My recent 5 days trip to El Salvador was nothing but a beautiful experience that I’m going to cherish forever. This small part of the world is less crowdy – but offers a plethora of things to tourists. It’s a great getaway from the hustles and bustles of city life. Though I didn’t participate in many activities, I got a chance to unwind amidst the breathtaking nature, from sparkling blue waters to the lush forests to mighty peaks. On top of that, I can never forget the warm and kind people of El Salvador – they made me feel right at home.
Day 1:
I boarded an Avianca Airline flight to El Salvador. I bought a first-class ticket to travel in comfort – but man, I was wrong. Despite paying extra, no amenities were given. The flight was delayed (I should’ve trusted the reviews), there was no TV, and only water and coffee were given. To be very honest, there is not much difference between their economy and first-class, so it is not worth paying more for the same services. Future reference, if you ever decide to fly with Avianca, just book an economy ticket.
Thankfully, that horrible flight time ended, and I arrived in El Salvador. I checked into the Mandala Eco Villas, where I spent the first two nights of my stay. Mandala Eco Villas is located in Surf City which by the name of the city you can already guess is where all the surfing happen. Since I was traveling with two other companions, I booked the ‘family room’ as it came with two queen beds. If you’re traveling with your significant other, I highly recommend booking this hotel in El Salvador. For a more intimate experience, look into Hut 3, which comes with an outdoor shower. Every accommodation here comes with a patio with sea views.
The Reception:
The friendly staff at Mandala Eco Villas made us feel welcome from the moment we stepped in. They knew and remembered our names, creating a personalized and warm atmosphere. I was provided a private driver, Edwardo (you can find his page here on Instagram). The hotel’s entrance itself was an adventure; we felt like entering a jungle with so much to look forward to. What’s more, the hotel is conveniently located on the beach, offering easy access to the sandy shores. While the hotel offered a remarkable experience overall, it did come with one downside—the absence of hot water. Despite this minor inconvenience, I loved staying here and recommend you spend at least a night here – I promise you will not regret it.
Day 2:
On the second day of my stay in El Salvador, I decided to go to Café Albania – two hours drive away from my hotel. Café Albania, located in Apaneca, is one of the most popular attractions due to its hedge maze. For a small fee of $35 USD, you will have access to all the attractions as well as the café. After experiencing the excitement of navigating through the hedges and taking in the breathtaking views of the valley during a bike ride, I indulged in a delicious cup of coffee sourced from the Albania finca.
@ti3rratravels Budget friendly luxury hotel in El Salvador. Beach hotel & Resort. 📍Mandala Eco Villa. My favorite hotel #ti3rraelsalvador #elsalvador🇸🇻 #surfcity #elsalvador #surfcityelsalvador #luxuryhotel #blackgirltravel #solotravel #fypシ ♬ Last Last - Burna Boy
After spending some time at Café, I headed towards the nearby hot spring“Termales Santa Teresa,” just 20 minutes’ drive away from Café Albania. The thermal waters and mud baths of Santa Teresa have been serving people for more than 100 years, and they are well known for their healing properties. This hidden gem offers an all-inclusive package for $20 per person. The package includes access to the spa, a rejuvenating mud bath, lunch and more. However, you have to pay extra for massages. You can start by applying mineral mud on your body and face, then enter the sauna, followed by the sulfur pool to exfoliate the minerals, leaving your skin soft and smooth and your body relaxed. I cannot recommend this experience enough!
Day 3:
On day 3, before checking out, I embarked on an exciting surfing adventure with the “Surf Strong School” for only $50 which includes pictures and videos. It is located less than 10 minutes away from my hotel. The friendly and knowledgeable instructors of the school made my first surfing experience unforgettable. Despite being a beginner, I managed to catch some impressive waves, all thanks to their lessons and how patient they were while teaching me. After two exhilarating hours on the surfboard, I headed back to the hotel for a scrumptious breakfast before checking out and continuing my journey to the next destination.
A tip: The school also provides local tours and airport shuttle service.
@ti3rratravels Would you try it? 📍@Surf Strong School #thingstodoinelsalvador #traveltiktok #elsalvador #surf #surfing #surftok #ti3rraelsalvador #travellife #travelbucketlist #solotravel #blackgirltravel #elsalvador🇸🇻 ♬ Ride Wit Me - Nelly
Day 4:
The second hotel on my itinerary was the luxurious Garten Hotel, where I spent the remaining two nights in the opulent penthouse suite. To my delight, the staff greeted me with rose petals and a heartwarming birthday surprise (which, admittedly, came at an extra cost). As a guest in the penthouse suite, I was treated to complimentary welcome drinks. The suite itself was on the side of the hotel, offering exclusivity and privacy. If you are looking for an all-inclusive hotel that provides all the amenities with a luxury experience, you should book your stay here.
@ti3rratravels 📍Garten Hotel - would you visit? #elsalvador #elsalvadortiktok #ti3rraelsalvador #elsalvadortravel #solotrip #luxurytravel #luxuryhotel #virgo #birthdaygirl ♬ Lovely - Vicline
As the journey was tiring, I booked only one activity for this day, “Tamanique Waterfall,” through my hotel. The hotel provided me with a personal driver and tour guide who accompanied me throughout the journey. To my delight, the hotel also provided a cooler, an essential item for this adventure. The waterfall is only minutes away from the breathtaking Playa El Tunco. After 25 minutes of drive from the beach, there is a small hike of 30 minutes that takes you to the falls. While getting to the waterfall was a difficult task, involving stepping over rocks and descending numerous stairs, the experience was well worth it. However, I must admit that the return journey was equally challenging, as retracing my steps through the same terrain proved to be demanding. Nevertheless, the captivating beauty of the Tamanique Waterfall made this experience unforgettable.
Day 5:
On my final day in El Salvador, with my flight scheduled for the afternoon, I decided to visit the famous Rainbow Slide located inside of a restaurant ‘Picnic Steak House’. After waking up early in the morning, I made my way to the slides, which only cost $5 per ride. This thrilling attraction provided a perfect ending to my remarkable journey, allowing me to indulge in a 60-second adrenaline-pumping fun before bidding farewell to this stunning country.
@ti3rratravels The famous $5 slide in El Salvador. A must do when you're here. Far from the airport And other excursions but still worth it #elsalvador🇸🇻 #CapCut #elsalvador #ti3rraelsalvador #thingstodoinelsalvador #rainbowslide #traveltiktok #solotravel #rainbow ♬ La vida es corta así q c4g4la - Yaret<3
This 5 days trip to el Salvador was a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation. My wonderful experience might encourage me to visit this haven once again. I hope my travelogue makes you crave the wonders of this Central American gem that few people know about. Plan your next vacation/trip to El Salvador and get ready to make unforgettable memories like I did.
