El Salvador is one of the smallest countries of Central America yet is full of adventure to discover. Its name means “Republic of the Savior”. The good part is that you can find all the best things to see like beaches, volcanoes and towns within two hours.

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Suchitoto

This is the last remaining colonial town of the country and its name means “Bird-Flower”. Suchitoto is located right next to the Suchitlan Lake and is known to be the cultural capital of El Salvador because of its deep roots in art and culture.

What to Do in Suchitoto

1. The best thing to do in the area is a Boat Tour on the Suchitlan Lake. The tour takes you around small islands; one of them is a paradise for bird watchers. You can also visit a nearby cave called “Hermitage Cave”.

2. It is also a good idea to visit the Santa Lucia Church which is located right in front of Suchitoto’s main square and is the main focal point of this town. The first thing you see is its whitewashed façade, if you pay attention the domes behind the towers are decorated with plates from a porcelain dinette service that was donated as a token of appreciation by brides who were married in the church.

3. This town was spared much of the destruction during El Salvador’s Civil War. So walking around the town you’ll see adobe houses, plenty of arts and souvenir shops. Walk past Teatro Las Ruinas which is also one of Suchitoto’s oldest buildings. This is a great way to spend the afternoon.

4. While traveling in El Salvador you have to try their most traditional dish: Pupusas. These are corn tortillas filled with cheese, pork or beans and topped with spicy coleslaw and tomato sauce.

Where to Stay in Suchitoto

1. One of the great hotels for families in Suchitoto is La Posada de Suchitlan. It is set on a hill so the views from the rooms are great. This is a colonial home with an authentic colonial-style decoration and a swimming pool.

2. There is also an old hacienda called Los Almendros de San Lorenzo. The rooms are luxurious and amazingly decorated. The hotel is full of antiques. Parents with small kids be careful.

3. If you want to stay in the center of the town, there is a hotel overlooking the park called Hotel Las Puertas de Suchitoto.

Balsamo Coast

This area is formed by 3 gorgeous beaches:

1. Playa Tunco – This is one of the top surfing destinations of El Salvador.

2. Playa Sunzal – This beach is pretty famous among international surfers for its waves that can go for 273 meters.

3. Playa El Zonte – This beach is paradise for people looking to learn how to surf.

What to Do in Balsamo Coast

1. Surfing – Along the coast all travelers that want to learn how to surf will find tons of surf schools along the beach that offer lessons for both kids and adults.

2. La Libertad Pier – There is nothing more enchanting and amazing for kids but to see a working pier with local fishermen. Here you will find the freshest ceviches.

Where to Stay in Balsamo Coast

1. Beach front rooms, a restaurant and two swimming pools perfect for kids – Hotel Tekuani Kal. You will want to hang out at the pool looking at the ocean view all day!

2. For me one of the best kinds of accommodations is vacation rentals, especially when traveling with my family. There are plenty of amazing rentals in the Balsam Coast. Plus the price is almost always better than staying in a hotel.

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Article by Marina Kuperman Villatoro

Marina Kuperman Villatoro CEO of TravelExperta.com, a travel resource site to inspire families to travel with kids of all ages. I've been an expat 10+ years in Central America raising 2 boys in a multicultural, trilingual household. We travel all over the world. Needless to say, it’s never boring! Join Marina on Facebook and Twitter for more Central and Latin American fun!