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For many people, the mention of Latin America brings to mind images of the Christ the Redeemer statue in Brazil and the colorful streets of popular Cartagena.
As we enter the new year, travelers are looking for unique destinations and memorable experiences more than ever.
While it’s hard to go wrong when choosing a travel destination in vibrant Latin America, we’re highlighting one surprising country that’s emerging as a top destination.
An emerging destination
Visiting destinations off the trail can be one of the most satisfying experiences a traveler can have.
If tourism is not yet central, more of the local culture will emerge.
El Salvador welcomed 3 million arrivals in 2023, a number that represents an increase of 13% over the previous record set in 2019.
And while this country is setting records and emerging as a new must-see place, it is still relatively unknown, making it a great destination for lower prices and authentic experiences.
Is El Salvador safe?
The increase in the number of tourists in El Salvador can be partly attributed to the country’s transformation in terms of security.
This previously violence-ridden country has gone through a lot under the current president drastic reduction in crime rates and success in dismantling organized crime.
El Salvador is now one of the safer countries in Latin America and is on its way to ending up on bucket lists everywhere.
In addition to taking strong measures to prioritize crime reduction, the current regime has also invested in renovating and preserving tourist areas, national parks and historic centers.
Although travelers should always use common sense and be alert, the risk of violent crime is much lower than in recent years. It is always advisable to store valuables and not walk alone at night.
Ideal weather
El Salvador’s dry season runs from November to April.
Now that the rainy season is over, traveling during this period is easier as the muddy dirt roads during the rains can cause transportation problems.
It’s also an excellent time for wildlife spotting as more parks are open at this time of year.
While many of us in North America are sorely lacking in sunshine, El Salvador is experiencing its summer.
This is a great time to visit the country as January and February are some of the driest months in the country, with the sun shining almost every day.
Visitors can expect temperatures in the upper 80s to lower 90s in the coming months.
A country gifted with stunning natural beauty
While Instagram is filled with repeated images of Costa Rican waterfalls, El Salvador’s breathtaking landscapes still fly relatively under the radar.
Nicknamed the land of volcanoes, this small Latin American country is home to 25 volcanoes, 14 lakes and fantastic beaches.
This underdog country boasts some of the best surfing waves in Central America. Popular beaches for surfing include El Tunco, El Sunzal and La Libertad.
Hiking enthusiasts can base themselves in Santa Ana and take a guided hike to the three adjacent volcanoes.
An underrated cultural destination
The chance to climb an active volcano isn’t the only thing El Salvador has to offer its visitors.
This country has plenty to explore: the ancient Mayan ruins of Tazumal, bustling cities like San Salvador and Joya de Cerén, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
A former farming town buried under volcanic ash for 1,400 years, Joya de Cerén is Central America’s own version of Pompeii.
With its charming colonial towns, breathtaking national parks and amazing beaches, this lesser-known destination makes for a great winter getaway.
Since El Salvador is a very small country, you can easily see a lot of it in a week or combine it with neighboring countries for a longer trip.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
