Mission guide
El Salvador San Salvador West Mission
A Spanish-speaking mission in El Salvador, centered in the historic capital of San Salvador.
- Spanish
El Salvador San Salvador West Mission shirts
Every style made for this mission, printed when you order.
El Salvador San Salvador West Mission T-Shirt
$29.00
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El Salvador San Salvador West Mission Heart Map Shirt
$29.00
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El Salvador San Salvador West Mission Flag Map Shirt
$29.00
Choose size & color →I Glory in My Jesus, in the language of this mission
2 Nephi 33:6 as it reads in the Book of Mormon for each language spoken here.
Weak Things Become Strong, in the language of this mission
"I make weak things become strong" (Ether 12:27) as it reads in the Book of Mormon for each language spoken here.
More shirts in the language of this mission
Press Forward, in the language of this mission
"Press forward with a steadfastness in Christ" (2 Nephi 31:20) as it reads in the Book of Mormon for each language spoken here.
About the mission
Spanish is the primary language for missionaries and members in this mission.
At a glance
- Country
- El Salvador
- Main city
- San Salvador (municipality population 525,990 in 2024)
- Time zone
- Central Standard Time (UTC-6)
- Climate
- Tropical wet and dry, with a rainy season from May through October
- Church in El Salvador
- 132,399 members, 154 congregations, 3 missions
- Congregations
- 126 wards and 28 branches
A short history of the area
San Salvador became the seat of the Intendancy of San Salvador in 1785. The city has endured major earthquakes, including a destructive earthquake in 1986. On January 16, 1992, the Chapultepec Peace Accords were signed in San Salvador, ending 12 years of civil war.
The Church here
- 1949Latter-day Saint missionaries arrived in El Salvador. In June, missionaries from the Mexican Mission rented a hall in San Salvador for English lessons and Church films.
- 1951Ana Villaseñor, who had housed missionaries for several years, was baptized on March 2. She was the first baptism specifically identified in the mission history.
- 1960More Salvadoran members began serving as Church leaders and missionaries. Primary, seminary, and institute classes were also organized.
- 1973The first stake in El Salvador was organized in San Salvador on June 3.
- 1976The El Salvador San Salvador Mission was organized on July 1.
- 1980Civil war spread across El Salvador. North American missionaries were evacuated, and the mission closed.
- 1984The mission reopened with entirely local leadership and missionaries.
- 1990The El Salvador San Salvador Mission was divided to create East and West missions on July 1.
- 2011President Henry B. Eyring dedicated the San Salvador El Salvador Temple on August 21.
Temples nearby
San Salvador El Salvador Temple
Dedicated August 21, 2011 · Near San Salvador
Santa Ana El Salvador Temple
Announced · About 25 miles from San Salvador
Guatemala City Guatemala Temple
Dedicated December 14, 1984 · About 105 miles from San Salvador
Miraflores Guatemala City Guatemala Temple
Opening soon · About 105 miles from San Salvador
The Book of Mormon here
Missionaries in this mission share the Book of Mormon in these languages. Tap a cover to read it free.
Cover art is an illustration. Links open the free edition on ChurchofJesusChrist.org.
Before you go
Phrases to learn
- HolaHello
- Buenos díasGood morning
- ¿Cómo está?How are you?
- GraciasThank you
Foods to try
- Pupusas (thick corn cakes filled with ingredients such as cheese, beans, or pork)
- Yuca frita (fried cassava often served with toppings or a savory sauce)
- Tamales (seasoned dough and fillings wrapped and steamed in leaves)
- Pan con pavo (a turkey sandwich served with Salvadoran-style vegetables and sauce)
Fun facts
- San Salvador hosted the Central American and Caribbean Games in 1935, 2002, and 2023.
- Estadio Cuscatlán holds more than 45,000 people and is the largest soccer venue in Central America and the Caribbean.
- The National Theater of El Salvador is the oldest theater in Central America and seats 650 people.
Just got the call?
Turn the opening into a game: family and friends guess where the missionary is going before the reveal.