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San Salvador is the capital city of El Salvador, approximately in the center of the country in a valley near the base of the San Salvador volcano. The city has a long history, with origins dating back to the Spanish conquest of the Pipil tribes. This wild spring break destination is hot hot hot with tons of fun in the sun to be had. Book tickets early at www.studentuniverse.com and get great student airfare.

San Salvador Pictures

Things to do in San Salvador

San Salvador has many beautiful monuments, some of them dating back to the early 20th century, while others are more modern. Some of the most important monuments include the National Palace, Plaza Gerardo Barrios, Plaza Morazan, Water Clock, Monument to the Sea, Atlacatl Monument and the Proceres Monuments (it has 10 monuments). One of the most recognizable monuments in El Salvador is the Monumento a El Salvador del Mundo, or “Monument to the Saviour of The World”.San Salvador has the large urban park, the “Parque de los Pericos”. There is another park called Parque Cuscatlan (close to downtown), which is very elegant, with lights, trees and paths. Popular with locals, the beautiful botanical gardens of La Laguna (close to the the U.S. embassy) showcase much native fauna. Zoologico Nacional (The National Zoo), and Parque Saburo Hirao (with a collection of native plants) are in the SE part of the city by the old Presidential House.San Salvador has many museums, the two most important are “Museo David J Guzman” and “Museo de Arte MARTE”. David J Guzman National Museum of Anthropology[6] contains a variety of Mayan and Pipil artifacts, while Museo de Arte MARTE displays an extensive collection of international art. Both are located in the Zona Rosa district. There is also a children’s museum, the Tin-Marin museum, where kids can experience the world in a fun way. The old national palace is being restored to house the “National Archives,” and the “National Museum.”

Nightlife in San Salvador

San Salvador is well-known for its nightlife. Clubs and bars can be found in the Zona Rosa, Basilea Mall, La Terraza (Sheraton Hotel), Las Terrazas (Multiplaza Mall), Boulevard de Los Heroes, Temptation Plaza, and the bars and restaurants area in La Gran Via (Mall and night lifestyle center). These places have many bars, discos, restaurants, DJ centers and boutiques. Visit the laid back bohemian bars (university crowd) around Calle San Antonio Abad to meet interesting locals or head to the Zona Rosa/Multiplaza Mall area to dance the night away with the city’s style-conscious upper class youth.

Dining in San Salvador

The restaurant scene in San Salvador is influenced by many different cultures. Food options include Italian, Korean, Japanese, Thai, French, Chilean, American, Peruvian, Mexican, Spanish, Middle Eastern, German, Chinese, Argentinian and others. Local food options include Tipicos Margot where one can purchase the famous Salvadoran Pupusas. The city also contains typical chains such as KFC, Wendy’s, McDonald’s, Domino’s, and more.

Shopping in San Salvador

Some of the shopping malls include: Loma Linda, Multiplaza , Las Fuentes, Galerias (elegant), Metrocentro (said to be the largest in Central America), El Paseo (expensive), Plazamundo , Plaza Merliot , La Gran Via (a lifestyle center / “city walk”), Las Cascadas, Basilea (unique), Plaza San Benito, Villas Españolas and many more. These malls have luxury boutiques, the latest in international fashion, specialty stores, large foodcourts (some even have 3 food courts) and many other amenities.

San Salvador Travel Tips

• Be careful of the gangs in San Salvador.
• Use only licensed taxis.
• San Salvador has some of the best medical facilities in the world.