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El Salvador

Solo female travel in El Salvador

El Salvador, set in Central America on the Pacific coast, is a captivating country known for its remarkable natural beauty and impressive cultural heritage. Among the smallest but most densely populated Central American countries, it is celebrated for having striking volcanoes like El Boquerón Volcano, pristine beaches such as El Tunco, and beautiful national parks showcasing the country's rich biodiversity, including El Imposible National Park. From its archaeological treasures of the Mayan ruins, such as those at Tazumal and Joya de Cerén, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to its vibrant modern cities including the capital, San Salvador, with its modern museums and flourishing restaurant scene, El Salvador offers a diverse and enriching travel experience.

El Salvador is currently ranked #72 best country for solo female travellers. Check full ranking.

Travel rating

4 /5

Based on 4 experiences

3.5 /5

Based on our research

3.5 /5

Based on safety reports

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Is El Salvador good for solo travel?

Safety:Moderate

While El Salvador has a rich culture and beautiful landscapes, it has higher crime rates compared to other countries. Solo female travelers often report experiences of catcalling and other types of harassment. It is not uncommon to encounter gangs in some parts, specifically in the capital city, San Salvador. It's always advisable to stay vigilant and take extra precautions such as avoiding poorly lit areas at night, not displaying wealth, and ensuring public transportation is safe before usage.

Transport:Moderate

Navigating through El Salvador may require a bit of effort, as rural areas often lack clear road signage, English is not widely spoken, and public transport can be crowded and inconsistent. However, with some knowledge of Spanish and planning ahead for routes and transport, traveling in El Salvador can still be manageable and rewarding.

Things to do:Interesting

El Salvador is a captivating destination for solo female travelers owing to its eclectic blend of outdoor activities and cultural experiences. The country is famed for its series of volcanoes offering thrilling hikes with breathtaking views, such as the Santa Ana Volcano, for those with a penchant for adventure. For those interested in history and architecture, fascinating Mayan ruins such as Joya de Cerén and Tazumal provide a window into the country's past. Beach lovers will find solace on the beautiful beaches such as El Tunco and El Zonte, which are known worldwide for their great surfing opportunities.

Food:Above average

The food in El Salvador is quite exciting and diverse. The gastronomy includes a wide variety of dishes that are a fusion of indigenous and Spanish cuisine. You'll enjoy delights like Pupusas, a classic Salvadorian dish, along with an array of fresh fruits, beans, seafood, and corn-based dishes. If you like foods with a mix of flavors, you'll love it here. However, if your preference leans towards spicy cuisine, you may find Salvadoran food a bit mild.

Budget:Affordable

El Salvador is quite budget-friendly for solo female travelers. Accommodation, meals, and transportation are typically less expensive compared to other countries in the region. There is a good range of budget hostels and local eateries, where you can save significantly. The country's small size also makes it easy to move around inexpensively. However, it's advisable to keep a little extra for guided tours, especially if you're interested in exploring off-the-beaten path.

Is El Salvador worth visiting?

Overall rating

4 /5

based on 4 experiences

Rating summary

Things to do

4.4/5

Safety

3.5/5

Food

4.4/5

Budget-friendly

3.2/5

Solo travel experience

I traveled alone to El Salvador and it was an amazing surprise. It's beautiful, and people are very friendly and hospitable. I never felt unsafe, even at night in San Salvador. I really enjoyed it.

Posted: October 17, 2023

Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5

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Group travel experience

The people I met were super nice, the landscapes, activities, everything was very beautiful. The only thing is that because they use the American dollar, the prices seemed high to me. But the place is definitely worth it. I highly recommend renting a car as well. We were there for 9 days, and I think that was too much, 7 days is perfect to see everything.

Posted: September 18, 2023

Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 3/5Safety: 5/5

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Solo travel experience

I went on a four-day solo trip to Salvador and I really enjoyed it. I usually do things on my own, renting a car, but I decided to book a four-day custom tour (with a guide and transport) and I felt 100% safe. I visited beautiful waterfalls, charming towns, good volcano trails, drank great coffee, etc.

Posted: September 11, 2023

Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5

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Solo travel experience

I loved El Salvador. I spent a long weekend in El Tunco, enjoying the beach. I went surfing, visited waterfalls, and ate all the pupusas. I just travelled there by bus. Then I hired a driver who took me to the ruins, visited Cotepeque, climbed the Santa Ana volcano, climbed Cerro Verde and went on the Flower Route.

Posted: April 9, 2023

Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5

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Meet locals in El Salvador

Meet local women in El Salvador who are open to meet up for a coffee or a drink, show you around, give local advice or practice a language with.

Lesly

About Me

Hi... I am Lesley I going to my first trio in Spain and France. I kind afraid of going solo. I know is a good experience still I would like to meet people and feel safe that's way I am looking for apps to help me.

Speaking

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Vilma

About Me

Hi, My name is Vilma and I'm interested in animals, cinema, culture, food & cuisine, live music, languages, nature, shopping, sightseeing, sunbathing and trekking

Speaking

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Stay with locals in El Salvador

Stay with local women in El Salvador who offer free accommodation as part of cultural exchange. Couch surfing is a great way to meet new people, learn more about new cultures and experience destinations like a local.

Lesly

El Salvador