Is San Salvador safe for solo female travelers?

San Salvador offers rich culture and interesting sights, but it also presents considerable safety challenges. Like many cities, it has safer and riskier districts and experiences a degree of gang-related crime. It's essential to be aware of your surroundings, avoid isolated areas, especially at night. Do your research and be sure to steer clear of neighborhoods identified as particularly risky. Traveling with caution and a local guide, if possible, can enhance your safety.

Safety rating

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How safe is San Salvador for female travelers?

How safe is San Salvador for women?

Local safety index

3 /5

Based on 3 local experiences

Local crime index

1.3 /5

Based on 3 local experiences

Maggie

Maggie

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, 2025
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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, 2024
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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
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Safety in El Salvador