El Salvador : Safety by City
El Salvador isn’t the first place most travelers think of, but the smallest country in Central America has been quietly rebuilding its reputation.
Tucked between the Pacific Ocean and mountain ranges, El Salvador sits south of Guatemala and west of Honduras, with coastlines and volcanoes shaping its rugged landscape.
Historically, El Salvador has seen major political unrest, from a brutal civil war in the 1980s to years of gang violence that made global headlines.
However, beginning in 2022, a sweeping government crackdown significantly reduced violent crime, especially in tourist and urban areas.
Today, nearly four million people visit El Salvador every year, drawn by its dramatic geography and compact size.
Volcanoes, crater lakes, dense forests, and black-sand beaches offer adventure within a few hours’ drive of each other.
Surfing hotspots along the Pacific Coast, colorful mountain towns in the interior, and ancient ruins buried by volcanic eruptions give travelers plenty to explore.
While El Salvador’s past weighs heavily on its identity, its natural beauty and cultural resilience make it one of Central America’s most dynamic — and fastest changing — destinations for those willing to look beyond old headlines.
Warnings & Dangers in El Salvador
OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM
Even though the U.S. lowered its travel advisory, El Salvador is still a medium-risk destination. Crime is down, but it’s not gone. Stick to tourist areas, stay alert, and don’t assume that past problems are totally in the past. Use good judgment, especially at night or when moving around less secure areas.
TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM
Transportation is one of the bigger risks. Public buses are cheap but risky for theft and, sometimes, violent crime. Stick to registered taxis or rideshare apps recommended by hotels. Avoid hopping into random cars, especially outside airports or bus stations. Roads can be chaotic, so private transport is safest if you’re not used to aggressive driving.
PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM
Pickpocketing is common in crowded areas, public transport, and markets. It’s more opportunistic than violent, but still a hassle you don’t want. Keep valuables hidden, use a crossbody bag you can secure, and be extra aware at places like the Centro Histórico or busy festivals where distractions are everywhere.
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
El Salvador sits in a disaster-prone zone, so treat it as a medium risk. Earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, floods, and landslides happen with little warning. The rainy season (May–October) increases the risk of flooding and mudslides.
MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM
This is a medium risk. Even with lower crime rates over the past few years, there's still the violent and egregious nature that criminals will resort to during a robbery. Don't fight back. Some suggest keeping a small amount of cash handy to give up without losing everything important, like your passport or main credit cards.
TERRORISM RISK: MEDIUM
This answer probably depends on whether you consider gangs part of the terrorism category. This medium risk might be lower than it used to be, but don't let anyone fool you into thinking gangs aren't active anymore. Stay out of the places to avoid and don't travel alone.
SCAMS RISK: LOW
Scams here are low-level but annoying: fake tour guides, overpriced taxi rides, and petty cons targeting distracted tourists. Always agree on taxi fares upfront or use apps, and only book tours through reputable companies. At markets, expect to haggle and don't feel pressured into buying anything you don’t want.
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: MEDIUM
Women face a medium risk. Beyond unwanted attention and occasional harassment, especially outside tourist hubs, the same crime risks are there for everyone. Travel in groups, stick to well-reviewed accommodations with good security, and avoid isolated areas. That includes beaches or hiking trails after dark.
TAP WATER RISK: MEDIUM
Tap water is not safe to drink. Stick to bottled water for drinking, brushing teeth, and washing produce if you're buying food at local markets. Ice at major hotels and restaurants is usually filtered, but it’s smart to double-check. A reusable bottle with a filter is a good travel backup.
Safest Places to Visit in El Salvador
Look for tour companies and excursions through the official tourism website, elsalvador.travel.
There’s a whole list of tour operators and tour guides to explore.
In the capital, San Salvador, you can visit the Centro Histórico, home to landmarks like the Metropolitan Cathedral, National Palace, and the National Theatre.
The nearby neighborhoods of Escalón and San Benito offer museums, shopping, and dining.
Along the Pacific Coast, El Tunco is one of the country’s most famous surf spots, attracting international surfers with its strong waves and laid-back atmosphere.
Playa El Zonte and Punta Roca are also well-known for surfing.
For those interested in history, the Joya de Cerén Archaeological Site, often called the “Pompeii of the Americas,” is a UNESCO World Heritage Site worth visiting.
Outdoor enthusiasts can hike the Santa Ana Volcano (Ilamatepec), the highest volcano in the country, or visit the scenic Lake Coatepeque, a crater lake known for its deep blue water and weekend restaurants.
The Ruta de las Flores, a route through colorful mountain towns like Juayúa and Apaneca, offers markets, waterfalls, and coffee plantations.
In the east, the Gulf of Fonseca provides beaches and boat tours to explore islands like Meanguera.
Morazán Department offers historical tourism tied to the country’s civil war, including the Museum of the Revolution in Perquín.
For nature and wildlife, visit El Imposible National Park in the west or Barra de Santiago for mangrove boat tours.
Places to Avoid in El Salvador
When visiting El Salvador, there are specific areas you’re better off avoiding altogether.
Outside the secured blocks of San Salvador’s Centro Histórico — where the Metropolitan Cathedral and National Theatre are — downtown San Salvador is risky, especially after dark.
Even safer neighborhoods like Escalón, San Benito, and La Cima can have sketchy patches just a few blocks away.
Do not take a shortcut through a more dangerous area to get to a safer one.
It’s just not worth the risk.
Cities to the north and east of the capital — places like Apopa, Ciudad Delgado, Mejicanos, San Martín, Ilopango, and Soyapango — have much higher rates of violent crime.
Even in beach towns or resort areas, isolated scenic spots can be targets for robbery, especially if you hike without an official guide or venture off main paths.
Public transport carries risks too, including armed robberies — if you can, use hotel-recommended transport instead of random buses.
One last thing: tattoos can be misinterpreted as gang affiliations.
It’s smart to cover any visible ink while you’re moving around El Salvador, especially in rural or less secure areas.
Safety Tips for Traveling to El Salvador
- El Salvador’s main police force is the Policía Nacional Civil (PNC). If you need emergency help, you can call 911, just like in the U.S. That said, response times can vary, especially in rural areas, so always have a backup plan for emergencies if you’re outside major cities.
- The tourist police, POLITUR, operates in 19 tourist zones and provides extra security and help. If you’re planning hikes or tours, only book through places that work with POLITUR or licensed guides. Don’t gamble on “hidden gem” spots you find online unless you confirm there’s an official guide and a police presence.
- El Salvador gets earthquakes, floods, and the occasional volcanic eruption, so signing up for local alerts is smart. Download the AlertaSV app for real-time updates. You can also check Protección Civil’s official Twitter or Facebook pages for evacuation orders or weather warnings during your trip.
- You can drive legally with a valid U.S. driver’s license for up to 30 days. Roads range from decent highways to pothole disasters, and local driving habits can be aggressive. Accidents are common. Renting a car is doable, but if you’re not super confident driving abroad, you might want to stick to private transport.
- Night travel in El Salvador is risky, period. Poorly lit roads, higher chances of drunk drivers, and the risk of armed robbery are real concerns after dark. Plan your moves during daylight hours whenever possible — and definitely don’t drive at night in rural or unfamiliar areas.
- Mosquitoes here don’t mess around. Diseases like chikungunya, dengue, and Zika are common, especially during the rainy season. Bring a strong insect repellent (look for one with DEET), wear long sleeves if you’re in rural areas, and double-check that your hotel has screens or good A/C to avoid bites while you sleep.
- If someone threatens you with violence in El Salvador, don’t argue. Criminals here are quick to act if they feel resisted. Travelers who comply immediately usually walk away unharmed. Hand over what’s asked for — no wallet, watch, or phone is worth gambling your safety over.
- Surfing is a huge draw here, and the breaks are world-class. At the same time, many beaches have dangerous currents and undertows that can overpower even strong swimmers. Public beaches usually have lifeguards, but private ones often don’t. Always follow posted warnings, and if you see a red flag, stay out.
- English isn’t widely spoken outside major hotels and tourist hubs. Most locals speak only Spanish. Download an offline translator app, learn a few basic phrases, and don’t expect everyone to meet you halfway. A little effort goes a long way, and being able to ask for help (or directions) can really matter.
- Crossing into or out of El Salvador by land can be sketchy. Border areas with Guatemala and Honduras are hotspots for petty crime, scams, and sometimes worse. Stick to official crossings during daylight, stay alert to your surroundings, and never flash valuables while you’re anywhere near a border zone.
So... How Safe Is El Salvador Really?
When people ask how safe El Salvador really is, it’s not a black-and-white answer.
It’s safer than it used to be, but not without risks.
The U.S. currently ranks El Salvador at Level 1, which means “exercise normal precautions.”
The U.S. State Department notes that the strict enforcement of gang activity over the past three years has led to lower violent crime rates.
At the same time, government employees in El Salvador aren’t allowed to travel between towns at night.
I’m honestly shocked there isn’t a Level 2 risk here.
Canada and Australia, though, still list it at Level 2, meaning “exercise increased caution.”
Canada notes that the risk of arbitrary detention (related to the gang crackdown) is possible, too.
You don’t want to get stuck in an El Salvador jail.
In general, travelers should treat it like a Level 2 destination: be alert, stay in safer areas, and don’t assume the bad headlines are entirely in the past.
Then, there are the disaster and natural risks, from hurricanes to Chikungunya.
Hopefully, we’ve helped prepare you for the typical safety and health concerns.
How Does El Salvador Compare?
| Country | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| El Salvador | 50 |
| Deadwood | 80 |
| Sturgis | 80 |
| Pierre | 81 |
| Spearfish | 80 |
| Hill City | 83 |
| Temuco | 31 |
| Sevierville | 73 |
| Pigeon Forge | 78 |
Useful Information
Visas
Most travelers from the U.S., Canada, and Europe don’t need a visa to visit El Salvador for stays up to 90 days, but you’ll pay a small entry fee (about $12) at the airport. Make sure your passport is good for at least six months past your arrival date.
Currency
El Salvador uses the U.S. dollar, which makes things easy for American travelers. Some rural spots might prefer cash, but in bigger cities and tourist areas, cards are widely accepted. Bitcoin is also technically legal tender here, but don’t expect every store to actually take it.
Weather
El Salvador has two seasons: wet and dry. Dry season (November to April) is prime time to visit, with lots of sun and lower humidity. May through October gets heavy afternoon rains, but mornings are usually still good for beach or hiking plans if you start early.
Airports
Most visitors fly into El Salvador International Airport (SAL), about 45 minutes from San Salvador. It's modern, with decent food options and reliable Wi-Fi. Some regional airports handle domestic flights, but for international travel, SAL is really the only major hub you'll be using.
Travel Insurance
You’ll want travel insurance here, especially if you’re planning on surfing, hiking volcanoes, or exploring rural areas. Medical care in major cities is decent, but private hospitals can get expensive fast. Some policies also cover trip interruptions if a tropical storm rolls through during the rainy season.
El Salvador Weather Averages (Temperatures)
Average High/Low Temperature
| Temperature / Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °C |
32 | 33 | 34 | 35 | 33 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 30 | 30 | 31 | 31 |
| Low °C |
19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 22 | 22 | 21 | 21 | 21 | 21 | 20 | 19 |
| High °F |
90 | 91 | 93 | 95 | 91 | 88 | 88 | 88 | 86 | 86 | 88 | 88 |
| Low °F |
66 | 68 | 70 | 72 | 72 | 72 | 70 | 70 | 70 | 70 | 68 | 66 |
El Salvador - Safety by City
| City | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| San Salvador | 43 |
American Dies in El Salvador due to hospital neglect
My father went to El Salvador 8 weeks ago (2nd boat) with the intent to open an orphanage.
He got sick, Montezuma‘s revenge ( vomiting and diarrhea). He was taken to the hospital. Communication was terrible with not only the hospital and local contact but, also the US Embassy.
By the time we were able to get enough information, two family members traveled to El Salvador.
They found his skin and bones, in a diaper and unable to speak or move. When questioned, what was being done for him, even the Chief physician was not aware of my father’s condition.
When asked if he were given antibiotics the responded that they did not have any. They asked for morphine to make him comfortable.
Again, they were told they had none at the hospital. They had not been feeding him because they said he would pull out the feeding tube. In the US efforts don’t stop there and let them starve to death. MediVac was considered ($30009).
A family acquaintance there offers to drive him 1000 miles to get him home.
He died at 4am the next morning. He was at the ‘free’ hospital but, no one made us aware that he was not receiving care and that there was another hospital we should move him too.
From that point on the embassy was much more helpful. 🤬 Lesson to all: make sure to buy travel insurance to bring you home. There is no guarantee you will receive care and die needlessly.
It's getting better!
oh, i’m sorry that happened! But the new president is strengthening the healthcare system. He is also working on the corrupt government. I promise El Salvador will get better to visit in the future!
Hospital
So sorry, Something similar just happened to
My dad in Poland in a public hospital, he suffered a stroke on vacation , finally managed to get him home after 3 months , he got Covid and pneumonia in the hospital, c,diff , and bad uti , was tested Ted like garbage , there is no real
accountability so they can do whatever they want , such a huge lesson that in the second and third world you have to have insurance for immediate air evacuation to the first world or you can literally die in one of their public hospitals or at least come back with so many
More issues.
If you are planing to go to el Salvador be careful…if u speak English…try not to for you will be a bigger target…because they will think you have money(gang members)…remember we are poor and not rich…also never go out at night time….never go alone…police will always be around to help you…we have a lot of tourist places u can go to…volcanos and etc….so if u plan to come here be careful and enjoy our beautiful country
Stay away
El Salvador is not a good place to visit if you are an American or a Canadian as you will likely be confused for one. The people there HATE Americans and it just isn’t safe for us there. I went on a 6-day trip and stayed in my hotel 80% of the time. I didn’t enjoy the trip at all and I will NEVER go back.
Lol, you never went to El Salvador. You’ve probably never even left the USA or Canada.
We don’t hate gringos, we love to see tourist coming to our country and as for the fact that is dangerous place, where in the world it’s not danger?
Find somewhere else to go
I just have to say, I have never been in such a state as to when my husband went to El Salvador! He went with a few friends as his buddy works with animals and travels a lot. He likes to help him out when he has free time. Needless to say, they were being cornered a few times. My husband’s friend needed to see a doctor and they refused to treat him. He scraped his leg on a nail in a fence. At one point, I didn’t hear anything back from any of them and I had thought someone jumped them and left them in the back of a dumpster or something. I made him promise to never go back there again!
“I made him promise to never go back there again!”
ROFL! Is he your husband or your daddy, little girl? You speak of him like you’re 13 years old. Emotional codependency is treatable with meditation and other spiritual work. Give it a try and maybe someday you will be able to act like a grown up.
Critique
Evil Human
You are such a baby to be giving advice on what a woman should discuss with her husband 😂 you must be so lonely.
Third rater
Your criticism of Chrissy Morgan was uncalled for! I would act the same way because I wouldn’t want my life partner whom I love, to risk their life! Maybe they have children and she doesn’t want them to lose their Dad.
You’re worried about male ego or something. Third Priorities man, priorities.
Vacation
I am planning on going to El Salvador for vacation , would it be okay to act like salvadorian since I am Mexican
Welcome to El Salvador!
You will be welcome to El Salvador. However, make sure to say that you sheer for America. Now and then, you mind find a Chivas fan, but that’s not the norm. Enjoy it!
Thy hate mexicans and negros and lesbians
I Belong in the USA! And here is where I will remain.
No need to put my self in that position or danger for that matter..just keep them damn slave trucks
Where they belong.
I live in St. Louis and there are a lot of countries safer than here. Planning on going to Thailand for 2 months and the Philippines for 1 month. Leaving in 2 weeks, both countries are safer than here, and yes I have been to both before. This will be my 11th trip to Thailand.
We (me, wife and 10 yr old daughter) were there in 07. Had a great time and toured around the beautiful country but not in San Salvador. People were genuinely friendly. We’re Canadian but i found people don’t hate Americans, just perhaps the American government and to be honest, after what they went through, i don’t blame them. Yes theres crime, but mostly hard working, very poor people.
El Salvador is not very safe
I have traveled to many places, and yes, it’s easy to say about anywhere that it’s safe because nothing happened to you, but just because nothing happened to you, it doesn’t mean that it won’t happen to others, keep a lookout for yourself, it’s a dangerous world we live in.
I felt unsafe when I traveled to El Salvador, when you see a lot of homeless and poor, you know there is a lot of crime, there’s just no way around it. unfortunately.
Homeless and poor people make a country unsafe?
“when you see a lot of homeless and poor, you know there is a lot of crime, there’s just no way around it. unfortunately.”
That’s about what we see at any city in the US. So what’s your point.? Is that how you describe a country, based on homelessness and poor people?
So cool
Been there two times and my take is that it is safe for tourists as long as you don’t venture outside well-known tourist hotspots.
El Salvador is a beautiful place to visit, with so many great cities and places to explore. One of those is the Parque National El Boqueron, make sure not to skip it as it’s amazing. Playa El Tunco is nice and if you are into some adrenaline or/and extreme stuff make sure to try Tunco Life which organizes tours in the area. We’ve loved them.
Cycling
El Salvador was a great country with fantastic people, felt very safe, wild camped several nights on a cycle trip through Central America.
Cycling
El Salvador was a great country with fantastic people, felt very safe, wild camped several nights on a cycle trip through Central America.
Safest place in Latin America
I felt very safe travelling through the whole country, thefts aren’t an issue anymore and public transport was very reliable and safe.
Have visited El Salvador twice. Over a decade ago and again this year. A decade ago it was an awful experience. We did not feel comfortable even leaving the hotel, unfortunately. Step outside and get accosted. This year was much better. I’m sure we’ve all read the headlines. I hope El Salvador continues to improve. My wife and I look forward to our next visit.