San Salvador El Salvador Travel Guide
Protect El Salvador's biodiversity through mindful actions in parks and regarding waste.
Engage with locals respectfully, observe customs, and understand sensitivities.
Support local businesses and communities directly with your spending.
El Salvador's biodiversity faces challenges. Your actions can help preserve its natural heritage.
El Salvador has national parks like El Boquerón, Cerro Verde, and El Imposible. These protected areas preserve unique biodiversity including cloud forests and marine ecosystems.
Recycling infrastructure remains limited. Plastic waste has a significant issue. Minimizing personal waste matters.
Water scarcity can be an issue, especially during the dry season. Mindful water use helps local resources.
Look for hotels and tour companies that genuinely implement sustainable practices.
This includes energy efficiency, water conservation, waste reduction, local food sourcing, and community engagement.
Patronage of local businesses supports their work. Learn about local flora and fauna and the conservation challenges faced by ecosystems.
Interacting respectfully with local culture builds positive relationships. Your travel spending has a significant economic effect.
Support local cultural centers, museums, and traditional artisans. Your patronage funds their work and preserves traditional art forms and historical sites.
Learning basic Spanish phrases is appreciated. Reciprocate courtesy and practice patience. Be aware of personal space.
Seek opportunities to engage with and support local communities, especially for day trips to rural areas, coffee farms, or artisan villages.
Purchase souvenirs and crafts directly from artisans at markets or from shops promoting fair trade. This places money directly with producers.
Prioritize local restaurants, guesthouses, small shops, and independent tour guides over international chains. This keeps money within the local economy and aids local employment.
Dine at "comedores" (local eateries) and "pupuserías" for authentic cuisine.
Choose local guesthouses or independent hotels.
Book tours with local guides and operators.
If you make a charitable contribution, do so through established, reputable local NGOs rather than giving money directly to individuals on the street. Research charities before you travel.
Educate yourself on any reported exploitation issues in the areas you visit and avoid activities that might inadvertently support them.
Be wary of tours or interactions that exploit vulnerable populations, especially children. Direct monetary contributions to children on the street can perpetuate cycles of poverty.
Dress modestly, ensuring shoulders and knees are covered. Be quiet and respectful inside churches and other religious sites.
Always ask permission before taking photos of people, especially children. A simple gesture or spoken question goes a long way. Respect privacy and avoid intrusive photography.
Always seek consent before photographing individuals.
If someone declines a photo, respect their decision.
Avoid taking photos in private settings or during sensitive ceremonies.
Do not give money directly to children begging on the street. This can perpetuate cycles of poverty and, in some cases, link to exploitation. Support reputable charities instead.
Research local non-profits or community projects before your trip if you wish to make a direct, meaningful contribution.
