Is El Salvador Worth Visiting? + 15 Pros and Cons

Is El Salvador worth visiting? That’s a big YES from me! 

As a solo female traveler who has spent the past 2.5 years exploring all corners of the globe, I have had the pleasure of spending seven months in Central and South America, including several weeks in El Salvador. 

El Salvador wasn’t originally on my radar as somewhere to visit – especially as a solo female traveler – and I almost skipped it! It’s a good thing I didn’t, because El Salvador ended up being the highlight of my Central America adventure.

The pupusas (typical Salvadorian dish), the beaches, and the local people make El Salvador a worthy destination. It’s the smallest country in Central America, so you can see a lot in a short amount of time. 

No country is perfect, and there are some things you need to keep in mind like safety, weather, and language barriers.

My experience has taught me that not only is El Salvador worth visiting, but now is arguably the best time to visit before it becomes overcrowded and expensive like its neighbors. It still remains relatively undiscovered, but not for much longer. 

So, is El Salvador worth it? I’ll give you my honest opinion, including the pros and cons of visiting El Salvador, so you can decide if it’s worth a spot on your itinerary.

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Is El Salvador Worth Visiting?

El Salvador ended up being my favorite country in Central America. 

Hiking up active volcanoes and to hidden waterfalls, eating pupusas with friends from my hostel, and watching the surfers on El Tunco Beach – these are some of my favorite memories from visiting El Salvador!

I wouldn’t consider it a “beginner” destination for new solo travelers, only because they’re still fairly new to tourism and a lot of infrastructure is still being built up. Once you have a couple of solo trips under your belt (or if you’re a really confident traveler), then El Salvador is magical!

Despite the past struggles with crime that once made it unsafe for foreigners – today, El Salvador is much safer than most people think! 

The government’s efforts to crack down on gang violence have seen some positive results in recent years (more on that further down). Now, more than ever, El Salvador can be considered a great destination for backpackers and travelers looking to find something off the beaten path.

And it’s quickly getting popular. 2023 saw a 30% increase in tourists, and the number of U.S. tourists has doubled since 2019. More flights between Canada and El Salvador will result in more North American tourists.

👉 My top pick for the best Ruta de las Flores small group tour is the  Thermal Tour: Café Albania + Hot Springs + Ataco + Lunch, with a near-perfect 5-star rating. You’ll visit Salto de Malacatiupan waterfalls, Santa Teresa Hot Springs, hop a bike zipline, and more!

Pros and Cons of El Salvador from a Solo Female Traveler (Reasons to Visit El Salvador)

1. Pro: Beautiful Nature and Adventure Activities

I’ll admit, the only thing I knew about El Salvador before visiting was the history of crime – I had no idea how much natural beauty this country has!

I hiked up the Santa Ana Volcano, sipped a beer next to Lake Coatepeque, relaxed in hot springs, hiked to hidden waterfalls, watched surfers on the beach, and so much more! 

The Ruta de las Flores tours from San Salvador are worth checking out, too.

El Salvador is a nature lover’s dream, offering tons of adventure activities for travelers to enjoy, such as surfing some of the best waves in the world, exploring the Mayan ruins at Tazumal, and trekking through Cerro Verde National Park. 

If you’re lucky, you may catch a glimpse of El Salvador’s national bird.

Get ready for an unforgettable adventure in El Salvador!

2. Con: Lack of Tourist Infrastructure

I hesitate to list this as a con for visiting El Salvador because I actually loved the feeling of being somewhere most tourists will never experience. But, it is important to note that you are in an “up and coming” destination that is just starting to see an increase in tourism.

You won’t find many high-end restaurants or perfectly curated tourist attractions here but if you’re looking for a real adventure with locals, you’ve come to the right​​ place. Accessibility outside main cities can be challenging without a car.

I recommend that you be a confident traveler before visiting El Salvador solo, just because you’ll have to think a little harder than some other places. But, if you’re not afraid of exploring parts unknown, then you’ll love El Salvador!

3. Pro: Affordable Prices

El Salvador is one of the most affordable countries I’ve ever visited – everything from food to lodging was a fraction of what it would cost me back home or in Europe. 

El Salvador uses the U.S. dollar (and bitcoin, if you have it) so there is no need to exchange money and you can save even more by purchasing items from local markets. You will be able to get a full meal for under $5 in most places.

4. Con: Language Barrier

English isn’t widely spoken in El Salvador, so you may find yourself struggling to communicate with locals or trying to decipher menus that aren’t in English. Luckily, I speak some Spanish so I was able to get by.

I spend the majority of my time in countries where I don’t speak the language, though, and you’d be surprised how much can be communicated with pointing, smiling, and the Google Translate app.

5. Pro: It’s a Small Country

El Salvador is the smallest country in Central America. 

Why is that a good thing? Because you can see A LOT in a short period of time! 

In just a few weeks I was able to visit San Salvador, Santa Ana, the Ruta de las Flores, and the beach, plus several day trips to other towns and attractions. That’s something you can’t do in a bigger country like Mexico or the U.S.

6. Con: Crime and Safety

While El Salvador’s crime rate has been going down each year for the past several years, you’ll still want to be careful, especially if you’re a solo female traveler. More on safety further down.

I followed the same safety tips that I follow in every country I visit and didn’t go out at night alone, and I never felt unsafe.

If you’re going to explore San Salvador, just double-check with your accommodation about which neighborhoods to avoid and keep your belongings close when using public transportation (just like you should do in any big city). 

⛑️ My number one safety tip for travelers, no matter where you’re going or how long your trip is, is to buy SafetyWing insurance to protect your trip.

7. Pro: Pupusas and Fruit

If you know me, you know my favorite thing about traveling is trying local food. I am embarrassed to say I never had pupusas before, and I am OBSESSED. 

Pupusas are a traditional Salvadoran dish consisting of corn dough with cheese, pork or beans, and other fillings. My favorite was the vegetarian loroco (an edible flower) and cheese. But, I don’t discriminate and eat all the pupusas.

I also loved visiting the local fruit markets in El Salvador and tasting all sorts of tropical fruit that I never had before.

8. Con: Chicken Buses Take a While

A “chicken bus” is an old yellow school bus used for public transportation in El Salvador and throughout Central America. They get their name from the chickens that sometimes get transported alongside passengers (not so often anymore). 

They are cheap and convenient but can get crowded, hot, and slow depending on the route.

If you’re short on time and don’t have the luxury of taking your time, renting a car or taking a taxi will save you some hassle.

That being said, I still think taking a chicken bus is an experience worth having. It’s fun and you get to meet locals along the way!

9. Pro: Surfer’s Paradise

What is the tourism like in El Salvador? A lot of tourists come here for surfing!

El Salvador has some of the best surfing in the world, with more than 60 amazing surfing locations, and played host to the 2023 ISA World Surfing Games!

With warm tropical waters, plenty of beaches, and consistent waves, it’s a great destination for surfers looking to test their skills in the water. Punta Roca, Las Flores, and Punta Mango are some of the most popular spots for surfing in El Salvador. 

There are also many excellent surf schools located throughout El Salvador so newbies can learn the basics before hitting the waves. 

Not to mention, El Salvador’s beautiful sunsets make any surfing session that much better.

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10. Con: Poor Road Conditions

Many of the roads are in poor condition and have significant damage. Renting a car can be a bit of an adventure, as I found out when my friends and I rented one to explore El Salvador. 

We got stuck multiple times waiting for mudslides to be cleared from the roads (during the rainy season), and we had a few close calls with wild drivers on the many curvy roads. In addition, many cars in El Salvador don’t have working headlights, making it even more challenging to navigate at night time. 

Such road conditions can make it hard for travelers to really explore the country in depth and see some of its hidden gems. But if you’re a confident driver and you know what to expect, you can manage.

🚙 Thinking about renting a car in Central America? I rented a car in El Salvador and was able to see so much more than if I only traveled by bus. I recommend using Discover Cars to compare costs and get the best deal.

11. Pro: Rich Culture and Festivals

El Salvador is a country of diverse cultural influences, from the original Mayan and Nahua civilizations to the European settlers. 

This rich mix has resulted in a vibrant culture that is evident in various forms of expression, including its music, art, and especially its festivals. 

The country is also renowned for its awe-inspiring murals and captivating artworks that showcase both traditional and contemporary styles. 

Some of El Salvador’s most popular celebrations, such as El Grito de Independencia (Independence Day) during the summer months, as well as Semana Santa and Feria de San Miguel at the end of September, provide visitors with a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the customs, traditions, and vibrant art scene of El Salvador.

12. Con: Hurricane Season

El Salvador has an active hurricane season, with most storms occurring between May and October. 

Although this can be a deterrent for visitors, I experienced El Salvador’s storms first-hand when I visited during the shoulder season of October. It was an interesting experience: some days were sunny and bright while others brought heavy rains that lasted all day. 

It’s important to be aware of the risks of hurricane season when planning a visit to El Salvador, but also know that the country still experiences plenty of beautiful days in between storms. By visiting during the shoulder season, you can experience a little bit of both – just make sure to pack accordingly!

👉 My top pick for the best Ruta de las Flores small group tour is the  Thermal Tour: Café Albania + Hot Springs + Ataco + Lunch, with a near-perfect 5-star rating. You’ll visit Salto de Malacatiupan waterfalls, Santa Teresa Hot Springs, hop a bike zipline, and more!

13. Delicious Coffee

Coffee-lovers who want to know “Is El Salvador worth visiting?” – YES it is!

El Salvador has some of the most delicious coffee in the world. This Central American country is renowned for harvesting and producing high-quality beans, meaning that a trip to El Salvador wouldn’t be complete without trying a cup of their famous coffee. 

Taking a tour through one of the many local coffee plantations is an absolute must-do activity – you’ll get to learn about the production process of El Salvadoran coffee while tasting samples from different farms. 

If you’re looking for a unique experience during your visit, make sure to check out one of these tours!

14. Pro: Friendliest Locals

The local people of El Salvador are some of the friendliest I’ve encountered in the world. 

Even when there were language barriers, locals in El Salvador were warm and welcoming, often going out of their way to help me feel right at home during my travels there.

Whether you’re in need of directions or advice on where to find the best restaurants, be sure to take advantage of the kindness of El Salvadorans. 

15. Pro: Easy to Combine With Other Destinations in Central America

El Salvador’s location makes it really convenient to visit other destinations in Central America. I hired a shared transfer from Antigua, Guatemala to Santa Ana, El Salvador for something like $50, which included help at the border crossing.

After spending a few weeks in El Salvador, I took chicken buses all the way to Copan Ruinas in Honduras. 

Other travelers I met went straight to Nicaragua after El Salvador. 

This is just one of the many reasons why El Salvador is worth visiting – you can easily enjoy multiple countries at once with just a short journey in between. 

Is Santa Ana, El Salvador Worth Visiting?

I spent the majority of my time in Santa Ana, using it as a base to visit other parts of El Salvador like the Ruta de las Flores, Santa Ana Volcano, and Lake Coatepeque.

Santa Ana is a great place to explore El Salvador’s culture and history. There are plenty of colonial buildings, as well as marketplaces selling local crafts.

The city also has some great restaurants serving up delicious cuisine. I’d recommend trying the pupusas – they’re an El Salvadorian staple and a must-try dish when visiting! 

Pro Tip: Read reviews on Hostelworld – one of the best hostel booking sites – to see what the hostel serves for breakfast. 

How Many Days in El Salvador?

El Salvador is a small country, often overlooked but with plenty of things to see and do. 

It’s easily possible to enjoy a great vacation in El Salvador with just one week, visiting the colorful colonial towns, national parks full of wildlife, and stunning beaches. 

However, for those seeking an even deeper experience and wanting to visit more rural areas and explore less touristy spots, 10 days or more is really ideal to make the most of it. 

With its easy connections to other Central American countries, it’s also convenient to extend your trip and combine multiple destinations in one go.

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Best Time to Visit El Salvador

The best time to visit El Salvador is from November to April, when the weather is consistently sunny and mild. During this period, there are also plenty of events and festivals going on that add to the overall experience.

The flowers along the Ruta de las Flores typically bloom early in the dry season between November and February.

However, the downside of visiting during these months is that they are also peak season, with higher accommodation prices and more tourists around. 

For travelers looking for a more laidback atmosphere without such high prices, the summer months of May to August can be a great option.

The temperatures in El Salvador remain warm throughout the year, meaning you can still enjoy a beach getaway even during this low season.

✈️ Search for cheap flights to El Salvador here.

How to Get to El Salvador

The easiest way to get to El Salvador is by air, with several international airports offering direct flights from the United States, Europe, and other Latin American countries. 

Flights from US cities such as Los Angeles, Miami, or New York typically take around 5-6 hours.

From within Central America, there are also regular shuttle services to El Salvador from Guatemala City and Managua in Nicaragua. 

If you’re coming from Honduras and want to get to El Salvador the adventurous way, read more about how to take the chicken bus all the way!

Is El Salvador Safe For Solo Female Travelers?

I spent several weeks solo traveling around El Salvador. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t a little nervous before I went, but I’m so happy I did. El Salvador was the highlight of my time in Central America.

El Salvador has a reputation for being a dangerous country plagued by crime and gang violence. The country is coming out of a civil war in the 1980s and then several decades of gang warfare. 

At the time of this post, the US issued a level 3 travel advisory for El Salvador due to crime.

And while crime is still a challenge, it’s also true that El Salvador’s crime rates have significantly decreased over the past few years. Although there are some concerns about how the country is tackling its gang problem, there’s no doubt that it’s been effective.

Some parts of El Salvador are still controlled by gangs, but it’s rare that tourists go to those areas or are impacted. Always check with your accommodation about where you’re exploring – they’ll know the latest safety information.

The driver who brought me from Guatemala to El Salvador told me that a couple of years ago, he and his family couldn’t leave their homes at night, and had to pay the local gang for protection. And now they enjoy walks around their neighborhood – day and night – in peace.

I went all over the country, and only had one situation in a hostel where I didn’t feel comfortable, and decided to leave in the middle of the night. That could have happened anywhere, though. 

You’ll want to take some basic safety precautions when traveling around El Salvador:

• Walking around during the day is generally fine, but I wouldn’t do it at night. Instead, opt for Ubers or a car service at night.

• Be aware of your belongings in crowded areas like markets and buses, and have them close to you.

• Avoid wearing flashy jewelry that could attract unwanted attention.

• Ask locals about the safety precautions they take before exploring, especially in San Salvador where some neighborhoods aren’t safe.

Wrap Up: Is El Salvador A Good Place to Visit?

So, is El Salvador worth visiting?

Yes! And now is the best time to visit, before El Salvador gets crazy popular like Costa Rica and Guatemala. 

With its rich history, stunning landscapes, and welcoming locals, El Salvador is the perfect spot for anyone who loves to explore new places.

That being said, there are also a few reasons why travelers may not want to visit El Salvador. For one, it’s still a fairly new tourist destination, so it’s not as “easy” to travel around yet as some other countries that have had tourists for longer. Some visitors may feel uneasy as the language barrier can be high since most people in El Salvador speak Spanish.

I would recommend you have a couple of other countries under your belt before you venture to El Salvador solo.

If you’re ready for an adventure of a lifetime in El Salvador then now is the time to start planning! 

To make sure you get the most out of your trip, don’t forget to read up on the best tours around El Salvador!

Read More About El Salvador:

• Ultimate 1 Week El Salvador Itinerary for Adventurers
• El Salvador Solo Travel: A Solo Female Traveler’s Guide
• Ultimate Travel Guide to Backpacking El Salvador
• Is El Salvador Safe? + 21 Safety Tips for Travelers
• Ruta de Las Flores: Ultimate Travel Guide + 17 Things to Do
• Ultimate Ruta de Las Flores Itinerary for 1-3 Days
• 3 Best El Salvador Hot Springs: Everything You Need to Know
• 10 Stunning Waterfalls in El Salvador that You Must See
• What is the El Salvador National Bird? + 11 Interesting Facts
• 13 Best El Salvador Tours You Can’t Miss
• Ultimate Guide to Renting a Car in El Salvador
• Best Time to Visit El Salvador for Outdoor Fun!
• Backpacker’s Guide to Chicken Buses in Central America
• San Salvador to Copan Ruinas via Bus: Easy Instructions
• 11 Delicious Fruits in El Salvador You Must Taste at Local Markets
• Is El Salvador Worth Visiting? + 15 Pros and Cons
• Best Ruta de las Flores Tours from San Salvador
• Seven Waterfalls Hike El Salvador: Epic Juayua Adventure
• Juayua Food Festival Guide (by a Food-Obsessed Traveler)
• Is Santa Ana El Salvador Safe?