San Salvador has had a history of violence. San Salvador was considered the most dangerous city in the world in 1992. Since the end of the civil war in 1992 San Salvador has seen a significant reduction in crime rates. Today San Salvador, and El Salvador in general, experience some of the highest homicide rates in the world, it is also considered an epicenter of the gang crisis, along with Guatemala and Honduras. Crime rates in general have been steadily growing throughout the years. Most tourists will experience few problems in the city as they are not specifically targeted. However, most murders are committed by, and upon, gang members.
To stay safe, there is some advice:
Don't walk on streets that look abandoned and dark.
Use only licensed taxis or rent a car. If you are adventurous, watch your valuables and put away jewelry when using the public buses. Most major hotels have taxis that they have approved as safe and legitimate. If unsure about a taxi, call your hotel and they can generally have a safe taxi dispatched to your location.
At best, walk in tourist areas and not unfamiliar or shady areas.
If you have no place to sleep, avoid old and dirty motels.
Be careful with your handbag or purse while walking on crowded streets.
Don't flaunt jewelery or mobiles on public transport or crowded areas
You wil have no problem in the malls or inside major stores or museums, and most public buildings are full of security guards, alarms, fire extinguishers, etc. If you go out of the city into some national parks, volcanoes or the country, it is better to hire an armed escort or guide because you can get robbed.
There is much gang violence in El Salvador, especially in San Salvador and in its poorer neighborhoods; but the downtown areas, the malls, the Zona Rosa, most tourist attractions, and the upmarket neighborhoods are generally safe. Doing your homework and avoiding gangland areas will ensure you have a hassle free and enjoyable experience.
No matter how adventurous you may feel, it is strongly advisable to stay away from the city's poorer districts of Soyapango and Apopa and its surroundings on the east side of the city.
The Most Frequently Asked Travel Questions about San Salvador
Where To Stay & Best Hotels in San Salvador - updated May 2024
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San Salvador Travel Guide from Wikitravel. Many thanks to all Wikitravel contributors. Text is available under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0, images are available under various licenses, see each image for details.
