El Salvador: The Land of Volcanos. A hundred plus thermal cliffs dot the landscape of this Central American country that features both mountainous regions and beaches. Before 2019, El Salvador was known for violence and gang activity, but things have turned around with the new president.

I haven’t met any Americans who have planned their vacations in this small country that borders both Honduras and Guatemala, but I predict that the next few years will see a rise in tourism. Why? There are so many beautiful things to see and do all packed into 8,000 square miles, smaller than the size of Massachusetts. The people are respectful, friendly, and extremely helpful.

So here’s why I visited El Salvador this past Thanksgiving:

1. It’s a Beach-Lover’s Paradise

The water in La Libertad is so incredibly warm, I was pleasantly surprised when I could just wade right into the Pacific without the usual shock of ice-cold water. Surfers dotted the landscape as they caught the perfect waves. El Salvadorian families made their way down from the city for a day spent building sand castles with their children.

I enjoyed simply swimming in the water and combing the beach for shells or cool rocks. The sand was a blackish color due to the volcanic rock.

Vendors sell treats, such as a “young” coconut beverage that they’ll then crack open for you to eat the tender meat.

2. It’s a Mountain-Lover’s Playground

For those who prefer the milder temperatures of higher elevations, El Salvador offers gorgeous views, a delicious climate, and lots of fun hikes. The mountains aren’t sharp and rocky like the United States west coast, but a softer volcanic variety that lends itself to waterfalls and volcanic treks.

My favorite activity was finding cool lookouts in small mountain towns. Oftentimes this was in tiny cafes with fresh and local coffee grown at a nearby farm or simply ogling the architecture.

3. It’s Easy-ish to Get Around

I wasn’t expecting to rent a car in El Salvador, but after I arrived, I was assured it was an easy and affordable mode of transportation. In Panama and Guatemala, I took shuttles or buses, because the roads weren’t really conducive to driving. I was pleasantly surprised when I picked up my automatic Nissan* and easily adapted to El Salvadorian road rules. Spoiler alert, they’re aren’t many. 🙂 For $40 a day, it saved me a lot of money. I think the the country will eventually offer more shuttle services as the tourism industry takes off.

*Seat belts “sort of” worked; there was no automatic locking retractor in the shoulder strap. Oops.

4. It’s Safe!

Even while walking around at night in the small cities that dot the Ruta de las Flores, I felt no concerns. Locals were out and about going to church, selling fresh produce, or simply dining with friends. Yes, one should always exercise caution, but I felt more secure in El Salvador than in many other places, including the U.S.

Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude, reflection, friends, and family. I had made a trek back north to NoVA and this was the perfect culmination to my visit back home.