Photo: Oswaldo Martinez / Unsplash
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Leg 3 · Pacific surf & the Ruta de las Flores

El Salvador

Small and scenic — a quick Pacific coast run past surf breaks and the colonial villages of the Ruta de las Flores.

What to see

5 stops we’re not missing

  1. 01

    Ruta de las Flores

    A scenic mountain route linking coffee towns like Juayúa and Concepción de Ataco — murals, waterfalls, and weekend food fairs.

  2. 02

    Santa Ana Volcano (Ilamatepec)

    The country’s highest volcano (2,381 m), a ~1.5-hour hike to a vivid turquoise crater lake.

  3. 03

    El Tunco & the surf coast

    Black-sand Pacific beaches and consistent point breaks — El Salvador’s laid-back surf capital.

  4. 04

    Joya de Cerén

    A Maya farming village buried by ash ~1,400 years ago and preserved intact — the "Pompeii of the Americas" (UNESCO).

  5. 05

    Suchitoto

    A cobblestoned colonial town above Lake Suchitlán, known for art and birdlife.

! What to watch for

  • Crime has dropped dramatically in recent years, but stay current on advisories
  • Winding mountain roads

⛽ Diesel & DEF

LSD is the norm; DEF availability is limited to larger towns.

🛂 Borders & permits

Part of the CA-4 zone, so movement is easy. Right-hand-drive vehicles need a special permit.

Sources & further reading

Safety notes link to the live official travel advisory — always check it before you go.