Widespread gang activity, record levels of violent crime, and institutionalized corruption: that’s how mainstream media would’ve summed up the tiny Central American nation of El Salvador just five years ago.
It’s no wonder tourists steered clear for decades, choosing instead to play it safe in Costa Rica or even Panama. Fast forward to 2025, and El Salvador has done a complete 180, suddenly ranking among the trendiest tourism spots in the world.
According to a new report from the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNTWO), El Salvador is now the third fastest-growing destination globally, just behind Qatar and former European underdog Albania.
We suspect some of you might already have a hunch, but this begs the question: how did this tiny Latin nation manage such a dramatic turnaround?
Welcome To El Salvador’s Tourism Renaissance
As per the latest UNWTO report, El Salvador has seen a jaw-dropping 80 percent increase in tourism since 2019, charting behind Albania (with 84 percent) and Qatar (with a record-breaking 138 percent).
Unlike Qatar and Albania, however, which’ve hosted a World Cup and an uptick in TikTok fame, respectively, in recent years, El Salvador’s U-turn is not attributed to a single particular event or mouth-to-mouth promotion.
It is largely thanks to one man: Nayib Bukele, El Salvador’s iron-fisted leader who’s literally quashed crime, some would argue mercilessly, and transformed the once murder capital of Latin America into a safety oasis envied by most Western democracies.
In only the past decade, murder rates in the country dropped from 106 per 100,000 people, to a mere 1.9.
Though Human Rights concerns have been raised by news outlets, one thing is clear: El Salvador has never felt safer.
Criminals Purged From The Streets
We’re not here to delve deep into the El Salvadorian Administration’s methods. This is a matter that concerns El Salvadorians, and El Salvadorians only, and in that respect, they seem (largely) pretty happy with the current status quo.
After all, they can finally leave their houses freely, without fearing they might become another crime statistic.
Whatever your opinion on the methods is, criminals have been purged from the streets.
It’s not only locals who are pleased with Bukele’s policies: tourists are quite pleased, too.
El Salvador is one of the most fascinating countries in Central America, small in size, but mighty in nature: its volcanic landscape is covered in dense jungles, rich in wildlife, and packed full of wondrous sights—and now, you can visit without (mostly) restrictions.
In 2024, 3.2 million tourists landed in El Salvador. Back in 2019, the record high was 1.78 million.
A Level 1 Destination
El Salvador is now officially defined by the U.S. Department of State as a Level 1 destination. In case you’re unsure what that means, it simply signifies Americans can visit while exercising ‘normal’ precautions, as crime is largely under control.
like England, France, and Italy, are at a worse-off Level 2. Based on the United States’ assessment, El Salvador is now at the same level as Iceland, Switzerland, Finland, and the like.
Granted, we would still encourage you to travel responsibly, especially in San Salvador and other urban areas where petty crime is more common, but it’s true that, under the rule of Bukele, your chances of being victimized as a tourist are pretty… damn… slim.
What Has El Salvador Got To Offer Tourists?
Of course, safety alone can’t be responsible for a country’s success story:
A huge part of El Salvador’s appeal is its unspoiled nature, with soaring volcanoes like Santa Ana Volcano and Coatepeque, in the vicinity of a scenic lake, offering numerous activities, from hiking to kayaking to simply relaxing by the waterside.
Costa Rica may be famous for its Monteverde Cloud Forest, but did you know El Salvador has its own? Montecristo Cloud Forest boasts mist-enveloped highland trails running beside sky-high trees and wildflowers, and it’s a must-see if you’re here primarily to soak up the nature.
Ruta de las Flores is yet another major highlight of the country.
As the name indicates, it is a scenic drive through coffee farms and postcard-ready towns, best known for their beautiful gardens, colorful murals, and food festivals.
Explore El Salvador’s Ancient Culture And Volcanic Beaches
If you love colonial heritage, you won’t want to miss out on the quaint Suchitoto. One of the most beautiful small Spanish-era towns in the Americas, if features cobblestone streets, a dozen different art galleries, and it’s only 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 end following a volcanic eruption. Its location a short 45-minute drive from San Salvador makes it a popular stop for tourists.
Craving a beach getaway? This is no Caribbean, and the all-inclusive tourism model is yet to cement itself in El Salvador, but that’s what makes it so charming, as it feels unspoiled and authentic.
Head to El Tunco, on the 190-mile-long Pacific Coast, for a bubbling surfing and backpacking scene and unique black sand beaches of volcanic origin.
Check Local Safety Advice Before Flying
If you’re flying abroad in the near future, don’t forget to double-check the safety advice that applies at your destination by using our Travel Advisory Checker, updated regularly based on the latest security updates issued by the U.S. Department of State. (https://www.traveloffpath.com/this-latin-american-country-is-one-of-the-fastest-growing-destinations-in-the-world/)
