The best things to do in Santa Ana

Santa Ana is a city founded on October 29, 1569. It is characterized by having 19 neighborhoods, which are further divided into a total of 34 cantons, with a population of 275,704 inhabitants.

This metropolis of tall buildings is served by the El Salvador International Airport, Monseñor Óscar Arnulfo Romero y Galdámez, located in the municipality of San Luis La Herradura, about 44 kilometers southeast of Santa Ana, if you wish to travel by plane. There are also 4 bus terminals available if you prefer to arrive by bus.

In addition, there are 5 transportation systems called urban buses, taxis, mototaxis, bicitaxis (bicycle taxis), and colectivos (known as "micros"). Lastly, the city offers 20 kilometers of bike lanes for cycling around.

Santa Ana is a city worth living in El Salvador because, in addition to offering essential places to see, it is renowned for its colonial and cultural beauty, impressive architecture, vibrant nightlife, and rich history.

It is also famous for traditions like the International Arts Festival (FIA) in March, the Corn and Indigenous Culture Festival in August, and the Santa Ana Festival in November. Moreover, its pleasant climate is worth noting, with an average annual temperature of approximately 25 degrees Celsius.

Now, when it comes to beautiful places in Santa Ana, there are various facets of tourism to explore. For historical tourism, some must-visit picturesque spots in Santa Ana where you can take photos include the Santa Ana Cathedral, the National Theater of Santa Ana, Libertad Park, El Calvario Church, the Municipal Market, the City Hall, Colón Park, Children's Park, San Martín Park, Gerardo Barrios Monument, Heroes of 1811 Monument, Óscar Quiteño Stadium, Golden Bridge, and Bebed Fountain.

Another great plan for a day in Santa Ana is to walk through landscapes or parks like the Santa Ana Volcano, Coatepeque Lake, Cerro Verde National Park, Ruta de las Flores, and Los Chorros de la Calera Waterfall. Most of these tourist sites in Santa Ana are affordable to visit.

Other attractions in Santa Ana that you should visit for a day of fun include museums, some of the most important ones being the Museum of Art of El Salvador, the Regional Museum of the West, the Museum of the Word and Image, and the National Museum of Anthropology Dr. David J. Guzmán.

If you prefer nighttime plans and enjoy solo or couple travels, you should explore some iconic places in Santa Ana for an evening experience. Highly recommended spots are Libertad Park in the city center, perfect for strolling and enjoying the nighttime illumination, and the National Theater of Santa Ana, a beautiful theater with impressive architecture that hosts various evening performances.

For those who prefer family trips, among the beautiful places in Santa Ana suitable for children are Los Chorros Water Park, the Museum of the Word and Image, and Juayúa Ecological Park.

Before traveling to this wonderful city and experiencing the tourist attractions in Santa Ana, we recommend getting familiar with the customs and some interesting facts about the metropolis. Here are some important ones:

• Santa Ana is known as the "Heroic City" due to its participation in El Salvador's independence.
• The Santa Ana Cathedral, built in 1906, is considered one of the largest and most beautiful churches in Central America.
• The Santa Ana Theater, inaugurated in 1910, is one of the oldest theaters in El Salvador and has been declared a National Monument.
• Santa Ana houses the Libertad Park, a green space that houses historical monuments and is used for cultural and recreational events.
• The Regional Museum of the West, located in Santa Ana, displays a vast collection of archaeological artifacts and historical objects from the region.
• The International Fair of Santa Ana, celebrated every year in November, is one of the most significant fairs in El Salvador, featuring cultural, artistic, and commercial activities.
• The International Theater Festival of Santa Ana, held annually in March, brings together national and international theater companies to present quality plays.
• The Santa Ana Central Market is a popular place to buy local products, crafts, and fresh food.

Being one of the important cities in El Salvador, Santa Ana is a center for gastronomy, so eating in areas like Paseo El Carmen, Zona Rosa Santa Ana, the Municipal Market of Santa Ana, Calle del Hambre, Boulevard Monseñor Romero, and Colonia Escalón is a must for food enthusiasts.

You will find the best restaurants and bars for all tastes and budgets, perfect for trying some local specialties such as Pupusas, Yuca frita con chicharrón, Sopa de pata, Tamales de elote, Atol shuco, Empanadas de plátano, Panes con pollo, Mariscada, Pollo encebollado, and Quesadillas. Some recommended restaurants include La Pampa Restaurant, El Mirador Restaurant, Los Ranchos Restaurant, Don Juanito Restaurant, and La Casona Restaurant.

Regarding accommodation, if you want to stay in one of the most exclusive and safe areas of Santa Ana, we recommend Colonia Escalón, Zona Rosa Santa Elena, Paseo El Carmen, and Ciudad Futura. These are where the most recommended famous hotels in Santa Ana are located, such as Hotel Real Intercontinental, Hotel Barceló San Salvador, Hotel Crowne Plaza San Salvador, and Hotel Sheraton Presidente.