EL SALVADOR Recommendations

SAN SALVADOR
The 411 - This capital is not for the faint at heart with uzi-armed security guards on every corner, still, I spent a few interesting days walking all around town. The modern, concrete Iglesia at the old town square is definitely worth a visit if you find yourself here.

SUCHITOTO
The 411 - The best of the bunch of northern towns is this quaint, though dusty place. Enjoy the people and the old, colonial Iglesia.

APANECA
The 411 - A chill town and nice place to enjoy walking around in the surrounding coffee plantations.

EL ZONTE
The 411 - VERY mellow hangout/surf scene with a nice, communal vibe.



RECOMMENDED 2-3 WEEK ITINERARY -
Suchitoto + El Zonte are REAL chill (though so is most of the country), but they're my top picks. I'd talk to other people who have visited more recently to see if you should give it a miss or not.

APPROXIMATE COSTS (For Low Budget Travel)
Room - $3-8/1p
Meal - $1-4/pp
Beer - $1.00
Visa - 90 days FREE

What's to Like?
Minimal tourism, the lawless vibe and chill village + beach scenes.

What's Not?
The lawless vibe as it's really not safe to walk around alone, even in broad daylight. I had two police escorts, armed with AK-47's on one outing to a waterfall, and on a beach near La Libertad I was mugged by two, young guys even with people nearby.

Will you Starve to Death?
The bean + cheese papusas with marinated spicy cabbage salad is tasty, but it gets old after awhile. If you eat fish though the coastal eateries will do you right, especially served up with lime + corn tortillas.

Will you Dig It?
With SO many other great options in the World I'd give this one a miss, at least for now.

Check the "link" for photos of El Salvador