Situated in Central America, El Salvador is a popular tourist destination – and is highly recommended for those with a strong interest in outdoor pursuits. With many resorts and tourist areas specifically built to nurture this burgeoning industry, you can expect truly royal treatment on a visit here.

Declared independent along with other Central American countries in 1821, it has remained autonomous ever since. As a young state, it was politically unstable, with conflicts occurring regularly up until the 1990s. The capital, San Salvador, is a thriving metropolis which is excellent for shopping, fine dining and going out. Aside from this, visitors can also expect to enjoy some of the finest colonial architecture in the world, as well as fantastic Mayan ruins. This is easily accessible by car – and just one reason why car travel here saves time and effort with public transport. San Salvador is also particularly well known for its nearby beaches, which are some of the best in the country.

There are several museums which document this turbulent history throughout the country and bring an insight into the intricacies of the culture. Although tourists have often been put off by the crime rate here, in recent years this has seen a notable turnaround and it is now a relatively safe place to visit in the region. For surfers, a trip to El Salvador is particularly recommended – and one stand-out area is the Punta Roca, which is considered by pros to be one of the best places in the world. Similarly, for those wishing to escape from the crowds, idyllic areas including Los Cobanos – where there is a lot of fishing and alternative watersports on offer – will prove perfect. For food and drink, be sure to try some fish dishes in the country – which will sure leave you asking for more