El Salvador Travel Guide

Opening hours throughout the country tend to vary. The big cities and major towns generally get going quite early in the morning, with government offices working from 8am to 4pm and most businesses from 8.30/9am to 5/5.30pm. Some close for an hour at lunch, some don't; archeological sites are usually closed on Monday. Generally, banks are open from 8.30 or 9am until 4/5pm; some close for an hour at lunch. On national holidays , everything will be shut, with some businesses also closing on the day of local fiestas.

All towns and villages have their own fiestas patronales commemorating the local saint. The scope of these varies wildly, with some lasting only a day and some, like those at San Miguel and Sonsonate lasting weeks and encompassing a programme of arts and other events. Most commonly, the fiesta is a time for relaxation and holiday-making; large amounts of alcohol are consumed and towards the late evening things can get rather wild. Generally the last day will be the main event.