Santa Ana (El Salvador)

Santa Ana is the second largest city of El Salvador and a very important one in terms of agriculture and coffee production (coffee plantations - called fincas - cover much of the land outside town and up the hills). Its historic center offers some of the best preserved architecture in El Salvador, including the Cathedral of Santa Ana, a marvel of neo-gothic architecture, the Teatro de Santa Ana, a beautifully decorated theatre of the early 1900s; and the Palacio Municipal in front of the main plaza with giant palm trees shooting out from its courtyard.

Get in

Santa Ana lies 64 km northwest of the capital San Salvador, just off the Panamerica (Highway 1), from where several exits lead into town. Being close to the border, it's also a convinient stop if coming from Guatemala.

By bus

from Guatemala City's 14.61487-90.521481 international terminal (aka Pezzarossi) at 3 Ave y 1 Calle in Zona 9 (one block south of the infamous Zona 4 terminal), buses leave at 05:30, 07:30, 09:30, 11:30, 13:30, and 15:30 towards San Salvador, passing through Santa Ana after 4-4½ hr, US$16/120 Quetzales (same fare as for San Salvador), Tel +502 2331 0874.
Some buses go via the San Cristobal border where immigration procedures are straightforward and hassle-free, while others use the busy border at Valle Nuevo (aka Las Chinamas on the salvadorian side) where aggressive money changers await you. Be very careful here and don't hand out the immigration's paper slip to anyone. First stop is Guatemalan immigration where you get an exit stamp and a paper slip. After crossing the bridge over the Rio Paz you don't need to visit the Salvadorian immigration (the officer boards the bus to check your documents), and no entry stamp is provided as your still in the CA-4 area. When arriving Santa Ana, the only stop will be at the office's new location at 13.97335-89.585742 La Ceiba. Take a taxi or local bus into downtown (Route R-A will drop you just behind the Teatro).

Buses of the following companies pass by on their way from Guatemala City to San Salvador, but do not enter Santa Ana and might drop you at the intersection of Highway 1 (Panamericana) and Highway 12 a few kilometres south (locally known as La Ceiba). Catch a taxi for US$5 or one of the frequent urbanos (local bus) for $0.20-0.25 into town.

Pullmantur, 1a Avenida 13-22 Zona 10 (Hotel Holiday Inn), ☏ +502 2495-7000. departs 06:15 (except Su), 07:00, 13:15 (Su only), 14:00, 15:00. US$35 (tourist class), $39 (executive class), $51 (first class).

Galgos, 7a Avenida 19-44 Zona 1, ☏ +503 2232-3661, +503 2220-6018, +503 2230-5058. departs 13:00. US$17.

Platinum Centroamerica (King Quality), 4 Ave 13-60 Zona 10, ☏ +502 2501-1000. departs 06:30 and 14:45. US$35 (one-way).

Comfort Lines, 4 Ave 13-60 Zona 10, ☏ +502 2501-1000. departs 06:00 and 13:30. US$23 (one-way)

Ticabus (Transportes Internationales Centromaericanos), Calzada Aguilar Batres, 22-55 Zona 12, ☏ +502 2473-3737. departs 06:00 and 14:00. US$22.40 (one-way).

Transportes del Sol (Hotel Crowne Plaza), ☏ +502 2422 5000. departs 03:00 and 16:00. US$28 (one-way).

from San Salvador's Terminal de Occidente on Bulevar Venezuela Entre 49a y 59a Ave Sur, two bus companies operate the service to Santa Ana (departure times about every 15 min, see Destinos/Horarios at ):

TUDO (Transportes Unidos de Occidente). Bus 201 uses the Panamericana Highway and doesn't stop along the road except in Santa Tecla. Arrival stops are at Metrocento, 31a Calle Poniente y Santa Ana California (INSA), 31a Calle Poniente y Ave Fray Felipe Moraga, roundabout Ave Fray Felipe Moraga y 15a Calle Poniente (Terminal), and finally at the bus depot at Antigua Carretera Panamericana 4km southwest of town. Regular US$0.85, special service $1.35, 1 hr.

Seisabus. Bus 201 goes via the old road (via Santa Tecla, Santa Lucia, Ciudad Arce, and Coatepeque) with frequent stops, and arrives at east side of town at roundabout next to Universidad Catolica (UNICAES), also several stops along 9a Calle towards Parque Colon. Regular $1, special service $1.50, 2 hr.

By plane

Transportation from the international airport at Comalapa SAL^IATA ^{[dead link]} w:El_Salvador_International_Airport costs at least $65 for a minibus (no matter how many persons), 2 hr, organize the day before your flight (ask at your hotel).
The small airstrip known as Pista Singuil about 18 km northwest of town (right off Panamericana Highway 1) is closed and now used for car racing.

By train

All train services were suspended in 1990, but parts of the station (a wooden shack) still exist 17a Ave Sur at the end of 7a Calle Oriente. Be careful here as locals consider this part of town as unsafe. Railway enthusiasts might check the web sites ^{[dead link]} and ^{[dead link]}

Get around

13°59′24″N 89°33′36″W

Map of Santa Ana (El Salvador)

Most places within the historic center can be reached within a few minutes walk, there's no need to take a taxi or board local buses. The Tourist Office outside the 13.99481-89.557313 Palacio Municipal (just across from the Theater) has city maps and other information.

Most touristic sights are located at the center of town around the 13.99471-89.556674 Parque Libertad. 4 blocks west of it is 13.99553-89.560645 Parque Menendez, and again roughly 6 blocks further south 13.99047-89.563296 Parque Colon.

From central Parque Libertad Avenida Independencia runs north-south, while Calle Libertad runs east-west. Calles (streets) north of Libertad have even numbers (2-4-6), while Calles south of Libertad have odd numbers (1-3-5). So don't be confused! Avenidas west of Independencia have even numbers (2-4-6), the ones east of Independencia have odd numbers (1-3-5).

When asking for directions remember that house numbers are often out of sequence and might repeat in other blocks. Similar, street numbers are not well established (although well signed), and locals - including taxi and bus driver - usually navigate by these landmarks:

Parque (Central Park). Parque Libertad.
Centro (Downtown area). Buses are not allowed to pass Parque Libertad and usually drop passengers 1 or 2 blocks from the Parque.
13.97722-89.561827 Metrocentro. Shopping mall (roundabout) at south entrance of town. Often shorten to Metro to avoid confusion with Centro (Downtown).
13.98771-89.563398 Terminal. Bus station south of Mercado Colon. Local buses stop at the roundabout at Ave Fray Felipe Moraga y 15a Calle Poniente.
13.99211-89.55739 Pollo Campero. Fast food restaurant at Ave Independencia y 5a Calle, 3 blocks south of Parque Libertad.
13.992-89.5512610 Hospital (Public hospital). Calle Libertad Oriente y 17a Ave Sur.
13.97615-89.567111 ISSS (Regional hospital). Ave Santa Ana California Sur, next to the stadium.
13.98009-89.5640212 INSA (Instituto National de Santa Ana / High School). Ave Santa Ana California y 31a Calle.
DUI (Center issuing the Documento Único de Identidad). 25a Calle Poniente Entre 18a Ave Sur y Calle Internacional.

By bus

Local buses (called Urbanos) serve almost every part of Santa Ana and its colonias and operate roughly between 05:00 and 21:00. They can be very crowded especially during rush hour. Routes are complicated, difficulte to follow, and no route map is published. Flat fare is $0.20 for the bigger buses, $0.25 for micro buses, and $0.35 for a/c buses on selected routes; board in front and pay the driver. Some useful lines are:

R-8. Metrocentro to downtown, via Bulevar Los 44 (commonly known as bypass), Universidad Catolica, then along 7a Calle and 5a Calle Oriente (get off at Pollo Campero and walk 3 blocks to Parque Libertad).
R-9. Metrocentro to downtown, follows Ave Independencia (get off at Pollo Campero and then walk 3 blocks to Parque Libertad).
51-E. Downtown (Scotiabank behind the Palacio Municipal) via INSA to UES (Universidad de El Salvador). In opposite direction 51-E goes from UES via INSA to Parque Colon.
51-F. Downtown (Scotiabank behind the Palacio Municipal) via INSA to Metrocentro. Don't take 51-F back to downtown unless you're ready for a 45-min ride or want to go to Parque Colon (but if you do, ask the driver if he's going via IVU as two different 51-F routes exist!)

By taxi

Unmetered yellow taxis charge $3 for short distances, but $4 (bargain hard) should bring you pretty much everywhere in town. Most drivers have difficultes to find specific streets, better use hotel names, landmarks (see above), or the name of the Colonia (town district) of your destination.

See

Most visitors of course come to see the Cathedral and the Theatre, but Santa Ana has more to offer. According to La Secretaria de Cultura, its historic center (roughly within the limits of 4a Calle, 7a Ave, 9a Calle, Ave Jose Matias Delgado) counts 210 buildings in neoclassical style, 5 Gothic, 64 neocolonial and 102 in traditional style. The most intact ensemble of colonial houses can be found east of Parque Libertad, although most houses are privately owned and therefore inaccessible. For a self guided tour follow Calle Libertad eastbound and discover the north & south leading Avenidas (1a, 3a, 5a, 7a, 9a).

13.99519-89.556671 Teatro de Santa Ana, 1a Calle Poniente y Ave Independencia Norte (right at Parque Libertad). Tu-Sa 09:00-12:00, 13:00-17:00. A masterpiece of colonial architecture, build between 1902 and 1910. Regulary helds performances (sometimes free entrance), check in advance. Guided tours available; after the tour has finished, don't forget to have a look in the restrooms! Tour $1.50 (for foreigners), shows $3-6.
13.98958-89.562892 Escuela de Artes y Oficios Jose Mariano Mendez, Calle Jose Mariano Mendez Entre 10a y 12a Ave Sur (next to Parque Colon). Often overlooked, this once impressive building was saved in the very last moment from demolition by the city government. No plan for restoration exists so far.
13.99346-89.557413 Museo Regional de Occidente, Ave Independencia Sur y 1a Calle, ☏ +503 2441-1215. Tu-Sa 09:00-12:00, 13:00-17:00 (often opens later & closes earlier). Located in the former building of Banco Central de Reserva. Dedicated to the history of El Salvadorian money, exhibition of coins and bills in the former strong room downstairs. Don't miss the art exhibition upstairs. $3 for foreigners.
13.9928-89.557994 Museo de Anatomia Humana de UNASA, 2a Ave Sur y Entre 3a y 5a Calle Poniente. M-F 08:00-12:00, 13:30-17:30, Sa 08:00-12:00.
13.98856-89.556625 Museo de Armas (Museo Militar), 3a Ave Sur Entre 11a y 13a Calle Oriente. Segunda Brigada de Infantería. The ruined building nearby (at the corner of 3a Ave Sur y 13a Calle Oriente) is the Casino Militar Centroamericano, which was destroyed by fire during the war in 1981.
13.99725-89.560266 Museo AJA, 6a Calle Poniente Entre 8a y 10a Ave Norte (if going there by taxi tell the driver it's near Multi Familiares). W Th. Small privately-owned museum. free entrance.

Santa Ana has a classical colonial town layout with 4 churches forming the Christian cross:

13.99492-89.555937 Catedral de Santa Ana (at Parque Libertad). Build in gothic style 1906 and with its splendid facade now completely restored (almost, the lower parts are still crumbling), this is one of the most impressive cathedrals in Central America. Don't miss it!
13.99564-89.561248 Iglesia El Calvario (at Parque Menendez). This church was badly damaged during the 2001 earthquake but is now completely restored.
13.99103-89.556979 Iglesia Catolica El Carmen, 7a Calle Oriente y 1a Ave Sur (4 blocks south of Parque Libertad).
13.9983-89.5556510 Parroquia San Lorenzo, 10a Calle Oriente y 1a Ave Norte (4 blocks north of Parque Libertad). within a school compound, access only durning school hours.

A fairly new addition is...

13.9923-89.559111 Mosque Palestina Tierre Santa, 4a Ave Sur Entre 5a y 7a Calle Poniente. Built in 2011, dedicated to Santa Ana's small Islamic community.
14.0116-89.546112 Parque Ecologico San Lorenzo, 11a Ave Norte 2.5 km north of downtown (take bus 51-D from Parque Colon, or R-2 or 51-D from Calle 6a Oriente y 1a Ave Norte (2 blocks downhill from Teatro) and get off at the bus stop right in front of the park (ask driver)), ☏ +503 2442-4584. Daily 09:00-17:00 (zoo 09:00-12:00 and 14:30-16:00). A small zoological garden which is a bit disappointing but maybe to only chance to see local primates such as Mono Araña (Spider Monkeys). Also has attached picnic area with ponds and swimming pools (not too clean). Popular at weekends but deserted during the week. $2 for adults.

Do

Santa Ana makes a excellent base for discovering western El Salvador's archaeological and natural spots. FUNDAR (Fundación Nacional de Arqueología de El Salvador) maintains the excellent and highly recommended website ^{[dead link]} with tons of information, although its participation ended in 2009.

Tazumal Maya pyramid in the town of Chalchuapa

13.9797-89.674291 Tazumal (Parque Arqueológico ), 15 km west of Santa Ana (take bus 218 passing along 31a Calle Poniente, 4a Ave Sur, 11a Calle Poniente, Ave Fray Felipe Sur, to Chalchuapa town. It will drop you almost in front of the entrance gate, $0.30 1/2 hr. Don't take bus 210 to Ahuachapan as it bypasses Chalchuapa town. On the way back to Santa Ana don't take bus 202 as it goes direct to San Salvador and bypasses Santa Ana). Tu-Su 09:00-16:00. One of the most important and most impressive pre-Columbian sites in El Salvador. Excavated ruins cover an area of 10 km² and are the largest Mayan temple in El Salvador. $3 for foreigners, includes museum.
13.98844-89.67122 Casa Blanca (Archaeological Park ) (take bus 218 towards Chalchuapa town - details see Tazumal- and get off at the turnoff into Chalchuapa, $0.30 1/2 hr. Bus 210 from terminal towards Ahuachapan also passes here). Tu-Su 09:00-16:00. $3 for foreigner including museum and indigo workshop.
13.7978-89.39023 San Andrés (Archaeological Park ) (take Seisabus 201 from 25a Calle towards San Salvador, it will drop you right in front of the entrance gate; TUDO bus 201 also passes here but only the regular service stops will stop, while the special service doesn't).
13.8279-89.3564 Joya de Cerén (Archaeological Park ) (take Seisabus 201 from 25a Calle towards San Salvador, or bus 276 from terminal towards Apopa, get at the turnoff to Opico & Quetzaltepeque (2km east of San Andrés), then change to bus 108 towards Opico). The park can be easily visited in concunction with San Andrés.

13.8632-89.54665 Lago Coatepeque (take bus 220 from terminal (ask for Lago), travels via Coatepeque and El Congo, or bus 59 from 31a Calle via Metrocentro and Panamericana to El Congo where you can transfer to bus 220. Last bus 220 back from Lake to Santa Ana at 4pm). A beautiful lake that was once an active volcano caldera. Access to the lake shore is difficult due to many private properties, try at one of the 13.88306-89.524621 hotels or restaurants.
13.827-89.62466 Cerro Verde (Los Volcanes National Park) (Bus 248 departs from bus station 13.99143-89.5646613 Transportes Vencedora at Ave Fray Felipe y 11a Calle Poniente, (more stops along 25a Calle and at Universidad Catholica) at 07:40 and 11:00, returns at 10:30 and 16:00. Sometimes buses are marked 209 (normally going to Sonsonate, but at these times they go to Cerror Verde). The ride takes 2 hours and costs $0.90. The park is the final stop on the line, so don't worry about missing it). A must for eco-tourists, and the starting point for climbing Santa Ana and Izalco vulcano. Inside the park, a small comedor serves breakfast for $1.50 and lunch for $3. Cabins can be rented for $36 per night (up to 3 people per cabin). Entrance fee to the park $3 for foreigners.
13.8494-89.6297 Santa Ana Volcano (next to Cerro Verde). Is noteworthy for the turquoise lake in its crater. A guided and police escorted tour (they don't let you do the hike without a guide) leaves Cerro Verde at 11am to the vulcano. The hike up takes 2 hr and 1.5 hr down, and is moderately difficult. Trekking boots recommended. The weather is chilly at the high altitude (2381m, 7812ft) so long pants, a jacket, and a windbreaker are also recommended. Bring at least 1 liter of drinking water with you! Best time for climbing is during dry season (between Nov and April) when perfect sky is the rule, but even in rain season (between May and October) good weather is not uncommon. For volcanic activity check web, last eruption was in 2005. $1 for guide, plus $1 to pass through some private property, plus $6 for MARN (ministerio del ambiente y resurcos naturales) to climb the volcano itself.
13.8139-89.63268 Izalco Volcano. A guided and police escorted tour (they don't let you do the hike without a guide) also leaves from Cerro Verde at 11:00 to the vulcano. The hike is way harder than the Santa Ana volcano. Both volcanoes can be done in the same day if you start with Santa Ana volcano around 7-8am then go to Izalco and start the hike from there at 11am.
Ruta de las Flores. A beautyful route across the mountains south of Santa Ana, with several lakes and waterfalls along the road. To get there, take bus 210 (very frequently) from terminal to 13.9246-89.84341 Ahuachapan, $0.50 1h. Get off at its final stop and transfer to bus 249 departing from the intersection across mainstreet (goes via 13.8656-89.85032 Concepción de Ataco, 13.85926-89.804643 Apaneca, 13.84299-89.749114 Juayua, to 13.71083-89.718245 Sonsonate), or bus R-20 (via Concepción de Ataco as far as Apaneca), $0.40 to Concepción de Ataco resp $0.55 to Apaneca. From Juayua bus 238 brings you back to Santa Ana 4 times a day (last bus M-Sa at 16:00, Su at 14:00), $0.80, or continue to Sonsonate and take bus 216 (last one at 6:40pm) from main terminal to Santa Ana, $0.90. All towns offer plenty of accommodation.
The Rutas de las Flores can be done as a day trip (although you might miss a lot of its beauty), but it's best to travel the opposite way around: Take bus 238 from terminal to Juayua at 06:40, 09:40, 12:30, and 17:00, $0.80. In Juayua change to bus 249 (ask driver to make sure you're on the right bus!) towards Apaneca, Concepción de Ataco, and finally Ahuachapan. In Ahuachapan you can transfer to the 210 bus back to Santa Ana. As always, times are approximate. It is better to arrive 15min early and safe your seat.
13.8778-89.67329 Los Naranjos (take bus 216 from terminal (towards Sonsonate), or bus 238 (towards Juayua, departure times see above), and get off at the UNO gas station which marks the middle of the village. 1hr, $0.70). While not part of the Ruta de las Flores per se, this tiny village located 23 km southeast of town at an altitude of 1450m (4754ft) is the closest place if you seek relief from Santa Ana's heat. Several hostels, hotels, and fincas in the area offer accommodation (eg 13.87541-89.671352 Paso Alaska Resort, from $75, , or 13.8755-89.672723 Hostal Casa Blanca, $22-$40). As everywhere in the region, ask locals for security advise (and guide, or even police escort) before setting out in the surrounding countryside. You cannot climb Santa Ana vulcano from here!
7 Waterfalls Tour (Las Siete Cascadas): a hike in waterfalls. Not easy. https://goo.gl/maps/1JKikvrRqnJe5YJm8

Events

Every year in July the 2-week Fiestas Julias (July festival) is celebrated. It's one of the biggest in El Salvador in honor of Señora Santa Ana, the city's patron. Activities end on the 26th with a large procession. Don't miss the amusement park 800 m (1/2 mile) south of Metrocentro (towards the Panamericana highway)!

At the end of the year, Christmas (Dec 24) and New Year's Eve (Dec 31) are celebrated with tons of firework and firecrackers, and Parque Colon turns into to a big firework selling spot. Be very careful as firecrackers are powerful and accidents happen frequently.

Learn

13.98385-89.5612614 Academia Europea, 23a Calle Poniente y 6a Ave Sur, ☏ +503 2440-2045. Branch of its San Salvador operation, offers classes in Spanish, English, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, and even Mandarin. Also has job opportunities for native speakers, part time and full time, salary $3.50-4.50 per hour.

Buy

Smaller shops are usually closed between 12:00 and 14:00 (for lunch break) and after 18:00, and most shops are closed on Sundays (except Supermarkets and Metrocentro).

Commercial areas

Santa Ana has 3 main commercial areas:

13.99375-89.557211 Downtown. Covers a few blocks mainly to the south and west of Parque Libertad.
13.9927-89.562372 Ave Jose Matias Delgado Sur, and 10a Ave Sur. Stretching from Parque Menendez south to Parque Colon.
13.97735-89.561793 Metrocentro, Ave Independencia Sur (20 blocks south of Parque Libertad). A large mall (greatly expanded in 2017) with expensive shops and cafes, a department store (Siman), a food court, plus a Cinepolis cinema . In the same area you'll find fast food restaurants such as Burger King, McDonalds with McCafe, Starbucks, Pizza Hut, plus the Salvadorian chains Mr Donut and Pollo Campero.

Markets

13.9938-89.559564 Mercado Central, occupies 2 blocks between 1a Calle Poniente - 3a Calle Poniente and 4a Ave Sur - 8a Ave Sur. Central Market offering the usual things, fruits, vegetables, meat, and cloths. Very busy in daytime.
13.98851-89.563425 Mercado Colon, occupies several blocks south of Parque Colon and all the way up to the bus terminal. Santa Ana's larges market. The 13.98961-89.563796 market hall opposite Parque Colon is dedicated to hardware & electronic goods (mostly mobile phones), also bicycle parts can be found here. Can be very crowded, so keep an eye on your beloggings as pocket thives are active in this market.
13.98943-89.561767 Fleamarket, Calle Jose Mariano Mendez Entre 8a y 10a Ave Sur. Mostly used mobile phones and used hardware stuff are sold at this small fleamarket.

Supermarkets

Super Selectos. Open daily. Has several braches in town.

8 Centro (downtown), 2a Calle Poniente y 2a Ave Norte (behind the Palacio Municipal).

9 Colon, Ave Felipe Fray Moraga Sur Entre 11a Calle y Calle J M Mendez (2 blocks west of Parque Colon).

10 Metrocentro, groundfloor.

13.98074-89.5680711 La Despensa de Don Juan, Ave Fray Moraga Sur Entre 31a y 33a Calle Poniente (Bus 51-D can drop you at intersection then walk 1/2 block uphill). Santa Ana's biggest and best stocked supermarket (owned by Walmart de Mexico y Centroamerica), but fairly expensive by Salvadorian standarts.
Queso de Metapan, 1a Calle Poniente Entre 4a y 6a Aveninda Sur (outside the Central Market building). offers delicious locally produced cheeses. Other outlets in town: 31a Calle y Ave Independencia, and at 2a Calle Poniente y 2a Ave Norte (1 block west of the Theater).

Souvenirs

13.99405-89.5563412 Plaza Artesania, 1a Ave Sur y Calle Libertad (1/2 block south of Parque Libertad, opposite Centro de Artes). Has the usual tourist schnick-schnack.
13.99536-89.5561213 Artesania y Dulce Tipicos, 1a Ave Sur Entre 2a y4a Calle Norte (1/2 block north/downhill from the Cathedral). A small artesania shop selling souvenirs and more.

Eat

Budget

Virtually hundreds of comedores (cantins) offer salvadorian standard meals (comida tipica) for as little as $2. Mostly self service (comida a la vista). Usually open for lunch between 11:00 and 14:00 (for dinner head out to pupuserias). Be early as food is often prepared in advance and may not stay fresh in the tropical heat. Also places sometimes run out of food after 13:00. Virtually all comedores are closed Sundays.

13.99455-89.558091 Rancho Santaneco (do not mistake with Cantina Santaneco which is only a few doors away), Calle Libertad Poniente Entre 2a y 4a Ave Sur #7 (roughly opposite Scotiabank). 07:00-15:00. Nice setting & good food, be early (before 12:00) as it is very popular. meals $3-5.
13.99404-89.555442 China Hermosa, Calle Libertad Oriente, entre 3 y 5 ave. sur local # 2 (Calle Libertad Oriente Entre 3a y 5a Ave Sur), ☏ +503 2416 2454. lunch (set meal) $1.95, a la carte $3.50-4.50.
13.98069-89.56493 Pupuseria La 31, 31a Calle Poniente Entre 10a y 12a Ave Sur (take bus 51-E or 51-F from downtown, get off at INSA, and walk 1/2 block). open from 17:00. Offers delicious pupusas which are not as greasy then usual.

Mid-range

13.98166-89.563854 Quattro Estaciones, 29 Calle Poniente y Ave Santa Ana California Sur (10a Ave Sur) (in same building as Casa Frolaz), ☏ +503 2440-1564. 12:00-22:00. This is the only place in the city with Mediterranean food. Entrees, salads, sandwiches, pasta, chicken, beef, desserts and one of the best coffees in town. Wines, drinks & teas. $1-$2.
13.98373-89.558025 Lover's Steak House, 21a Calle Oriente Entre Ave Independencia y 3a Ave Sur #6, Colonia San Miguelito, ☏ +503 2440-5717, +503 2440-0995, lovers1_2@hotmail.com. Large portions on huge plates, open from 07:00 for breakfast, free WiFi. breakfast $3-4.50, main course $14-20.
13.98404-89.55936 El Patio, 21a Calle Poniente entre Av.Independencia y 2a Ave Sur #3, ☏ +503 2486 7231, elpatiodelaviador@gmail.com. M-F 11:00-15:00 & 17:00-21:00, Sa Su 11:00-21:00. Nice location around a patio. Excellent meat, but side dishes are not worth mentioning. soups $5-10, salads $5-7, mains $10-20, foreign beer (German Paulaner & Erdinger) $3.50-5.50, cocktails $5-10.

Splurge

13.98337-89.564197 La Pampa, 25a Calle Poniente Entre 10 y 12a Ave Sur. Argentinian steak house, maybe Santa Ana's best meat place.

Cafes

Banban. A Santa Ana institution, serves delicious pastries and good coffee, all have AirCon, and most have free WiFi. Several branches throughout town:

8 Calle Libertad y Ave Independencia (just of Parque Libertad). 08:00-18:30. Convenient downtown location.

9 Ave Independencia Sur Entre 11a Ave y Ave Jose Mendez (6½ blocks south of Parque Libertad). Main location with the largest choice.

10 Ave Jose Delgado Sur y 1a Calle Poniente (at Plaza Prisma; 1 block southwest of Parque Menendez or 1 block north of Hotel Sahara). M-Sa.

11 Metrocentro Shopping Mall (2nd floor). Nice terasse, very crowded around 4pm.

12 25a Calle Poniente Entre 6a y 8a Ave Sur. No WiFi here.

El Sin Rival. Another Santa Ana institution, serves delicious sherbet ice cream. Several branches throughout down:

13 Calle Libertad Entre 1a y 3a Ave (½ block west of Parque Libertad).

14 Calle Independencia Sur Entre 9a y 11a Ave (5 blocks south of Parque Libertad).

13.99042-89.5609815 Expresión Cultural, 11a Calle Poniente Entre 6a y 8a Ave Sur. Good for drinks, coffee & pastries, but lunch meals are not exceptional. Superfriendly, nice shady patio, sometimes live music in the evening, free WiFi.
13.98888-89.5583616 Café Expresso, Ave Independencia Sur Entre 11a Calle y Calle Jose Mariano Mendez (next to Banban). M-Sa 08:00-13:00, 14:00-18:00. (formerly Star Mon's) Inexpensive but good coffee & home made cakes served in a peaceful patio, free WiFi.
13.98385-89.5621117 Panizzimo, 23a Calle Poniente Entre 6a y 8a Ave Sur. Small but cozy, free WiFi. Another 13.99092-89.559218 Panizzimo branch is located at 4a Ave Sur y 9a Calle Poniente, no WiFi.
13.9838-89.5583219 Bites Bakery, 21a calle Oriente Entre Ave Independencia y 3a Ave Sur (next to Si Chuan Restaurant), ☏ +503 2440-7227. Daily 10:00-21:00. Good coffee & pastries, Aircon, free WiFi, same owner as Lover's.

Drink

2a Calle Poniente is Santa Ana's small outgoing area. Turns into a pedestrian zone Friday and Saturday evenings, many bars and restaurants with street side tables, safe as guarded by police.

13.98639-89.560361 La Taberna del Capitan, 4a Ave Sur y 17a Calle Poniente (west of Colegio Bautista), ☏ +503 2440 9461. M-Th 12:00-22:00, F Sa 12:00-23:30. Bar & restaurant, open until late.
Super Selectos (check different locations). This supermarket has a reasonable selection of spirits and Argentinian, Chilean and European wines. Also sells German Köstritzer, Belgium Leffe, and original Czech Pilsener beer.
La Despensa de Don Juan, (see supermarkets). Has an even larger selection, including Chinese Tsing Tao and german Erdinger beer.

Warning: Under no circumstances visit the drinking holes along 11a Calle Poniente Entre 8a Ave Sur y Ave Fray Felipe Moraga Sur (Parque Colon area)!

Sleep

Budget

13.99245-89.561254 Casa Verde (Hostal), 7a Calle Poniente Entre 8a and 10a Avenida Sur (4 blocks south from Parque Menendez, just around the Corner from Hotel Livingston, look for the big green house.), ☏ +503 7840-4896, casaverde_santaanda@hotmail.com. Check-out: 13:00. Casa Verde is safe and secure and offers modern, spotless, comfortable rooms and bathrooms, 2 incredibly well-stocked kitchens, free coffee, water, and WiFi (and a computer), a laundry area, parking, and pick up/drop-off service, beautiful patios, hammocks, TV/movie room, a swimming pool, and rooftop deck. Centrally located, a short walk to the main square, bus terminal, and a large grocery store. Carlos, the owner, lives on site and is an excellent source of information for the Santa Ana area and travelling in El Salvador. Dorm from $10, private rooms are also available.
13.98168-89.563995 Casa Frolaz (Hostal), 29a Calle Poniente #42-B (between 8 and 10 Avenidas Sur), ☏ +503 2440 1564, casafrolaz@yahoo.com. Check-out: 11:00. A gorgeous beautifully decorated house for backpackers with clean and large dorm rooms. Hot shower, free Wi-Fi and DVDs, tropical garden. Safe and secure location near Metrocentro Mall and just 7 blocks south of Bus Terminal, but quite a way from Central Park (bus 51-E or 51-F from downtown). Speed Internet, and Restaurant. If coming from San Salvador on TUDO bus 201, get off in 31a Calle at INSA and walk 1 block downhill. Dorm from $8.
13.98406-89.561966 Hotel Continental, 23a Calle Poniente Entre 6a y 8a Ave Sur. Popular and safe, a good option although not central, limited car parking.
13.99556-89.555937 Hotel Libertad, 4a Calle Entre 1a y 3a Ave (1 block north / downhill from the Cathedral). Friendly and very central but basic. $9 per double room.
13.99207-89.561668 Hotel Livingston, 10a Ave Sur Entre 7a y 9a Calle Poniente (4½ blocks south of Parque Menendez resp 4½ blocks north of terminal), ☏ +503 2441-1801. A simple but good place if you're on a budget, WiFi, secure car park. $15 double, $10 economic room.
13.99626-89.5519 Pool House: Santa Ana Hostel, 8a Calle Oriente, entre 11 y 13 avenida norte, #24, ☏ +503 75113869. Basic hostel with kitchen and swimming pool. Wifi. Tours available through host. $17. (updated Aug 2020)
Casa Blanca Tu Casa, 21 Y 23 Avenida sur calle santa cruz #25 01101 Santa Ana. single/double room. free wifi. can speak English. $8/14. (updated Sep 2021)

Mid-range

13.99388-89.5614910 Hotel Sahara, 3a Calle Poniente Entre 10a y 12a Ave Sur (2 blocks south of Parque Menendez), ☏ +503 2447 8865, hotel_sahara@yahoo.com. The rooms are great and comfortable. It's not a run down or bad hotel at all (as mentioned in some guide books) but probably the only one in downtown in this category. WiFi, guarded car park. $54 (double).
13.96816-89.5637911 Hotel Tolteka Plaza, Boulevard Los 44 (between Panamericana highway and Metrocentro roundabout). The best place to stay in Santa Ana, but a long way out of town (get a taxi to downtown). Bus 201 (TUDO company) coming from San Salvador can drop you right in front of the hotel, ask driver. Bus 59 from/to El Congo also passes here. $70 (double).

Splurge

Connect

13.98853-89.5583715 Correos de El Salvador (Post Office), intersection Ave Independencia Sur Entre y Calle Jose Mariano Mendez (7 blocks south of Parque Libertad). M-Sa 07:30-17:00. International postal rates are similar to the United States Postal Service. Leave parcels open so they can check for prohibited goods.
13.98387-89.563616 Urbano / DHL (), Ave Santa Ana California (10a Ave) Entre 23a y 25a Calle #80 (take Bus 51-E or 51-F from downtown). Local & world wide express delivery services for parcels and envelopes (address on all web pages is outdated) .

Internet cafes a fairly common and charge roughly $0.50 per hour. If you have your own equipment, visiting one of the many cafes and restaurants offering free and unlimited WiFi might be the better option. The public WiFi network Alcaldia Municipal de Santa Ana is available around the town hall but usually overloaded, while the mesh network indiNET (password: stardust) is more reliable and found at many locations in town.

13.99586-89.5567317 e-center, 4a Calle Oriente y Ave Independenica Norte (1 block downhill from Parque Libertad, behind the Teatro).
13.99592-89.5573318 RC Servicios, 4a Calle Poniente Entre Ave Independencia y 2a Ave Norte. Has air-conditioning.
13.99105-89.5584819 Ciber Fenix, 2a Ave Sur Entre 7a y 9a Calle Poniente. Claims to have fast 7.5 Mbps connection.
13.99167-89.5583820 Copy@Shop, 2a Ave Sur y 7a Calle Poniente.

Stay safe

Most parts of the city are completely deserted after 7pm. The Metrocentro area, the Parque Libertad, and the pedestrian street Villa Morena (2a Calle Poniente) are considered safe at night as police and security guards are present. Avoid Parque Colon and surroundings after dark, as many homeless and drunken individuals hang around the area.

Be very careful when walking on sidewalks because many manhole covers are missing (stolen for their value as scrap metal) and openings can be several feet deep. Especially after dark it's recommended to walk on the street (if traffic permits).

Do not climb the hills surrounding the city without local security advice and/or police escort, as robberies have occurred.

Cope

Banks

Most banks have several branches in town, and ATMs are fairly common. Expect your bags checked by security staff when entering the bank. Try to avoid payment days (around 15th and 30th of each month) as long queues occur; the only ATM not affected by this phenomena is at Banco G&T Continental (opposite Banco Cuscatlan) which accepts Visa and Master/Maestro cards.

13.99477-89.5579521 Scotiabank, 2a Ave Entre Ave Libertad y 2a Calle Poniente (downtown, just behind Palacio Municipal). Has ATM (which strangly does not accept 6 digit PIN). Other locations are Ave Jose Matias Delgado Entre 1a y 3a Calle Poniente, and in Metrocentro Shopping Mall.
13.9931-89.5571822 Banco Cuscatlan (formerly Citibank), 3a Calle Oriente Entre Ave Independencia Sur y 1a Ave Sur (downtown). Has ATM (accepts all major credit cards, and debit cards such as Maestro). Another branch can be found at Metrocentro roundabout.
13.9922-89.5570723 Banco Agricola, 5a Calle Oriente Entre Ave Independencia Sur y 1a Ave Sur (downtown). Has ATM (accepts all major credit cards, and debit cards such as Maestro).
13.99235-89.5579924 Davivienda, 2a Ave Sur y 5a Calle Poniente. Used to be HSBC until 2012, has ATM which accepts Visa only. Another branch is located near Metrocentro roundabout.

If you just arrived from Guatemala and want to get rid of your quetzales, ask around street vendors at 1a Calle Poniente y Ave Independenica Sur (1 block south from Parque Libertad). Current rate (Nov 2014) is $12 for 100 quetzales.

Photo

Entry level digital cameras and memory cards are sold in many shops, but for professional cameras check the following places. Prices for cameras are up to 50% higher than in the US and Europe. Both places also sell and develop photographic films.

13.99249-89.5577414 Westerhausen, 5a Calle Poniente Entre Ave Independencia Sur y 2a Calle Sur.
13.99189-89.5574815 RAF, Ave Independencia Sur Entre 5a y 7a Calle. Also in Metrocentro.

Computer

Notebooks and tablets are sold in many electro domestic shops throughout town. For more specific needs check these shops.

13.99282-89.5563616 Medicomp, 3a Calle Oriente Entre 1a Ave Sur y 3a Ave Sur. Good service, but make sure you ask for a discount.
13.98777-89.5582917 Digital Service, Corner of Ave Independencia Sur y 13a Calle Oriente. Good for computer parts and repair.
13.99365-89.5570118 Electronica 2001, 1a Calle Oriente Ave Independencia Sur (2nd floor). Electronic parts, tools, and equipment, plus some computer parts. Also has a large selection of music instruments and PA. Best selection can be found in San Salvador main shop.
13.9919-89.5581519 Repuestos Electronicos 2000, 2a Ave Sur y 7a Calle Poniente. Electronic parts, tools, and equipment.

Cell phones

Pushy street vendors at the intersection of Ave Independencia Sur y 1a Calle Poniente and along Ave. Jose Matias Delgado offer SIM cards for $3 including free talk time (sometimes as low as $1), and cell phones. If you don't trust them, better visit one of the many shops, or the carrier's customer center (bring identification document). All carriers have offices in Metrocentro, and at the following downtown locations:

13.9942-89.5551625 Claro (América Móvil), Calle Libertad y 5a Ave Norte (1½ blocks east of Parque Libertad).
13.99256-89.5580326 Digicel, 2a Ave Sur y 5a Calle Poniente.
13.99376-89.5576427 Movistar (Telefónica), 1a Calle Poniente Entre Ave Independencia Sur y 2a Ave Sur (opposite La Bomba store).
13.99082-89.5589428 Tigo (Millicom International Cellular), 9a Calle Poniente Entre 2a y 4a Ave Sur.

If you buy a 2nd hand cell phone, ask for unlocked (liberado), and the battery's endurance. Replacement parts (keyboards, batteries, memory cards, etc) for cell phones are sold by numerous shops.

13.98762-89.5585720 Eurocell, Ave Independencia y 13a Calle Poniente (8 blocks south of Parque Libertad). Maybe the best equipped shop in town with the largest selection, new parts only.

Books

13.9776-89.5622721 La Ceiba, Metrocentro (2nd floor). The bookstore has a small selection of english books.

Gyms

Super Fitness Gym, 2a Ave Norte y 8a Calle Poniente (aka Calle Don Bosco). Claims to be the biggest gym in town, very loud music.
Golden Gym & Fitness, 9a Ave Norte Entre Calle Libertad y 2a Calle Oriente. open M-Sa.

Laundry

13.98725-89.5589829 Winner's Dry Clean y Lavanderias (Laundry), 2a Ave Sur Entre 13a y 15a Calle Poniente (1/2 block north of Colegio Bautista. Bus 51-E or 51-F from downtown passes nearby), ☏ +503 2479-0896, winnersdryclean@integra.com.sv. M-F 07:45-12:00 and 13:45-17:30, Sa 08:00-12:00.

Go next

San Salvador. 2 bus companies provide services to the capital's Terminal del Occidente:

TUDO. Bus 201 travels via the Panamericana. Regular service $0.85, frequent stops. The more comfortable special service (mostly aircon) does not stop along the highway (first stop is in Santa Tecla) $1.35. Departs every 15 min (first at 04:15) from 1 bus depot on Antigua Carretera Panamericana (4km southwest of downtown), at least 1h depending on the traffic situation. Take a taxi or local bus marked Paraiso (9, 15, R-3SA, R-4SA, R55-B, or regional bus 210, 218, 236) to get to the bus depot. More convenient boarding points are 31a Calle Poniente y Ave Fray Felipe Moraga Sur, INSA at 31a Calle Poniente y Ave Santa Ana California, or Metrocentro.

Seisabus. Bus 201 follows the old Carretera via Coatepeque and Ciudad Arce, frequent stops, up to 2 hr, regular service $1, special service $1.50. Departs every 5 min, first at 03:10 (from 2 bus depot at La Ceiba), last at 18:10. Boarding points along 25a Calle and also at Universidad Catolica (UNICAES).

Guatemala City (direct bus, only stop is at the border), ☏ +503 2415-0069. Departs 05:00 (except Su), 06:00, 07:00, 08:39, 10:00, 12:00, 13:30, 15:00, 4-4½ hr, $16 (same fare as from San Salvador). 13.97302-89.584833 Puerto Bus Route 415 (joint operations of Pezzarossi, Vencedora, Taca) leaves from new office location at La Ceiba (next to Seisabus depot; behind Puma gas station, take a taxi or local bus R-A from downtown to get there). If possible book a day in advance (bring your passport) so they can put you on the immigration list and you can stay aboard the bus, otherwise you have to visit the salvadorian immigration counter when departing the country.
A cheaper but less convenient option is Bus 236 (ordinario) or 236A (especial) from terminal to San Cristobal Frontera, then visit both immigration offices, and catch ongoing bus to Jutiapa and Guatemala City. The shaky Mendez Express bus 402 also departs from terminal at 11:30 (unreliable, check in advance) to Jutiapa and Jalapa, where you can transfer to a Guatemala City bus.
Central North of El Salvador (Chalatenango, Suchitoto, border with Honduras at El Poy, avoiding San Salvador). Take bus 276 from terminal via Coatepeque and Quetzaltepeque to Apopa (2½ hr, $0.80). Get off at final stop (at Puma gas station) and transfer to one of the buses going north along the main highway: Bus 125 for Chalatenago, 141 for Nueva Conception, 119 for San Igancio & Border. For Suchitoto take any bus to Aguilares and change there. Be aware that Apopa has the reputation of being the 'gang capital' of El Salvador, so be careful here.
Metapán (for Parque National Montecristo). Bus 235 does not leave from terminal but from the 13.98558-89.569194 bus depot at Calle Aldea San Antonio at the western end of 25a Calle Poniente (across the street from Texaco gas station). A more convenient boarding point along Calle Aldea San Antonio is 1/2 block southwest from Parque Colon, or one of the stops along 6a Calle, $0.90. 13.97665-89.559425 Bus 201-A coming from San Salvador also goes to Metapán, board at Boulevard Los 44 (Metrocentro roundabout).
From Metapán you can also cross into Guatemala at the border of Anguiatú (bus every 30 min, very convenient if going to Rio Dulce, Puerto Barrios, or Copán Ruinas via Chiquimula), and into Honduras at the border of El Poy (take bus 463 from Metapán terminal, at 05:00 and 12:00, 3 hr).
Sonsonate (and on to the pacific coast). Bus 209 (directo) every 25 min from bus station 13.99136-89.564596 Transportes Vencedora at Ave Fray Felipe Moraga Sur y 11a Calle Poniente, via El Congo, travels along the rim high above Lago Coatepeque with occasional views on the lake, 2 hr $0.90. Also bus 216 from terminal via Los Naranjos (1¾ hr $0.70), a very scenic ride over the mountains.

This city travel guide to Santa Ana is a usable article. It has information on how to get there and on restaurants and hotels. An adventurous person could use this article, but please feel free to improve it by editing the page.