When you think of El Salvador, the first images your brain conjures up are probably those of rioting gangs running amok, crime-ridden streets where the law of the strongest prevails, and, as is the case in Latin America, probably corrupt governments.
That used to be the case some five or six years ago, and then a literal miracle happened.
From a global pariah and one of the most violent countries in the world, with a shocking rate of murder per capita and urban violence, to the Switzerland of the Western Hemisphere, this tiny Central American state is now shattering another type of record.
Not to beat around the bush too much, tourists are finally flocking there in droves, and the newfound state of well-being is only part of the reason why:
El Salvador Is Living Its Golden Age Right Now
As reported by Costatur, El Salvador has already hosted over 815,000 guests so far this year, with a goal of hitting 4.2 million by December 2026.
That’s a bold strategy, especially considering that, back in 2019, prior to the current administration taking charge, it hosted roughly 1.3 million tourists annually, a large number of whom were returning El Salvadorians or business travelers.
Now, it seems the tides are turning.
El Salvador has Nayib Bukele, its controversial, hardline yet tough-on-crime President, to thank. Say what you will, he did put the house in order.
He incarcerated around 1% of the population in a major crackdown on violent crime, launched a ‘Territorial Control Plan’ to seize control of gang-dominated areas, and invested heavily in infrastructure projects.
We’re talking roads, bridges, public works, a whole makeover of the country’s largest airport, El Salvador International Airport (SAL), a renovation of the capital’s once-derelict Historic Center, and a clear, resounding message sent out to foreigners saying:
El Salvador is safe. Come visit.
Not just empty words, either: in 2019, the country had a jaw-dropping rate of 38 homicides per 100,000. In 2025, that staggering figure had dropped to just about 1.3.
For comparison purposes, Switzerland, one of Europe’s poster children for safety standards and well-being, has a homicide rate of 0.6. El Salvador is quickly bridging the gap.
On the ground, this means no more armed assaults, or at least a drastic reduction in those, home burglaries, and turf wars.
The Europenization Of San Salvador
On top of that, the Bukele administration is literally converting San Salvador, the national capital, in a city break actually worth spending money on.
No more of the hanging wires between buildings, piling trash, nor dodgy, low-cap Josés looking at you funny for being an obvious gringo: San Salvador’s once-glorious colonial core is being revitalized, with the addition of pedestrian-friendly zones, lamp-lit paved streets, and major infrastructure upgrades.
You’ve probably seen Before/After videos of it doing the rounds on X. The easiest way to explain it is this may be the first case of First Worldization ever seen in Latin America.
Cuadra por cuadra… tardará un poco, pero quedará hermoso. pic.twitter.com/uoiBfi7SqP
— Nayib Bukele (@nayibbukele) March 27, 2026
Perhaps not the most politically correct statement to make, but not one bit less truthful.
Millions of tourists are now headed for San Salvador to witness firsthand its rebirth, from the grandiose Metropolitan Cathedral, a Neo-Gothic marvel towering above the downtown’s mid-rises, to the restored National Palace and the leafy, sun-drenched Plaza Libertad.
A Magnificent Nature Practically Unspoiled
Much like Costa Rica at one point, El Salvador also has a lot of potential, nature-wise, that is yet to be unleashed.
All along its Pacific coast, you’ll find beautiful golden-sand or even black volcanic beaches, backed by lively surfer towns which are trending with European backpackers as of late.
As far as major coastal hubs go, La Libertad is probably the place to go at the moment: it boasts some of the best surf breaks in Central America, including Punta Roca, known for its long, barrelling waves, El Tunco, one of the prettiest beaches in the entire country, and a relaxed, fishing town vibe.
For the hiking enthusiasts, Santa Ana Volcano, or as it is known in the local indigenous language, Ilamatepec, offers breathtaking crater views, and a glassy, mirror-like laguna sitting right in the middle.
Though lesser-explored, Izalco Volcano is not to be missed: called the Lighthouse of the Pacific, due to its constant, fiery lava shows, visible to ships far out at sea, it’s surrounded by lush jungle and historic coffee plantations.
For a more convenient and easier-to-reach spot, just outside San Salvador, El Boquerón is yet another volcano with equally spectacular crater panoramas.
Looking for some of those cloud forests, with winding trails, views of multiple lava-spewers, and harboring a rich wildlife? Cerro Verde National Park is a short 45–60 minute drive from the city, out in the western highlands, and it looks like a mini Costa Rica, except less developed, and more off-path.
Just how we like it.
Oh, and don’t forget Santa Ana, a picturesque town near the park, often described as El Salvador’s most beautiful. It is dominated by a Gothic cathedral, one of the largest in Central America, and its colonial downtown, dotted with colorful plazas, centuries-old buildings, and cobbled streets, is an absolute delight to wander.
Fly Nonstop To El Salvador
Americans can fly nonstop to El Salvador from 4 major Stateside hubs:
- Houston (IAH) — 8-10 flights per day with Avianca, Frontier, United, Volaris
- Los Angeles (LAX) — 7-9 flights per day with Avianca, United, or Volaris
- San Jose (SJO) — 7-9 flights per day with Avianca or Volaris
- Washington-Dulles (IAD) — 6-8 flights per day with Avianca, Frontier, United, Volaris
Before you take to the skies, make sure you have all your documentation for traveling to El Salvador in order—and double-check whether there are any current travel warnings, all in one place, on the Travel Off Path Traveler Dashboard.
As long as Bukele is at helm of the ship, those dire LatAm-style travel alerts are unlikely to pop up anytime soon. Still… you just never know.
For now, this is what El Salvador is looking like:
Stacie Harris is a local resident and reporter of the Maple Grove area. Stacie reports on medicine and science for the Maple Grove Report.
