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.
My spot in a restaurant on the side of El Boqueron volcano, San Salvador
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.
Kayaking in Lago Coatepeque. This is just a short drive away from San Salvador and if you’re feeling really energetic, you can also climb the volcano in the background.
Here’s a little of why I’m glad I thought twice about crossing El Salvador off my Central American itinerary…
Natural beauty. A peaceful tree, just up the volcano from San SalvadorEl Salvador’s national bird, the Torogoz is one of the most colourful birds I saw in Central America. Their bright blue tails can be spotted from a long way away. No wonder the artists here paint with such vivacious bright colours
El Zonte beach has the best sunsets I’ve seen on all my travels. This was taken in February – the optimum time of year to see the sunsets on this beach.El Zonte is a chilled out surfing beach, which is a half an hour drive away from San Salvador. The surfers keep going until the sun goes all the way down.Another beautiful El Salvador sunset. I couldn’t get enough of these colours.El Zonte beach is nice during the day too! With so few people there, it is usually peaceful and as long as the surf is up, there will be plenty of them in the seaEl Sunzal, just up the coast from El Zonte is another stunning beachEl Zonte at midday. Simple living.The iguanas in El Salvador look meaner than those I saw in other countries such as Costa Rica – maybe because people still eat them here! This fella was safe in the botanical garden in San SalvadorIguana having his lunch in the botanical gardens in San SalvadorSuchitoto is a beautiful little town in the mountains. You can study Spanish here, see local art, walk up to see views of Lago Suchitlan, take a cerveza or coffee in one of the bars, or just relax in the towns peaceful atmosphere. It’s no wonder that the people of the capital city come here for their weekend breaks.Exploring the colonial buildings of SuchitotoAs I walked up through the village to see the view of Lago Suchitlán in Suchitoto, these anti-domestic violence signs were painted on the sides of the houses. It is a sign of strength amongst the people.El Salvador is not without it’s Mayan ruins or history. San Andres can be visited easily from San Salvador and your likely to be visiting with only a couple of other people. It is surrounded by a tranquil forest, with butterflies fluttering by and an abundance of the colourful torogoz to see.It may not be as well looked after as a ruin, but I enjoyed wandering around a place with so much history and without so many tourists taking selfies.The people and the live music! In Santa Tecla the streets are filled with the sounds of live music. People in El Salvador are so friendly and they love to sing – so expect everyone to be joining in and dancing at any opportunity. This is me with my favourite band, La Rua in a bar in Santa Tecla.Volcano side tranquil treesFresh fruits and lush green forestsMountaintop views like this will blow you away in El Salvador. With far fewer tourists to distract you from the peace.Pupusas! These are definitely one of my favourite things about El Salvador. Made of corn or rice flour and filled with whatever you want. I couldn’t resist having more than one in this Suchitoto cafe. Find out more about me going pupusa loca
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 🙂