These are the best places to travel this summer

El Salvador

Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2025

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Overview

El Salvador is a travel powerhouse in a tiny package. This underrated destination appeals to those looking to get off the beaten path of Central American travel and dive into a multifaceted country with a taste for adventure. Here you'll find world-class surfing on empty, dark-sand beaches; coffee plantations clinging to the sides of volcanoes; pretty flower-filled villages with buildings splashed by murals; and sublime national parks. There are few crowds outside the capital, San Salvador – a town with its fair share of swagger – so you'll have plenty of space to take in all the beauty El Salvador has to offer.

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Things to Know

El Salvador has caught the eye of curious travelers. Here’s all you need to know before setting off to explore its beaches, volcanoes and more.

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