Hidden Gem or Overhyped? Exploring El Salvador Like a Local

Let’s explore El Salvador’s most exciting crypto destinations, cultural landmarks, and cutting-edge tech sites to help you decide—does the country truly deliver on its promise, or is it overblown?

San Salvador: The Hub of Crypto Innovation and Opportunity

San Salvador is a city that belongs at the center of any El Salvador travel guide for crypto enthusiasts. Here, Bitcoin is more than just a buzzword—it's fully integrated into everyday life through government-backed and private-sector initiatives.

In 2021, El Salvador made history with the launch of Chivo Wallet, the nation’s official Bitcoin wallet, now accepted at cafes, stores, and government agencies. Though US dollars remain the preferred currency for locals, tourists are embracing the digital currency for payments at iconic locations like Mercado Central (famous for its pupusas) and Palms of the Pacific, the largest mall in the country.

At Plaza Constitución, Bitcoin ATMs are available, and informational stands provide valuable insights into the crypto initiatives of President Nayib Bukele.

The Zona Rosa district, a well-known nightlife district, attracts tourists with its range of dining and entertainment options, including places like El Café de las Flores, which integrates the Lightning Network for efficient payments. Moreover, annual conferences like the Bitcoin Conference 2023–2024 have solidified San Salvador as a central gathering point for Bitcoin maximalists, developers, and investors focused on the evolution of Bitcoin and cryptocurrency.

Explore San Salvador’s top landmarks:

1. National Theatre: A must-visit for history and architecture lovers, this gem offers a deep dive into El Salvador’s cultural heritage.
2. National Palace: Step back in time at this historic building, home to a museum that tells the fascinating political story of the country.
3. Metropolitan Cathedral: A magnificent cathedral overlooking Plaza Constitución, the perfect place to relax and enjoy the view.
4. Joya de Cerén: Known as the “Pompeii of the Americas,” this archaeological site offers a rare look at the ancient Maya civilization, just a short 30-minute drive from the city.
5. Parque Cuscatlán National Park: While technically not a protected reserve (since it is accessible to all), Parque Cuscatlán offers a remarkable natural environment that will undoubtedly appeal to nature lovers and visitors alike.

The Cost of Living in San Salvador

San Salvador offers an affordable living experience, especially when compared to places like the USA or Europe. A typical meal in a local cafe will cost between $3–7, including the delicious pupusas. For those staying in the city, accommodation costs start at $20 per night in hostels and can go up to $100 for a comfortable stay in a mid-range hotel.

With Bitcoin transactions, the fees are either non-existent or very low, although the BTC exchange rate can influence the final price. Group tours are accessible, costing around $5–15, and Uber rides are relatively inexpensive, ranging from $2–10.

If you're planning your El Salvador travel guide, San Salvador is a great place to consider if you:

• Are a digital nomad in search of a vibrant city that balances affordability with modern infrastructure;
• Are a freelancer who thrives in coworking spaces and wants to explore the beauty of San Salvador over the course of a few weeks.

But you might want to skip San Salvador if you:

• Prefer a highly structured traditional financial system.
• Need constant medical assistance.

Despite President Bukele’s efforts to improve the city’s infrastructure, San Salvador still struggles with tourist safety. You’re at risk of having your smartphone snatched from your hand or your laptop stolen from your bag—not just by adults, but even children. San Salvador isn’t alone; cities like Barcelona also grapple with these security issues for tourists.

El Zonte: A Crypto Hotspot in El Salvador

El Zonte, a charming beach town in La Libertad, is the epicenter of crypto culture in El Salvador. Known as Bitcoin Beach, the town embraced Bitcoin as its primary currency in 2019 through the groundbreaking Bitcoin Beach project. Here, both locals and tourists use satoshis (Bitcoin’s smallest units) to pay for meals, surfing lessons, and souvenirs, all thanks to Lightning Network, Bitcoin ATMs, and apps like Strike.

For crypto enthusiasts, this destination is a must-visit. However, as we've already provided a detailed overview in another article, we’ll simply refer to it here as a key stop in all El Salvador travel guides.

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Punta Mango – Emerging Crypto Paradise on El Salvador’s Coast

Located in El Salvador, Punta Mango is quickly gaining popularity among crypto enthusiasts. Following the success of Bitcoin Beach in El Zonte, this new destination is embracing Bitcoin, bringing it into more tourist-friendly spots.

This peaceful getaway, featuring golden beaches and local fishing villages, provides an authentic experience where you can use Bitcoin to pay for meals, souvenirs, and services like boat rentals or surfing lessons. 

In 2024, Punta Mango set up its first Bitcoin ATMs and started training locals on how to use cryptocurrency. This place is far less commercialized than El Zonte, making it a true hidden gem in the El Salvador travel guide. Moreover, it’s much quieter than El Zonte (and, as you know, fewer visitors means lower prices).

At the Punta Mango Surf Club, you can pay in satoshis (CAT) for cocktails and seafood dishes. Explore the charming, authentic fishing villages, where Bitcoin is helping local farmers and fishermen sell directly to customers, creating a unique crypto economy.

This destination offers serenity, a taste of near-wild nature, and an opportunity to engage with the ever-growing crypto movement.

Of interest: Why Latin America Is Banking on Stablecoins

Discover Punta Mango’s best kept secrets:

• Punta Mango Beaches: Golden sands and perfect surf waves, plus palm tree shade for the ultimate chill. Rent a surfboard or dive gear using Bitcoin.
• Fishing Villages: Dive into the authentic local culture, tasting fresh seafood and experiencing the day-to-day lives of the community.
• Mirador Punta Mango: A viewpoint with jaw-dropping views of the coastline—perfect for snapping that perfect photo or taking a moment for meditation (free to enter, but BTC donations are always welcome).
• Local Markets: Small markets where you can buy handmade crafts, freshly caught fish, and local fruits, paying with cryptocurrency through QR codes.

Looking for a peaceful escape and the chance to see the future of crypto-economy in its early days? Punta Mango is the place. Still an undiscovered gem, this destination is quickly gaining popularity, drawing in crypto enthusiasts and travelers in search of true authenticity for their El Salvador travel guide.

Continue reading: Living with Stablecoins: The Use Cases Explained

Punta Mango: A Budget-Friendly Paradise 

For those seeking an affordable destination, Punta Mango is one of the most economical locations featured in the El Salvador travel guide. A delicious meal for one at a local café will set you back between $2–5, while accommodations range from $10 per night in a humble bungalow to $50 in a lovely villa. Surfing lessons or boat rentals are available for $8–20 per session, and you can pick up souvenirs like local crafts for $2–15. Although internet connectivity can sometimes be unreliable, locals have adapted to using offline wallets for smooth transactions.

Punta Mango offers the ideal experience if you: 

• Are seeking a break from extravagant resorts and value peace and solitude;
• As a freelancer, you’d like to work by the sea, but be sure to find a location with reliable internet;
• Are looking for affordable accommodation, local cafes, and surfing opportunities.

Punta Mango might not suit you if you:

• Are accustomed to high-speed fiber-optic internet;
• Prefer noisy entertainment and busy social scenes;
• Get tired of monotonous landscapes quickly.

A worthwhile read: 10 Surprising Places You Can Spend Your Crypto Today

Turrialba Volcano and Volcano Energy: Sustainable Crypto Mining in El Salvador

For those passionate about cryptocurrency and nature, Turrialba Volcano, located in Usulután (120 km from San Salvador), is a destination that shouldn’t be missed. This active volcano has emerged as the face of green mining, thanks to the Volcano Energy project, which launched in 2023.

By harnessing the power of geothermal energy from the volcano, the project fuels BTC mining pools, cutting down on carbon emissions and positioning El Salvador as a global leader in sustainable crypto mining. Visitors to the Volcano Energy center can explore how geothermal energy is revolutionizing mining and pay with cryptocurrency for tours or souvenirs.

Hiking the volcano offers not just jaw-dropping views, but a front-row seat to how the El Salvador travel guide blends wild landscapes with blockchain innovation. With support from Tether and Luxor Technology, investors and digital nomads are flocking here, betting on El Salvador’s vision of sustainable crypto mining.

For $20 per person, you can tour the Volcano Energy office, complete with transport and a guide. Prefer to go off the beaten path? A hiking tour along the volcano trails costs only $5 per person.

Stay at a local hostel for $15–30 per night and grab a meal at nearby restaurants for $3–8 per dish—all conveniently payable in BTC via mobile apps or QR codes.

Suchitoto: A Cultural Jewel in the El Salvador Travel Guide

Suchitoto, a charming town in Cuscatlán Department, stands as one of the most culturally rich and historically significant places in El Salvador. It’s frequently included in the El Salvador travel guide, attracting both tourists and crypto enthusiasts.

Just 47 km from San Salvador, this picturesque town is home to around 25,000 people and is enveloped by lush jungles. The name Suchitoto comes from the Nahuatl language, meaning “City of Birds and Flowers.” This delightful destination sits amidst breathtaking rural beauty along the tranquil shores of Lake Suchitlán. 

Suchitoto retains its colonial architectural heritage, with narrow, cobblestone streets, vibrant building facades, churches, and squares like Parque Centenario, surrounded by historical buildings. This area reflects El Salvador’s complex history, particularly during the 1980s civil war when the city became a haven for refugees and a center for cultural resistance.

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Today, Suchitoto is celebrated for its thriving craft scene and quaint, affordable cafés offering traditional cuisine. The town’s annual events, including vibrant fairs and processions honoring local saints, attract visitors from every corner of the country. The craft markets, featuring textiles, pottery, and wooden pieces crafted by local artisans, make Suchitoto an essential part of the El Salvador travel guide for those who value authenticity.

For nature lovers, local tour companies offer immersive jungle hikes, birdwatching excursions, and visits to historic coffee plantations. These experiences enhance Suchitoto’s status as a center of both ecological and cultural significance in El Salvador.

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Suchitoto: Embracing Crypto Opportunities

Since Bitcoin was legalized in 2021, Suchitoto has become a part of the crypto revolution, though it hasn’t yet reached the same level of activity as El Zonte or San Salvador.

Local entrepreneurs are beginning to embrace BTC payments through mobile apps. A prime example is El Tejado, a popular spot among tourists for its traditional pupusas and seafood, where you can easily pay using your Bitcoin wallet via QR code, making it an attractive option for crypto enthusiasts.

While there are no Bitcoin ATMs in Suchitoto yet, mobile wallet usage is helping to support and grow the local crypto economy. 

Crypto adoption developments: El Salvador Drops Bitcoin Mandate for Businesses

Cost Breakdown in Suchitoto

As one of the most affordable destinations in the El Salvador travel guide, Suchitoto offers competitive prices. While lower than in San Salvador, costs here are still higher than those found in more remote villages.

A glimpse of the costs:

1. Food

For a traditional meal in a local café or restaurant, expect to pay $2–6 for pupusas, tamales, or seafood. Local markets offer fresh fruit and street food for just $1–3.

2. Accommodation

Stay at a hostel or guesthouse starting at $10–15 per night. If you prefer a mid-range hotel, prices range from $30–60. For luxury, villas and high-end hotels will cost $80–120. For those staying longer, particularly digital nomads, monthly rental costs range from $200–500.

3. Getting Around

In Suchitoto, taxis or tuk-tuks within the town cost between $2–5 per ride, while the bus from San Salvador to Suchitoto is a bargain at just $1–2.

4. Souvenirs and Crafts

Explore the local markets for textiles, ceramics, and wooden crafts, with prices ranging from $5–20, making them easy to take home as keepsakes.

5. Excursions

For nature lovers, guided trips to places like Lake Suchitapa or the nearby waterfalls are available for $5–15.

What to Explore in Suchitoto

With its captivating sights, Suchitoto is a must-see on the El Salvador travel guide:

• Parque Centenario: This vibrant square, home to the charming Santa Lucia Church, is perfect for a relaxed walk, capturing photos, and soaking in the colonial atmosphere. The square also hosts lively festivals and street performances.
• Santa Lucia Church: A beautiful colonial structure from the 18th century, featuring exquisite frescoes and deep historical value. Visitors can explore it for free.
• Lake Suchitapa: A natural marvel with serene lily-covered waters and breathtaking views. You can rent a boat for $5–10 or take a ferry to San Francisco Lempa for just $2. Local boatmen also accept BTC via mobile wallets, supporting the town’s growing crypto economy.
• Los Tercios Basalt Waterfall: The Los Tercios Basalt Waterfall is a unique natural landmark, known for its dramatic basalt rock formations. While entry is free, it’s recommended to visit with a guide due to occasional thefts in the area. Donations in satoshis are welcomed.
• Craft Markets: Local markets offer a variety of textiles, ceramics, and woodwork, with many accepting Bitcoin through QR codes. Pottery workshops can be found for $10–20.
• Crypto-Centric Cafes and Restaurants: At places like El Tejado or La Posada de Suchitlán, you can enjoy pupusas and seafood, while paying conveniently with Bitcoin.
• Coffee Plantations: Take a guided tour of historic coffee plantations, where you can observe the production process and taste El Salvador’s renowned coffee for $5–15. Payments are accepted in satoshis.

While Suchitoto has seen improvements in safety under Bukele’s leadership, it’s still advisable to avoid remote neighborhoods and avoid walking around after dark, just like in other areas of El Salvador.

In the town center, internet access is fairly reliable, but rural spots may face connectivity issues, which could make crypto transactions challenging. Thankfully, the local tourist police and guides provide extra reassurance for visitors, ensuring a smooth and secure experience.

Read on: Do Salvadorans Really Need Bitcoin? Survey Results