El Salvador’s Rise as a Top Tourism Destination Outpaces Costa Rica Amid Security Concerns, Get the Details Here

Published on October 27, 2025

For many years, Central America has been a traveler’s favorite due to its breathtaking geographies, diverse cultures, and beautiful ecosystems. In 2025, tourists flows changed within the region, with El Salvador taking the lead in growth rate in the region. The increased visitation to El Salvador is in stark contrast to the situation in Costa Rica which has increased problems related to safety and crime which has impacted the region and the world.

El Salvador’s Safety Boost Fuels Record Tourism Growth

In a remarkable turnaround, El Salvador has seen a surge in tourism in 2025, attracting over 3 million visitors by mid-year, with projections pointing toward 4 million arrivals by the end of the year. This surge is a testament to the country’s recent transformation, driven by significant investments in infrastructure, events, and, most importantly, security improvements.

Once known for its high crime rates and violence, El Salvador has turned the corner, thanks in large part to President Nayib Bukele’s aggressive stance against gangs. His government has enacted a series of measures, including mass incarcerations and increased police presence, which have effectively reduced crime rates. Homicide rates in the country dropped to just 1.9 per 100,000 people in 2024, marking the lowest figure in Latin America.

This dramatic improvement in safety has allowed travelers to experience the country’s beautiful beaches, volcanic landscapes, and ancient cultural sites without the fear that previously kept them away. Surf City, located along the Pacific coast, is a major draw for international tourists, especially for surfing competitions and water sports. In addition, inland destinations like Joya de Cerén, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, provide visitors with a rare opportunity to explore the rich history of the ancient Mayan civilization.

Tourism has quickly become a significant economic driver for El Salvador, contributing $2.2 billion in revenue during the first seven months of 2025. Much of this growth is fueled by U.S. visitors, who now represent nearly 40% of the total tourist arrivals. Major U.S. cities have direct flights to El Salvador, with hotels often operating at full capacity during peak travel periods. This new surge is not only bolstering the local economy but also positioning the country as a rising star in Central America’s competitive tourism market.

Costa Rica’s Struggles: Crime and Safety Concerns Impact Tourism

While El Salvador is reaping the benefits of improved security, Costa Rica, traditionally the leader in Central American tourism, is facing significant challenges. Despite being renowned for its rainforests, biodiversity, and eco-tourism offerings, Costa Rica has seen a 2.3% decline in arrivals from January to August 2025, with 50,000 fewer visitors compared to the previous year. Experts attribute the drop to several factors, with rising costs, a stronger local currency, and, more notably, security concerns topping the list.

In 2023, Costa Rica recorded a high of 907 homicides, and projections for 2025 hover around 850 to 900 deaths, representing a sharp increase from previous years. This uptick in violence has led the U.S. State Department to issue a Level 2 travel advisory for the country, urging extra caution for visitors. The advisory, coupled with reports of petty theft, armed robberies, and violent crime linked to drug trafficking, has put a damper on the country’s tourism image.

Areas like San José, Limón, and Puntarenas have been particularly affected by a rise in tourist-related crimes, including thefts and assaults, which have made visitors feel uneasy. In total, Costa Rica reported over 6,300 crimes against tourists in 2024 alone. These issues have caused growing concerns among potential travelers, particularly those from the U.S. and Canada, who represent the bulk of the country’s tourist market.

The crime surge, alongside rising costs, has led to a projected 15% to 20% decline in arrivals by the end of 2025, with airlines cutting seat availability by 10% in response to weaker demand. As tourism represents 8% of Costa Rica’s GDP, this decline has significant economic consequences, threatening the livelihoods of over 200,000 workers in the sector.

Perceptions of Safety and Travel Choices: A Tale of Two Countries

The contrast between El Salvador and Costa Rica highlights the central role that safety plays in shaping travel decisions. For tourists, the sense of security is often the deciding factor when choosing between destinations, and El Salvador’s recent safety improvements have had a profound impact on its tourism success.

Costa Rica, despite its incredible natural offerings, has seen its image tarnished by negative headlines about gang activity and drug trafficking routes. For travelers seeking relaxation on the beach or an adventure in the jungle, these concerns have created a barrier to entry. While Costa Rica continues to be a global leader in eco-tourism with established national parks and biodiversity hotspots, the rising crime rates have left many potential visitors second-guessing their travel plans.

On the other hand, El Salvador now presents an opportunity for travelers to experience similar attractions—volcanic hikes, beaches, and cultural heritage sites—at more affordable prices. For example, hotel rooms and meals in El Salvador are typically 30% to 40% cheaper than in Costa Rica, providing an added incentive for budget-conscious travelers.

Tourism Trends: What This Means for Central American Travel

As El Salvador climbs the ranks as a tourism destination, it’s also benefiting from its lower cost of living and the increasing appeal of more off-the-beaten-path destinations. Adventure travelers, beachgoers, and those looking for cultural immersion now find an exciting alternative to Costa Rica. The focus on safety, along with targeted investments in infrastructure such as roads, hotels, and events, makes El Salvador an increasingly attractive destination in the competitive Central American market.

However, Costa Rica still holds a strong position in eco-tourism and sustainable travel. Its well-established national parks, diverse ecosystems, and thriving wildlife remain major attractions, particularly for nature lovers and those seeking to explore the region’s unparalleled biodiversity. While the country faces challenges in addressing its rising crime rates, it remains a globally recognized leader in eco-tourism, and efforts are underway to boost safety and restore the country’s positive reputation in the tourism industry.

The Future of Tourism in Central America: Security and Sustainability

The changing tourism dynamics in El Salvador and Costa Rica highlight how the perception of safety is influencing travel in Central America. With image overhaul crime reduction and gain safety perception, El Salvador is the newly emerging tourism destination. Meanwhile low crime rate Costa Rica tourism sector faces insecurities brought by rising crime.

With long term tourism growth and demand in both countries, enhancing safety is essential. El Salvador is shifting to a destination where crime no longer reduces tourism, while Costa Rica safety, and confidence, will only be restored with infrastructure investment that improves control in crime hot spots, allowing the country to reclaim its place as a leading eco tourism destination.

Unlike the natural endowments that Central America is blessed with, potential growth in the region’s tourism sector relies on surpassing the safety and security measure built for the traveler. Risk and perception of risk will be the largest, clearest, and most simple obstacles to surpass for growth to occur in this region.