7-Day WCCN Study Trip: El Salvador

San Salvador, El Salvador

NS
Naturally Smart Travel
  • Email address verified
5 reviews
Feb 2 - 8, 2025
Group size: 6 - 14
7-Day WCCN Study Trip: El Salvador
San Salvador, El Salvador

Naturally Smart Travel
  • Email address verified
5 reviews

$1,799
Deposit: $450
Feb 2 - 8, 2025
Group size: 6 - 14

About this trip

**Scroll down to see our day-to-day itinerary**


The educational experience spanning 7 days and 6 nights is presented by Working Capital for Community Needs (WCCN), with coordination and facilitation handled by Naturally Smart Travel.


When arriving at Comalapa International Airport in San Salvador, one of our trusted drivers will be waiting to greet you as you exit the airport doors, bringing you directly to our hotel.


Once settled in, we enjoy a quick siesta before our Bienvenidos Dinner where we meet fellow guests and prepare for our week of adventures ahead. The following morning, we begin our journey by exploring San Salvador better to understand communities in and the history of El Salvador. 


Joined by WCCN’s Executive Director, Will Harris, and a local guide we continue our travels, embracing an immersive experience of meeting with local lending partners and learning about local culture and delicious traditional fare. 

Along the way, we also experience: 

  • Meeting two local lending partners of WCCN to understand their models and how they meet community needs
  • Meeting with loan recipients to learn how their lives have changed through access to microfinance
  • A walking tour of San Salvador to explore Plaza Libertad, the Metropolitan Cathedral, and Palacio Nacional
  • Learning about natural dyes at a family’s indigo farm
  • Releasing baby sea turtles into the wild and enjoying quality time by the ocean 
  • Tasting unique culinary delights 

Heading to San Miguel, we continue our journey, meeting our second local lending partner as well as small business owners. We also enjoy some downtime, explore beautiful Granada, and connect with the birthplace of WCCN


Finally, our trip concludes along the Pacific Coastal town of La Libertad for a day of culture and reflection before we celebrate our adventure at our Despedida dinner.

More About Your Host, WCCN

For over 35 years, Working Capital for Community Needs (WCCN) has created opportunities for access to microfinance and services to support low-income entrepreneurs in Latin America. As one of the first social impact funds in the United States, we have invested more than $150 million, reaching an average of approximately 21,000 end borrowers each year. 


WCCN supports individuals, families, and communities by sustaining partnerships with microfinance organizations and agricultural cooperatives in Colombia, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, and Peru.


As an investor or donor of WCCN, you can personally make this life-changing work happen.

What’s included

  • 6 Nights Accommodation
    6 nights Hotel Stay
  • Private Transportation
    From airport arrival to drop off, you'll have private transportation coordinated with carefully vetted and trusted drivers during your time in El Salvador.
  • 24/7 Tour Guide & Host
    Spanish being the official national language, your local tour guide will accompany you every step of the way, while your host ensures a smooth experience behind the scenes.
  • Meals & Dining
    From welcome dinner to our “Feliz Viaje!” celebration, we’ll enjoy authentic local fare, as well as cross-cultural staples.
  • Local Fees & Gratuities
    Our Naturally Smart team coordinates and facilitates payments for all local fees and gratuities, so your only priority is living your best impact life abroad.
  • Preparation Emails
    Leading up to your departure date, you'll receive weekly emails to help you prepare for your trip including culture points, what to pack, what to expect each day, and more.
  • WhatsApp Group Chat
    Guests will be added to a group chat using the application WhatsApp, so they're able to receive all the important information needed before and during the tour
  • Carbon Offset
    A portion of proceeds offsets the carbon footprint from our trip.
  • Scholarships
    A portion of proceeds contributes to scholarships for education and capacity building.
  • BONUS
    Guests arrive to a collection of locally-sourced goodies that will serve them along the adventure.

What’s not included

  • Airfare
    International airfare not included
  • Alcoholic Beverages
    Alcoholic beverages are purchased by guests
  • Travel Insurance
    Travel insurance is a requirement for booking
  • Tips
    For guides, drivers, or captains

Available Packages

Single Occupancy

For the solo traveler, which includes private accommodations with a single or double bed.

$1,799
Deposit: $450
Double Occupancy (per person)

For the traveling duo enjoying private accommodations with 2 single/double beds or 1 double/queen size.


*Booking price is per person

$1,599
Deposit: $450
$1,799
Deposit: $450


Itinerary

Day 1
Bienvenidos a El Salvador!

Once arrived at the airport, one of our trusted drivers will be waiting. Your first stop is to our hotel, where you'll be checked in and given a brief orientation of the town.

Guests who need to visit the ATM or other vendors,  simply let your guide know and they'll offer assistance. 

Should you arrive early in the morning and would like us to coordinate a day of exploration, let us know and we will make it happen! 

After a quick siesta, we will enjoy a welcome happy hour before our “Bienvenidos” dinner to indulge in a delicious menu of a local favorite with scenic views of the town. Meanwhile, you will meet your guide and host, as well as mingle with fellow travelers and tour guide! After a day of travel, we'll focus on getting to know one another in prep for the exciting week ahead.

Your Organizer


NS
Naturally Smart Travel
5 reviews
Naturally Smart Travel coordinates sustainable group and private impact tours to create culturally immersive experiences throughout Latin America. With our unique recipe for blending culture, adventure, and community impact into every trip, we inspire opportunities for both conscious guests and social or environmental initiatives to thrive. Join us to explore the hospitality and culture LatAm has to offer and add purpose to your next travel experience!

Reviews

The trip was planned wonderfully! We got to absorb the culture in El Salvador and have so many new experiences. I definitely recommend!
By Quinn Ella B for 7-Day WCCN Study Trip: El Salvador on Feb 18, 2025
Naturally Smart Travel has provided us with several expertly curated and wonderful experiences in Central America. We highly recommend!
By Heather H for 7-Day WCCN Study Trip: El Salvador on Feb 10, 2025
I really enjoyed immersing in El Salvador culture and connecting with WCCN's mission. Meeting the borrowers was my favorite moment.
By Fiorella D for 7-Day WCCN Study Trip: El Salvador on Feb 10, 2025
We had a wonderful time, great food, nice accommodations, and all the excursions were well organized. Thank you for putting together a well-planned trip!
By Patti S for Work. Play. Love.: Celebrating a Decade of Impact on May 29, 2024
Hi Patti! Thank you again for sharing time and connecting during our Work. Play. Love. celebration in May. It was so great to meet you and learn more about what makes your heart beat with purpose. Hoping to see you in the Guatemalan sunshine again soon enough!
By Naturally Smart Travel on Jul 15, 2024
NS
I had an amazing time getting a taste of Nicaragua while learning about the positive effects of micro financing. Leilani took care of all the travel details and hired the most wonderful guides. I would love to travel with her again. Barb
By Barbara J for WCCN Study Trip: Nicaragua on Feb 19, 2024
Hey Barb! I just want to say thank you again for being such a vibrant part of our trip to Nicaragua. It was really a pleasure getting to know you and I look forward to meeting up in Madison later this summer. Take great care and keep adventuring!
By Naturally Smart Travel on Jul 15, 2024
NS