Birdwatching Tours in El Salvador with Expert Biologist Guide
Active
4h - 5h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Includes pick up and drop off at your hotel or Airbnb in San Salvador or Santa Tecla. Will take you to the birding hotspots and will be your birdwatching guide.
Ecoparque El Espino provides habitat for a diverse avian community, hosting approximately 221 bird species. It´s number sixth hotspot for birdwatching in El Salvador.
Among the easily observable bird species are the Turquoise-browed Motmot, Lesson´s Motmot, Red-billed Pigeon, Berylline Hummingbird, White-throated Magpie-Jay, Squirrel Cuckoo, Gartered Trogon, Masked Tityra, Black-headed Saltator, Streak-backed Oriole, White-bellied Chachalaca and Collared Aracari.
El Boqueron National Park, situated atop the dormant San Salvador Volcano at an elevation of 5,905 ft above sea level, features a prominent attraction: a crater measuring 3 miles in diameter and plunging 1,830 ft deep. It´s a good spot for regional endemics such as Bushy-crested Jay, Rufous Sabrewing, Cinnamon-bellied Flowerpiercer and Brown-backed Solitaire.
Available options
El Espino + Boqueron bird tour
San Salvador volcano bird tour: In this birding tour we combine mid-elevation birds at Eco parque El Espino and highland birds at El Boqueron National Park.<br/>Duration: 4 hours<br/>bottled water<br/>Pickup included
What's included
Binoculars and a printed bird guide
All Fees and Taxes
Detailed itinerary
1
Eco Parque El Espino is characterized as an actively managed shaded coffee plantation interspersed with patches of deciduous forest. Located at an elevation ranging from 2642 ft to 3937 ft above sea level (800 m - 1200 m) and spanning across 35 hectares, it provides habitat for a diverse avian community, hosting approximately 221 bird species. It´s ranked as the sixth hotspot for birdwatching in El Salvador. Notable features within the park include small geysers.
2
Stop 2
El Boqueron National Park, situated atop the dormant San Salvador Volcano at an elevation of 5,905 feet (1800 meters), features a prominent attraction: a crater measuring five kilometers in diameter and plunging 558 meters deep. With a reported count of 170 bird species, the park is particularly renowned for its highland avian inhabitants.
What's not included
Meals are not included
Meals are not included
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
ES
Reviews breakdown
Viator
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Tripadvisor
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Important information
Public transportation options are available nearby
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
About San Salvador
San Salvador, the capital of El Salvador, is a vibrant city known for its rich history, colonial architecture, and bustling urban life. It offers a mix of modern amenities and traditional charm, with numerous cultural attractions and nearby natural wonders.
Top Attractions
El Rosario Church
A stunning example of modern religious architecture, known for its unique design and beautiful stained glass windows.
Religious/Architecture
1-2 hours
Free
National Palace
A historic building that once housed the government of El Salvador, now a museum showcasing the country's history and political heritage.
Historical/Architecture
1-2 hours
Free
Jardín Botánico La Laguna
A beautiful botanical garden featuring a variety of plant species, a lake, and walking paths, offering a peaceful escape from the city.
Nature
2-3 hours
Moderate (around $2)
Must-Try Local Dishes
Pupusas
Thick corn tortillas stuffed with cheese, beans, or meat, and often served with curtido (a cabbage slaw) and tomato sauce.
Main Dish
Vegetarian options available (cheese and bean fillings)
Paste
A small, round bread roll filled with various savory fillings like pork, chicken, or beans.
Snack
Vegetarian options available (bean filling)
Yuca Frita
Fried yuca (cassava) served with curtido and a spicy sauce.
Side Dish
Vegetarian
Popular Activities
Hiking in El Imposible National Park
Exploring Mayan ruins at Joya de Cerén
Visiting Jardín Botánico La Laguna
Enjoying a coffee at a local café
Guided tours of El Rosario Church and National Palace
Attending local festivals and events
Boat tours on Lake Suchitlán in Suchitoto
N/A
Best Time to Visit
November to April
This is the dry season, offering pleasant weather with lower humidity and minimal rainfall. It's ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
22°C to 30°C
72°F to 86°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Spanish
- Widely spoken: English (limited)
- English: Limited
Currency
US Dollar (USD)
Time Zone
CST (UTC -6)
Electricity
120VV, 60HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Exercise caution
San Salvador has improved in terms of safety in recent years, but it's still important to exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings. Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching, can occur in crowded areas and on public transportation. Violent crime, including armed robbery and assault, can also occur, particularly in certain neighborhoods and at night.
Important Precautions:
- • Avoid walking alone at night
- • Use common sense and stay alert in crowded places
- • Be cautious when using ATMs and avoid carrying large amounts of cash
Getting there
By air
- Monseñor Óscar Arnulfo Romero International Airport • 45 km from city center
By bus
Terminal de Oriente, Terminal de Occidente
Getting around
Public transport
Buses are the most common and affordable way to get around. They can be crowded and sometimes confusing for first-time visitors.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, TaxisAhora
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Colonia Escalón
Colonia San Benito
Downtown (Centro Histórico)
Day trips
Joya de Cerén
35 km from San Salvador • Half day
A UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring a pre-Columbian Mayan village preserved under volcanic ash, similar to Pompeii.
El Imposible National Park
100 km from San Salvador • Full day
El Salvador's largest national park, offering diverse ecosystems, wildlife, and hiking trails.
Suchitoto
70 km from San Salvador • Full day or overnight
A charming colonial town with cobblestone streets, historic churches, and a beautiful lake view.
Festivals
Feria de Agosto • August
Fiestas Patronales de San Salvador • February
Pro tips
- Learn a few basic Spanish phrases to enhance your experience and connect with locals.
- Use app-based taxi services like Uber or TaxisAhora for safer and more transparent pricing.
- Explore the city's street art and graffiti, which can be found in various neighborhoods and offers a unique perspective on the city's culture and history.
- Visit local markets for authentic souvenirs and to experience the vibrant local culture.
- Be cautious when using ATMs and avoid carrying large amounts of cash to minimize the risk of theft.
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
