Why El Salvador Should Top Your Travel Bucket List
Written By: Global Grit and Glam
February 2025
Mural at Mercado Nacional de Artesanias (El Salvador)
El Salvador had been near the very top of my travel bucket list for years. I’d already spent time in the other Central American countries (Belize, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and Panama) – only El Salvador remained ever elusive. I knew little about the country, except that for many years it wasn’t considered safe for visitors. When I finally announced to friends and family that I’d be heading there, many gasped in horror.
“You’re going where? Why would you do that?”
“But but but … it’s not safe!”
“Why on earth are you going to El Salvador? What’s so special about that place?”
“Oh no, you can’t! It’s so dangerous there!”
“Don’t, please don’t go! You’ll be shot! Or murdered!”
Without a doubt, the majority of concerns raised by loved ones surrounded my safety in a country perceived to be riddled with political instability, civil wars, violence and crime. But, as usual – and certainly after much research and connecting with friends who grew up in El Salvador – I was willing to find out for myself.
And I’m so glad I did!
Quick Tips
Local markets (Suchitoto, El Salvador)
Here are some insider tips to help you make the most of your visit to El Salvador:
El Salvador is safe, easy to get to and easy to explore, and wonderfully affordable.
During your adventures in El Salvador, you'll be welcomed by some of the kindest, most generous, hospitable and friendly people you could ever meet.
El Salvador has a tropical climate and offers visitors an abundance of incredible natural beauty to explore.
Make sure you try the national dish (pupusas) at least once!
In this article, you'll find the Top 10 reasons Beck feels El Salvador should be a country to consider visiting.
Follow these tips and you’ll be ready to visit El Salvador and enjoy.
Plan Your Trip
Cerro Verde National Park (El Salvador)
Some of the links in this post might earn us a small commission if you make a purchase – but don’t worry, it won’t cost you anything extra! Supporting us this way helps us continue sharing our best travel content and tips. See our full disclosures for details. Thanks a million, and happy travels!
Planning a trip to El Salvador? Take advantage of the following recommended resources.
-
Search TripAdvisor for things to do In El Salvador
Use GetYourGuide for tours, guides, and skip-the-line-tickets
Check out WeGoTrip for self-guided audio tours available for immediate download
-
We highly recommend Hotel Michanti in El Zonte.
Book hotels in El Salvador with Trip.com
Search hotels in El Salvador with Booking.com
El Salvador VRBO apartment rentals
-
Search flights to and from San Salvador.
We've also relied on Skyscanner and Booking.com as great flight comparison tools.
-
Car rental in San Salvador
Economy car rental in El Salvador
-
While it’s tempting to skip the extra cost, travel insurance should be considered for domestic travel, and it’s a must for international travel.
TravelInsurance.com is an excellent comparison tool.
EKTA provides affordable plans with different coverage levels.
If you're planning outdoor activities like hiking or kayaking, consider travel insurance that covers those activities.
Visit our Resources page for additional planning tips, strategies, and companies we recommend.
Ten Reasons Why El Salvador Should Top Your Travel Bucket List
Suchitlan Lake (El Salvador)
Of all the countries I’ve visited over the past 25 years, El Salvador ranks amongst the Top 3.
This country, the smallest in continental America and sometimes referred to as Pulgarcito de America (the "Tom Thumb of the Americas"), is often overlooked by even the most intrepid of hardy travelers due in part to its decimated reputation and its larger, more popular Central American neighbors – but it shouldn’t be.
Here are 10 reasons I think you should also consider visiting this absolute gem of a country, which will always leave you wanting more.
It’s easy to explore
Hotel Michanti (El Zonte, El Salvador)
It’s a small country (less than 7 million inhabitants across just over 8,000 square miles), easily explored by either public or private transport, even if you only have a short amount of time.
2. Entering the country is easy
Cinquera Rainforest Park (Cinquera, El Salvador)
No visas are required for the majority of visitors for stays under 90 days. A tourist card is purchased upon arrival for US$12. Just show up at the airport with your passport – easy! Be sure to read our article Travel Tips for Exploring El Salvador for more details.
3. The People
Pupusa-making class (San Salvador, El Salvador)
Whilst its ranking on the Human Development Index (a statistic used to measure each country’s level of social and economic achievement across key dimensions, including standards of living) is a meagre 124 out of 189 countries, El Salvadorans are some of the kindest, most generous, hospitable and friendly people I have ever met. No matter where you travel in the world, engaging with locals will often transform any travel experience – El Salvador is no exception. In fact, El Salvadorans will go out of their way to help you during your visit, with huge, warm smiles and open arms, no matter any potential language barriers.
4. The weather
Land of Volcanoes (Cerro Verde National Park, El Salvador)
It’s perfectly tropical, with pronounced wet and dry seasons. Spend a morning at the beach in the dry, hazy sun … and cool off in the afternoon in the central plateaus, where temperatures in the higher mountain ranges are generally cooler.
5. Raw, breathtaking nature
Tamanique Waterfalls (El Salvador)
El Salvador is most well-known for its tranquil beaches, ice-blue crater lakes, cascading waterfalls and volcanoes (and the hikes that will get you to them) – and there are a lot! There are also numerous national parks and archaeological sites to explore, with an estimated 500 species of birds, 1,000 species of butterflies, 400 species of orchids, 800 species of trees, over 800 species of marine fish, and eight different species of sea turtles spread throughout the country. One of the highlights during my visit was releasing newly hatched baby sea turtles into the ocean at San Blas on the southern coastline, something I’d never done before and something I will never, ever forget. The energetic and exhilarating Seven Waterfalls Hike near Juayua is also not to be missed.
6. El Salvador’s history
National Palace (San Salvador, El Salvador)
El Salvador’s history is rich, diverse, and at times tragic. The cities, small towns, and people provide numerous opportunities for visitors to learn more about the country’s past and present, as well as its hopes for a more promising future.
7. Pupusas
Local pupuseria (San Salvador, El Salvador)
El Salvador’s iconic dish can be found almost anywhere in the country, but you’ll want to ensure you check out Olocuilta in particular. In 2022, a team of cooks created the largest pupusa in the world (measuring some 18 feet in diameter!) in this pupusa-filled town and it’s a must-see. You can find pupuserias in almost every town, selling these delicious thick, round corn or rice doughs stuffed with everything from cheese and shredded meat to spinach and beans (and everything in between). For less than US$4, you’ll be treated to an incredibly satisfying and filling local meal every time! Consider, as we did, taking a pupusa-making class whilst you’re there.
8. El Salvador Has Something for Everyone
Wings Swing (Cafe Albania, El Salvador)
Whether you’re seeking spectacular hiking opportunities, laidback beaches and some of the best surfing in the region, a rich history and vibrant culture that blends beautifully indigenous traditions and Spanish influences, superb nightlife, delicious culinary delights, breweries or coffee plantations (did you know El Salvador is famous for its coffee?), brightly-colored colonial towns complete with cobbled streets, adrenaline-pumping activities (think adventure swings and ziplining on a surfboard as a start), local artisan markets, hot springs, Mayan ruins, or even first-class shopping, El Salvador has something for you.
9. It’s Safe to Visit
The Beach Break Hotel and Sports Bar (El Zonte, El Salvador)
Whilst the effects of war and high crime rates are still felt by locals, today El Salvador is perhaps the safest of all countries to visit in the region. I certainly felt safer in El Salvador than I ever have in places such as New York City or Kingston (Jamaica). I never once felt threatened, unsafe or concerned. In fact, quite the opposite! You can read more here about how the country has cleaned up its act over the past five years or so.
10. An Affordable Travel Experience
Pupuseria Jeisi (El Zonte, El Salvador)
Another great perk to visiting El Salvador is its affordability. From locally-run boutique hotels to street stalls brimming with fresh vegetables and cheap delicacies, El Salvador offers a budget-friendly stay without sacrificing quality or comfort. And if you’re coming from the U.S. or simply have some U.S. dollars on hand, even better – the U.S. dollar is the country’s official currency and there’ll be no need to hunt down opening hours for currency exchange booths or worry about potentially unscrupulous money-changers on the street.
Final Thoughts
Sunset over the Pacific Ocean (El Zonte, El Salvador)
What are you waiting for? Pack your bags and embark on a truly unique adventure to the hidden gem that is El Salvador – before everyone else discovers it too.
Now … it’s time to plan your trip!
