El Salvador Travel Forum

I am heading to El Salvador at the end of April. I have never been, so I do not know much, but I am researching as much as possible. I have numerous questions, which I will list below, and I am hoping a local inhabitant or an experienced traveler to El Salvador can answer, or just provide some beta.

> As of now, I will be alone. A friend may join me, but so far no word yet. Am I crazy if I go alone? I am basing in San Salvador for the three days, four nights. My hotel is safe and well known.

> I want to rent a vehicle, so I can drive around the country to check out the coast and especially the volcanoes. Is renting a vehicle a good idea? Again, I'll be alone. I like the idea of renting a car, so I can see more of the country and then return to San Salvador at dusk.

> I definitely want to hike some volcanoes. No problem on reaching a trailhead and going up one during the daytime (don't worry, I am a very strong climber)? Any issues for me if I go it alone?

> I don't want to get spooked and stay in the hotel after dark, so is it really that bad in San Salvador? Can I walk into a cantina or bar and enjoy a beer, or will I be given the "stink-eye" by the patrons since I am a gringo?

I love to travel, and I've been to 16 countries so far. I am definitely looking forward to the trip, I just don't want it to be a total calamity. I don't want to be scared of visiting, especially since most of the postings on VT indicate everyone has had a great time in El Salvador.

If you have any beta to share, please reply here. And, if you will be in San Salvador during 4/21 - 4/24, shoot me a line, and we can try to meet up.

Thank you so much. Happy traveling to all.
-Scott

I have traveled to El Salvador in 2007 and can give you some input though not a deep insight not being a resident or regular traveler.

1.- If you don't go looking for troubles most likely you won't find any. Just use common sense and the normal precautions you would use in US big cities. I traveled alone like you are planning to do and I did not have any issues nor I felt at risk.

2.- Renting a car might not be a bad idea but you may also consider hire a taxi driver by the day. El Salvador is a small country and taxis can drive you around to almost every destinations. In 2007 I hired a taxi driver for as low as US$ 80 a day, price that I guess is comparable to renting a vehicle without the risk associated with your own drive.

3.- You can go to restaurants, bars and nightclubs without concerns, but take a taxi and don't walk alone at night. Ask the hotel where you are staying if it is safe to walk around the area even for short distances.

There isn't much to be concerned with traveling to El Salvador as long as you use common sense, stay low profile, do not become overconfident and do not take pointless risks.

Enjoy your trip!
Giuseppe

What about immunization shots? I am calling my doctor tomorrow to schedule a Hepatitis A shot, just to be safe. Did you do anything like this, or get another type of immunization?

Thanks for the detailed response. I agree with your statement about using common sense, and being proactive. I just rented a vehicle from Avis, since I would like to drive around and visit the volcanoes. I will also pick up an atlas of El Salvador, to help me get around.

If anyone can exbound on Guiseppe's comments, please do so.

Thank you.

Scott,
Fear not El Salvador is not as bad as people make out it to be. Sure San Salvador can be dangerous as can any Latin American city. but during my time there I found the people to be extremely friendly and welcoming. Don't mention politics; the history of US sponsored repression (el mozote etc) is still quite fresh in people's minds and had brutal consequences. (some 25,000 died between 1980-1982). The public buses I found to be fine and the food amazing. Its quite well developed compared to neighbouring Honduras although poverty is a big issue. You'll need a better command of Spanish than other Central American countries but the friendliness of the people means that they'll go to many lengths to help you. When I was there this guy insisted on driving me to Morazan, even though I told him I was getting a bus. I wouldn't worry any more than you would for any other resort.

Cheers, Rick

Thanks for the beta and the encouragement. I am renting a vehicle, so I can drive myself around the country (during the day, of course). I'm excited about the trip, and hoping the end result is what you experienced. Do you think driving around alone is an issue? I want to hike two volcanoes while there.

Thanks again for responding to my query.

Best wishes.

Hi Scott! I haven't been to El Salvador but me and friend are planning on being there around the time that you'll be there as well. We're hitting a couple of countries but may be there during the last day or two (4/23-4/24) or even after. No idea on how to meet up but it may be fun to hike a volcano together. Natasha

About volcanos:
San Salvador Volcano is about 30 minute drive from San Salvador, there is a paved road but the last 5 kms are dirty and rocky. Renting a small 4WD is a good idea.
Santa Ana and Izalco Volcanos can be climbed from Cerro Verde National Park (which is an ancient volcano too!) Every day at 11:00 am a police escort departs from the park to each volcano . You' ll need two days to do it, one day for each volcano.
San Miguel (Chaparrastique) and San Vicente (Chinchontepec) volcanos don't have tourist facilities. and I don´t have information about them.
Visit http://travel.webshots.com/album/30149645vPmntPhDvM
You´ll see pictures of El Salvador volcanos and other interesting places in ES.
Hope this will be helpfull.
Rene

The reality is that El Salvador can be a very dangerous place if you are not careful. However, because of this danger things are set up to allow you to easily avoid it, with guards just about everywhere you might want to visit. If there are no armed guards, don't go there! Most of the volcanoes are very dangerous to walk up on your own. I am an active birdwatcher and i have travelled extensively in the country in the last 9 years. However, I have never been up San Miguel Volcano, San Vicente or the remore parts of San Salvador Volcano, because they are all very dangerous. Cerro Verde is a great place to visit and, as previously mentioned, you can visit Izalco and Santa Ana Volcanoes from there with police (though I think Santa Ana is still closed after the eruption 18 months ago). One of the students I teach went up Izalco the back route a couple of years ago without the police and his bodyguards had a gun battle with some would be robbers, so go the correct route. Don't stop to admire the amazing views on the way up to Cerro verde, friends were robbed doing it. My students think I am crazy even driving up San Salvador Volcano. It sounds terrible, but I have travelled regularly here for 9 years and I have never had a problem. I don't take risks and that is why I have had no problems. There are buses up Cerro verde, but you are far better off getting a taxi or hiring a car. Its about 1hour and 20 mins from San Salvador (access details are on my birdwatching website mayanbirding.com).
Don't just go into any old bar, but stick to certain safe areas. The main area is now aropund La Gran Via, which is a shopping mal on one side and a recreation (bars, restaurants, cinema) area on the other. It is very safe in the area.
Have a great time. El Salvador is a beautiful country with fabulous people if you watch your step.

Tom

Natasha- I sent an email to your VT account the other day. Reach out to me before you go, and we can sort out the details before the trip.

I'll be in San Salvador from Monday afternoon to Friday morning (4/21 - 4/25).

It would be fun to meet up with a fellow traveler. Give me a shout.

-Scott

Hopefully you had a great time in El Salvador. Did you go to Volcan de Santa Ana
what agreat hike itis on a cloud forest that is luscious as the Olympic national forest in Washington area.

Anyways.... www.hostal-lonigo.com