Travel Advice
El Salvador is the most densely populated nation in the Western Hemisphere and, a
s a result, 97% of the country has been deforested in the last 30 years.
Litter and garbage abound on highways, roads and in slum areas.
Salvadorians are hard working and aggressive people, some cases of rudeness have
been reported in the crowded and very densely populated capital city of San Salvador,
however the traveler will find the people in the countryside exceptionally friendly and corteous,
eager to please and practice their English. If heading to Beaches to relax,
the Comalapa International Airport is located on the newly paved Litoral(Coastal)
Highway less than an hour from La Libertad and Costa del Sol Beach points, so
the visitor need not even transit the capital city os San Salvador if they desire.
Take caution when driving a rental vehicle here, as there are many cases of hit
and run in minor accidents (fender benders) especially scrapes in crowded parking areas.
Most motorists in Central America drive uninsured and one has an $800 deductible
upon your rental contract, which means you pay for any minor damages to the vehicle on report
to the rental car company. It is often better to form a group and take a Tour i
n an insured vehicle with Driver, as then the company has liability.
Anyway come on down..."If you've missed El Salvador, you've missed Central America"
Personal Security
Violent crime such as banditry, assault, kidnapping, rape, armed robbery and car-jacking is common
in El Salvador, including in the capital, San Salvador, particularly after dark. Criminals are known
to target the road between San Salvador and the international airport, public buses, and climbers/hikers.
Victims failing to comply with the request of armed robbers have been shot.
Travel and Health Insurance
Travel and health insurance is strongly recommended for all overseas travel.
Travellers should check with their insurer to make sure that their policy meets their needs. In particular,
travellers should seek advice from their insurer on what type of circumstances and activities are the subject
of exclusions in their policy.

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BEST ALTERNATIVE
If a little bit nervous about visiting El Salvador for the first time due to it's
undeserved reputation and in a group of 3 or more persons, the author can hook you
up with ISTU (Salvadorian Institute of Tourism) with a bi lingual Guide and Tourist Police
escort at no extra charge to either the Nature Preserves of Cerro Verde in Western El Salvador
near the volcanic Lake Coatepeque or Walter T. Denninger Tropical Forest at the slopes of the
Pacific Ocean with it's amazing bio diversity. No mass tourism Costa Rican style here enjoy but
reservations ARE required in advance. National Tourist Police escorts are available for ALL groups
of travelers ALL YEAR, ANYWHERE in El Salvador, however we must be notified at least 3 weeks in advance
of your departure in order to make your arrangements. No charge for Police escort, however tipping is encouraged.
BEST CULTURAL ENTERTAINMENT
La Luna Casa de Arte- Ongoing Art Exhibitions and many, many cultural, artistic and musical endeavors.
Stop by La Luna any night but Sunday to get oriented or check the Arts, Culture and Entertainment section
of the local news papers. The "Bohemian District" is near the National University take city bus 44 or 30 or 30B
by day and taxi it by night. City buses are few and far between after 8PM and walking alone any distance at night not recommended.
Recommended Local Haunt
La Ventana near the National University. With a European cafe atmosphere, they do not mind if you sit and chat,
nursing a beer. Located in the heart of San Salvador's "Bohemian" district.
SOME SHOPPING SITES
There are two great arts and crafts markets in San Salvador, The "Ex-Cuartel" a huge crafts bazaar
located in downtown San Salvador and the smaller "Mercado de Artesinias" near the San Salvador
Fairgrounds(be ready to bargain hard at both locations) along with dozens of towns dedicated to Crafts aound the country, such as Ataco, Ilobasco, La Palma, Nahuazalco and San Sebastian. Knock yourself out!
There are several large modern Shopping Malls, with security patrols, such as MetroCentro, MetroSur,
Gallerias and Las Cascadas located in and around San Salvador. There are also MetroCentro Malls in the
cities of Santa Ana and San Miguel.

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