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When travelers think of El Salvador, it is not often that visions of pristine beaches, luxury hotels or centuries-old cobble stone streets would be top of mind. But this small, yet beautiful country in Central America (roughly the size of Massachusetts) has done much to reinvent itself and is positioned to be the next trendy hot spot for travel.Renowned for its Pacific Ocean beaches, surfing, lush landscapes and unspoiled natural habitats, El Salvador is an eco-traveler’s paradise that is also known as the Land of Volcanoes with 25 active volcanoes, which, with their beautiful mountain ridges, are eye-catching as they rise stark and majestic against the background of blue skies. Looking out from high above while standing on one of the many natural overlooks within the ridges, visitors can see monster waves crashing against soft, black sand beaches, which are a haven for surf enthusiasts.If the warm waters are not your style, there are plenty of additional attractions to visit, from memorials and museums that pay homage to the country’s roots to other natural beauties, including a collection of archaeological sites and vast amounts of coffee plantations.For those looking to explore this fascinating, up-and-coming travel destination, the tourism board has created a variety of routes to help plan your next adventure:* Hang ten. El Salvador has ideal surfing conditions along the shores of its southern beaches. At these surfing spots, travelers can find schools with bilingual instructors and shops to rent surfboards. La Libertad is one of the most popular areas with Punta Roca anchoring the surf scene. With waves that are appealing to all levels from beginner to professional, combined with consistently warm waters averaging 80 degrees year-round, it is no wonder why the country hosts numerous competitions.* Delve into history. Day trippers can wander through colonial cities and explore grand, historic structures such as the cathedral and national theater off the square at Santa Ana, or take a quiet stroll past pastel-colored houses, such as those found in the mountain town of Suchitoto.* Dig in. For those looking to dig into the country’s heritage (literally and figuratively), guides arrange tours to top archaeological sites of the Mayan world such as Joya De Ceren, which includes museums and trails and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993.* Take a plantation tour. If your love of coffee knows no bounds, then you have come to the right country. Visitors who want to experience El Salvador’s coffee culture can learn about the process from plant to cup — the proper methods of growing coffee beans, harvesting, sorting, drying, roasting and the delicate process the fruit (that is right, a coffee bean is considered a fruit) goes through before it can be brewed into the iconic beverage that helps kick-start your morning.* Channel your inner artist. Visit small towns dedicated to the craftsmanship of objects made from wood, clay, natural fibers and recycled materials. Historically, indigo ruled the area and was the key driver of the economy before a synthetic component was created. Today, visitors can still learn the original, organic way indigo was used to create vibrant apparel and try their hand at creating a perfect garment.Whether you are looking for an active vacation or relaxing beach getaway, El Salvador has the ideal blend of attractions.