Looking for Solo Female Travel information for El Salvador in 2025? This is the solo female travel guide for you!
I recently spent one week in El Salvador for my spring break in March 2025 and traveled solo for the entire trip. I felt super safe during my entire trip!
I have lots of tips for you about safety, socializing, meeting new friends, and overall, how to make this trip to El Salvador all your own!
The ultimate El Salvador solo female travel guide includes: if it’s safe to travel to El Salvador, solo female travel tips in El Salvador, emergency contacts and local resources, and transportation for solo female travelers.
El Salvador Solo Female Travel Guide
Is it Safe to travel to El Salvador?
Yes, it is considered safe to travel to El Salvador in 2025.
As of April 2025, the USA considers El Salvador a Level 2 travel warning, advising travelers to “travel with caution”. For reference, other countries currently considered level 2 for travel are Belgium, Denmark, and France.
I traveled solo for one week in El Salvador in March 2025 and felt entirely safe for my entire trip.
However, it’s always important to follow general safety tips no matter where you are.
Solo Female Travel Tips in El Salvador
1. Share your location
My top solo travel tip when anywhere in the world is sharing your location and/or your itinerary.
I always have at least a few people shared on my itinerary before I leave.
2. Safety Alarm
I usually carry a safety alarm on my keys or in my purse in case of an emergency.
Most safety alarms feature a button you can press or something that you pull which sounds a VERY loud alarm in case of an emergency.
This is one of my favorite solo female travel safety tips!
3. Join a Free Walking Tour
Free walking tours are one of my favorite ways to get acclimated in a new city. They are also one of my favorite ways to meet fellow travelers!
As much as I enjoy solo travel, there is a loneliness that comes with being withdrawn from conversations with others after a certain amount of time.
Walking tours almost always put a pep back in my step (literally!)
It’s expected to tip your guide at the end of your walking tour. The tip amount often depends on how many other people were on your tour, how much information the guide provided, etc. However, the total tip is completely up to you.
I usually tip around $10 when I join a tour by myself!
4. Hostels
Hostels are one of the next best ways to meet friends while traveling solo.
I don’t stay at hostels nearly as much as I used to, but there always tend to be travelers hanging out in the common areas.
I loved the La Zona Hostel on my San Salvador trip.
5. Stay in Safe Neighborhoods
The safest neighborhoods in El Salvador are considered Zona Rosa or San Benito. Some people say that the historic center is sketchy at night.
I walked around near the Captain Gerardo Barrios Plaza (outside of the palace and theater) with friends I met on a walking tour and didn’t feel unsafe at all.
Tip: A popular pick-up point for Ubers from San Salvador’s historic center at night is the street behind the main library.
⭐Popular Hotels in San Salvador
6. Don’t Flash Valuables
This is the best way to avoid pickpocketing and theft in any city that you travel to.
I had no problems with pickpockets in El Salvador but have heard this can be more common in San Salvador.
Again, while this was not my personal experience, it’s a general best practice I recommend you follow in El Salvador and anywhere else.
I usually like to travel with an anti-theft travel purse that had natural locks built into the bag.
A money belt is another great alternative!
Emergency Contacts and Local Resources
1. Health Care Facilities
In case of a medical emergency, El Salvador has a mix of public and private hospitals.
Hospital de la Mujer in San Salvador is a trusted option for general medical care, while Hospital El Salvador is one of the largest public hospitals in the country.
For urgent care, there are also smaller clinics available throughout the country.
It’s recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.
2. Local Police and Tourist Assistance
If you need assistance, the local police can be reached by dialing 911.
Tourist assistance is also available through the Tourism Police in major cities and tourist areas, who can provide help in English and ensure your safety.
It’s always a good idea to have the contact details of your embassy on hand, just in case.
In San Salvador, the U.S. Embassy can be reached at +503 2501 2999 for consular emergencies.
Transportation in El Salvador
Getting Around: Public Transportation vs. Private Options
1. Buses
Public buses are the most affordable way to get around El Salvador, especially for short distances.
The buses run between cities and towns, with frequent routes between San Salvador, Santa Ana, La Libertad, and other popular destinations.
However, buses can be crowded, and the schedules usually are not posted in advance.
2. Renting a Car
Renting a car is a good option if you plan on exploring El Salvador at your own pace, especially if you’re visiting rural areas or small towns where public transport may not reach.
I highly recommend a rental car for the Ruta de Flores segment of your trip! (If you are planning to spend longer on the route than a day tour).
Rental companies can be found in major cities and airports, and having a car provides flexibility.
3. Ride-Sharing Apps (Uber, etc.) or Private Transfers
Using ride-sharing apps like Uber is another safe and convenient option.
Uber operates in major cities like San Salvador and Santa Ana and offers a reliable private transportation choice with clear pricing. It’s especially useful for getting around urban areas or traveling to places where public transportation is less convenient or less safe.
However, it becomes sparse and less reliable to find consistent rides in smaller towns like Ruta de Flores.
Another option is to book a private transfer through a site like DayTrip in advance. I used DayTrip services from the airport to Santa Ana.
I did not know if public buses would still be running from San Salvador to Santa Ana by the time I arrived, so booking a ride in advance equipped me with peace of mind. It cost about $60 for the transfer.
(Sounds expensive, but I think a two-hour drive plus the door-to-door service and knowledge I had a driver picking me up on arrival was well worth it).
4. Booking Tours
For a more hassle-free experience, consider booking tours or private transfers to popular destinations like Santa Ana Volcano or the Ruta de Las Flores.
For travelers who choose to base themselves out of one major city like San Salvador, there are tons of popular day tour options that pick you up directly in San Salvador.
However, these options come with a price tag. Full-day tours from San Salvador usually cost between $75-$100.
For me, booking a tour was totally worth it when I visited Santa Ana Volcano because I was able to leave early enough from my hotel to beat the crowds.
⭐Popular Day Tours from San Salvador
5. Private Drivers
I have also heard of many travelers hiring private drivers for day trips. They usually charge around $100 for a full day.
I think this is a great option if you meet friends at a hostel or on a walking tour and you want to split the cost. This could save you heaps of money in comparison to signing up for a day tour.
I met two travelers who negotiated a private driver deal with their tour guide for Santa Ana Volcano. They ended up hiring the driver for the rest of their trip. I am also familiar with other bloggers who hired a driver in advance with a group of friends.
Personally, hiring a private driver is not in my budget as a solo traveler. But if it’s in your budget, this could be a totally seamless option to experience El Salvador without having to worry about any transportation logistics!
Conclusion
El Salvador is an exciting and rewarding destination for solo female travelers. With its stunning natural landscapes, vibrant culture, and friendly locals, there’s something for everyone.
By staying informed, taking necessary safety precautions, and embracing the adventure, you’ll be able to enjoy everything this beautiful country has to offer with confidence.
Whether you’re hiking volcanoes, exploring local markets, or relaxing on the beach, El Salvador will leave you with unforgettable memories!
