Previously, the main concern was security. The situation after the civil war, which ended in 1992, remained unstable for some years. However, in the last few years there has been a drastic change. The country has gone through a lot of re-building, re-organisation, and security improvements. The main tourist areas are now perfectly safe for everyone.



In addition, the infrastructure is good. Your accommodation will take good care of safety and will often even organise transport to sights. In a country so small, it is a very comfortable arrangement.

Yet, it is still not crowded. If you are tired of going to fully booked up locations, El Salvador is perfect for a bit of exploration or a truly quiet and relaxed holiday, while being able to offer you quite a few things to do and to see.

San Salvador is a lively capital with plenty of quality shopping malls, markets, museums, bohemia and nightlife. It is actually much more organised and developed than many of the Central American cities. The impressive San Salvador airport is one of the major Central American air travel hubs.

There are plenty of beaches on the coast, from lively ones to desolate strips with cabins for hire. It is a tropical landscape surrounded by hills. The curious thing is that all of the beaches are volcanic, with black sand. The coast is also known for being the best surf in Central America, with several spots providing the whole range of waves that any surfer dreams of. The accommodation in those locations is usually right on the beach itself.

Then there is a rich wildlife reserve El Impossible, with impressive tropical flora and fauna. You also don't need to go to Guatemala any more to see volcanoes. One of Salvadorian volcanoes is an amazing mountain of pure ash. And if you fancy, there is scuba diving in volcanic lakes for the first in the lifetime experience.

You can also see various Mayan ruins and cosy colonial towns. The inland of El Salvador is a colourful and charming landscape. Going a bit further, to the border with Honduras, you can visit the Perquin centre dedicated to the history of the Salvadorian civil war.

One of the good things in El Salvador is that it is so small, while being so rich. It won't take you more than two hours (usually around one hour) to most destinations of interest. You can easily stay in whatever accommodation suits you best in the capital, and venture to and fro on frequent buses.

Salvadorian government has began actively developing tourism. It means that whatever your budget or mode of travel, information, infrastructure and services become more and more available and sophisticated. El Salvador is becoming more popular both with backpackers and families on holidays.

The services, wherever you go, tend to be of good quality. The Salvadorians have discipline in the character, they are organised and do things well. You are not likely to have to battle with poor service that will spoil your holiday.

It is also very easy to travel here, not just because of the small distances. With a quarter of Salvadorians living in US, the majority of the country speaks perfect English and does not see foreigners as something alien. If you come from the states, you do not even need to change currency ? the US dollar is in use. In addition, San Salvador is a very developed capital and many companies will organise tours, trips, transport, car hire, etc.

You will also like the Salvadorians. Disciplined and organised, they are generous, friendly and open to new acquaintances while treating everyone (themselves included) with utmost respect and dignity. You are less likely to get scammed and hassled than in many other places.

All in all, El Salvador should now take its deserved place on the tourist map of Central America. It is just a matter of reviewing the old stereotypes that the country acquired in the times of political turbulence. It is just up to a few people to go and see and tell others about it. And the first ones to go will have it all without crowds to themselves!