Widespread gang exercise, document ranges of violent crime, and institutionalized corruption: that’s how mainstream media would’ve summed up the tiny Central American nation of El Salvador simply 5 years in the past.
It’s no surprise vacationers steered clear for many years, selecting as a substitute to play it secure in Costa Rica and even Panama. Quick ahead to 2025, and El Salvador has completed an entire 180, instantly rating among the many trendiest tourism spots on the earth.
Based on a brand new report from the United Nations World Tourism Group (UNTWO), El Salvador is now the third fastest-growing vacation spot globally, simply behind Qatar and former European underdog Albania.
We suspect a few of you may have already got a hunch, however this begs the query: how did this tiny Latin nation handle such a dramatic turnaround?
Welcome To El Salvador’s Tourism Renaissance
As per the newest UNWTO report, El Salvador has seen a jaw-dropping 80 p.c improve in tourism since 2019, charting behind Albania (with 84 p.c) and Qatar (with a record-breaking 138 p.c).
Not like Qatar and Albania, nevertheless, which’ve hosted a World Cup and an uptick in TikTok fame, respectively, lately, El Salvador’s U-turn shouldn’t be attributed to a single specific occasion or mouth-to-mouth promotion.
It’s largely thanks to 1 man: Nayib Bukele, El Salvador’s iron-fisted chief who’s actually quashed crime, some would argue mercilessly, and remodeled the as soon as homicide capital of Latin America into a security oasis envied by most Western democracies.
In solely the previous decade, homicide charges within the nation dropped from 106 per 100,000 folks, to a mere 1.9.
Although Human Rights issues have been raised by information retailers, one factor is evident: El Salvador has by no means felt safer.
Criminals Purged From The Streets
We’re not right here to delve deep into the El Salvadorian Administration’s strategies. This can be a matter that issues El Salvadorians, and El Salvadorians solely, and in that respect, they appear (largely) fairly pleased with the present established order.
In any case, they will lastly go away their homes freely, with out fearing they may grow to be one other crime statistic.
No matter your opinion on the strategies is, criminals have been purged from the streets.
It isn’t solely locals who’re happy with Bukele’s insurance policies: vacationers are fairly happy, too.
El Salvador is among the most fascinating nations in Central America, small in dimension, however mighty in nature: its volcanic panorama is roofed in dense jungles, wealthy in wildlife, and packed stuffed with wondrous sights—and now, you’ll be able to go to with out (largely) restrictions.
In 2024, 3.2 million vacationers landed in El Salvador. Again in 2019, the document excessive was 1.78 million.
A Stage 1 Vacation spot
El Salvador is now formally outlined by the U.S. Division of State as a Stage 1 vacation spot. In case you are uncertain what which means, it merely signifies Individuals can go to whereas exercising ‘regular’ precautions, as crime is essentially below management.
For comparability functions, even nations historically seen as ‘secure’ and low-risk, like England, France, and Italy, are at a worse-off Stage 2. Primarily based on the US’ evaluation, El Salvador is now on the identical degree as Iceland, Switzerland, Finland, and the like.
Granted, we might nonetheless encourage you to journey responsibly, particularly in San Salvador and different city areas the place petty crime is extra widespread, nevertheless it’s true that, below the rule of Bukele, your possibilities of being victimized as a vacationer are fairly… rattling… slim.
What Has El Salvador Obtained To Provide Vacationers?
After all, security alone cannot be chargeable for a rustic’s success story:
An enormous a part of El Salvador’s attraction is its unspoiled nature, with hovering volcanoes like Santa Ana Volcano and Coatepeque, within the neighborhood of a scenic lake, providing quite a few actions, from mountaineering to kayaking to easily enjoyable by the waterside.
Costa Rica could also be well-known for its Monteverde Cloud Forest, however do you know El Salvador has its personal? Montecristo Cloud Forest boasts mist-enveloped highland trails working beside sky-high bushes and wildflowers, and it is a must-see in the event you’re right here primarily to absorb the character.
Ruta de las Flores is one more main spotlight of the nation.
Because the title signifies, it’s a scenic drive via espresso farms and postcard-ready cities, finest identified for his or her stunning gardens, colourful murals, and meals festivals.
Discover El Salvador’s Historic Tradition And Volcanic Seashores
Should you love colonial heritage, you will not need to miss out on the quaint Suchitoto. One of the vital stunning small Spanish-era cities within the Americas, if options cobblestone streets, a dozen completely different artwork galleries, and it is just a few steps away from the landmark Suchitlán Lake.
El Salvador even has Mayan ruins! Dubbed the ‘Pompeii of the Americas‘, Joya de Cerén is a well-preserved Mayan settlement that met its tragic finish following a volcanic eruption. Its location a brief 45-minute drive from San Salvador makes it a preferred cease for vacationers.
Craving a seaside getaway? That is no Caribbean, and the all-inclusive tourism mannequin is but to cement itself in El Salvador, however that is what makes it so charming, because it feels unspoiled and genuine.
Head to El Tunco, on the 190-mile-long Pacific Coast, for a effervescent browsing and backpacking scene and distinctive black sand seashores of volcanic origin.
Test Native Security Recommendation Earlier than Flying
Should you’re flying overseas within the close to future, remember to double-check the protection recommendation that applies at your vacation spot by utilizing our Journey Advisory Checker, up to date repeatedly primarily based on the newest safety updates issued by the U.S. Division of State.
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