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A beautiful 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 Ahuachapan, $0.50 1h. Get off at its final stop and transfer to bus 249 departing from the intersection across mainstreet (goes via Concepción de Ataco, Apaneca, Juayua, to 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.
A masterpiece of colonial architecture, built between 1902 and 1910. Regularly holds 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!
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. As of Dec 2024, there is no access due to maintenance work.
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.
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.
Small privately-owned museum.