.
Money & Payments
The local currency of El Salvador is USD ($).
When backpacking in El Salvador, having some cash handy is wise, especially in rural areas. The official currency is the US dollar, so bring dollars instead of euros to save on exchange fees. Larger cities and tourist hotspots have decent ATM access, but they can run out of cash, especially on weekends. Stick to ATMs attached to banks for better security.
Credit cards are accepted in bigger cities and at many hotels and restaurants, but smaller shops and eateries might be cash-only. Always have some small bills with you since change can be hard to come by.
For exchanging money, use banks or official exchange offices. Avoid street exchangers as rates can be bad and peace of mind is priceless. If you do carry euros, exchange them in larger cities where rates are more favorable.
In El Salvador, tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. At restaurants, leaving a 10% tip is customary if service isn’t included, while hotel staff and taxi drivers might appreciate a small gratuity. Always check your bill for a service charge before tipping.
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Over the years, I've learned the importance of packing minimally. It's so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you're headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.
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Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past decade, I’ve backpacked through 80+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.