El Salvador was awesome!
As many may think, El Salvador has long been associated with unrest. But in recent years, change has been taking place, and O and I were eager to see what life is like there. We arrived with open minds and hearts, excited to connect with the locals and broaden our perspectives.
Our journey began in Santa Ana, the country’s second-largest city. It wasn’t particularly remarkable, except for a beautiful cathedral and having the best deal on motorcycle rentals. Though my experience with motorcycles was limited to my e-bike, O and I decided to rent some for the week and explore the country on two wheels (sorry, Mom and Dad!)
With our massive backpacks strapped on and Chula clinging for dear life, we hit the road to the capital, San Salvador. From the moment we arrived, locals welcomed us warmly. Everyone we encountered—Uber drivers, hotel staff, even strangers on the street—expressed their gratitude for our visit and eagerly asked how we were finding their country. Given their recent history, you could see the pride in their eyes as they shared their home with us.
We were lucky to be there during a national holiday, Dia del Salvador Del Mundo, so the city was bustling. In the beautiful town square, celebrations were in full swing.
We joined a walking tour led by a vibrant recent college grad who was excited about showcasing her hometown. She introduced us to newly renovated parks, a stunning new library, murals, statues, as well as historic monuments while sharing the history behind them. She painted the picture of El Salvador’s traumatic past, marked by violent civil wars and gang-related crime for many decades. However, over the past few years, efforts to reduce violence and beautify their cities have made a visible difference, though not without controversy. Still, the relief among the people we met was undeniable.
In the evening, O and I enjoyed a very non-Salvadorean dinner and then explored a massive carnival as part of the city’s celebration—like the Del Mar Fair but even more epic! We enjoyed live music, a hilarious circus show, another sketchy Ferris wheel, and celebrated our gratitude for the universe allowing us these opportunities.
After getting to know the capital, we headed to the coast (duh!) El Salvador is famous for its stunning beaches and surf, and it did not disappoint. We rode our bikes through winding, jungly roads until we reached our beachfront room, pinching ourselves often to make sure it was all actually real. We got plenty of surfing and swimming, indulged in more ceviche (O literally couldn’t get enough), explored majestic caves, and soaked up the amazing beach vibes.
Following the coast, we ventured into the mountains through the Ruta de Las Flores, a route with more picturesque roads, charming towns, food fairs, and waterfalls. We spent a pleasant evening in Juayua before heading back to Santa Ana the next morning.
In Guatemala, I’d noted the simplicity of life, but in El Salvador, people were just beginning to appreciate a newfound sense of peace.
This experience was a reminder to embrace curiosity about the unfamiliar and even the intimidating. With an open mind, there’s always something to learn. For me, it underscored how too often we take so much for granted. It’s easy to get caught up in trivial inconveniences like lack of internet or hot water or these pesky mosquitoes, but every breath, every laugh, every passing day is a reason to be grateful.
O and I have been on the road for 50 days now, and with my brother and his wife’s baby due in September, we’re slowly making our way back north. We’ll save the rest of Central America and the Caribbean for our next adventure, which I hope will be sooner rather than later.
So next up is Mexico—the land of our people, the most beautiful country in the world. I miss you all and will update you soon! Until then, remember to live and love in every moment, because life itself is truly a gift.
With love,
Andrea Mayela
