Little San Salvador Island

San Salvador, the capital of El Salvador, is the second largest city in Central America (after Guatemala City in Guatemala), home to an entire third of the El Salvador population.

Backpacking in El Salvador? That’s right. Though not traditionally one of Central America’s most well-traveled destinations, more backpackers (and surfers) discover the small nation’s attractions each year. Luxury travel is possible, as long as travelers keep to well-trod destinations; however, those who backpack in El Salvador will find a host of colorful, fun, and even awe-striking destinations, less accessible to those who seek extra threads in their sheets. Here’s a selection of the top backpacking destinations in El Salvador.