Eastern El Salvador

Most travelers race down the Carretera Interamericana in search of El Salvador's western attractions or, if heading east, the Nicaraguan border. However, the wild east of the country is a diverse geographical region that warrants greater consideration.

The quaint village of Alegría, the visceral war history around Morazán and the long, sandy surf beaches near El Cuco and Las Flores will give even the most worldly traveler something to savor. They see only fleeting traffic from nearby cities such as San Miguel, a city with a distinctly cavalier attitude. Real off-the-beaten-track coastal adventure is found at Bahía de Jiquilisco, where birdlife soars, and in tiny fishing villages with little contact with the outside world.

Explore Eastern El Salvador

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Top attractions

These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Eastern El Salvador.

  • Museum

    Museo de la Revolución Salvadoreña

    A few blocks north of the park is this excellent little museum that charts the causes and course of the Salvadoran civil war. Highlights include the…

  • Museum

    Campamento Guerrillero

    This reconstructed guerrilla camp features tatús (cave hideouts) and underground shelters connected by rickety rope bridges and dirt tracks in a patch of…

  • Archaeological Site

    Ruinas de Quelepa

    Archaeology buffs will appreciate the Ruinas de Quelepa, grassy mounds covering 40 terraced ceremonial platforms, largely unexcavated. Lenca inhabited the…

  • Lake

    Laguna de Olomega

    About 40km southeast of San Miguel is a pretty lake on which you can catch a small boat (US$15 to US$40) to minuscule Los Cerritos Island. It's great for…

  • Museum

    Museo Regional del Oriente

    The small collection of pottery includes pieces found at Quelepa, with explanations in English and Spanish. There's not much to see here but the…

  • Lake

    La Laguna de Alegría

    The scenic crater lake La Laguna de Alegría is a 2km uphill walk from town, with some stunning views along the way. The lake's icy waters are said to be…

  • Theater

    Teatro Nacional de San Miguel

    Recent renovations have spruced up this neoclassical gem. It functioned as a cinema during the silent-film era and later as the Telecom headquarters and a…

Top experiences

Whether it’s a guided tour of a historic landmark, private tasting of local delicacies, or an off-road adventure — explore the best experiences in Eastern El Salvador.

  • Activities