Santa Tecla
Santa Tecla, La Libertad
Just west of San Salvador, Santa Tecla was established as the “new San Salvador” in 1854 when it acted briefly as the nation’s capital after an earthquake. Some government offices still sit in the city, such as the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock. The Plaza Merliot malls, museums, and greenspaces make Santa Tecla a draw today.
The basics
Don’t bypass Santa Tecla by accident when heading to the beaches of La Libertad or Santa Ana Volcano. This city is so quick and easy to access from San Salvador that it’s worth a short day trip. Museums, including the Tecleño Museum that explores El Salvador’s political history, are in the center of town near the popular gathering spot Daniel Hernández Park while The Little Prince-themed sculpture garden rests on the city’s eastern edge.
Things to know before you go
Take a car to Ecoparque El Espino for its hiking and cycling trails, as well as a café and overlook of Santa Tecla.
Las Delicias Stadium hosts Santa Tecla FC matches.
The US Embassy in El Salvador is located 3 miles (5 kilometers) east of San Martín Park.
How to get there
From city center to city center, Santa Tecla is 8 miles (13 kilometers) west of San Salvador. You can drive, or take a rideshare or taxi from city to city following Highway 1. As it’s such a short distance between cities, one affordable option is to take the city bus, which runs from San Salvador’s terminals to the Santa Tecla bus terminal.
When to get there
Santa Tecla makes for a good day trip anytime you’re staying in San Salvador. Visiting the city midday is the ideal time, as most museums, restaurants, and shops should be open. To experience Plaza de La Cultura—an open-air art museum that plays host to live music and food stalls on some nights—at its busiest, visit on national holidays or weekends when festivities are scheduled.
Double the fun at Los Chorros water park
After visiting The Little Prince-themed park in Santa Tecla, head to Los Chorros Recreational Park 11 miles (18 kilometers) away. This aquifer and ecological sanctuary has four natural swimming pools and an open-air amphitheater for events. Though a natural area, its facilities include pedestrian walkways and wheelchair accessible ramps.
Travel Like an Expert with AAA and Trip Canvas
Get Ideas from the Pros
As one of the largest travel agencies in North America, we have a wealth of recommendations to share! Browse our articles and videos for inspiration, or dive right in with preplanned AAA Road Trips, cruises and vacation tours.
Build and Research Your Options
Save and organize every aspect of your trip including cruises, hotels, activities, transportation and more. Book hotels confidently using our AAA Diamond Designations and verified reviews.
Book Everything in One Place
From cruises to day tours, buy all parts of your vacation in one transaction, or work with our nationwide network of AAA Travel Agents to secure the trip of your dreams!