This city lies among small hills in the valley that spreads forth from the slopes of the majestic San Salvador volcano. To the east lies the shining crater lake of Ilopango, home to tropical shore birds and vacation homes.

Aside from the spectacular vistas, the country is also rich in history. After the arrival of Spanish conquistadors to the Central American region, the country's first Spanish town is believed to have been established in 1525. It was named Villa de San Salvador and its exact location is not known. In 1528, after frequent Pipil uprisings, the capital was moved to Ciudad Vieja, just south of Suchitoto. After some 18 years, it was moved yet again to its present day location in the Valle de las Hamacas, the Valley of Hammocks.

The city was originally laid out in typical Spanish manner. The Cathedral, City Hall and market frame the central plaza and all outlying streets span outwards in a grid-like pattern. Today, the city's historic center finds itself under a renovation project.

Concerned that historical centers were being lost to unmonitored development, the government, with the aid of private interest groups, has taken the ailing city center under its protective wing. The National Palace is being refurbished and is slated to be opened in 1999. Street vendors will soon find themselves hawking their wares in a centralized plaza, easing foot traffic on city sidewalks, and making for more pleasant surroundings.

All the efforts focused on the city's buildings and town monument are a buzzing back drop to the daily activity that plays itself out on San Salvador's streets. It boasts stylish shopping malls, sleek mirrored buildings, and quiet city neighborhoods.
This city is keeping step with the world by becoming one of the fastest growing centers in Central America. Serving as the country's nerve center for commerce, industry, government and tourism, San Salvador is a town that hums with activity.

The influx of foreign investment in recent years has boosted the country's economy and brought it up to speed in both business and tourism. Hotels caters to a mixed crowd of business travelers and tourists and offer every amenity. From office services such as computer equipment and web access to in-country travel assistance, visitors will find themselves well taken care of.