Since San Salvador is yet another Central American capital city that doesn’t seem to excite travelers, most cultural tourists to El Salvador head to Santa Ana instead. This is the country’s second city in most ways, but it leads the pack for tourism. Santa Ana offers a wide variety of nearby natural sights as well as an interesting colonial heart and quite a bit of history.
Hotel and hostel prices in Santa Ana are quite cheap, which is typical of this under-touristed part of Central America. The quality isn’t always great, but at least you can find a room or bed in any budget if you are the adventurous type.
Food, drinks, and the local attractions are also pleasantly cheap. This whole country needs an image upgrade because those that come tend to love it, even if most people stay away.