1

I would recommend spending a day in El Tunco beach. Your friend can surf (they have board rentals there), you can just hang out on the beach and meet other surfers from around the world. There are a lot of places to stay that are quite affordable in this area, the food is good and they also have live music at night... so the fun wouldn't end at sunset.

You can also connect with a tour operator and do a day trip. They have many options like touring the Mayan ruins, do a hike to the Santa Ana volcano or even do a more exotic trip to isolated places like the Gulf of Fonseca (this trip is amazing, I loved it!)

If you really like the beach, you can also check out the Royal Decameron all-inclusive resort for either an overnight stay or just for the day. This is a really nice and fancy resort so you can just chill and enjoy the sun, the food and the drinks.

If not, you can spend your third day in San Salvador and get to know the city. If you do this, be sure to visit El Teatro Nacional (the national theater) even if they don't have any shows on, it's a really cool place with beautiful architecture. You could also try La Puerta del Diablo and hike up to the top of the hill for some really stunning views of San Salvador.

I'm sure you'll have a great time, there are lots of things you can do. Maybe stay longer next time?

Have fun!
V

2

I am planning a week trip for January.
Will be splitting my time between the coast and the mountains.
I am planning on staying in El Tunco at Tortuga Surf Lodge.
http://www.elsalvadorsurfer.com/index.html
For the mountains, I plan on exploring the Ruta de Flores areas from Juayua.
In Juayua, I will probably stay at Hotel Anahuac Juayua.
http://hotelanahuac.com/english.php
Not sure if 3 days is enough time for both the coast and the mountains, you may want to pick one or the other.
I hear both are great, depending on your preferences.
This tour company is consistently recommended, may give you some ideas and options...
http://cuscatlantours.wix.com/cuscatlan-tours#!__en-home
Buen viaje!

3

If her sister in law lives in El Salvador, maybe she can/will drive you around and you can gain time - and have time for both beach and mountain. Also near Ruta de las Flores is Cerro Verde with a view of Izalco and Santa Ana volcanoes, and Lake Coatepeque also nearby. If you haven't been to archeological sites, and you would like to visit a site, Tazumal is also in the neighbourhood. (it is far, far smaller than Tikal in Guate or Coban in Honduras, but if you haven't been to archeological sites, you can consider it)

4

Thanks for all the input, everyone. Trip has been postponed for now, but I'll keep all this in mind when it gets revived.

5

El Tunco!