El Salvador Travel Guide
Country Central American country known for volcanoes
El Salvador captivates with its volcanic landscapes and surf-friendly beaches. Visitors explore the ancient ruins of Joya de Cerén, often called the “Pompeii of the Americas,” while the Ruta de las Flores offers a scenic drive through coffee plantations and colorful villages. Pupusas, the national dish, are a must-try.
Why Visit El Salvador #
El Salvador is one of Central America’s best surf secrets: Punta Roca and El Sunzal near La Libertad offer long, hollow right-handers for experienced surfers, while El Tunco has more forgiving breaks for beginners. Surf schools cluster along the coast, and evening beach bars make post-surf socializing easy. Travel with a local guide if you want the best lineups.
Eat pupusas-the stuffed corn tortillas with curtido and salsa-at family-run pupuserías across towns like San Salvador and Santa Ana. Skip touristy spots and find the local lunchtime joints where recipes are handed down through generations. Try loroco or pork-and-cheese fillings and ask for a fresh batch straight off the griddle.
Drive the Ruta de las Flores through Ataco, Juayúa and Apaneca for coffee farms, weekend food festivals and colorful murals. Small cafés and artisanal stalls sell chocolate and roasted beans, and the route pairs short hikes with pleasant mountain air. Visit on a weekend for the best market atmosphere, but arrive early to avoid crowds.
See Joya de Cerén, often called the ‘Pompeii of the Americas,’ where volcanic ash preserved a farming village and daily objects. Its excavation gives unusually clear insights into pre-Columbian rural life-more intimate than the larger Maya sites. Combine it with a stop at nearby San Andrés for a fuller archaeological day.
Explore coffee haciendas in the Apaneca and Santa Ana zones for plantation tours, cuppings and stays at renovated fincas. Producers in the region focus on small-batch beans and often offer guided walks explaining processing from cherry to cup. If you care about origin, these visits add flavor to every morning brew.
Who's El Salvador For?
Lake Coatepeque sunsets and the charming towns along the Ruta de las Flores are perfect for romantic getaways; surf sunsets in El Tunco add casual seaside intimacy for relaxed couples.
Family-friendly beaches near La Libertad and cultural sites like Joya de Cerén offer accessible day trips. Safety varies by neighborhood, so stick to well-known resorts and guided excursions with kids.
El Salvador is a tight, surfer-friendly backpacker loop: El Tunco, La Libertad and Izalco. Cheap hostels, local buses and volcano boarding at Cerro Negro make it adventurous and affordable.
San Salvador and a few coastal towns have coworking spaces and decent internet, but outages and safety concerns mean nomads prefer established neighborhoods; cost of living remains attractively low.
Pupusas are the must-eat street specialty; sample them in market stalls and roadside comedores. Fresh seafood at La Libertad and coffee from nearby highlands round out a bright coastal cuisine.
Volcano boarding on Cerro Negro is a one-of-a-kind rush; world-class surf at Punta Roca and hikes up Santa Ana volcano or Ilamatepec provide nonstop adrenaline for active travelers.
El Tunco’s beach bars host lively weekend parties and bonfires, while San Salvador’s clubs serve up late-night scenes. The vibe skews informal and surf-driven rather than ultra-glamorous.
Compact but volcanic: crater lakes like Coatepeque, cloud-forest pockets and El Imposible National Park offer biodiversity and hiking options, though national parks are small and sometimes underfunded.
Regions of El Salvador #
San Salvador Metro
The capital region mixes practical travel hubs with cultural highlights: museums, lively markets and a nightlife scene. Short drives take you to colonial towns, church-lined plazas and coffee estates on the valley margins. Use San Salvador as a base for day trips, logistics and a first taste of Salvadoran food and city life.
Top Spots
- San Salvador - Central museums, buzzing restaurants and a compact historic core.
- Suchitoto - Cobblestone streets and artsy charm a short drive away.
Western Surf Coast
A magnet for surfers and backpackers, this stretch of Pacific shoreline has consistent waves, beachfront hostels and a social surf scene. Evenings here are communal - beach bonfires and casual seafood. It’s the most accessible place to learn to surf, meet fellow travelers and unwind after inland explorations.
Top Spots
- El Tunco - Surf culture, beachfront bars and an easygoing nightlife.
- El Zonte - Longer breaks for surfers and relaxed hostels.
Ruta de las Flores
A short highland corridor of coffee farms, flower-filled hills and lively weekend markets, the Ruta de las Flores is perfect for relaxed day-hikes and artisanal food stops. Colonial towns clutch steep streets and murals, while nearby waterfalls and cloudforest trails invite short adventures. The vibe is small-town, photogenic and very walkable.
Top Spots
- Ataco - Colorful murals, craft coffee and weekend markets.
- Juayúa - Food festival nights and a gateway to cloudforest treks.
Eastern Volcanoes & Beaches
This region pairs a chain of volcanoes and crater viewpoints with quieter Pacific bays and important wildlife areas. Hike volcanic slopes for panoramic views, then descend to mangrove-lined estuaries for kayaking and birdwatching. It’s where natural diversity concentrates: coastal habitats, volcanic panoramas and peaceful rural communities.
Top Spots
- Jiquilisco Bay - Mangroves, birding and quiet beaches.
- Cerro Verde - Volcano viewpoints and cooler highland air.
Top Cities in El Salvador
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Best Things to Do in El Salvador
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El Salvador Bucket List
- Joya de Cerén Archaeological Site - Pre-Columbian village preserved under volcanic ash, UNESCO-listed, revealing daily Mayan life.
- Santa Ana (Ilamatepec) Volcano - Active stratovolcano offering crater hikes and panoramic views over Lake Coatepeque and western highlands.
- Ruta de las Flores - Scenic mountain route of coffee farms, colorful towns, artisanal markets and seasonal flower festivals.
- Suchitoto - Colonial town with cobblestone streets, art galleries, and a peaceful Lake Suchitlán waterfront.
- El Tunco - Surf-focused Pacific beach village famous for consistent breaks, nightlife and relaxed backpacker atmosphere.
- Lake Coatepeque - Crater lake ideal for swimming, kayaking, and lakeside dining beneath towering volcanic rims.
- Tazumal - Less-visited Maya ruins near Chalchuapa with reconstructed pyramids and small on-site museum.
- Perquín and the Museum of the Revolution - Mountain town on the Ruta de la Paz showcasing civil war history at interactive museums.
- El Imposible National Park - Dry forest reserve with steep trails and wildlife, rewarding hikers who brave rugged trails.
- Jiquilisco Bay Biosphere Reserve - Expansive mangrove estuary protecting nesting sea turtles, birdlife and traditional fishing communities.
- Isla Carmen (Jiquilisco) - Small mangrove island community reachable by boat, offering rustic beaches and local fishing culture.
- Ruta de las Flores (route) - Short coffee-and-flower drive linking Ataco, Apaneca and Juayúa, roughly 36 kilometers; allow a day.
- Pacific Coast CA-2 drive - Coastal highway from La Libertad to El Cuco runs along beaches and surf towns, several-hour trip.
- Volcano-Lake loop (Santa Ana-Coatepeque-Cerro Verde) - Half-day loop combining Santa Ana volcano, Coatepeque crater lake and Cerro Verde viewpoints, great photo opportunities.
- (Note) Short country size - El Salvador's compact size makes most drives short; plan multiple stops to sample local towns and viewpoints.
Planning Your Trip to El Salvador #
1 Week El Salvador Itinerary
Spend a week in El Salvador: San Salvador museums, Suchitoto colonial streets, Joya de Cerén ruins, Coatepeque lake, Ruta de las Flores towns and surf at El Tunco.
Show itinerary- Day 1 - Arrive San Salvador; visit Museo de la Palabra y la Imagen.
- Day 2 - Morning trip to Joya de Cerén archaeological site and museum.
- Day 3 - Explore Suchitoto colonial center and Church of Santa Lucia.
- Day 4 - Relax at Coatepeque Lake; swim or boat.
- Day 5 - Drive Ruta de las Flores: Apaneca and Ataco artisan towns.
- Day 6 - Hike Santa Ana (Ilamatepec) volcano and crater views.
- Day 7 - Surf or relax at El Tunco, return to San Salvador and depart.
2 Weeks El Salvador Itinerary
Two-week loop across El Salvador: San Salvador, Ruta de las Flores villages, Santa Ana volcano, El Imposible hiking, eastern San Miguel, coastal surf towns and cultural museums.
Show itinerary- Day 1-2 - San Salvador: markets, anthropology museum and Plaza Futura.
- Day 3 - Joya de Cerén and nearby Tazumal ruins in Chalchuapa.
- Day 4-5 - Ruta de las Flores: Apaneca, Ataco, coffee tour and murals.
- Day 6 - Hike Santa Ana volcano; visit Lake Coatepeque viewpoint.
- Day 7-8 - El Imposible National Park hikes and wildlife spotting.
- Day 9-10 - Eastern San Miguel and Chaparrastique area exploration.
- Day 11-14 - Coastal surf towns: El Tunco and El Zonte, lessons and relaxation.
3-4 Weeks El Salvador Itinerary
Spend three to four weeks exploring El Salvador: coffee farm stays, Ruta de las Flores, Joya de Cerén, El Imposible, Jiquilisco Bay mangroves, Gulf of Fonseca islands and Pacific surf towns.
Show itinerary- Day 1-3 - San Salvador and Suchitoto: markets, galleries and colonial streets.
- Day 4-7 - Longer coffee farm stay in Apaneca and cultural workshops.
- Day 8-10 - Joya de Cerén, Tazumal and archaeological day trips.
- Day 11-13 - Hike and birdwatch in El Imposible National Park.
- Day 14-17 - Explore Jiquilisco Bay mangroves and boat wildlife tours.
- Day 18-20 - La Unión and Gulf of Fonseca islands, Meanguera day trips.
- Day 21-24 - Pacific coast surf towns El Tunco, El Zonte; lessons and rest.
- Day 25-28 - Return to San Salvador for final museums and departure.
Best Time to Visit El Salvador #
El Salvador has a tropical climate with a pronounced dry season (roughly November-April) and a rainy season (roughly May-October). Coastal lowlands remain warm year-round, while the interior highlands are noticeably cooler at night.
January
January sits in the dry season with warm days and lower humidity, particularly along the coast and in lowlands. Inland highland areas are a few degrees cooler at night. This is a popular time for beachgoers and outdoor activities.
Events
No major festivals this month.
February
February remains hot and largely dry; temperatures rise toward the end of the month. Humidity is still moderate compared with the rainy season, making travel comfortable. Tourist services are widely available and prices are steady.
Events
No major festivals this month.
March
March is typically dry and hot, with coastal and lowland areas at some of their warmest pre-rainy-season temperatures. Beach and surf conditions are favorable. Expect higher local travel around Semana Santa if it falls this month.
Events
- Semana Santa - Holy Week (Semana Santa) usually falls in March or April and is observed across the country with religious processions and public holidays.
April
April is still part of the dry season overall but humidity begins to rise late in the month as the rainy season approaches. Plenty of sunshine makes it a good month for coastal tourism. Crowds remain moderate to high in popular areas.
Events
No major festivals this month.
May
May marks the transition toward the rainy season: humidity increases and occasional showers start to appear, especially inland and in the highlands. Travel is still comfortable early in the month but afternoon thunderstorms become more common. Rates may begin to drop outside peak holiday periods.
Events
No major festivals this month.
June
The rainy season is established by June, with frequent afternoon and evening downpours and higher humidity. Flooding can affect rural roads and some outdoor plans. Travelers should expect fewer tourists and lower prices, but plan for weather disruptions.
Events
No major festivals this month.
July
July is one of the wettest months, with heavy rains common and sometimes intense storms. Beach and surf spots on the Pacific coast still operate but inland excursions can be impacted by muddy roads. Accommodation is generally cheaper and less crowded.
Events
No major festivals this month.
August
August remains within the rainy season; expect frequent rainfall and high humidity across most of the country. Local festivals such as Las Bolas de Fuego occur despite the rains and draw domestic crowds. Travelers should allow extra time for surface travel.
Events
- Las Bolas de Fuego (Nejapa) - Las Bolas de Fuego in Nejapa, a unique fireball-throwing celebration, takes place annually on August 31.
September
September is still part of the wet season and is also the peak month for national celebrations around Independence Day. Rainfall can be heavy and persistent, and there is seasonal risk of tropical storms. Travelers should expect lower international tourist numbers but vibrant local activity around holidays.
Events
- Independence Day - El Salvador's Independence Day on September 15 is marked by parades and civic events nationwide.
October
Rainfall begins to taper in October though showers are still frequent, especially early in the month. Humidity remains high but conditions gradually become more settled toward the end of the month. Prices start to rise again as the dry season approaches.
Events
No major festivals this month.
November
November marks the start of the dry season with clearer skies and lower humidity, making it a popular time for visitors. Coastal waters and beaches are pleasant and outdoor activities are easier to schedule. Accommodation availability improves compared with rainy months.
Events
No major festivals this month.
December
December is dry and warm, though inland highlands are cooler at night. Holiday travel increases around Christmas, especially at beach resorts. Expect busy domestic travel and some higher seasonal prices.
Events
No major festivals this month.
How to Get to El Salvador #
Most international visitors fly into Monseñor Óscar Arnulfo Romero International Airport (SAL) outside San Salvador, which handles the majority of long‑haul and regional services. Overland travel from Guatemala and Honduras is common for regional travellers, with frequent bus services linking capitals.
- Citizens of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada and most EU countries do not require a tourist visa for stays (commonly up to 90 days); always confirm with your consulate before travel.
- Passport should be valid for the duration of the stay; immigration officers commonly ask for proof of onward travel and sufficient funds.
- Health: yellow fever vaccination may be required if arriving from a yellow‑fever‑endemic country. Check current entry and health advisories before travel.
International Airports
How to Get Around El Salvador
International and regional carriers such as Avianca and American carriers serve SAL with direct and one‑stop flights. There are very few domestic scheduled flights; most air traffic is international.
For cross‑border travel around Central America, look at regional operators and scheduled shuttles between capitals.
Long‑distance travel is dominated by coach companies and the well‑known regional operator Tica Bus, which links El Salvador with Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and Costa Rica. Fares vary by distance but are often affordable - from roughly $10-60 USD for most international legs.
Local buses and “chicken buses” (repainted North American school buses) serve nearly every town; they’re cheap but can be crowded and run on flexible schedules.
Ride‑hailing like Uber operates in San Salvador and is widely used for airport transfers and inner‑city trips. Private shuttle companies offer door‑to‑door transfers between the airport and popular hotels, useful for late arrivals or groups.
Shuttles are pricier than local buses but add security and luggage handling for a fixed fee.
Metered taxis and informal colectivos operate inside cities; agree a price in advance if a meter isn’t used. Local buses are the cheapest way to get around urban areas, but pickpocketing can be a concern on busy routes.
For comfort and safety, many travellers prefer app‑based rides or hotel‑arranged taxis for night travel.
Where to Stay in El Salvador #
San Salvador’s Zona Rosa and Colonia Escalón host mid-range and international hotels ideal for city sightseeing. Coastal resorts are concentrated around La Libertad and El Tunco, convenient for surf and beach days.
El Tunco, El Zonte and surf towns near La Libertad have lively hostels and surf camps geared to surfers and backpackers. Expect communal dinners, board storage and easy access to popular breaks.
Follow the Ruta de las Flores for small homestays and coffee fincas in towns like Juayúa and Ataco. These are great for cultural exchange, local food and easy day trips to waterfalls and markets.
Remote workers and expats commonly rent apartments in San Salvador (Escalón, Colonia San Benito) or long-term beach rentals near La Libertad - look for furnished units with reliable internet and gated security.
Eco-lodges and small nature retreats near El Impossible, Lake Coatepeque and cloud-forest reserves offer guided hikes and birding. These lodges focus on nature activities rather than luxury amenities.
Staying Connected in El Salvador #
El Salvador offers solid mobile coverage in cities with competitive prepaid options from major operators. Urban broadband and public Wi‑Fi are adequate for remote work, while rural and mountainous zones are more variable.
Buy prepaid SIMs at San Salvador airport or city shops from Tigo El Salvador or Claro El Salvador. Starter SIMs commonly cost $3-15 and data bundles range from small daily packs to monthly plans around $10-30 depending on allowance.
Tigo El Salvador and Claro El Salvador are the main operators, offering widespread 3G/4G in urban areas. Tigo often promotes competitive data bundles while Claro has extensive rural coverage through partner infrastructure and roaming arrangements.
San Salvador and major tourist towns have cafés and coworking spaces with reliable Wi‑Fi suitable for work. Hotels usually provide decent connections, but speeds and stability vary outside urban centers, so plan for mobile backup for remote locations.
Rural and coastal areas can experience weaker mobile signal; eSIM options are limited, so purchase a physical SIM on arrival for the best ease of use.
Money & Currency in El Salvador #
El Salvador uses the US dollar (USD) as its primary currency; Bitcoin is also legal tender but acceptance is limited. Cards are accepted in many tourist areas and banks/ATMs are common in cities, though cash remains useful for small vendors.
Approximate mid-market rates · Charts & history
- Tipping: Tipping around 10% in restaurants is common in tourist areas; small tips or rounding up for hotel staff and drivers are typical.
- Cards & Cash: Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants and larger shops in tourist centers; many local businesses and markets prefer cash. Bitcoin acceptance varies and is mainly tied to the government Chivo wallet and a subset of merchants.
- ATMs & Mobile Payments: ATMs are readily available in cities and tourist areas though banks may charge withdrawal fees. The government Chivo Bitcoin wallet exists but real-world adoption is mixed; traditional mobile banking apps are also used.
- Banknotes: $1, $2, $5, $10, $20, $50, $100
- Coins: 0.01, 0.05, 0.10, 0.25, 0.50, $1
Health & Safety in El Salvador #
El Salvador has neighborhoods with high violent crime; many visits are safe if you avoid gang areas and take common-sense precautions. Top risks are violent crime, road hazards, and mosquito-borne illnesses during the rainy season.
- Violent Crime & Gangs - El Salvador has high homicide and gang activity concentrated in specific neighborhoods and rural areas. Avoid known gang territories, do not display valuables, and follow local advice-stay in well-secured accommodation and avoid lone night travel.
- Scams & Petty Crime - Pickpocketing and bag-snatching are common in markets, buses and tourist sites. Use money belts, keep bags secured and be cautious when using ATMs; prefer hotel or official taxi services over street-hail taxis.
- Road Safety - Roads can be poorly lit with variable enforcement and reckless drivers. Avoid driving at night, watch for pedestrians and informal crossings, and be wary of armed roadblocks-use reputable transport providers and GPS navigation.
- Health Risks (Mosquito-borne) - Dengue, chikungunya and Zika are present; use insect repellent, long sleeves and bed nets where needed. Seek medical advice on mosquito precautions and bring repellents, especially during the rainy season and in lowland areas.
- Food & Water - Tap water may be unsafe; stick to bottled or boiled water. Avoid unregulated street food and raw produce unless freshly cooked; if you get severe diarrhoea, seek medical care due to limited emergency resources in some areas.
- Natural Disasters - El Salvador is prone to earthquakes, volcanic activity and tropical storms during the rainy season. Have an emergency plan, keep copies of documents, follow evacuation orders, and avoid rivers and low-lying areas during heavy rains.
History & Culture of El Salvador #
El Salvador is a compact Central American country whose identity mixes indigenous Pipil roots, Spanish colonial history and a modern culture shaped by coffee, migration and civil-war memory. Pupusas, lively street markets and strong family networks are among the most visible aspects for visitors.
History of El Salvador
El Salvador’s culture blends indigenous Pipil heritage with Spanish colonial influence and a 20th-century history marked by social inequality and civil conflict. Visitors will notice colonial architecture, indigenous-rooted crafts and a strong contemporary memory of the civil war era in museums and public commemorations.
Key historical touchstones include pre-Columbian Pipil settlement, Spanish conquest and colonization, coffee-driven economic structures, the 1932 peasant massacre (La Matanza), and the 1980-1992 civil war whose aftermath shapes politics, migration and social programs today.
Notable Figures
- Óscar Arnulfo Romero - Archbishop of San Salvador and vocal critic of human-rights abuses, assassinated in 1980 and later beatified.
- Farabundo Martí - Early 20th-century activist and leader whose name became associated with leftist movements and the FMLN guerrillas.
- Francisco Flores - Late-20th/early-21st-century political figure (former president) associated with post-war economic and political changes.
Key Dates
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Pre-16th centuryPipil (Nahua) peoples inhabit the region, bringing Nahuatl-derived culture and language to parts of present-day El Salvador.
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1524Spanish conquest begins under Pedro de Alvarado, leading to colonial rule and the imposition of encomienda systems.
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1821El Salvador declares independence from Spain as part of the Central American Provinces.
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1932La Matanza: a brutal suppression of an indigenous and peasant uprising leaves deep scars and shapes 20th-century politics.
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1980-1992A civil war involving the government and leftist guerrilla groups causes widespread displacement and loss of life; it ends with the 1992 Chapultepec Peace Accords.
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1992Peace accords signed in Mexico City, leading to political reforms and the reincorporation of former combatants into civilian life.
Salvadoran food centers on corn-based dishes, modest street food culture and coastal seafood; pupusas are the nation’s best-known dish and widely available from street stalls to restaurants.
Language
Spanish is the dominant language across El Salvador; indigenous Nahuatl (Pipil) survives in place names and some communities, but Spanish is used for almost all public communication.
Useful Phrases
- Hello - Hola OH-lah
- Good morning - Buenos días BWEH-nos DEE-as
- Good afternoon - Buenas tardes BWEH-nahs TAR-des
- Where is the bus? - ¿Dónde está el autobús? DON-deh es-TAH el ow-toh-BOOS
- A taxi, please - Una taxi, por favor OO-nah TAK-see por fah-VOR
- How much does it cost? - ¿Cuánto cuesta? KWAN-toh KWEH-stah
- Thank you - Gracias GRAH-syahs
- Enjoy your meal - Buen provecho bwen proh-VEH-cho
- The bill, please - La cuenta, por favor lah KWEN-tah por fah-VOR
- I need help - Necesito ayuda neh-seh-SEE-toh ah-YOO-dah
- Call the police - Llame a la policía YAH-meh ah lah poh-lee-SEE-ah
- I'm lost - Estoy perdido/a es-TOY per-DEE-doh / per-DEE-dah
Responsible Travel in El Salvador #
El Salvador’s volcanoes, surf and mangrove coasts support fragile ecosystems and close-knit communities, so low-impact outdoor practices and community support keep tourism sustainable.
- Responsible Surf & Beach Use: At popular breaks like El Tunco and Punta Roca follow local surf etiquette, use reef-safe sunscreen, take your rubbish with you and avoid disturbing nesting turtles on quieter beaches.
- Volcano & Trail Safety: When hiking Santa Ana (Ilamatepec) or Cerro Verde hire local guides, carry sufficient water, respect trail closures and avoid solo night hikes on unstable slopes.
- Support Coffee & Small Businesses: Visit coffee farms on the Ruta de las Flores or buy from family-run cafés and cooperatives to ensure income stays in rural communities rather than large exporters.
- Protect Mangroves & Marine Areas: Respect mangrove systems such as those in Bahía de Jiquilisco - avoid trampling roots, take part in community cleanups if offered, and choose operators that protect nesting and foraging habitats.
- Community Safety & Respect: Be mindful of local security advisories, follow guidance from hosts and local tourism offices, and respect Salvadoran social norms when visiting markets or community events.
Travel Resources for El Salvador #
Official
- Visit El Salvador (official tourism) Official Tourism
- Presidency of El Salvador (government portal) Government
Travel Advisories
News & Media
- El Diario de Hoy Spanish
- La Prensa Gráfica Spanish
- Reuters - El Salvador coverage English
Useful Links
Useful Apps for El Salvador
- Google Maps - Maps and directions across El Salvador.
- Google Translate - Useful for translating Spanish signage and conversation.
- WhatsApp Messenger - Common messaging app for taxis, hosts, and guides.
- Uber - Available in major Salvadoran cities for convenient rides.