For several decades now, El Salvador in Central America has been overlooked by many travelers for several reasons, most of them based on misconceptions. Many still believe the country is unstable and crime-ridden, while others assume it’s too small to offer much to see or do.
Some people aren’t even aware that El Salvador is a country, and they don’t know where it is.
I recently returned from a week in El Salvador and was genuinely surprised by what I found. My earlier impressions proved wrong. Instead, I encountered a country that has transformed dramatically from its violent past, while preserving its culture and modernizing its thriving capital of San Salvador.
So, here are 7 compelling reasons why you should not only put El Salvador back on the map, but why you should go now:
#1: Safety (one of the world’s most dramatic turnarounds)
The Central American country of El Salvador is a small nation sandwiched between Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Nowadays, it’s a country that’s reinventing itself after a storied not-too-distant past of guerillas, cartels, gang activities, and third world infrastructure.
However, due to a government-led crackdown on gang activity since 2022, there has been a dramatic decrease in violent crime and homicides. The capital of El Salvador, considered the “Murder Capital of the World” in 2015, is now regarded as the safest in Central America, if not the Western Hemisphere.
El Salvador went from being one of the world’s worst countries in the Americas for crime to one of the safest countries in the region with dramatically reduced crime levels.
#2: “Big experiences” in a small country
As the smallest country in Central America, El Salvador is about the size of the state of Massachusetts. Yet, for its size, the country packs a powerful punch in terms of varied terrains and experiences.
From world-class surfing beaches and towering volcanoes with high-altitude lakes to Mayan pyramids and pre-Colombian archaeological sites, the combination is unique. And let’s not forget the many vibrant colonial towns brimming with architecture and regional food favorites such as pupusas and volcanic-grown coffee.
Finally, the sophisticated allure of the capital city of San Salvador is something to savor for architecture, history, culture, cuisine, shopping, and even 5-star hotel comfort. Plus, it can easily be used as a home base while exploring the corners of the country, and it’s quite the value when compared to other Central American countries.
#3: World-class surf beaches
Known for its world-class surf beaches along the Pacific coast, El Salvador is rapidly becoming known as a global surfing hotspot. Beach culture is a bonus at places like El Tunco, El Zonte, and Punta Roca.
But it isn’t just about surfing, as black-sand beaches and sunsets beckon photographers, as well as beach lovers.
What’s truly amazing for those with a tight schedule is that you can surf in the morning and hike a volcano in the afternoon. Not too many other places can boast that contrast. If adventure is what you seek, you can find it in El Salvador without long travel times.
#4: Ecotourism and nature: a core strength with amazing biodiversity
Strongly associated with ecotourism and nature, the country contains a resplendent variety of climes that include rainforests, cloudforests, volcanoes, wetlands, coral reefs, mangroves, and pristine beaches. It packs a punch with its dense concentration of nature and wildlife experiences.
The country also has a strong network of national parks and protected areas such as Cerro Verde, El Imposible, Montecristo, El Boqueron, and El Pital. Activities might include hiking volcanoes, wildlife sightings, and experiencing waterfalls, caves, and forests.
The unique biodiversity of Montecristo, with its rare cloudforest ecosystem, is home to species like quetzals and monkeys. Find mangroves and endangered sea turtles in Jiquilisco Bay, while El Imposible showcases hundreds of tree species that harbor tropic wildlife.
#5: Pyramids and colonial towns: a journey of culture, food, and authentic experiences
The country is rich in history, heritage, art, food, culture, and local traditions with colonial towns like Suchitoto, Apaneca, and Juayua. Even Santa Ana, the second largest city after the capital city of San Salvador, will amaze you with its local cuisine, architecture, and churches.
Or experience the Mayan legacy at Tazumal, located in Chalchuapa, one of the country’s most significant ruins. Joya de Ceren, a recently unearthed and UNESCO World Heritage site, is a Pre-Colombian and Mayan city perfectly preserved by volcanic ash.
#6: Authentic, affordable and underrated without mass tourism
El Salvador feels refreshingly authentic. Its culture is warm and genuine, untouched by the over-commercialization common in many tourist destinations. Visit its charming colonial towns to explore lively markets, local food, handmade crafts, and rich traditions. At times, it can feel like stepping into another era.
#7: High value, low crowds
The country is considered by many to be more affordable and less crowded than its neighboring competition like Costa Rica and Panama. Plus, it’s more compact and perhaps easier to experience because you don’t have to spend so much time going to different locations.
El Salvador offers a premium experience that’s easily customized to reflect specialized interests and various price points for international visitors.
The Bonus
The country uses the U.S. dollar, and it’s geographically located in the Central Standard Time zone, which means there’s only an hour or two difference from most North American locations. Forget about jetlag!
Plus, at the time of this writing, there are no Visa Requirements for visitors with U.S. passports.
But one warning: according to the U.S. State Department: “El Salvador has zero tolerance for driving under the influence of alcohol. You can be detained for having any level of alcohol while driving.” Basically, don’t drink and drive.
The Bottom Line
Experience surprising El Salvador now before the rest of the world finds out about this secret gem. What makes it unique is the combination of experiences that include nature, adventure, culture, heritage, and cuisine in a compact country that holds the lowest risk level issued by the U.S. Department of State: Level 1 U.S. Travel Advisory.
What are you waiting for?
Karin Leperi Pezo is a freelance travel writer and photographer who has traveled to 125 countries. Her published bylines and images have won many awards, both domestic and international. Areas of special interest are culture, cuisine, and cruising along with nature, wildlife, and adventure. She divides her time between Iquitos, Peru and Las Vegas, Nevada.
0 Comments