Last Day!

I'm writing this on Monday August 7th, even though I got home Saturday August 5th. My last day in El Salvador wasn't anything too crazy. I went to the metropolitan center of the city to see their massive cathedral, but I couldn't go in because they were getting ready to host some sort of concert there (I'm guessing because this past week was a national holiday for El Salvador and there was going to be a big festival on the weekend). 

I took an uber to Planes de Renderos — a recommendation from Felipe — which was a beautiful and massive state park. I was a bit too tired and too hot to really enjoy it, but I did get some yummy papas fritas for lunch. 

After that I just chilled for an hour or so until it was time to go to the hostel to get my things and head to the airport. My flight home was pretty uncomfortable (note to self - it might be worth it to spring for the fee to choose a seat so you don't end up in the middle in the back of the plane on a 5 and a half hour flight...). 

All in all I had an amazing time in El Salvador! I definitely want to go back for a longer time, but even though it was short it was definitely still worth it. I'm going to put my packing list below, and notes for next time, so that I have them saved for when I return. If you're a friend reading this, you're a real one. And you reached the end. xoxo

Packing List

Clothes

• Underwear
• Tennis shoes
• White sandals
• Socks
• Pajamas
• 2 workout outfits 
• 2 bathing suits
• Light jacket
• 1 pant
• 1 shorts
• 2 skirts
• 3 t shirts / tank tops
• 3 dresses

Misc

• Eye mask
• Phone charger
• Gum
• Hand sanitizer 
• Fanny pack
• Sunglasses
• AirPods
• Jewelry
• Small light
• Lock for hostel locker
• Money clip
• Laundry bag
• Deck of cards
• Rain poncho
• Disposable camera 
• Travel journal
• Beach towel
• Tote bag
• Passport and pictures
• Small fan and charger
• Umbrella

Toiletries

• Deoderant
• Hair product
• Toothbrush
• Floss
• Makeup
• Hair comb
• Hair clips
• Hair ties and Bobby pins
• Scrunchies
• Makeup removers 
• Solid perfume
• Skincare
• Shampoo
• Aloe
• Aquafor
• Anti itch stick
• Sunscreen
• Lotion
• Body wash
• Conditioner

Notes for next time:

• See more cities on La Ruta De Las Flores
• Go during the winter (Jan-Feb best)
• Stay in a few neighborhoods in San Salvador
• See more volcanoes and waterfalls
• Go to Santa Ana (stay in casa verde hostel)
• Figure out how to not get sick on day 6 ...
• Public buses are pretty easy, but best to go with someone to avoid getting lost
• Samay hostel in Juayua was great!