What are the safest areas in El Salvador?

The safest areas for tourists and expats include: the coastal surf towns of El Tunco, El Sunzal, El Zonte, and Las Flores, which have strong tourism economies and community-based security. In San Salvador, Colonia Escalon, Zona Rosa, Santa Elena, and Antiguo Cuscatlan are upscale neighborhoods with private security and a strong police presence. Santa Tecla, just outside the capital, is a modern, walkable city with low crime rates. Suchitoto in the north is a peaceful colonial town popular with tourists. The Ruta de las Flores highland towns (Juayua, Ataco, Apaneca) are safe and scenic. Gated residential communities (residenciales) throughout the country offer an additional layer of security for those looking to settle. Areas to exercise more caution include certain neighborhoods in San Salvador, Soyapango, and Apopa ??? which are primarily residential areas that tourists have no reason to visit.