Explore El Salvador’s coast and volcanic highlands through immersive service, culture, and community connection.
This Impact Adventure to El Salvador with somos.travel is designed to inspire personal growth, strengthen global awareness, and empower students to be changemakers in the world.
Through hands-on service work and immersive travel, students will connect deeply with local communities in Suchitoto, explore El Salvador’s stunning volcanic landscapes, and experience the vibrant surf culture of its Pacific coast.
About the Journey
Travel through El Salvador on a transformative adventure that blends community service, cultural exchange, and outdoor exploration. From the cobblestone streets of colonial Suchitoto to the summit of the Santa Ana Volcano and the beaches of El Tunco, you’ll see a side of El Salvador few travelers ever do.
This journey is not just about visiting new places, it’s about making a positive contribution to them. Through a local impact project in Suchitoto, you’ll support initiatives that benefit the community and environment, working alongside local residents to leave a lasting, positive mark. No prior skills are required, just curiosity, compassion, and a willingness to get involved.
The heart of a Somos Travel Impact Adventure is the “Impact” portion of the trip. In El Salvador, you’ll take part in a local project in Suchitoto that benefits both the community and the surrounding environment. Over two days, you’ll work alongside residents, learn about their culture, and gain a deeper understanding of their lives, challenges, and resilience. Your presence and your trip funding will help create a tangible and lasting positive impact.
Airfare to/from San Salvador
Comfortable, safe, locally owned hotels & guesthouses in Suchitoto and El Tunco. Shared rooms (3–6 per room) with individual beds.
All breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners included. (Budget $55–$85 for meals not included; dietary needs accommodated.)
All group transport within El Salvador (private vans, buses, and local transfers).
Professional Somos Adventure Guide + local experts for hikes, surfing, and excursions
Travel insurance is required for all trips. Policies start around $75.
World Nomads offers coverage for more than 150 adventure activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation and more.
To save your spot on the trip a $500 Deposit is required. Payment plans are available.
If payment is a challenge, some guests choose to fundraise for their trip which is super easy with our guest software WeTravel. We can help advise students on how to fundraise.
To pay for the materials for the project you will work on, we ask that each guest donates or fundraises $250.
Guatemala and Belize are very safe countries, full of amazing kind, and hospitable people (just ask any of our guests or others who have traveled there).
Safety is our #1 priority and we would never take anyone to places where they may be in danger. If you have any concerns, just ask we are happy to answer questions!
This trip is designed for high school and college students and can be adapted for travelers of any age.
Yes. This trip is designed for high school-aged students and parents/guardians who act as chaperones. There are 32 student spots and 6 parent chaperone spots available. Please note in your application if your parent is interested in being a chaperone.
Somos Travel will get you everything you need to get prepared for the trip and help you prepare if you are accepted. See the “Trip Prep” tab at the top of the page for some more info about this.
Somos is a highly trusted and experienced partner of Vivid Roots, bringing over a decade of exceptional impact work, adventure, and hospitality to Guatemala. As seasoned tour operators their expertise in creating meaningful and immersive experiences is unmatched. Our partnership with Somos extends beyond impact adventures; we also collaborate closely with their dedicated team on vital initiatives through their non-profit, WellKind International.
Click the button and apply! At the end of the application, you will be prompted to schedule a call with a Somos team member who will answer all of your questions.
Or you can use the chat feature in the bottom corner of the page.
The heart of a Somos Travel Impact Adventure is the “Impact” portion of the trip. In El Salvador, you’ll take part in a local project in Suchitoto that benefits both the community and the surrounding environment. Over two days, you’ll work alongside residents, learn about their culture, and gain a deeper understanding of their lives, challenges, and resilience. Your presence, and your trip funding, will help create a tangible and lasting positive impact.
You’ll stay in comfortable, locally owned hotels and guesthouses in Suchitoto and El Tunco. Rooms are shared (3–6 per room) with individual beds for each traveler.
Breakfast is provided daily, along with three lunches and two dinners. You’ll also enjoy a pupusa workshop where you make your own meal! A few meals are on your own to explore local cuisine (budget $55–$85). Dietary restrictions can be accommodated.
In Suchitoto, your work directly supports community development and environmental sustainability. Whether you’re helping paint a community space, planting trees, or assisting with educational activities, your presence brings energy, resources, and hope to the community.
Yes. You’ll be supported by professional bilingual guides and trusted local partners throughout the journey. Accommodations, transportation, and activities are carefully selected with student safety in mind.
Moderate. Activities include hiking on uneven terrain, swimming, and light outdoor work. All efforts are made to accommodate a variety of physical abilities.
Moderate. Activities include hiking on uneven terrain, swimming, and light outdoor work. All efforts are made to accommodate a variety of physical abilities.
Yes. somos.travel offers fundraising toolkits and coaching to help make your trip more accessible and impactful.
Absolutely. El Salvador is a wonderful destination for groups who want to combine service, cultural immersion, and outdoor adventure.
This page will help you with the essentials:
Passports: Must be valid through your return date. Renew early if needed.
Flights: If you would like Somos to book your group’s flights, just let us know.
Travel Insurance: Required. This should cover lost baggage, trip cancellation, trip interruption, and injury. We recommend World Nomads and you can get a quote here.
Vaccinations: El Salvador does not require specific vaccines for entry, but Hepatitis A & Typhoid are recommended. Check with a doctor or travel clinic in advance.
Fundraising: Somos can provide fundraising resources and coaching to make the trip more accessible and also to support and raise awareness for local impact partners we work with.
Payment Timeline:
Traveler Forms & Onboarding
To ensure a safe and smooth journey, all travelers complete a short onboarding process that includes:
If you’re organizing a group trip—such as a school, Rotary club, or corporate team—please reach out for custom onboarding and registration options tailored to your group.
Packing List: Will be shared closer to departure (includes recommended clothing, surf/beach gear, and service work supplies).
Pre-Trip Meet-up: Zoom or In-person orientation to meet the group and guides before departure.
