Fun Walking Tour of San Salvador's Historic Center

Overview

"The tour is like a roller coaster of emotions, from stories of the civil war and gang violence to crowded and chaotic markets. It's a fantastic way to see San Salvador," commented one of our guests. We invite you to discover the country's capital, which has changed the most in Latin America, a place that not long ago was known as the murder capital of the world. Walk the most iconic squares in the city, visit Rosary Church, one of the few Brutalist churches on the continent and visited by thousands of tourists. Visit the National Library — the most modern in Central America, and Romero’s crypt — he was assassinated while celebrating Mass and his tomb is visited by thousands of people. Learn about history and culture; laugh, taste, and walk with us. We are traveling souls (Carlos and Gio) – passionate, dedicated guides, ready to show you El Salvador from a whole new perspective.

Itinerary

1. Plaza Barrios

   Barrios Square. A place where thousands of Salvadorans pass through to find all kinds of activities, from concerts, exhibitions and artistic events, or simply feed the traveling pigeons. Learn about presidents who were executed there, as well as legends and stories of love affairs and romances. See the national palace from where President Bukele gave his message to the nation at the inauguration of his second term.

   · 15 min

2. Plaza Libertad

   Liberty Square. Explores the heart of the city's historic center. This iconic plaza, with its prominent Liberty Monument, is a symbol of the country's independence. The tour covers the plaza's history, surrounding architecture, and its cultural significance, offering a glimpse into Central America and El Salvador's past. See the architecture of yesterday and today mixed with the new buildings of the present. Learn why the flags of Central America share the colors blue and white and learn about Mesoamerica, a vast region that unites countries from Costa Rica to Mexico.

   · 15 min

3. Iglesia El Rosario

   Rosary Church. Marvel at one of the few brutalist churches on the continent, which hundreds of tourists visit every month. Rosary Church in San Salvador highlights its unique modern architecture, vibrant stained glass windows, and the church's significance in the community. Designed by Rubén Martínez, this unconventional structure offers a captivating blend of art and history. Discover each of the stories of the people buried there and the reasons why the church always remains closed, even though it is 100% active, and offers masses every day.

   · 30 min· Admission included

4. Biblioteca Nacional de El Salvador

   National Library (BINAES) Meet the most modern library in Central America, which thousands of tourists visit every day. Opened 24/7, with 7 floors to visit. Discover the amount of books available and enjoy the views of this fantastic place.

   · 15 min

5. Catedral Metropolitana de San Salvador

   San Salvador Cathedral. Discover the fascinating story of Romero of America, the first Salvadoran saint who was assassinated while officiating mass in 1980. Walk in the crypt that contains his remains and is visited by thousands of tourists and pilgrims every year. Hear of Salvadoran civil war, from 1980 - 1992, which gave rise to the terrible phenomenon of gangs.

   · 20 min

6. El Salvador

   Kilometro 0 in San Salvador. Rest your feet in this important place where you will also have the opportunity to taste some Salvadoran pupusas, tamales, quesadillas, horchata, and delicious coffee, grown in the best regions in the country.

   · 30 min

7. National Theater San Salvador

   National Teather and Morazán Square. Learn the fascinating story of the first Salvadoran woman to run for president at a time when women could not vote, let alone run for president. Besides, learn how El Salvador has evolved from being the murder capital to the safest country on the continent.

   · Non-stop passage

8. San Salvador

   Public Market and surrounding streets. An authentic glimpse into local culture and the daily life of the city. Dig into the complex history of gangs in El Salvador. Know the context on how gang activity impacted the area, the market's resilience, and the community's ongoing efforts to reclaim and revitalize the space

   · 30 min

How to use your ticket

Meeting point

What to know before you go

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Travelers

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

• From 1 days before : 100% refunded
• From 0 days before : 0% refunded

This activity can be canceled in case of bad weather or if there aren't enough participants.

Reviews

Product code: 5506462P1

Activity offered by Traveling Souls via Viator.