Manufacturing is significant in the city of Santa Ana; there are many factories and assembly plants that produce goods for the country and for exporting. Driving in El Salvador is safe, straightforward and easy. As always, thanks for reading and supporting the blog! Visit top-rated & must-see attractions. If youre backpacking Belize, its likely that you will visit both San Ignacio and Caye Caulker. Youll also want to be careful when visiting because there are a lot of large rocks in the water that are slippery from walking on. We found most of the cities to be chaotic and difficult to find local SIM cards. Driving in between towns like El Tunco and Santa Ana will save a lot of time on shuttles. You can stand on the edge of the steamy fumaroles and witness a powerful reminder of the Earths power. Its the highest volcano in El Salvador and one of two active volcanoes in the country. There are also cheap El Salvadorian burgers and hotdogs sold in some of the small street food stalls. If you are looking for formal shopping, visit Metrocentro Mall, a large shopping mall located at the citys entrance. Jul 7, 2023 - Rent from people in Santa Ana, El Salvador from $20/night. Santa Ana Volcano - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go - Tripadvisor Let's strap in and explore together! Inthe next article you will find an overview of the best boutique hotels in El Salvador. We hiked the volcano in mid-June, so the earlier in the day you hike, the cooler it will be. Most of the city centre attractions are close together and can be accessed on foot. Do you want to read more about Mayan ruins in Central America? They've visited over 20 countries together (and counting) in the last ten years! This Cathedral is one of the best churches in El Salvador to visit. El Tazumal is an archaeological site located in the city of Chalchuapa in the department of Santa Ana, El Salvador. The tourist industry plays a significant role in the local economy; Santa Ana is a hub for local and international tourists. Getting to the Volcano from Santa Ana. You walk through a misty forest and pass special trees and plants. Eat pizza and drink cocktails at Simmer Down, 11. Its about 70 miles from the international airport and 40 miles from San Salvador. You can easily rent a car in San Salvador and drive there yourself. They serve cones, shakes, sundaes, banana splits, and cakes. You can easily get to Antigua (Guatemala) from Santa Ana (El Salvador). The original was built in the late 1500s and burnt to the ground in the 19th century. The art ruins are open throughout the day and can be visited for free. Its tough to fork out $42 a month on something you might not need. Pupusas can be bought all over Santa Ana, and usually taste the best when ordered from the small street food stalls or the hole-in-the-wall venues. Theshuttleshold around 16 people andare full of other backpackers. The erupting volcano is said to have served as a landmark for ships for years up to 1966. If youre looking for the best coffee tour from Santa Ana, I highly recommend this one! Plus, there are even some resident animals- turkeys and ducks, living in the garden, providing visitors with an up-close look at El Salvadors wildlife! Its time to explore the beauty of El Salvador! Bring cash when visiting. There are 2 ways to get from Guatemala City to Santa Ana by bus or car Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2Rio's travel planner. Scale the 7,822-foot (2,384-meter) summit of the Santa Ana volcano, El Salvador's highest peak, on this moderate full-day hike, including round-trip transport from San Salvador. Visiting Santa Ana is a great way to experience El Salvadors vibrant culture and nightlife. Hi, I'm Wayne! Whether youre looking to explore the countrys rich history, get active outdoors, or simply relax and take in the views, there are countless things to do during your time in Santa Ana. Alternatively, yourSanta Ana hostelshould have options to book shuttles to El Tunco. In the next article you will find an overview of the most beautiful Mayan temples in Mexico and in the following articles I will tell you more about a visit to Tikal, Yaxha and El Mirador in Guatemala. by waynekask | Jul 5, 2023 | Blog | 0 comments. Again, most of the time, public buses in El Salvador are safe. If you havent seen my blog before, I write posts aimed at first-time backpackers on a budget. Looking for something outside the city? The small but mighty country makes a visit to the capital city of San Salvador and the Pacific coast (about a 45-minute drive away) entirely feasible within a five-night stay. Explore the fascinating pre-Columbian villages of San Andrs and UNESCO-listed Joya de Cern. Youre in the right place! The city of Santa Ana has plenty of activities that can be done inside the city or nearby. Trust me, I have heard enough horror stories about backpackers who havent had insurance and have ended up in alotof debt. Then you can of course also book transportation to one of the destinations. If youre seeking a little more adventure, you can also jump from the cliff edges and rock faces around the hot springs. Every weekend (and sometimes even Friday night), the main streets of Juayua transform into an open-air food festival. Follow me on Instagram! Related post: Travelling from Santa Ana to El Tunco Beach. Dont want to rent a car? June 23, 2023 - 613 likes, 31 comments - Sienna Christine | Traveler (@iamsiennachristine) on Instagram: "Ten Things to Do in El Salvador (Save & Share) 1. Rent This Space Skip the bots. It is located in the downtown area with a plaza, a church, and governmental offices. How to get from San Salvador to Santa Ana by bus, car or shuttle - Rome2rio Where in some countries you have to hike for hours to reach the top of a volcano, you can reach the Santa Ana within 1.5 hours. Santa Ana El Salvador. A City with Excellent History and Traditions We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. In the next article you will find the most beautiful hotels in El Salvador my personal favorites, sorted by region. Theyre reliable, cheap and have car rentals all over the world! Bus operators. Tackle the mighty mountain with or without a guide, stopping along the way to soak up the scenery of the Cerro Verde National Park and tuck into overlooking the glittering Lake Coatepeque. Or have a Pilsener or large Regia beer. This Excursion Includes A Boat Tour Around Lago Coatepeque. Be sure to check out my in-depth guide on backpacking El Salvador here! After battling an addiction to travel for the past ten years, I finally took the plunge to work remotely and travel full time. THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Santa Ana - Tripadvisor Santa Ana is a must-visit destination when in El Salvador for two reasons. Two other operators also service this route. Everything you need to know about things to do in Santa Ana, El Salvador. If you are a backpacker in Santa Ana, I recommend checking out the following hostels: Related post: Backpacking El Salvador: A Complete Guide, Best guided tour: Santa Ana Volcano Hike Full Day Tour. The best way to explore the waterfalls is to take aguided tour. Travel NORTH to Guatemala. However, I advise sticking to the tourist-focused and busy areas. 6) How many days is enough for El Salvador? Oh, and expect loud music, a lively atmosphere and DJs in the evenings! Lago de Coatepeque, surrounded by volcanoes, is half an hours drive from Santa Ana. Looking To Start Your Own Travel Blog Or Take Yours To The Next Level? One of the most visited iconic buildings in the city of Santa Ana is the Cathedral of Our Lady Saint Anne or La Catedral de Santa Ana in Spanish. It may sound hard to believe but there is a giant rainbow slide near Santa Ana that can be enjoyed by adrenaline junkies. Policing isnt common on buses, so there is also the issue of reckless bus drivers and speeding on roads in bad conditions. If you need to travel out of the city, public buses are widely available and run frequently throughout the day. Visit the Cerro Verde National Park, see the Santa Ana Volcano, and explore Izalco and its volcano. Its easy to reach from Belize City or Caye Caulker, and is only a short 2-hour journey, Read More Backpacking San Ignacio: COMPLETE Guide! Click For Details On The Travel Guide! If youre looking to hire a car in El Salvador, we rent our cars from this company. Other than pupusas, you can also buy elote loco all over Santa Ana. As I previously mentioned, Santa Ana is an ideal city to use as a base of operation; you can stay here and take day trips to popular touristic destinations that are nearby. You can easily book a tour here. Otherwise, youll want to have a car. Head out into the streets of Santa Ana, where youll find vendors selling all sorts of delicious treats, from fresh fruits and coconut water to freshly-made pupusas and juicy avocados. However, the main backpacker locations in Santa Ana are safe. How Long Does It Take To Hike Santa Ana Volcano? We enjoyed the atmosphere of the main square and loved walking around the small markets in the centre of town. I know all of the information online may seem overwhelming. Check out the Cafe Cadek for a really really good cup of coffee and delicious pastries. Santa Teresa Hot Springs is a must-visit for travelers looking to get away from it all and experience El Salvadors natural beauty. Visit the . IUDOP Survey: 97.7% of Salvadorans Believe that Crime in the Country has Decreased. Santa Ana (Spanish pronunciation: [santa ana]) is a department of El Salvador in the northwest of the country. What Is Santa Ana In El Salvador Known For? This is another easy and safe way to travel around El Salvador. See all 2022 Best Day-Tour : Santa Ana Volcano Hiking + Panoramic View Lake Coatepeque 68 Adventure Tours from $85.00 Just about all the varieties that you can imagine! Youre in the right place! Lago de Coatepeque is a crater lake located in the Los Volcanes national park. There are street food vendors serving Salvadorian foods throughout the day, and the atmosphere is lively, fun and welcoming. Travelling from Santa Ana to El Tunco Beach, Best + Safest Hostels in El Tunco, El Salvador, How To Get From Santa Ana To El Tunco: COMPLETE Guide. Wear hiking shoes. There are also plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy, such as hiking, biking, and horseback riding. The retail industry is big in Santa Ana, especially in the southern part of the city; here, you will find restaurants, retail shops, hotels, banks, and local markets. Thats why Ive done the hard work for you. We have reviews of the best places to see in Santa Ana Department. As we were leaving, there was also live music outside. Photo credit El Salvador Positive Tours. Santa Ana Volcano (Volcn Ilamatepec), Santa Ana - Viator This post explains the most common backpacker ways to travel between Cozumel and Tulum. To add extra safety precautions, stay in the main backpacker hostels in these areas. Spanish is spoken in El Salvador. This is the crater lake within the Santa Ana Volcano in El Salvador, over 7,800 feet in altitude, and the country's highest volcano. Whether its lunchtime or dinnertime, these restaurants offer delicious local cuisine and stunning views of the lake. Some links in this post contain affiliate links. 19 Amazing Things To Do In Santa Ana, El Salvador! The southernmost reg, Hope you are doing well. If youre looking for a more casual dining experience, check out the waterfront restaurants near Santa Ana overlooking Lago Coatepeque. Unfortunately, there arent many accommodations for tourists in Santa Ana (yet). Now you can find me travelling the world with my boyfriend, scoping out the best hidden gems, wildlife, culture and adventures (and misadventures) as we go. Learn more 7 to 10 hours (approx.) Take an overnight trip to the Captain Morgan hostel on Lake Coatepeque, Getting to Santa Ana from Antigua, Guatemala. There was even a little lightning when we were on the top. Its a fun day out in Santa Ana, especially if you love shopping as much as I do! If youd rather get the public bus from El Tunco to Santa Ana, check out my detailed guide on travelling between the two places here. 25 Feb 0:56 Lives Less Ordinary Guns, guards, snarling dogs: a child migrant's story Javier Zamora travelled alone from El Salvador to the US when he was just nine years old BBC World Service. The City of Santa Ana is of high significance to El Salvadors economy. Santa Ana Tourism: Best of Santa Ana Essential Santa Ana Do Places to see, ways to wander, and signature experiences. Your email address will not be published. They also have pancakes, waffles, and other breakfast options. The Santa Ana Cathedral was built in the 16th century, making it over 400 years old. Ataco is just over an hour from the city of Santa Ana. Also, its impossible to hike both volcanoes on the same day, even though they are near each other. When you think of Switz, Have you ever been to Ticino? In the following post, I delve into all of the best things to do in Santa Ana. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Subscribe to get our latest content by email. Top Picks Cultural & Theme Tours Private & Custom Tours Walking Tours Luxury & Special Occasions Ports of Call Tours Transfers & Ground Transport Multi-day Tours Sporting Events Coffee & Tea Tours Ways to tour Santa Ana Book these experiences for a close-up look at Santa Ana. Chalchuapa Santa Ana Department, El Salvador Ways to tour Santa Ana Department Book these experiences for a close-up look at Santa Ana Department. Essentially, its corn on the cob layered with sauces such as ketchup, mayonnaise, Worcester sauce, mustard, hot sauce and thick, melted cheese. Then you want to spend the night at Casa 1800 Cerro Verde. San Ignacio is one of the most common places to stay in Belize before crossing the Guatemalan border. If you make a purchase, we make a small commission at no cost to you. Its absolutely a great way to learn more about El Salvadors natural resources and renewable energy sources! Travel south to the coast and to the beach town of El Tunco. Hike for a total of around . Walk Around the City Of Concepcion de Ataco, 9. 01 / Articles Latest stories from Western El Salvador NOTE: This information works in both directions: from Caye Caulker to San Ignacio, Read More Caye Caulker To San Ignacio: Backpacker Guide 2023Continue, Your email address will not be published. Along this captivating stretch of road lies some of El Salvadors most stunningly beautiful scenery from towering volcanoes to rolling green hills, its sure to make for a memorable experience. Santa Ana in El Salvador is the second biggest city in the country. Santa Ana Volcano tour from: El Tunco, El Zonte or San Salvador Starting time: 08:30 am Experience duration: 9 hrs Difficulty: Moderate Are you ready for an awesome experience hiking and active volcano? Also, some of the best tourist spots in the country are in the city or nearby. Its close to the Guatemalan border and has a number of adventurous and thrill-seeking activities to do nearby. And when it is clear, you can even see the coast and Guatemala with volcanoes such as Fuego, Acatenango and Pacaya in the distance. Understand [ edit] The popular place Simmer Down, on the plaza serves tasty pizzas, pastas and salads. Driving in El Salvador is safe, straightforward and easy. Hike in the Cerro Verde National Park, 19. Santa Ana | El Salvador | Britannica It was then rebuilt from 1906 to 1959. Things to see and do on a trip to Santa Ana - Passporter Blog RECOMMENDED: To know more about this beautiful church, visit the Santa Ana Cathedral page. One of my favorite restaurants near Santa Ana is Tekunal Restaurante on Lago Coatepeque. Things to do in Santa Ana Santa Ana Volcano (Volcn Ilamatepec) Tours Santa Ana Volcano (Volcn Ilamatepec) Tours and Tickets 283 Reviews Visitors spend time exploring the city and other nearby tourist spots. We stayed at the lovely family-run guest house and the owner, Louis, every time we asked him about the safety, proudly answered that it's secure in the city and around at the major tourist attractions. The Coatepeque lake is one of the things to do in Santa Ana in El Salvador that you should definitely visit. They are thick tortillas made of corn and rice dough, and filled with various ingredients such as cheese, beans, pork, loroco (an edible flower), spinach, mushrooms, fish, or tomatoes. It originated more than 70,000 years ago and is one of the largest lakes in El Salvador (26 km2). Most backpackers, when travelling from Guatemala to El Salvador, depart from Antigua and enter El Salvador at Santa Ana. Andif you ended up on a post thats called epic party tips, you know (just as well as I do) that youdefinitelyneed travel insurance. Bring water, electrolyte drinks, plenty of sunscreen, and snacks. Santa Anas retail and manufacturing industries are of great importance to the Salvadoran economy. Nayib Bukele Approval Rating. All rights reserved. Check out this Santa Teresa Hot Springs & Santa Ana Private Day Tour in El Salvador!. They spend time exploring the city and take day trips to other touristic spots nearby. Passport The World, is an online travel magazine by Deborah Durrfeld, focusing on scenic and cultural travel. Visiting these volcanoes is so popular that every tour company has hiking these volcanoes as a top thing to do in the country. Best guided tour: Full Day Lake + Volcano Tour. After a typical Salvadoran lunch (own expense), admire the colonial landmarks of Santa Ana and stand in awe before El Salvador's largest pyramid at the Tazumal archeological . The Joya de Ceren archaeological site was previously a large farming area. Looking to book a tour in El Salvador? You can take a tour like this one where the logistics are taken care of!. June is also part of the rainy season in El Salvador so youll want to make sure you complete the hike as early as possible because it often rains in the afternoon and night. Walking throughout the city is the thing to do if you want to experience local culture at its best. In 1824, Santa Ana became part of the department of Sonsonate; subsequently, in 1835, it became the departments head city or capital. Private drivers can be hired for different amounts of time. From museums to waterfalls, lake views and colourful streets, Suchitoto is a beautiful and vibrant city to visit in El Salvador. Im currently travelling around the world with my boyfriend (read more here! Top Things to Do in Santa Ana, California: See Tripadvisor's 17,716 traveller reviews and photos of Santa Ana tourist attractions. Its one of the best locations in El Salvador to visit and is a great day or overnight trip from Santa Ana. A Guide to Santa Ana in El Salvador LAIDBACK TRIP Check the latest prices and availability at Remfort Hotel, Hotel Equinoccio and Casa 1800 Cerro Verde. The city is located on a plateau at an altitude of 665 meters above sea level and 40 miles from the nations capital, San Salvador. If youve eaten enough street food in Central America, you can visit one of the best restaurants in Santa Ana Simmer Down. 2) Why should I visit Santa Ana El Salvador? If its a clear day, you can even see some of the surrounding mountains and valleys, as well as the neighbouring active Izalco Volcano! Aside from being a great place to grab a bite to eat, the waterfront restaurants in Santa Ana are also the perfect spot for taking photos. Need help with planning your El Salvador trip? If you arent hiring a car in El Salvador, you can travel via shuttle bus. The Santa Ana Volcano hike starts in Cerro Verde National Park, about a two-hour chicken bus ride from the city of Santa Ana, El Salvador. This incredible geothermal energy has been harnessed by local communities to create electricity and power homes as well as businesses in the region. Tours are one of the best and safest ways to see the hidden gems of El Salvador. These settlements were destroyed by Lake Ilopangos eruption. If youre visiting Central America as a backpacker, or even for a short vacation, it issoimportant to havetravel insurance. Now, it is one of the most well-known buildings in El Salvador and attracts tourists every day. Did you enjoy reading this article with tips and things to do in Santa Ana? If youve been putting the job off because it takes a lot of time and effort to research thebest travel insurance companies, I understand. People visit this Cathedral for either religious purposes or to admire the incredible neo-gothic architectural design. For a detailed guide on how to travel from Antigua (Guatemala) to Santa Ana, check out my post here. Are you ready to discover the best things to do in this beautiful area of El Salvador? When youre planning a trip to El Salvador, make sure you let me know over on Instagram or in the comments below! Here you will find the cathedral, which is also on the UNESCO World Heritage List. To learn more about all archeological sites in El Salvador, visit our page, Mayan Ruins in El Salvador. Finally, if you have the time whilst visiting El Salvador, I recommend spending the evening at the Captain Morgan hostel. Tazumal is one of the things to do in Santa Ana El Salvador if you are interested in history. Things to Do in Santa Ana Department - Tripadvisor John's Pass Restaurants- 10 Great Places To Try! The beach itself is free but parking is $2 per car and $3 for truck. But what if something DOES happen? El Salvador: Cerro Verde National Park and Izalco Tour. 5) Do I need a car to travel around El Salvador? To Book Activities- For activities, I suggest booking with Viator, they have thousands of 5-star activities to choose from! These family-run restaurants specialize in serving up delicious authentic Salvadorian cuisine, including pupusas that are freshly made daily. Technically located in the city of Coatepeque and roughly 45 minutes from Santa Ana, the Santa Ana Volcano (known as. ) 16 Cool Things to Do in Santa Ana El Salvador (2023) By Brodi Cole Updated on June 26, 2023 Brodi Cole Brodi is a full-time digital nomad who travels the world with her family. There are also no lifeguards here. A guide is mandatory. Check out my honest opinion about safety in El Salvador here | Is El Salvador Safe? Its an incredible adventure that shouldnt be missed! The 35 best things to do in El Salvador are: Guatemala border crossing Ahuachapan Los Auso l es geysers Ruta d e l a F l ores Nahuizalco Ataco Juayua Food Festiva l L os Chorros de l a Ca l era Barra de Santiago Release sea turtles Parque Nacional E l Imposib l e Santa Ana Parque Nacional L os Volcanes Lago de Coatepeque San Sa l vador How Do You Get Around Santa Ana El Salvador? Its a great place to start if you want to go on volcano tours, visit Lake Coatepeque, and see the Mayan history of Tazumal.