23M, Black, First time Visiting El Salvador

I'm going to visit El Salvador for my 23rd Birthday (solo) in February. I'm going from the 5th to 11th, flying from Houston, so that's about 3–5 hours. Picked it because the price point is perfect. Not to mention from the standpoint of a black man, I've heard perfect things like enduring racism COULD happen, but it is not likely, and I tend to try and be safe about it. I've never been to South America, and I really want to see mountains and possibly go hiking. I'm really into geography when it comes to caves, rain forest, that type of thing, but not so many beaches. I wouldn't mind a bit of night-life too. I also want to engage in touristy places, but not so much on all the aspects of tourism as I want an authentic experience and I don't really want to be sold on the whole idea that a place is all around amazing, when, in reality, you only spend maybe 2 weeks there and don't see the things like poverty that people endure on a daily basis to survive. So would you guys please drop recommendations and ideas on things to do and see? Also, places to stay and see instead of just the main big city. Thanks in advance, plus I would like to hear your experiences.