2 Days in El Salvador During a Hurricane

It was a Holiday Weekend so my best friend and I knew that we had to get away. We decided to go to El Salvador since there was a direct flight from Los Angeles. As the days got closer, we noticed that Hurricane Julia was coming straight for El Salvador but the meteorologist on the weather channel and our driver kept trying to reassure us that it was going to hit Honduras. So what did we do? We listened and packed our bags to El Salvador. 

Getting Around:

Since we had limited time, we hired a driver to take us around. The company I hired told me that I would be getting a different driver every day. That is strange. Thankfully, that did not happen. We got to keep our driver the entire weekend. For a 2-day tour plus pick up at the airport, we paid $315 for 2 people. 

Where to Stay:

We stayed at the Holiday Inn San Salvador in Antiguo Cuscatlan. We used points and only paid 37 a night. For 2 Queen Suite, it was about $130. Since we had a driver for the day, we did not care where we stayed. The hotel to the city center is about 25 minutes. The hotel was comfortable and I was pleased with all of the restaurant options. The hotel is located next to a couple of restaurants and across the street to a plaza with a bakery, Starbucks, and more restaurants.

Tour:

Our tour did not go as planned. On day 2 of our tour, we were supposed to do the volcanoes park and two Mayan sites, however, the hurricane shifted and was coming straight for El Salvador. As I was getting ready to step out of our hotel, my driver called to inform me that the government had shut down all federal sites in preparation of the hurricane. We no longer have an itinerary so we had to wing it.  At this point, my friend felt like she was getting sick and I felt nauseated. This is our final itinerary below.  

Itinerary:

Day 1: October 8, 2022

Morning: San Salvador Centro

I got picked up at the airport at 6:30 am. We went straight to San Salvador Centro. We saw the Metropolitan Cathedral, National Palace, National Theater, and many more. 

Coffee Break: Cafe Fulanos

Since it was still early, we stopped by a coffee shop. I ordered a cup of cappuccino for 2.95. This coffee spot was adorable with two floors. After coffee, we continued our walk around San Salvador Centro until it was time for lunch. 

Lunch: Restaurant La Pupusa Loka

For lunch, our driver took us to a pupusa tasting that was included with the tour. With the tasting, our guide allowed us to choose two pupusas on the menu. I chose the classic pork and cheese, and a meat pupusa. On the table, they provided salsa and curtido to add on top of of pupusas. I had pupusas before but this was delicious. The cheese was gooey and the chicharon was flavorful and crispy. Not only were the pupusas wonderful, but the location of the restaurant also has great views of San Salvador City. The restaurant had outdoor seating which is fantastic to take in the views. 

Afternoon: El Boqueron National Park

After lunch, we made our way to the El Boqueron National Park. This place is just beautiful. We took a stroll through the greenery and dense fog. Due to the fog, we did not get a clear view of the San Salvador volcano, but for a moment, the fog shifted and we got a glimpse of it. 

Dinner: Donkeys Taqueria Fusion

For dinner, we went to Donkey’s located next to our hotel. The hotel offers happy hour where drinks are buy 2 for the price of 1. The drinks are delicious! In addition to our drinks, we ordered chips and guacamole, and el pastor tacos. I was pleased with this restaurant. 

Day 2: October 9, 2022

As stated earlier, the hurricane shifted and was now coming straight for El Salvador. Our itinerary had to change as all federal sites have closed. The weather was not bad until we were on our way home from exploring. 

Morning: Ruta de Las Flores

This a 22 mile route of beautiful scenery and colonial towns. There are vibrant painted murals on the walls and flowers blooming all around. We walked through the local markets where produce and carne are sold as well as indegnious homemade crafts. We also visited the Iglesia Santa Lucia Church. At this point, it started drizzling. We dawn on our poncho and ready for the rain. 

Lunch: La Cocina de Edith

For lunch, we went to a food court inside Plaza Turistica Apanecatl. I ordered a chicken plate at La Cocina de Edith that came with fried chicken, rice, and potato salad. In the food court, they have pizza, tacos, pupusas, tortas and more. 

Afternoon: Entre Nubes

After lunch, we went to a beautiful coffee plantation called Entre Nubes. They had trails that took us around the coffee planation. There were so many different types of plants around us. At one point, we reached the top of the walkway that gave us a stunning view of the plantation. After exploring, we stopped by the coffee shop. The interior was instagram worthy. I was shocked that there were no influencers snapping away. The coffee shop felt like you are having coffee in the middle of nature. There are lights hanging all over the trees. The barista here also makes designs in coffee cup. They showed me a list of designs that they can do. Our barista was new so he made me a simple design. 

Evening: Termales de Santa Teresa

 At this point, we could feel the weather slowly coming in. My friend and I did not want to go to the termal spas as we were both under the weather but everything was pretty much closed at this point. While here, we met the owner of the tour company. He apologized and treated us to drinks and offered to take us to the airport the next morning. We were fine. We understood the situation. We tried to make the most of it. We dipped our feet in the water and chilled at the bar. After an hour, the owner told our driver to drive us to the mayan sites to view it from outside the baracade. He also took us to Lake Coatepeque. By the time we got to the lake, the wind picked up. I stepped out of the car briefly to see the lake and I felt like I was going to get blown away. After that, we headed back to our hotel.

Dinner: Panaderia Polanco Santa Elena

Due to the weather, we wanted to grab food to go before the hurricane hit. We went to the Pandaderia across the street for some delicious baked goods. It smelt like heaven. 

The hurricane hit El Salvador when we were sleeping. I could hear the wind and rain slamming against the windows. I was a bit startled as I have never experienced anything like this. When our driver picked us up in the early morning, it was downpouring. El Salvador does not have a drainage system so the roads were flooded. We had a different driver and there were other passengers in the vehicle with us. We all stared at one another as we were not sure about our safety. Our driver was speeding down the highway. Of course, when we arrived at the airport, the weather shifted. And the rain turned into light drizzle. What an interesting weekend.