
San Salvador is the capital of El Salvador and the largest city in the country. Its historic center, currently undergoing revitalization, houses some of the most emblematic buildings in the nation. It serves as a natural starting point to explore the San Salvador Volcano, Lake Ilopango, and the inland destinations of the country.




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Snapshots that tell the story of San Salvador.
Everything you need to know before you arrive.
Temperature
22–28°C
72–82°F
Altitude
658 msnm
Before the arrival of the Spanish, the valley where San Salvador now stands was part of the Cuzcatlán Lordship, the main Pipil domain in the territory. The town of San Salvador was first founded in 1525 by the Alvarado brothers. After being abandoned due to indigenous resistance, it was reestablished in 1528 in Ciudad Vieja (near Suchitoto) and finally moved in 1545 to its current location in the Valley of the Hammocks. In 1546, it was granted the title of city. Over the centuries, it has been destroyed and rebuilt several times due to earthquakes. In the 20th century, it solidified as the political, economic, and cultural center of the country. Its historic center, declared in 2008, features buildings such as the National Palace, the Metropolitan Cathedral, and the National Theater, witnesses to this story of resilience.

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How to get to San Salvador by public transport.

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