The Department of State reported that since January 2010, 31 US citizens have been murdered in El Salvador, including a 9-year-old child in December 2013. During the same time period, 335 US citizens reported having their passports stolen, while many others were victims of violent crimes.
Typical crimes include extortion, mugging, highway assault, home invasion and car theft. Criminals sometimes follow people making withdrawals at ATMs and banks, then rob them on the road or at a residence.
Armed robberies of climbers and hikers in the national parks are regular occurrences. The US Embassy strongly recommends hiring a local guide certified by the national or local tourist authority when hiking in backcountry areas, even in the parks.
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