San Salvador

San Salvador is the capital of El Salvador, located in a fertile valley framed by mountains and active volcanoes at around 658 meters altitude. The municipality extends across several districts and shows a mix of residential neighborhoods, commercial buildings, and public squares between the slopes.

Pedro de Alvarado founded the settlement in 1525 and moved it to its current location in 1528 after indigenous groups resisted. Several earthquakes in the 20th century led to structural changes and the modernization of many city districts.

The name comes from Spanish and means 'Holy Savior', a religious reference reflected in many churches and festivals throughout the municipality. Street markets offer pupusas, a stuffed corn flatbread eaten daily here and tied to local identity.

The climate is tropical with a rainy season from May to October, when brief heavy showers are common. Sturdy footwear is advisable because many sidewalks are uneven and steep streets can make walking tiring.

The San Salvador volcano sits directly west of the municipality and is also known as El Boquerón. Its crater has a diameter of around 1.5 kilometers and is reachable by a road leading to a viewpoint.

Location: Central San Salvador

Inception: April 1, 1525

Elevation above the sea: 670 m

Part of: Western El Salvador

Website: https://sansalvador.gob.sv

GPS coordinates: 13.69899,-89.19142

Latest update: December 4, 2025 19:00