What's up folks! I'm back from my trip to El Salvador and let me tell you, this tiny Central American country packs a huge punch. From surfing some of the best waves in the world, to hiking active volcanoes, to learning about the country's tumultuous history, El Salvador has something for every type of traveler.

Let's start with the beaches because for most visitors, that's the main draw. El Salvador has surf spots lining the whole Pacific coast, many of which are beginner-friendly, especially around La Libertad. This is where you'll find the famous Punta Roca, known for its fast hollow barrels that only advanced surfers should attempt. The most popular beach town is El Tunco, which has a laid-back surf vibe with beachfront hotels, seafood restaurants, and evening bonfires on the sand. The surf instructors here are top-notch. In just a few lessons, I was able to pop up on some smaller waves. Further east, El Cuco and Las Flores are more secluded beach villages where you can escape the crowds.

Inland from the beaches, El Salvador has a rugged volcanic landscape. Santa Ana, the country's second largest city, makes a great base for exploring some of these natural wonders. Just west of the city lies Cerro Verde National Park, home to the towering Izalco and Santa Ana volcanoes. You can hike to the summit of Santa Ana for views across the whole valley. Be prepared for an early start though, as it's a challenging 8-9 hour trek. For a more moderate hike, check out the crater lake of Cerro Verde. The emerald green waters are so clear you can see the volcanic rock far below.

No trip to El Salvador is complete without a visit to Suchitoto, a charming colonial town loaded with history. The cobblestone streets are lined with brightly painted houses, historic churches date back to the 1700s, and you'll find art galleries and cultural centers housed in restored colonial buildings. This was once an important trading hub and the epicenter of El Salvador's indigo industry. Today, Suchitoto has a lively arts scene and hosts festivals throughout the year. Don't miss sunset from the town's iconic white church overlooking the lake.

While much of El Salvador's history is troubled, learning about it will give you a deeper understanding of the resilient Salvadoran people. In the capital San Salvador, the Museum of the Revolution chronicles the brutal 12-year civil war that ended in 1992. Other painful chapters include the 1932 peasant uprising known as La Matanza, where over 30,000 indigenous people were killed, and the assassination of Archbishop Oscar Romero in 1980. Despite the tragedies, Salvadorans maintain a positive outlook and welcoming spirit.

No matter where I traveled in El Salvador, I was met with friendly locals, incredible pupusas, and that lively Latino spirit. The food deserves its own paragraph because it's so reliably delicious and cheap. Pupusas are the national snack - thick corn tortillas stuffed with cheese, pork, beans, or loroco (an edible flower). They cost about $1 and are sold everywhere. Also try yuca frita, fried plantains, tamales, and seafood like ceviche and shrimp cocktails. Wash it all down with a cold Pilsener beer and you're living like a Salvadoran!

With direct flights from several US cities, El Salvador is easy to reach. It uses the US dollar so no currency exchange is needed. The country is small so you can get around fairly quickly by bus or car. While El Salvador has a reputation for gang violence, I felt safe traveling there solo as a woman using basic precautions. Avoid flashing valuables, don't wander alone at night, and stay out of poor neighborhoods in the cities. With these easy safety measures, you'll be fine.

So if you're seeking world-class surfing, hiking volcanoes, colonial towns rich with culture, and friendly locals serving up delicious pupusas, put El Salvador on your bucket list! This compact country has so much to offer beyond just beaches, although those are reason enough to visit. I'm already planning my next trip back to explore more of its natural beauty, learn more about its complex history, and enjoy the chilled-out Pura Vida lifestyle. El Salvador won my heart and I know it will win yours too.