Discover El Salvador

El Tunco is considered the surfing mecca of Central America, with consistent waves for beginners and pros alike. Just a few kilometres away lies El Zonte, also known as "Bitcoin Beach", where cryptocurrency is used for everyday payments as a matter of course.

The country's highest volcano can be climbed in just a few hours and rewards hikers with a view of a turquoise crater lake. Nearby lie further volcanoes as well as the picturesque Lake Coatepeque, set in an extinct crater basin.

This scenic route connects colonial towns like Ataco and Apaneca, known for colourful murals, coffee plantations and lively weekend markets with local crafts and Salvadoran cuisine like pupusas.

This Maya settlement, preserved by volcanic ash, is often called "the Pompeii of the Americas" and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It offers unique insights into everyday Maya life roughly 1,400 years ago.

Direct flights to San Salvador International Airport (Comalapa) from cities including Miami and Los Angeles. From Switzerland, travel usually involves a stopover in the USA or Mexico City.

The official language is Spanish. In tourist areas like the Pacific coast surf beaches, English is also commonly spoken, especially since many international surfers and expats have settled here.

El Salvador has used the US dollar as its official currency since 2001 and in 2021 became the first country in the world to also adopt Bitcoin as legal tender. In many places, such as El Zonte, you can pay directly with Bitcoin.

Security has improved significantly since the 2020s, and the country is now considered much safer than before. It's also affordable — accommodation, food and local tours cost noticeably less than in Switzerland.