Do you remember when Costa Rica was an exotic far off destination? Early in the infancy of their transition to tourism people used to venture there not knowing what to expect. Words like ‘dangerous’ and ‘scary’ used to describe that amazing land. Well, El Salvador is the new Costa Rica. When I began working with Cony (a local travel expert) to plan a trip to El Salvador many people asked why I would go to such a dangerous destination. The more I planned, the more people insisted that it was too dangerous to venture to visit. As I traveled through this beautiful country, I quickly learned that although there are certainly dangerous places in El Salvador, the country as a whole, is very safe and welcoming.

El Salvador is in its infancy as a tourist destination. There is much to see and do there but it is still unrefined as a tourist area. If you’re anything like me this is very appealing. There are still raw adventures to be had, new and exciting places to explore, and experiences to be devoured that haven’t yet been overwhelmed by throngs of tame adventure seeking travelers. This means that in some cases all of the safety precautions employed by major tourist nations haven’t yet been employed so there are some experiences that are truly still adventures. Of all the amazing and exciting experiences that I enjoyed in El Salvador, three of them stand out as things which truly pierce my memory.

Waterfall Repelling

Hiking through the coffee plantations near Juayua is an experience of its own. The undulating hills, beautiful peaks, and amazing coffee flowers beckon you on as you travel across the beautiful volcanic landscape. Just as you begin to acclimatize to the hiking you start to hear the waterfall area. The man in charge of your adventure sports an old t-shirt, long pants, and crocs as he easily scampers across the wet rocks of the waterfall area. He ties some ropes up and demonstrates how to negotiate the slick rocks as you descend down the beautiful waterfalls.

It isn’t the longest or even the steepest waterfall area I’ve been to, but what it lacks in danger it easily makes up for in beauty, remoteness, and zero other people. You can expect a challenging, fun, and beautiful day as well as in informative and interesting conversation as you trek though coffee plantations and simple repel down the beautiful waterfalls of this area. At the end you will have an opportunity to swim in a popular local swimming hole at the base of the final waterfall. Just be aware that the water is cold and when you make a few odd noises related to that fact the locals will laugh warmly at the gringo.

Turtle Tagging

If you are interested in learning about sea turtles or are just a fan, then you should seek this brief experience out. Although I wouldn’t categorize this as an adventure per say I would absolutely recommend being part of this research project.

The unique thing about the ProCosta experience is that it doesn’t happen without a traveler to pay for it. Because of this you really do see and contribute to the research being done by this volunteer group. The researchers are very knowledgeable and super friendly. You can expect to watch as local people dive into the water of the bay to catch one of three types of sea turtles (green, hawks bill, or leather back).

After they have been captured they are taken to the beach where you can help measure, weigh, take a skin sample, tag, and release these beautiful creatures. If you have ever wanted to have a close up experience with a sea turtle and contribute to their further existence this is the experience for you.

Waterfall Jumping

On a hot day, after a short descent down the side of a valley, there isn’t much more welcome than a cool dip in some fresh water… unless you can make it into an adventure.

The waterfall area around Tamanique offers such an adventure for those brave enough to enjoy it. There are multiple waterfalls in this area. Many of them offering the opportunity to leap into the pool below. Following the example of the locals by jumping off the ever increasingly tall waterfalls will not only lead to an exhilarating experience but also to a challenge to your nerve.

There are no life guards, rules, guard rails, or other safety measures here. There are only others around that will help you find the correct places to jump. After a few jumps make sure to soak your feet in the cool water as the small fish nibble the dead skin off of them (people around the world pay a lot of money for this experience but you can get it for free!). Just remember that if it starts to rain in this area the exit is going to be slick and difficult!

Although these are the three major things that stand out in my mind, I also enjoyed many other aspects of this fabulous and fun country: mountain biking up and into a volcano, trying coffee at the many different coffee houses, hiking up an active volcano, staying in small huts on the side of a volcano, learning to surf in El Tunco, zip lining, trekking, learning about the storied recent revolution, not to mention all the fun local hotels, restaurants, and so much more.

Don’t let the opportunity to explore this exciting and beautiful land before it booms into a tourist mecca pass you by. It won’t be long before the throngs of people seeking tame and uninspired adventures spoil this virgin country. You won’t be disappointed with the beauty, adventure, and kindness you’ll experience in El Salvador.

If you’re interested in beginning to plan your own El Salvador adventures please feel free to use our contact in El Salvador. She did a great job, arranged some amazing adventures, and was very responsive during the entire trip.