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When I visited El Salvador in 2020, I constantly had silk eyes when sharing my travel plans.
This was not only due to the risk of being stranded due to unbridled pandemic flight abnormalities, but also because El Salvador was notoir ‘dangerous’.
5 years later all of that has changed, and not without his well -documented share in controversies of human rights problems, re -elected president Nayib Bukele’s hardcore, yet irregularly effective, roundups of criminals.
Regardless of which side of the fence you are standing, the fact is that the crime figures of El Salvador have fallen enormously, creating a beautifully safe port for adventurous travelers to explore.
Supported by the recently updated travel advice from the US Department of Foreign Affairs, which indicates this surprising nation as one of the safest in Latin -America in the exclusive club of Level 1-Files with Argentina and Paraguay, this movement means that El Salvador is even now safer than Cancun.
From no-go zone to welcome at home: El Salvador declared safer than Costa Rica and much from Mexico
Before you work in a Tizzy, we do not immediately compare El Salvador’s Surfer-Loaden beach cities with Cancun-just show how remarkable of a smallest country in Central America has undergone to having the highest murder figures now indicated Level 1: Exercising of normal precautions In comparison with the favorite international destination of American, Cancun, which still owns the state of Quintana Roo Level 2: Exercise increased caution Status.
The truth is that much of Mexico is arranged Level 2 Or worse and Costa Rica, together with Belize, have seen a few other easily accessible central American paradises their own share in problems.
El Salvador is really safe and open the door for travelers to venture to an outside the blown path exotic location, whether it concerns cultural cities such as Santa Ana, lively villages such as Ataco, or idyllic coastlines such as El Tunco, without feeling that your head is on a swivel.
The truth is told, I felt so in parts of Mexico and Belize and it certainly takes part of the joy of traveling.
In the own words of the US Department of Foreign Affairs Updated travel advice Published on 8 April 2025, “Exercise normal precautions in El Salvador. Gang activity has decreased in the last three years. This has caused a decrease in violent crimes and murders.”
For what it is worth, one report From previous fall claims 88% of Salvadorans now feel safe In their country. Can Americans say that?
El Salvador’s “Exception”
Crime is a fickle subject, so let’s not pretend that there are not bad apples yet.
That said, the idea of being locked up in perhaps the most strict prison in the world, the so -called criminals must make it think twice.
President Bukele has not been shy about presenting the ins and outs of Centro de ConCoRiTo del Terrorismo (known as Cecot) – Video tours are everywhere on YouTube.
In addition, in what many say is a strange agreement between the US and El Salvador, President Trump’s government has facilitated the transfer of immigrants with criminal records to Cecot, including one Big “oops” momentIn essence, holding the wrong man and sending him to an international prison, who question even more human rights issues and the logistics of this awkward, unheard of arrangement.
Not to mention a judge of the Supreme Court has since ordered the return of this incorrectly deported man because of an “administrative error”, but so far the order has been just as effective as if judge Reinholdt has issued it.
So you may wonder why this is important for travelers. Reasonable.
This is because El Salvador has a “state of exception”, also brought to the attention by the updated advice of the US Department of Foreign Affairs and it is classified as:
In 2022, El Salvador declared an ‘exceptional state’ in response to an increase in horrible crimes:
- The state of exception enables authorities to arrest everyone who, according to them, is involved in criminal activities.
- It shakes various constitutional rights, including the right to a fast or fair trial.
- Thousands of people are currently locked up under the state of exception, Including American and foreign citizenswho still have to be tried
Although it is unlikely that Americans become entangled in Roundups of Bendelled members, or are falsely recognized as a target for Cecot, it is important to know that the exceptional state is still present and an important driving force for the “success” of Cecot, if you want to call it that.
El Salvador’s attraction as your next vacation
To be honest, I visited El Salvador during his Level 3 heyday and could not feel safer as soon as I got used to hunting rifles-waving guards who were posted on each block, especially in Santa Ana, the second largest city in El Salvador and the gateway to my favorite walk I have ever done, reaching the top of the top of the top of the top of the top of the top of the top of the top of the top Santa Ana Volcano looking down to the alien Turquoise Crater Lake.
I have done nothing but promote the country as one of the biggest surprises in all my travels, given that some people practically begged me not to go in 2020.
The country is the home of incredible dishes. It seemed like every corner one pupusa Paradise and remarkably cheap. Strangely enough, however, I cannot recommend it Donkey Enough – a Mexican fusion restaurant with top Margaritas and even better Mexican food than some places I have been to Mexico.
El Salvador is also the home of a number of highly undervalued coastlines.
Our editor -in -chief, Tyler, had the pleasure of visiting a luxury beach resort in La Libertad in 2023 and loved it, although it was not considered so safe to visit as now.
I jumped around from the capital San Salvador, who had a number of cool markets and affordable luxury hotels BarceloBut the real charm and pleasures lie in the villages of El Salvador – Ataco Being my favorite.
You hear more about Suchitoto than Ataco on travel blogs, but Ataco was one of the highlights of my trip 5 years ago, and given the fixed time paved streets, I am sure that not much has changed.
Be sure to enjoy locally produced coffee at La Casa Barista And wander through the traditional markets for unique souvenirs.
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This article originally appeared on Traveloffpath.com
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