Would you like to travel and explore El Salvador? Is having an authentic, high quality tour experience important for you? Do you want to have a safe trip while being under the guidance of a top-rated tour operator in El Salvador?
El Salvador is known for being the most densely populated country in Central America and with this brings a unique blend of cultures throughout the country. This beautiful Central American country is also the proud home of many ancient indigenous structures and ancient ritual areas that were created by the Mayans. Other than a rich cultural history, El Salvador also boasts many natural structures that are worth a look. You can see and explore beautiful mountain ranges, dense jungles, and waterfalls. The best way to see all of the amazing things this country has to offer is by using a trusted El Salvador tour company.
You can find yourself searching the internet for hours in hopes of finding the right tour provider for your trip to El Salvador and still end up at a dead end. TravellersQuest wants to help simplify the process so you can save time and energy while still finding the perfect tour operators in El Salvador. Giving your hard earned money to a tour company without having the proper information can lead to you overpaying while receiving an unsatisfactory experience.
This article by TravellersQuest has been created in order for you to be able to make a better, more informed decision for your upcoming adventure in the rich country of El Salvador. We have compared prices, read hundreds of reviews, and have researched the best options for you so that you can be sure to choose the right tour company in El Salvador when the time comes.
Below you can find this helpful list of the top 10 tour providers El Salvador.
| Providers | Reviews |
| EC Tours El Salvador |
Trip Advisor – 407 reviews |
| Salvadorean Tours |
Trip Advisor – 632 reviews |
| Eco Tours Petate |
Trip Advisor – 284 reviews |
| Maya Triangle Tours |
Trip Advisor – 280 reviews |
| El Salvador Positive Tours |
Trip advisor – 225 reviews |
| GringoTours |
Trip advisor -107 reviews |
| Tunco Life tour agency |
Trip Advisor – 106 reviews |
| Papagayo Adventures |
Trip advisor – 131 reviews |
| El Salvador Turismo |
Trip Advisor – 92 reviews |
Table update Dec 25, 2023
EC Tours El Salvador
EC Tours in El Salvador is a team packed full of energetic staff that is ready to give you high-quality tours at a great price out of the city of San Salvador. This El Salvador tour operator has many touring options to keep you, your friends, or your family entertained while providing you with memorable experiences during your travels in El Salvador.
EC Tours El Salvador Best El Salvador Tour Packages
See the city or get lost in the jungle in EC Tours immersive and authentic El Salvador tour packages. They have a city tour in El Salvador that is a combination of exploring the city coupled with a trip to the Volcan quezaltepeque. If you have ever wanted to see ancient Mayan ruins but also wanted a knowledgeable guide to inform you about the history of the grounds while keeping you safe, EC Tours has a great option for you.
For a relaxing, laid-back day filled with great culinary experiences and delicious alcoholic beverages, your best bet is the Food and Beer City tour in El Salvador. If you want a memorable time while visiting San Salvador but don’t want to spend any money, there is a Free Walking Tour that brings you to all of the must-see spots around the city.
EC Tours El Salvador Reviews
You can count on EC Tours to give you a great experience by looking at their reviews. They have been given a 5-star rating with over 400 reviews and are also ranked #1 of 65 Tours in San Salvador. Other than great reviews, TripAdvisor has also given them multiple Travellers’ choice award!
Our guide and driver Jocelyn and Walter were excellent. Great trip and worth every penny… Melissa B
Read all reviews of EC Tours El Salvador on TripAdvisor.
Salvadorean Tours
This is one of the top El Salvador tour operators and Salvadorean tours want to give you the best experience at an affordable price. They are a full team of certified, top-rated guides out of San Salvador and have been operating El Salvador day tours for almost 15 years, starting in 2006.
Salvadorean Tours Best El Salvador Tour Packages
We can assure you that trying out any of Salvadorean tours tour packages would be a worthwhile decision. The Apaneca Zipline adventure is an El Salvador canopy tour that takes you hundreds of feet up in the air and rushes you over the jungle canopy at high speeds for an unforgettable, adrenaline-filled adventure. If you want a truly unique cultural experience, try out the San Salvador City tour that takes you on a full day of sightseeing and culinary fun in the city.
Another one of their tours in El Salvador is the Santa Ana Volcano. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see a massive, powerful structure that has been formed over millions of years in El Salvador. You can also have the chance at exploring the shoreline area of San Salvador while visiting the historical residential zones of the Capital City.
Salvadorean Tours Reviews
Salvadorean tours have given many people great experiences in El Salvador and have actually been given the travelers choice award multiple times by TripAdvisor. This combined with their 5-star rating from 634 reviews really tells you how this provider is high quality and trusted. has accumulated great reviews on TripAdvisor.
Our guide, Alfredo, was fantastic! He was open to suggestions about what we wanted to do. We saw everything listed on the tour plus other things that we suggested… WImom
Read all reviews of Salvadorean Tours on TripAdvisor.
Eco Tours Petate
Ecotours Petate is an El Salvador tour operator that has a long history of providing amazing tours around San Salvador. They pride themselves on being a dynamic and versatile team of passionate tour guides that are in love with their work. This El Salvador tour company also has over 10 years in the tourism industry and is constantly evolving to fit customer needs!
Eco Tours Petate Best El Salvador Tour Packages
Join one of this tour provider’s El Salvador Eco tours and get an unforgettable experience while staying eco-conscious. They have the El Imposible National Park Tour that is perfect for nature lovers and you can be led step by step by a professional guide while learning about the biodiversity of the park. Another one of their tour packages is the San Salvador City tour.
Explore this vastly contrasting city of modernity and historical undertones as you learn about its history with a trained guide. Join Eco tours Petate in the Mayan Tour layover tour in El Salvador and spend the time you would have been in the airport by exploring ancient Mayan ruins including a political and religious center dating back to 600-900 AD. See colorful colonial towns, enjoy delicious food in the markets and streets, and feel the hustle and bustle in the flowers route tour.
Eco Tours Petate Reviews
This tour operator in El Salvador has a great reputation for providing affordable, high-quality tours through some of the prettiest and historically important areas of El Salvador. They have been given 284 reviews on TripAdvisor and none of the reviews were negative. Eco-Tours Petate is also ranked #3 of 42 Outdoor Activities in San Salvador.
We managed to visit a lot in one day without feeling rushed. The guide had a lot of knowledge and made an effort to show us a local perspective. It was a small group which was nice and felt private… Nelly R
Read all reviews of Eco Tours Petate on TripAdvisor.
Maya Triangle Tours
Maya Triangle tours are one of the best El Salvador tour operators in the country available. This trusted tour provider is focused on giving you the best experience possible while giving you excellent service the entire time. Maya makes sure to account for every detail with friendliness and high quality out of the beautiful city of San Salvador.
Maya Triangle Tours Best El Salvador Tour Packages
Maya Triangle Tours offers many great El Salvador tour packages that will take you on an unforgettable adventure. Experience the blue waves while upright on a surfboard with the Surfing tour. You will be under the supervision of trained professionals who will keep you safe and teach you along the way.
You can get up and active in a hiking tour package. Visit volcanoes, waterfalls, and national parks with an experienced guide! The canopy tour in El Salvador takes you on an unforgettable journey into the dense jungle of El Salvador and you can possibly see native animals like parrots, monkeys, the king vulture, and so many more.
Maya Triangle Tours Reviews
This provider has over 280 reviews on TripAdvisor and 99% have rated them as good or excellent in service and quality. They have served thousands of happy tourists and are ranked #2 out of 42 in Outdoor Activities in San Salvador. Here you can see what someone else has said about going on a tour with Maya Triangle Tours in El Salvador:
Mac is simply amazing!! We had a short trip in SAL but he met us at the airport and helped maximize our time by taking us to a couple places during our layover…Traveling Black
Read all reviews of Maya Triangle Tours on TripAdvisor.
El Salvador Positive Tours
El Salvador Positive Tours is the leading tour company in El Salvador, earning the prestigious #1 rating on TripAdvisor. Established by a passionate team six years ago, the company began as a university project and transformed into a family business idea. Starting with internal tourism, they gained recognition for their work, professionalism, and dedication to eco-friendly practices. Now, offering various services and tourist destinations internationally, the company is committed to environmental conservation and community development. Through initiatives like “Sowing a tree, Sowing an opportunity,” they plant a tree for every tour purchased, contributing to their sustainable tourism model.
El Salvador Positive Tours Best El Salvador Tour Packages
Discover the essence of El Salvador through diverse adventures with El Salvador Positive Tours. Start by conquering the Santa Ana Volcano, the country’s highest peak, on a challenging hike that rewards nature enthusiasts with breathtaking views, birdwatching opportunities, and encounters with local wildlife.
For a moderate yet thrilling trek, join the Izalco Volcano Hiking Tour, exploring the youngest volcano in the region. The 3-hour hike unveils fumarolic activity and the chance to spot tropical forest inhabitants like deer and foxes. Descend from the active volcano and relax at Coatepeque Lake, where activities like Jet Ski riding and kayaking await.
Experience the richness of El Salvador’s history, nature, and culture tour. Immerse yourself in the Historic Center, delight in local pupusas, and spend a night in San Salvador. Hike the Santa Ana Volcano, enjoy a panoramic view of Lake Coatepeque, and stay overnight in the charming town of Ataco. On the third day, explore the Ruta de las Flores, discovering Ataco, Nahuizalco, and the art of coffee processing. Conclude your journey with a relaxing visit to hot springs before heading to the airport or San Salvador City.
El Salvador Positive Tours offers exciting adventures in El Salvador, allowing you to explore the country’s natural wonders, from the highest volcano to relaxing lakeshores. With options for hiking, birdwatching, and cultural experiences, their tour packages provide an immersive and enjoyable way to discover the beauty, history, and culture of El Salvador.
El Salvador Positive Tours Reviews
El Salvador Positive Tours boasts an outstanding 5-star rating based on 225 reviews, solidifying its position as a top El Salvador tour operator. Impressively, 217 of these reviews are labeled as “Excellent,” emphasizing the company’s dedication to delivering exceptional experiences. As the #1 ranked option among 42 Outdoor Activities in San Salvador, El Salvador Positive Tours stands out as a premier selection for those seeking a highly-rated and enjoyable outdoor adventure.
We just took a tour with and it was an incredible experience! Josúe was super knowledgeable and showed us all the perfect spots with all the amazing pictures… Bryson G
Read all reviews of El Salvador Positive Tours on TripAdvisor.
GringoTours
GringoTours is a high-quality El Salvador tour operator that runs out of the small city of Suchitoto. This provider offers modern transportation and bilingual tour guides throughout El Salvador and has been in business since the year 2007. If you are wanting more control over your tour, consider Gringo Tours as they give you the chance to fully customize your opportunities.
GringoTours Best El Salvador Tour Packages
If you want something small, personal, and run by a family who cares, choose an El Salvador tour with GringoTours. Go see beautiful, colorful birds high up in the trees as a tourist in the Birding in Impossible National Park. For a more centric El Salvador combo tour, you can explore a list of great tours including the historic downtown area of San Salvador and many great museums.
If you are a lover of the outdoors and also want to experience the city, you can participate in the Suchitoto Lake, City, and waterfall combination tour packages in El Salvador to get a fully encompassing experience during your stay in El Salvador. You can also opt for Mayan Tour with Gringo where you get to explore three of the 5 core archaeological sites, Joya de Ceren, San Andreas and Tazumal.
GringoTours Reviews
You can count on GringoTours to provide you with excellent tours to El Salvador by their customer response. On TripAdvisor, they have been given 107 great reviews and no one has had a negative thing to say about them. GringoTours is a 5 star rated company and is ranked #1 of 5 Outdoor Activities in Suchitoto. Here is a nice review that was left by a past traveler:
We used Gringo Tours for private driver booking and they were kind, responsive, and helpful during our trip to El Salvador. I highly recommend… Ashley J
Read all reviews of GringoTours on TripAdvisor.
Tunco Life Tour Agency
Tunco Life Tour Agency is the top-rated tour company in El Salvador, earning the coveted #1 spot. Established by a team of award-winning Salvadoran entrepreneurs, their mission is to lead engaging and fun tours that showcase the beauty of El Salvador. From the sun-soaked beaches of El Tunco to the lively city of San Salvador, they are dedicated to inspiring people to learn and discover more about their wonderful country.
Specializing in various tours, including surf lessons, airport transfers, shuttle services, and more, they aim to make every journey with them unforgettable. Join Tunco Life for an adventure filled with new places, flavors, and friendships – they can’t wait to show you the best of El Salvador!
Tunco Life tour agency Best El Salvador Tour Packages
Tunco Life Tour Agency invites you to explore El Salvador with their exciting tour packages.
Go on a half-day journey through the rainforest on an intermediate hike to Tamanique Waterfalls. This adventure is perfect for those seeking a thrilling experience surrounded by nature’s beauty.
Take your adventure to new heights with a hike up the active Santa Ana Volcano, reaching 2,381 meters above sea level. Enjoy panoramic views and an exhilarating ascent to the volcano’s summit.
Immerse yourself in El Salvador’s culture on a full-day tour of colonial towns along the Ruta de las Flores. This comprehensive experience includes biking, ziplining, mazes, ATVs, coffee plantation visits, gastronomy, and a deep dive into the history of El Salvador. With small groups, solo female traveler-friendly options, and a private bilingual guide, this tour ensures a personalized and enriching adventure.
Tunco Life Tour Agency Reviews
Tunco Life Tour Agency shines with a remarkable 5-star rating based on 106 reviews, making it a standout choice for your El Salvador adventure. Impressively, 105 of these reviews are marked as “Excellent,” highlighting this El Salvador tour company’s commitment to providing exceptional service. Holding the coveted position of #1 among 9 Tours & Activities in El Tunco, Tunco Life Tour Agency is a top pick for those seeking an excellent and highly-rated tour experience in the area.
This tour was such a great addition to my trip to El Salvador. Pickup was easy, and everything was taken care of… no planning required for a stress free adventure. Holly P
Read all reviews of Tunco Life Tour Agency on TripAdvisor.
Papagayo Adventures
Papagayo Adventures is a top-rated tour company in El Salvador, with about 12 years of experience. Established with a commitment to quality service, honesty, and punctuality, the company takes pride in its team of professional bilingual guides and comfortable air-conditioned vehicles. They not only offer tour services but also provide car rentals, operating as a registered company under the law. Papagayo Adventures aims to gratify customers by letting them explore various tourist routes, engage in direct contact with tour activities, and capture great memories of El Salvador. Their goal is to ensure tourists leave with a wonderful picture of the country’s beauty and hospitality.
Papagayo Adventures Best El Salvador Tour Packages
Papagayo Adventures invites you to discover El Salvador with their captivating tour packages, offering a genuine exploration of the country’s essence and natural wonders.
Explore the heart of El Salvador with their City Tour in El Salvador guides who were born and raised in the city. They provide a genuine experience, sharing the essence of their country. Carefully selected places ensure you enjoy and fall in love with the beauty of El Salvador.
Experience a unique tour that immerses you in the culture and adventure of our country with the Walk of the Volcano of Santa Ana and View of the Lake of Coatepeque. Walk alongside our guides, connecting with nature and exploring the natural and historical wonders of the site. The highlight is a visit to the crater of Lake Coatepeque, a location that vied for a spot among the new 8 wonders of the natural world.
Papagayo Adventures Reviews
Papagayo Adventures is a top-notch El Salvador tour operator and a fantastic choice for your tour adventure. They’ve earned over 130 positive reviews, with an impressive 130 labeled as excellent, securing them an outstanding 5-star rating. This speaks volumes about the exceptional experiences they offer. Opting for Papagayo Adventures ensures you’ll have an amazing and memorable journey in El Salvador.
It was the best tour so far that we had after so many trips around the world! The tour guide Erick was a real professional: spoke fluent English and was a full of knowledge of the history of a city and its surroundings. The Rolling A
Read all reviews of Papagayo Adventures on TripAdvisor.
El Salvador Turismo
El Salvador Turismo is an El Salvador tour operator that promotes and encourages sustainable tourism while also supporting advocacy campaigns throughout San Salvador. This tour company really cares about the environment and wants to sustain local natural resources while offering professional tour opportunities in El Salvador.
El Salvador Turismo Best El Salvador Tour Packages
Helo out with El Salvador’s natural beauties while supporting an amazing tour operator. There are many city tours available with Turismo and you can visit ancient walkways and new, modern art exhibits all in close proximity to each other. You can even see a city and a volcano in one tour! Eco tours in El Salvador are specially made to let you see the beautiful nature the country boasts while putting some of your money into conservation efforts.
Adventure tours in El Salvador with Turismo and you can see yourself behind the wheel of a 4×4 dune buggy, flying over the jungle canopy on a zipline, or even white water rafting. The Arqeologicos tours give you the rare chance to visit all kinds of famous Mayan ruins across the country and you can go in an El Salvador private tour package.
El Salvador Turismo Reviews
Out of the 92 reviews they have on Tripadvisor, this tour company in El Salvador has a 99% approval rating from past clients. Turismo also ranked #5 of 42 Outdoor Activities in San Salvador. They even earned the Travellers choice award in 2020.
I HIGHLY recommend this tour company! Adonis was our tour guide and Eric was our driver. They both went above and beyond to ensure that we had an amazing experience… ErinCatania_Italy
Read all reviews of El Salvador Turismo on TripAdvisor.
In Conclusion
We hope that this top 10 list of the best El Salvador tour operators provides you with everything you need in order to make the best decision for your future travels in the country. If you do decide that you would like to travel abroad to visit the beautiful country of El Salvador and immerse yourself in the ancient and deep culture by joining an immersive tour, we encourage you to reference this list to help you in your search.
Once you arrive home from El Salvador, we would be happy to hear back about your adventures abroad. If you have gone on a tour with one of these companies in the past, send us a message and let us know how it went!
FAQs
El Salvador can be a rewarding destination for tourists seeking a mix of cultural experiences and natural beauty. The country boasts picturesque landscapes, historical sites, and vibrant local traditions. While it has faced challenges in the past, efforts have been made to enhance tourism infrastructure and safety for visitors.
Whether El Salvador is “worth it” depends on your travel preferences. If you appreciate exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations, El Salvador offers unique attractions such as archaeological sites like Joya de Cerén, beautiful beaches like El Tunco, and the scenic Ruta de las Flores. Visitors often find the warmth of the local people and the authenticity of the culture to be compelling reasons to visit.
El Salvador is known for its captivating natural beauty, including pristine beaches along the Pacific coast, lush volcanic landscapes, and national parks. The country also holds historical significance with archaeological sites like Tazumal and Joya de Cerén, recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Additionally, El Salvador is renowned for its vibrant festivals, delicious cuisine, and welcoming hospitality.
El Salvador stands out for its compact size, making it easy for travelers to explore various attractions in a relatively short time. The country’s rich history, coupled with its commitment to preserving cultural heritage, adds to its uniqueness. From Mayan ruins to volcanic landscapes, El Salvador offers a diverse range of experiences that make it special for those seeking an authentic and immersive travel adventure.