An authentic thermal oasis
Nestled in the heart of the Salvadoran mountains, the Santa Teresa Hot Springs offer much more than a simple thermal bath. It's a complete experience combining relaxation, wellness and conviviality in an exceptional natural setting.
Therapeutic sulfur waters
The main attraction remains the natural hot water pools enriched with sulfur. This mineral water with recognized therapeutic properties:
- Temperature: Between 38°C and 42°C (100-108°F) depending on the pools
- Sulfur benefits: Improves skin problems (psoriasis, eczema), relieves joint and muscle pain
- Minerals: Rich in magnesium, calcium and trace elements
- Relaxing effect: Deep relaxation guaranteed after 20-30 minutes
Tip: Alternate hot baths and rest to maximize benefits. The sulfur smell may surprise you at first but you quickly get used to it!
The traditional Salvadoran sauna
A unique experience not to be missed: the aromatic branch sauna.
How does it work?
- Traditional steam-heated sauna
- Fresh branches of eucalyptus, rosemary and bay leaves arranged in the cabin
- Essential oils diffuse naturally with the heat
- Immediate purifying and respiratory effect
Recommended ritual:
- 10 minutes of sauna
- Quick cold shower
- 15 minutes in the hot pool
- Rest in the shade
Sauna price: $3 (in addition to entrance fee)
Evening atmosphere
This is where Santa Teresa really stands out! From 6pm, the place transforms into a friendly meeting spot.
The poolside bar-restaurant:
- Local menu: pupusas, yuca frita, carne asada
- Cold beers: Pilsener, Suprema ($2-3)
- Tropical cocktails: mojitos, piña colada ($5-6)
- Horchata and natural refrescos
Concerts and entertainment:
- Fridays and Saturdays: Live music from 7pm
- Local cumbia, salsa, latino rock bands
- Festive but relaxed atmosphere
- Perfect for meeting Salvadorans and travelers
The unique experience: Sip a cold beer while soaking in the hot pool (42°C/108°F) under the stars, with live music in the background. Magical!
The different pools
Main pool (42°C/108°F)
- The hottest and largest
- Bar accessible directly from the water
- Soft lighting in the evening
Family pool (38°C/100°F)
- Milder temperature
- Ideal for children
- Shallow area
"Relaxation" pool (40°C/104°F)
- Quieter and more isolated
- Natural massage jets
- Perfect for meditation
Facilities and services
Included with entrance ($5):
- Access to all pools
- Changing rooms and showers
- Lockers (bring your own padlock)
- Rest areas with lounge chairs
Additional services:
- Traditional sauna: $3
- Therapeutic massage (30 min): $15
- Full massage (60 min): $25
- Towel rental: $1
Practical tips
Hours:
- Monday-Thursday: 8am-8pm (quiet, ideal for relaxation)
- Friday-Sunday: 8am-10pm (festive atmosphere in the evening)
Best time:
- Morning (8am-12pm): Quiet, perfect to enjoy the sauna
- Afternoon (2pm-6pm): Less crowded on weekdays
- Evening (7pm-10pm weekend): Concert and bar atmosphere
What to bring:
- Swimsuit
- Towel (or rent on site)
- Flip-flops/sandals
- Water bottle (hydration is important)
- Cash (few places accept cards)
Prices:
- Adult entrance: $5
- Child (under 12): $3
- Parking: Free
How to get there
From San Salvador (1h30):
- Take the road towards Ahuachapán
- Follow signs for "Termas Santa Teresa"
- GPS: 13.8924° N, 89.8456° W
By public transport:
- Bus 202 from terminal de occidente ($2)
- Get off at "Desvío Santa Teresa"
- Final mototaxi ($1)
Where to stay nearby
In Santa Teresa:
- Cabañas Las Termas ($25-40/night) - 200m away
- Hospedaje Don Luis ($15/night) - Basic but clean
In Ahuachapán (15 min):
- Hotel Casa Blanca ($45-70) - Comfortable
- Hostal Entre Piedras ($12/night) - Backpackers
Combine with other activities
In the region:
- Ruta de las Flores (30 min)
- Los Ausoles Waterfall (15 min)
- Coffee plantation (guided tours)
- Ahuachapán Market (Saturday morning)
Ideal 2-day itinerary:
- Day 1: Hot springs in the morning + Ruta de las Flores in the afternoon
- Day 2: Coffee plantation + Hot springs in the evening with concert
Why choose Santa Teresa?
✅ Authentic: Frequented by locals, not a tourist trap
✅ Complete: Baths + sauna + restaurant + music
✅ Affordable: $5 entrance, excellent value for money
✅ Therapeutic: Real sulfur waters with recognized benefits
✅ Unique atmosphere: The only place where you can drink a beer in a hot spring with live concert!
Final word
Santa Teresa is not the most modern thermal complex in El Salvador, but it's certainly the most authentic and friendly. If you're looking for a local experience, away from mass tourism, with a real immersion in Salvadoran culture, this is the perfect place. The combo of aromatic sauna + hot pool + Friday night concert will remain a memorable souvenir of your trip!