Is El Salvador Safe for Women? Crime Rate in El Salvador
Safety rating
Women living in El Salvador consider the safety level to be relatively high, with an overall safety rating of 3.5 out of 5.
Crime rating
Women living in El Salvador consider the crime rate to be very low, with an overall crime rating of 1.1 out of 5.
Violence rating
On average 10% percentage of women in El Salvador have experienced physical and/or sexual violence from an intimate partner at some time in their life, according to OECD Data.
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Crime & Safety Statistics
Based on 7 experiences
Safety rating: | 3.5/5 | Moderate |
Safety walking alone after dark: | 3.2/5 | Moderate |
Safety using public transport: | 2.7/5 | Moderate |
Crime rate: | 1.1/5 | Very Low |
Worries of being sexually harassed: | 1.8/5 | A bit worried |
Worries of being sexually assaulted or raped: | 1.4/5 | Not at all worried |
Worries of being physically attacked: | 1.4/5 | Not at all worried |
Worries of home broken and things stolen: | 1/5 | Not at all worried |
Worries of being mugged or robbed: | 1.3/5 | Not at all worried |
Worries of being kidnapped or murdered: | 1/5 | Not at all worried |
How safe is El Salvador?
KT
El Salvador
I think being alone as a woman you are always more aware of people. But this country is the safest one I have been in, in all of South and Central America. People are so happy to see tourists. But you do always need to be smart!
Posted: April 14, 2025
Maggie
San Salvador
El Salvador is considered very safe now and I can agree there has been a lot of positive changes, nonetheless this a city built for cars so walking around feels lonely and not lively at all, you won’t find many people walking next to you at night so it can be nerve wrecking. Nonetheless, if you stay in the nicer areas I can assure you are safe, kidnappings are unheard of here and murders as well, but as a woman I am still cautious of men nonetheless.
Posted: March 23, 2025Antiguo Cuscatlán
Antiguo Cuscatlán is one of the safest areas in El Salvador and is located right next to the safest and most beautiful parts of San Salvador, the capital city of El Salvador. You can find all types of fun places to visit, catering to all ages and genders.
Posted: December 27, 2024San Salvador
We are in a current state of exception which has moderate the violence. It used to be a really dangerous place but now is very secure for travelers. Since our country is very small you can easily move from place to place and the people here are very welcoming
Posted: December 25, 2024San Salvador
El Salvador’ safety rates have dramatically changed for better. It is a safer place than it was 3 or 5 years ago. You still need to be smart and careful because there are danger risks in every country. Overall, it’s a safe place to travel. Locals are the kindest people I’ve ever met from all the countries I’ve traveled.
Posted: September 4, 2024
Fatima
Concepción de Ataco
Ataco is an agricultural rural animal town. Everyone knows each other, and that is very good for safety. There are a few drunks but they don't mess with you. I would say Ataco is the safest I have ever felt in El Salvador.
Posted: August 7, 2024Is El Salvador worth visiting?
Travel rating
based on 7 experiences from female travelers
El Salvador, Group travel
I felt safe overall. I chose accommodations in safe areas like El Tunco and Santa Ana. People were very welcoming, and I didn’t face any issues. What I recommend: Hike Santa Ana Volcano (amazing view, not too hard). Go to El Tunco (beach town, great for surfing), Discover Ataco (small village), relax in Salto de Malacatiupan. El Salvador is very budget-friendly. I stayed in Airbnb's, except when I was in the capital city where I used Hotel Villa Florencia Centro Historico (great hotel!). For transport, I only used a rental car. Walking around towns felt safe in the daytime and evening time. Here's a rough outline of my 2-week trip: Day 1–3: El Zunto/El Tunco Day 4–5: Ataco Day 6–8: Antigua Guatemala (for Easter weekend) Day 9–11: Lago de Coatepeque + Volcano Santa Ana Day 12–14: San Salvador
Posted: July 19, 2025Experienced: March, 2025
Jackie
United States
El Salvador, Family travel
This is my second time going to El Salvador. My family is from El Salvador. My mother left in 1989 when she was pregnant with me, during the civil war. It was her first time going back to her home country since she left. It was a surreal experience to her, seeing how much her country as changed. El Salvador is beautiful and welcoming.
Posted: July 6, 2024Experienced: February, 2024Safety in El Salvador
Frequently asked questions
Is El Salvador safe?
Is El Salvador safe to walk alone at night?
Is public transport safe in El Salvador?
What is the crime rate in El Salvador?
What is the risk of being sexually harassed in El Salvador?
What is the risk of being sexually assaulted or raped in El Salvador?
What is the risk of being physically attacked in El Salvador?
What is the risk of burglary in El Salvador?
What is the risk of being mugged or robbed in El Salvador?
What is the risk of being kidnapped or murdered in El Salvador?
