El Salvador has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years, shifting from a high-risk destination to one of the safest and most attractive places for travelers. In April 2025, the U.S. Department of State upgraded El Salvador to Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions, its safest travel advisory level, recognizing the country’s significant drop in gang activity and violent crime (travel.state.gov).
Launched in 2021, Surf City is a government initiative that has revitalized El Salvador’s Pacific coast by upgrading infrastructure such as roads, boardwalks, ports, and public spaces. In April 2025, Surf City II was inaugurated, expanding the tourism corridor eastward with a $41 million investment connecting 11 beaches between Usulután and San Miguel through new roads, bike paths, and public transport. The region now hosts international surf competitions and receives increasing numbers of tourists from the U.S., Canada, Australia, and Europe.
Beaches like El Tunco, known for its laid-back vibe and nightlife, and La Libertad, home to the world-famous Punta Roca surf break, have become hotspots for international surfers and adventure travelers. El Zonte, part of the Surf City project, is known as “Bitcoin Beach” and has attracted a growing community of digital nomads, investors, and surfers drawn to the unique cultural mix and world-class waves.
In 2024, El Salvador welcomed 3.9 million visitors, with tourism now accounting for 14% of the national GDP. The sector is projected to generate $4 billion in revenue and create 500,000 jobs over the next decade. These results are directly tied to the country’s improved public safety. El Salvador reported a homicide rate of just 1.9 per 100,000 inhabitants in 2024, the lowest in its history and the lowest across Latin America, according to official government data.
With verified safety improvements, modern infrastructure, and world-class waves, El Salvador has become a must-visit destination for surfers and travelers seeking adventure and authenticity in 2025. From El Tunco to Surf City II, the country offers a unique and secure experience in the heart of Central America.
