Travel Q&A: Is El Salvador Safe to Visit?
Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re talking about El Salvador in Central America. When we set off on our El Salvador vacation, the biggest question you all had for us was about safety. Everyone wanted to know if it is safe to visit El Salvador. El Salvador was once ranked the murder capital of the world, so it’s a valid concern. But we don’t take our kids to places that are too dangerous to visit. So, today, we’re addressing safety concerns in El Salvador.
Is El Salvador Safe?
While it’s true that El Salvador still has one of the highest murder rates in the world, this is nearly all gang-on-gang violence. Violence in the tourist areas of El Salvador is actually pretty rare. The violence is really concentrated in certain areas of the larger cities. Areas where a tourist is unlikely to end up. As a tourist, you’re unlikely to run into any violence that has given El Salvador this reputation.
Can I Go Out at Night?
If you are in the larger cities of El Salvador, I recommend you use extra caution at night. Don’t walk around at night; use a taxi to get around. Use your common travel sense no matter where you are. Some of the small towns are quite lively at night, and you’ll see lots of people strolling the streets.
How Can I Avoid Becoming a Target?
We talk about this a lot in response to safety questions. No matter where your travel, you want to blend in as much as possible. Leave your fancy jewelry, accessories, and electronics at home. Don’t make it obvious that you aren’t from the area. Ask your hotel which areas to avoid, especially if you are traveling solo.
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How Do I Stay Safe at El Salvador Beaches?
There are some really great El Salvador beaches to visit. But you have to take normal precautions you would at any beach. Wear sunblock and reapply it often. Wear a hat that offers extra sun protection. You also need bug spray; night or day, the bugs in El Salvador will eat you alive. The biggest danger at the beach is the currents. Pay attention to the tides, and make sure you are aware of any undertow, especially if you visit El Salvador beaches with kids.
How Do I Stay Safe at My El Salvador Hotel?
As a general rule, the more you spend on a hotel, the safer you will be. Make sure you use the hotel safe for any valuables and important documents. Make sure you read a bunch of reviews of the hotels you are considering. If there are safety concerns, it will be mentioned in the reviews. You will see a lot of security staff as you travel around El Salvador. Hotels, gas stations, retail shops all likely have armed guards on the premises. Don’t let this worry you; it’s for your own safety.
Is It Safe to Travel Around El Salvador?
The main mode of transportation in El Salvador are buses. There aren’t many local flights or trains, and we don’t recommend driving yourself. The buses are a fun part of Central America travel. They are usually old American school buses. Try to keep your luggage with you at all times. If they make you load your bags on top or below the bus, pay attention at each stop to ensure your bags don’t leave the bus. (This is a great reason to pack light, you can usually keep a backpack with you!)
Can I Hike in El Salvador?
There are some great hikes in El Salvador, especially with all of the volcanoes. If you want to hike in El Salvador, we recommend going with a group tour or at the very least hiring a local guide to accompany you.
Can I Drink the Water in El Salvador?
No! We don’t recommend it. Stick to bottled water or a filtered water bottle as you would in most Central or South American countries. It may not be dangerous, but it can certainly be unpleasant.
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What Else Can I Do to Stay Safe?
Travel safety does not change much from country to country. There are some basic travel precautions you should always use. Our regular readers and views probably know these by heart by now!
- Put your wallet in your front pocket
- Don’t throw money around; carry small bills in an easy-to-reach place
- Don’t fight back if you are robbed; it’s not worth it
- Hire local guides
- Talk to your hotel about areas to avoid
We really enjoyed our El Salvador vacation, and we never felt uncomfortable during our visit. Obviously, trouble can and does happen in any country in the world, but using these travel safety tips will go a long way. If you want more tips on traveling in Central America, check out some of our other blog posts: