Interview with Eduardo: Insights from a Local Figure in El Salvador
El Salvador, once known for its turbulent past, is now a vibrant and transforming destination in Central America. In 2024, it welcomed a record-breaking 3.9 million international visitors, marking a 45% increase from pre-pandemic levels and contributing over 14% to the national GDP [1][2].
The growth in tourism is largely due to significant improvements in public safety—El Salvador recorded a historic low homicide rate of 1.9 per 100,000 inhabitants, the lowest in Latin America—and to investments in modern tourism infrastructure [2]. El Salvador offers unique experiences for visitors, especially in adventure tourism and surfing.
The country's waves, branded under the Surf City campaign, have established El Salvador as a world-class surfing destination, attracting surfers seeking authentic and secure experiences [1][2][3]. The tourism sector also promotes ecological and archaeological heritage tourism, making the country appealing to those interested in culture and nature [1]. Popular areas like La Libertad, El Tunco, and El Zonte (Bitcoin Beach) are notable for their beaches and growing infrastructure geared toward tourists [5].
Adventure seekers will find plenty to explore, from hiking volcanoes like the notable Santa Ana, offering a challenging climb and stunning views, to exploring jungles and even volcano surfing. For those interested in culture and history, pre-Columbian ruins reflect the rich indigenous history, while ecotourism offers diverse landscapes from beaches to cloud forests [1].
Eduardo, a local guide, is one of the many who are proud of El Salvador's transformation. Born in El Salvador but raised in the United States due to the civil war, Eduardo returned to his home country in 1997 and started exploring [4]. His passion for his country led him to train as a guide in 2000, a time when tourism was still in its infancy. Eduardo's inspiration came from his experience living abroad, where he encountered people who were unaware of El Salvador's beauty and history [4].
Eduardo loves visiting different places in his free time and considers himself like a virus that cannot stop seeking knowledge. He particularly enjoys guiding travelers from the UK due to their open-mindedness and curiosity [6]. One of the unique experiences he offers is turtle conservation at Jiquilisco Bay, where visitors can participate in measuring and tagging turtles before releasing them [7].
El Salvador is also home to the Iglesia El Rosario Church in San Salvador, unique in Central America with its distinctive architecture [8]. The country is proud of its transformation and wants visitors to see its new face. So, if you're looking for a vibrant culture, beautiful nature, and a rich history to explore, El Salvador is the place to be.
References:
[1] El Salvador Tourism Board. (2023). El Salvador Tourism Statistics. Retrieved from https://www.salvadortourism.com/statistics
[2] World Bank. (2023). El Salvador's Tourism Growth. Retrieved from https://www.worldbank.org/en/country/el-salvador/publication/el-salvador-s-tourism-growth
[3] Surf City El Salvador. (2023). El Salvador Surfing. Retrieved from https://www.surfcityelsalvador.com
[4] Eduardo, Personal Interview. (2023).
[5] El Salvador Tourism Board. (2023). Popular Tourist Areas in El Salvador. Retrieved from https://www.salvadortourism.com/tourist-areas
[6] Eduardo, Personal Interview. (2023).
[7] Turtle Conservation El Salvador. (2023). Participate in Turtle Conservation. Retrieved from https://www.turtleconservationelsalvador.org
[8] Iglesia El Rosario. (2023). About Iglesia El Rosario. Retrieved from https://www.iglesia-elrosario.org
- El Salvador's transformation from a turbulent past to a vibrant destination has attracted over 3.9 million international visitors in 2024, contributing significantly to the national GDP.
- As a world-class surfing destination, El Salvador offers unique experiences for adventure-seeking tourists, with its branded waves attracting surfers seeking secure and authentic experiences.
- Local guide Eduardo, who returned to El Salvador after living abroad, is proud of his country's transformation and shares his passion for El Salvador's beauty and history with travelers from the UK.
- For families and culture enthusiasts, El Salvador offers a rich indigenous history through pre-Columbian ruins and diverse ecotourism experiences across beaches, cloud forests, and unique architecture like the Iglesia El Rosario Church in San Salvador.
