Central American countries can have a reputation for being rough around the edges. The gringo trail often avoids areas considered to be too dangerous and difficult to travel in. El Salvador is possibly top of that list, but there is more to it than it’s bad boy reputation will suggest at first glance.
I sat in a restaurant that lives on the side of El Salvador’s volcano Boquerón, sipping an iced diet coke. A middle class Salvadoran family talk loudly at a table nearby, giving occasional looks in my direction. Eventually they approach and ask me who I am and where I am from. They are delighted to see a young foreign woman in El Salvador and intrigued by why I would visit a place with so many problems.
The locals are the first to warn me to be careful travelling in El Salvador. They are also first to smile broadly in my direction and welcome me as I explore their homeland.
San Salvador sprawls out below the volcano with 300,000 people going about their day in the noisy smog of the capital city. It’s easy to forget the reality of life for some people here, when as a traveller I escape to a beautiful a peaceful place like this.
Back home now, I am always reminded of the difficulties this country faces when I read about it. Photo exhibitions focus on the war, or the current gang troubles. If the press cover the country it will include violent death. And it’s not uncommon for American TV dramas to have a bad-guy El Salvadoran.
It’s not that I don’t think it is important to report on this more negative side of the country. Travellers need to be aware that it essential to be safe and careful here. Today I just want to balance things a little and celebrate the beautiful side of El Salvador. It is not just the gangs and troubles, it is a country filled with natural wonders and places of extreme tranquility.
Here’s a little of why I’m glad I thought twice about crossing El Salvador off my Central American itinerary…
I could continue. I’ve not even mentioned the artists markets, street performers, surf lessons, waterfalls, hiking…
What places have you visited that have surprised you in how much you fall for them?
A very interesting post, as you are so right about the reputation of Central America. El Salvador sure does look wonderful, I especially love those sunsets!
Wow <3 What a magical place!! Salvador is so underrated!! We recently went to Lisbon and fell heads over heels for the city. I don't know what is going to be of myself when I visit el Salvador! Thanks for linking up! #WanderfulWednesday
I thought that too 🙂 It is underrated, but the people who live there are so proud of it’s beauty and I feel lucky to have seen it. I hope you get a chance to go one day! I would love to visit Lisbon!! Thanks for connecting through #WanderfulWednesday
a friend of mine went to El Sal for a mission trip and reported back to me a lot of what you said! There is crime and it can be dangerous (but so can anywhere!) but he also said it was stunningly beautiful and had a lot to offer. It’s so sad to me when people skip out on a really great location just because of a false reputation of being “too dangerous”.
I love that bird, Torogoz… what a unique tail it has, as if carting a feather behind its tail. Happy to have wandered through El Salvador through your post. #WanderfulWednesday
In love with this post! It’s so important to look past reputations/stereotypes and realize that every place has something special and good to offer! I think many (especially people up north) have negative views of many places in Central and South America in general. They think it’s much more dangerous than it is and the media/movies only make it worse. Of course it’s important to be aware and be careful, but so many of these countries are simply misrepresented! El Salvador seems like a wonderful, beautiful place and you’ve exposed it in such a great light! 😀 Thanks for that and thanks for linking up!!
Thanks so much for this comment – that’s exactly what I was hoping to do with this post 🙂 and I agree with you entirely! It’s great to connect with everyone via the link up.
Your photos are so beautiful and El Salvador certainly looks very peaceful here! Haven’t really heard much about what’s going on in the country but judging from your pictures, I’d definitely want to visit!
Thank you so much 🙂 it’s mostly issues with gangs and violence in the capital city that you see in the press/ tv etc. But there are so many wonderful people and places too as you can see 🙂
I always enjoy reading posts that remind me to keep an open mind about a lesser travelled to countries. It’s easy to get caught up in the idea that some places just aren’t worth visiting, but whenever I reach an unknown destination, I’m reminded this isn’t true.
It can be so nice to be surprised by a place that was previously unknown, which is what happened for me with El Salvador. Thanks so much for stopping by and for your comment 🙂
A very interesting post, as you are so right about the reputation of Central America. El Salvador sure does look wonderful, I especially love those sunsets!
Me too – they were unbelievable every evening 🙂 El Salvador does have its dangerous side but for those who do visit, it captures their heart.
Wow <3 What a magical place!! Salvador is so underrated!! We recently went to Lisbon and fell heads over heels for the city. I don't know what is going to be of myself when I visit el Salvador! Thanks for linking up! #WanderfulWednesday
I thought that too 🙂 It is underrated, but the people who live there are so proud of it’s beauty and I feel lucky to have seen it. I hope you get a chance to go one day! I would love to visit Lisbon!! Thanks for connecting through #WanderfulWednesday
a friend of mine went to El Sal for a mission trip and reported back to me a lot of what you said! There is crime and it can be dangerous (but so can anywhere!) but he also said it was stunningly beautiful and had a lot to offer. It’s so sad to me when people skip out on a really great location just because of a false reputation of being “too dangerous”.
That’s great to hear from your friend. I’m so glad we took the risk despite the reputation and problems… 🙂
I love that bird, Torogoz… what a unique tail it has, as if carting a feather behind its tail. Happy to have wandered through El Salvador through your post. #WanderfulWednesday
Me too – they are so bright and colourful. Thanks for stopping by 🙂
In love with this post! It’s so important to look past reputations/stereotypes and realize that every place has something special and good to offer! I think many (especially people up north) have negative views of many places in Central and South America in general. They think it’s much more dangerous than it is and the media/movies only make it worse. Of course it’s important to be aware and be careful, but so many of these countries are simply misrepresented! El Salvador seems like a wonderful, beautiful place and you’ve exposed it in such a great light! 😀 Thanks for that and thanks for linking up!!
Thanks so much for this comment – that’s exactly what I was hoping to do with this post 🙂 and I agree with you entirely! It’s great to connect with everyone via the link up.
Your photos are so beautiful and El Salvador certainly looks very peaceful here! Haven’t really heard much about what’s going on in the country but judging from your pictures, I’d definitely want to visit!
Thank you so much 🙂 it’s mostly issues with gangs and violence in the capital city that you see in the press/ tv etc. But there are so many wonderful people and places too as you can see 🙂
I always enjoy reading posts that remind me to keep an open mind about a lesser travelled to countries. It’s easy to get caught up in the idea that some places just aren’t worth visiting, but whenever I reach an unknown destination, I’m reminded this isn’t true.
It can be so nice to be surprised by a place that was previously unknown, which is what happened for me with El Salvador. Thanks so much for stopping by and for your comment 🙂