Things To Do
in San Juan Opico

UNESCO site with well-preserved structures and a small museum — offers unique shots of pre-Columbian architecture and interpretive displays.

Classic town-square scenes: church facade, municipal buildings, vendors and daily life — great for street and architectural photography.

Rolling fields, coffee plants and rural roads provide pastoral landscapes and sunrise/sunset opportunities.

On clear days you can photograph distant volcano silhouettes and layered landscapes — best at sunrise or late afternoon.

Thick handmade corn tortillas stuffed with cheese, refried beans, loroco or chicharrón — the national dish. Best found at local pupuserías around the plaza or markets.

Must-Try!

Fried cassava served with curtido (pickled cabbage slaw) and often eaten as a snack or side dish; common at street stalls and fondas.

Corn tamales wrapped in banana leaf and warm atol (corn-based drink) often sold at markets and morning stalls.

Locally grown coffee available at small cafés and fincas nearby; try a farm tour to taste single-origin brews.

Morning market near the plaza sells fruits, tortillas, pupusas, tamales and prepared foods. Great for people-watching and tasting inexpensive local fare.

Small family-run stands and shops that serve freshly made pupusas throughout the day; the best way to taste regional variations.

People commonly greet with a handshake or a light nod; use buenos días/tardes/noches and a polite tone when entering shops and homes.

When visiting churches or religious events dress modestly and be respectful during services; ask before photographing people at religious ceremonies.

Conversational tones are warm and somewhat personal — small talk is common. Avoid overly direct political questions and show deference to elders.

Always ask permission before photographing people, especially in markets or family settings.

Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory: round up small bills at cafes and leave 5–10% at sit-down restaurants if service is good. Street food vendors and small pupuserías generally do not expect tips.

El Salvador uses the US dollar as legal tender, so cash in USD is widely used. Credit and debit cards are accepted at larger businesses but many local vendors are cash-only, so carry small bills and coins.

Sunny, warm days and cooler evenings; best time for outdoor exploration, archaeological visits and coastal day trips. Expect dusty roads in rural areas and busier tourist spots around major holidays.

Afternoons and evenings often bring heavy tropical rain showers and thunderstorms; landslides and muddy rural roads are possible after prolonged rain. Plan flexible travel, carry rain gear and avoid remote dirt roads during heavy downpours.

The country's main international airport near San Luis Talpa; about 45–75 minutes by car depending on traffic. Offers international and domestic connections and shuttle/taxi services to San Juan Opico and surrounding areas.

Located closer to San Salvador, historically used for domestic and charter flights; limited commercial services but useful for private or chartered flights and sometimes regional connections.

Vegetarian options exist but are limited — pupusas with cheese and loroco or bean fillings are reliable choices. Ask for vegetable or cheese-only plates at fondas and markets.

Vegan choices are more limited; order pupusas without cheese (request only beans and loroco if available) and seek fruit stalls. Bring snacks if you have strict needs.

Many traditional dishes are corn-based (pupusas, tamales) and naturally gluten-free, but check for cross-contamination in shared cooking areas.

Specialty Halal or Kosher venues are rare; visitors with strict dietary laws should plan ahead and consider self-catering or eating at international restaurants in larger nearby cities.