Things to do in Western El Salvador
-
Paso de Alaska
This good, friendly restaurant is located in Los Naranjos, El Salvador's highest town, in the shadow of Volcán Santa Ana and at the top of a scenic mountain pass between Santa Ana and Sonsonate (Hwy CA-12). The climate is cool, and you can see all the way to the ocean from the upper-level dining area. Hamburgers and sandwiches leave something to be desired - better to go with a typical lunch plate, like a quarter chicken with rice and garlic bread. Follow signs from the highway.
reviewed
-
A
Tienda San José
Inside this ordinary chips-and-soda minimart hides a surprisingly pleasant dining area with a sunflower motif and picnic tables. Friendly service and large plates of well-prepared típica make this a good choice. In the evening it becomes a popular meeting spot for locals and travelers alike.
reviewed
-
B
Templo del Señor Juayúa
Juayúa's white-washed church - the Templo del Señor Juayúa - is famous for its crucifix: the 'Cristo Negro,' carved by Quirio Cataño in the late 16th century and displayed prominently at the back of the nave. It is the object of a great deal of worship and pilgrimage - you can climb a set of stairs behind the altar for a closer look. On your way out, don't miss the beautiful stained-glass windows along the walls, representing the 14 stages of the cross.
reviewed
-
C
Taquería La Guadalupana
Classics like tacos al pastor (seasoned rotisserie pork) and chicken mole are served along with burritos, nachos, fajitas and other Tex-Mex faves. The daily special is a bargain, consisting of a large main dish, rice, salad and a drink. The restaurant has two floors and - lest you forget you're eating Mexican food - little caricatures of jalapeños, sombreros and tomatoes dance along the brightly painted walls.
reviewed
-
D
Restaurante Pollo Rico
What started as a simple chicken stand in 1990, has over the years become a Juayúa institution. Chicken is still the specialty, but the menu has grown to include cabrito adobado (chili-marinated goat), tenquiques (wild mushrooms, served grilled, in soup or ceviche), and even grilled frog's legs - they taste like chicken, right? Upstairs is a patio and great view of Volcán Santa Ana.
reviewed
-
E
Cafeteria Emanuel
A spotless eatery near Iglesia El Carmen, serving four different típica (regional specialties) main dishes: chicken, beef, pasta and a vegetarian option. After 15:00, Salvadoran antojitos - irresistible snacks like empanadas, pastelitos (small meat pies) and platano y nuegado (plantains and fried yucca smothered in honey with a dash of cinnamon) - are served. Two thumbs up.
reviewed
-
F
Café Fiesta
Possibly the biggest disco ball in all of El Salvador - at least the biggest one hanging next to a life-size poster of Pope John Paul II - is the centerpiece of this popular restaurant. Get here early to get the best of the típico dishes, which are served cafeteria-style. Pupusas are also patted out all day - an unexpected treat. Note: the disco ball is activated during private parties only.
reviewed
-
G
Lover's Steakhouse
Don't leave Santa Ana without treating yourself to a dinner at Lover's. The menu ranges from Italian to Chinese, but the specialty is meat and seafood. Dishes are amazingly affordable. A rambling dining area includes an open-air courtyard, complete with tiki torches, and beers come with your pick of no less than 34 different bocadillos (appetizers), from ceviche to wontons to Buffalo wings.
reviewed
-
Drive Inn El Molino
When it gets going, this is one of Santa Ana's best nightspots, with drink specials, great music and late-night table dancing. When it's dead, though, it's really dead. You'll need to take a taxi there - ask the driver if he knows if there's much movimiento (action) before heading out. It's located on the old San Salvador highway, behind a Texaco gas station.
reviewed
-
H
El Sin Rival
What started out as a two-tub street cart in 1953, has become a collection of great ice-cream shops - truly 'without rival.' It boasts 16 homemade sorbets made with natural ingredients - no chemicals or colorants here. Mora (blueberry) and tres leches (sweet milk) are the original flavors from the street-cart days, and are still local favorites.
reviewed
Advertisement
-
I
Teatro de Santa Ana
The Teatro de Santa Ana is an opulent renaissance-style building constructed using funds from an export tax on coffee beans. The epitome of wealth, excess and culture, it features stained-glass windows, marble staircases and immaculate detail. In 1933, it was converted into a movie house, and, after a hefty facelift, is now a theater again.
reviewed
-
J
Catedral de Santa Ana
The most notable sight in Santa Ana is its large neo-Gothic cathedral, which was completed in 1913. Exquisite ornate mouldings cover the church's entire front and the high arches enhance a sense of stillness and spaciousness. A spooky figure of the city's patron saint, Nuestra Señora de Santa Ana, greets you as you enter.
reviewed
-
K
Restaurante Los 44
Smaller and somewhat less charming than Lover's, Los 44 is still a reliable place for a steak, and is closer to the town center. The front room and a little nook left of the door have a nicer ambiance than the long sterile back room. There's live music - well, a guy with a mic and keyboard - on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
reviewed
-
L
Los Horcones
A classic dive bar in the heart of Santa Ana, complete with palapa (thatched palm-leaf roof shelter) and gnarled tree trunks for tables. Balconies overlook the main park and have incredible views of the Gothic cathedral next door. Disco beats and Saturday-night beer specials provoke occasional table dancing.
reviewed
-
M
Laura's Comida a la Vista
This long narrow restaurant is especially popular for breakfast, but is busy most mealtimes. As the name implies, it's all comida a la vista, all the time - choose from various dishes displayed in steam trays. It's nothing fancy, but the food is homemade and consistently good.
reviewed
-
N
City Hall
Built over 53 years, the City Hall has one of the most beautiful colonial facades in the country. There's not much to see inside - just rows of offices and lines of people - but if you're curious, there is a pleasant center courtyard where you can sit and take in all the movement.
reviewed
-
O
Bar y Restaurant Doña Amelia
Other than the tiled walls and the black light over the bar, the ambiance is actually rather pleasant: tablecloths, air-con, lively music (unless there's a game on the big-screen TV), even plastic flowers. Steak is the specialty and comes in large portions with soup and salad.
reviewed
-
P
Museo Regional del Occidente
Located in the former Banco Central de Reserva, the Museo Regional del Occidente gives a good historical overview of the west, including a display of archaeological artifacts. An entire room is also dedicated to the history of Salvadoran money - great for numismatic buffs.
reviewed
-
Q
La 31
A big busy pupusería within walking distance of the Casa Frolaz - the owner Javier often joins guests there for a late-night snack. Pupusas come in many varieties, including chicken and loroco (squash).
reviewed
-
R
Mercado Central
The sprawling Mercado Central has everything you could want: produce, dairy products, animals (whole or in parts), herbal medicines, clothes, jewelry, toys. It's in a seedy part of town, though, so watch out for pickpockets.
reviewed
Advertisement
-
S
Mercado de Artesanías
A decent handicrafts market in the heart of town, selling items like indigo T-shirts, Llort-inspired letters and black clay pots from Guatajiagua. You have to dig a little for the good stuff, but it's there.
reviewed
-
Escuela Sihuatehuacán
Spanish classes are offered by the week, month or semester here. Home and hotel stay is available, plus there's thrice-weekly excursions and activities, from visiting Tazumal to learning salsa dancing.
reviewed
-
T
Pastelería Ban Ban
A good bakery just south of Parque Libertad, Ban Ban serves up fresh pastries, simple sandwiches, and coffee all day. Air-conditioning and a children's playroom are big pluses.
reviewed
-
U
Pupsería Doña Cony
You can't go wrong at this busy pupusería, which many say is the best in town. It's especially handy if you're staying at Doña Mercedes's across the street.
reviewed
-
V
Mario's Deportes
Great for that Selección Nacional jersey or other Central American sports paraphernalia you've been searching for.
reviewed
