visiting El Salvador

[mike77]

I just came back from rico El Salvador, for those fo you that never been there, let me tell you, there's 2 lines in the Aduana (Immigrations) section, 1 for Salavadorians and one for Foreigners (get your $10 ready). Another $2 for the baggage cart, which you will only used to carry yout bags into the parking area. Never arrived at the airport at night, most of the flights from the US arrive at noon time, from houston,dallas, atlanta and miami. Continental has an extra flight at night arriving like around 7:45pm local time, but i do not recommend it, a little too quiet on the streets, even the locals do not like to travel at night. The prices are pretty much the same if not more expensive than in the US, there's McDonalds, Burger King, even Little Cessars in San Miguel. The best parts is the "piscinas" Pools or water parks, it's sunny all day and hot and humid, even though it rains pretty hard at night. We had a big thunder the first night, follow by a 4.5 light-magnitude earthquake, which was no big deal, the houses are only ground floor-houses, so nothing will fall on you. The haircut was cheap, only $1.50.
Pollo Campero in San Miguel was not all that good, i rather have the one from the airport. For the 1st time i tried the orchata, it was aight...not used to it. I love the coco meat (not the juice), and the famous churritos (in peru called chisitos) it was great. Another thing, since there's no hot water, take a shower after 2pm, water is usually hot, take shower everyday. Bring your motion-sickness pills for those of us who get dizzy from the "hamaca"...forget about AC, enjoy the simplicity of these beautiful country. I am just amazed at how the christian people praise the Lord, the church i went to belong to the Asambleas de Iglesias Cristianas, although i attend an AG church in the States, we all praised the Lord...on my way back, i loved the song they played at the gate "The power of love" by Maranatha, it makes me feel in heaven because i keep playing in in my head while on the air.....God Bless those of you who will be going to El Salvador.

[tropical88]

I love your thread...I just visited El Salvador for a weekend to meet my parents in law and it was just as you described. I didnt have to pay $10, but we did pay someone that helped with the bags. I agree nobody likes to go to the airport at night,especially if its a long drive back to where you are headed. I went to "termos del rio" a water park and it was great, the country is really catering to the tourists that come visit now, since so many Salvadorans only go back as tourists now. HOT during the day rain at night, which helps. NO A/C - that takes some getting used to, and why were most fans $60! They are supposedly name brand, but I dont care what brand it is as long as it works, I had to go to several stores before I found one under $20.

You were there for an Earthquakd!!! OMG!

Pollo campero - yummy! I had to bring three boxes back with me for family. lol

[JamieNickole]

glad to hear about your experience.. I will be going over in the next few months.. HOpefully for xmas if my boss will allow it :)
its great to hear others takes on it.. Considering Ive only heard about it from hubbys family and they were all raised there..
yeah not looking forward to the hot water thing... but will have to get use to it ... Thanks

[salvimami]

mike, did you go because of your wife's i-601 or just to visit??:confused1:

[mormita]

I love to read about my little contry :cheerful: and let me tell you guys that I miss the yummy pollo campero too!! :D

[losguerra]

Glad to hear your visit was great! My dad just spent a few days in El Salvador visiting family when he went to visit the rest of his family in Guate. Sounds like a great place, I hope I get to go someday. Fortunately, we have two Pollo Campero locations here in Chicago, so I can get that awesome crispy delicious chicken any time I want!

Did you spend the whole time in San Miguel?

[REYLUNA]

I arrived at night time and its wasnt bad at all i've been there 4 times all during night time from houston to san salvador all 4 flights through continental airlines. I'm planning on going back in january 2009 and definately will travel at night time, its so quiet in there theres always a ton of people outside the airport waiting for there loved ones. I always have my 10.00 ready 2dollars for the cart and 5.00 to tip the nice employees who help you.

Pollo Campero da Bomb with a ton of fries on the side and a nice Pilsener on the side :)

[mike77]

Tropical88 you saved $10, All turist pay $10 entrance fee. That'll brought down your Fan price.

ReyLuna, around the airport is nice at night and even the city, but trust me, you wouldn't want to take chances, especially those of us (who aren't Salvadorians) and don't know the slangs,...I go through San Vicente, and the camino "road" is dark and only the moon lights your way especially thorugh Zacatecoluca (or something like that).

LosGuerra:
my wife lives near Mercedes-Umana, we visited San Miguel because is closer than San Salvador, we went to AquA Park and Montegrande.


I spent 2 weeks in el Salvador for my baby girl's 1st birthday. My wife submmited the waiver January 23, DHS received it March 24. My wife called DHS yesterday they told her they were processing waivers received as of Feb, so God willing, we will be receiving news in a month or two
Edit:
ohh by the way i found this link about the light magnitude earthquake
http://neic.usgs.gov/neis/bulletin/neic_vla2_esp.html
Edit:
http://neic.usgs.gov/neis/bulletin/neic_vla2.html

[JamieNickole]

thanks mike
we can add that into our HSL letter :) DO you happen to have any other helpful links that others could benfit on saferty, pay, or anything else El Salvador related... Alot of us are just starting to write out our HSL so if we can get any help it would be greatly appricated. :)
THANKS