El Tunco Guide | El Salvador’s Coastal Paradise & Surfer Town

Approaching the coastal town of El Tunco in El Salvador felt all too familiar. Although it was my first time visiting this country, something about the landscape made me feel like I had been here before. It took just a few minutes to realise that I was being reminded of my road trip through California back in 2012, and this section looked strikingly similar to the Pacific Coast Highway.

As I sipped my mango smoothie at one of the cliffside restaurants along the winding road, I gazed down at an empty and wild beach, which took my breath away. This was completely unexpected, especially from a country that is not often promoted for its jaw-dropping coastal road trips.

Riding along the coastal road fringed by palm trees gave me an instant sense of freedom and excitement – the same way I had felt all those years before during my USA road trip. This time, however, I was riding a motorbike through a country that I knew very little about, except that everyone I had met regarded it as their favourite.

El Tunco was not my first destination in this reformed country, but it quickly became one of my favourites. Whether it was the feeling of safety and belonging in a country once regarded as dangerous, or perhaps the relaxed atmosphere made even more wholesome by the friendly people, it was clear that this pacific coastal town was special.

From the iconic sunsets over the town’s dramatic rock formation known as El Tunco or “The Pig” due to its shape, to the captivating surf culture, El Tunco was the kind of place that just drew you in effortlessly. 

What’s more, El Tunco did not fall easily into the category of typical Central American beach towns; in fact, it felt like those popular places, but years before they were “discovered”.

That’s not to say El Tunco is a quiet, hidden gem stripped of tourism; in fact, there are plenty of tourists there, just a different kind. Instead of novice backpackers or all-inclusive holidaymakers, I noticed many seasoned travellers and expats who have watched this destination transform over the years. This rawness made me instantly want to find out more.

Location & how to get there

El Salvador is the only country in the region that does not have an Atlantic Coast, but it makes up for this with the stretch of coastline that it does have – and the incredible natural attractions located inland.

El Tunco hugs the Pacific Coast, featuring wild and dramatic landscapes much like Big Sur or Southern California. 

Since El Salvador is the smallest country in Central America (even smaller than the state of Massachusetts), distances are relatively short. Getting to El Tunco is quite easy, especially if you are coming from the capital, San Salvador. There are regular buses that will get you there in around one hour and usually cost under $2. (Look for the 102A bus, departing roughly every 20 minutes.)

You can also take buses from other notable destinations like La Liberdad, which is located further south along the coast, or Sonsonate, which is located along El Salvador’s scenic road trip route known as “Ruta de las Flores”.

Since I was coming from Juayúa, where I had based myself while exploring the stunning flower route, it took me over two hours to get to El Tunco. 

The benefits of travelling in this direction meant that I was led along National Highway 2 – El Salvador’s version of Highway 1 in California. If you are travelling in your own vehicle, this is an exhilarating road to drive and a very exciting way to approach El Tunco.

Defined by magical coastal tunnels, sharp curves and panoramic sea views, this was another completely unexpected experience for me, and I would highly recommend it as an entry point into the area. 

Where to stay

Truthfully, El Tunco is not the most budget-friendly destination in the country; however, with some planning, it can be. Accommodation often gets booked in advance, especially by surfers seeking cheap, no-frills dorms, so I would always suggest planning if you want to save money.

In my case, I left this until the last minute, and since I needed dog-friendly accommodation with space to park my motorbike, options were limited. Very limited!

Eager to experience this town I’d heard so much about, I reluctantly chose to stay at a family-run hostel, just outside of town, which certainly tested my standards, but as far as locations go, it could have been worse. Bucket showers and questionable sheets aside, it was just a 10-minute walk into the centre of town and the beach, so I made peace with the sacrifices.

There were a few other travellers there and some also riding on two wheels, but it appeared that most visitors chose to stay closer to town or even oceanside, so whenever I decide to return, this would be my choice too. Luckily, El Tunco has some amazing options for all budgets, so you won’t have to rough it as I did. 

Budget ($15 – $30)

• Dos Palmas – relaxed, surf-friendly stay near Playa El Tunco with a pool, garden and social common areas
• The Duck Dive – a social surf hostel with a lively vibe, AC rooms, and easy access to El Sunzal’s waves
• Karma Muse Hostel has the best location possible (sitting on the beachfront) with air conditioning and filtered water in all the dorms and an epic social scene

Midrange ($50 – $80)

• Hotel Casa Mirimar is a simple hotel just above Playa El Tunco with ocean views and direct beach access
• Hotel El Tunco Lodge sits directly on Playa El Tunco with a chilled surf‑resort vibe and a signature pool deck perfect for sunsets
• Hotel & Bar La Guitarra – another beachfront stay with one of the best sunset perches in El Tunco, known for its lively bar scene just off the sand

Luxury ($100 – $250)

• Hotel Los Farallones – a clifftop resort with sweeping ocean views, tropical gardens, and infinity pools that seem to spill into the sea
• Acantilados – a laid‑back cliff‑edge stay above Playa El Majahual with ocean views, a pool & easy access to nearby surf and sunsets
• Casa de Mar Hotel & Villas is a surf‑oriented hotel with villa‑style options right by Sunzal’s famous surf break with sea views, a pool, and an on-site restaurant

Best things to do

El Tunco has plenty going on, from surf lessons to nightly entertainment, but it is a great starting point to visit other seaside towns and hidden waterfalls. Below, I will list a few of the best things to see and do in and around El Tunco, and in my opinion, watching the sunset comes in at number one. 

Watch the sunset

This may sound cliché, but the sunsets in El Tunco – and the Salvadoran coast in general are iconic. What makes the sunset in this town so special is the rock formations, which change colour as the sun goes down, while locals and visitors watch in awe.

I have always said that African sunsets are my favourite – resembling a big ball of fire dipping below the vast savannah, but I have to say that El Tunco comes close. 

Apart from the visually obvious, El Tunco sunsets also hit differently because you get a strong sense of community spirit as everyone joins together to watch this natural occurrence every evening, and this in itself is worth experiencing. I also watched the sunset from El Zonte, and it was just as beautiful.

Go surfing

What else would you do in an iconic surf town, except surf – or at least take a lesson?

While I did not have time to do this, I will certainly be getting in the water during my next visit. El Tunco is an emerging surfing mecca, and although locals have been surfing there for years, it has just started to gain attention in recent years, given El Salvador’s rapid transformation. 

As a beginner, El Tunco Surf School is the place to get started. Surfers are drawn here because of the consistent right-hand point breaks, and while I am no surf expert, judging by the large community of surfers I encountered, I would say that is a sought-after trait as far as surf destinations go.

This coast suits various levels of surfers, so if you are intermediate, you can catch a wave 15 minutes away in beautiful El Zonte, while the experts take on Punta Roca – regarded as one of the top 10 waves in the world. This really is a surfer’s paradise! 

Venture inland 

El Tunco has a seaside to brag about, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t venture inland to see some other unique natural attractions. If you have a chance to peel yourself away from the captivating coastline, then a visit to the nearby Tamanique waterfalls is well worth it. My dog and I absolutely loved it here, and we were the only people there early in the morning. 

Apart from visiting these enchanting falls, which my hostel host had told me about, it seemed like the region catered well to hikers and adrenaline seekers, with plenty of trails and white water rafting tours to join in on.

Hikers can enjoy the trail to El Peñón de Comasagua, an iconic peak in the region which provides amazing views in all directions. Along Tamanique Road, there are quite a few viewpoints known as “miradors”, which make excellent photo stops en route. 

Ride Highway 2

Scooter rentals are popular in Surf City, and in El Tunco, you can easily rent one from Wayo Surf School. If you haven’t seen a scooter or motorbike with a surfboard rack, you will certainly spot one here, since almost every scooter comes with one as standard.

This became familiar to me the more I travelled to Central American beach towns, and I loved the concept – even if, in my case, I was balancing a rather large Labrador on the back of my bike instead.

Setting aside a day to hire a scooter and explore Highway 2, with some beach time at places like El Zonte or El Sunzal, is a must when you’re visiting the area. This is one of the most scenic coastal rides I’ve experienced, and I loved the fact that it was dotted (but not overrun by) restaurants where you could order local fish or have a cold drink with a view. 

Riding from El Tunco to Playa Mizata takes around an hour each way, and leaves you with enough time to stop off at the many secluded beaches, some of which are accessed by roadside steps. You will also pass through the various tunnels and miradores en route, so chances are your trip will be extended if you factor in photo stops.

You can expect to pay between $25 – $40 for a scooter or motorbike rental per day (24 hours), which is great value for the area – but after all, the freedom to explore on your own two wheels is priceless. 

Socialise at Happy Hour

El Tunco can be pricey when it comes to food and drinks, depending on where you choose to chow down, but one thing I did notice was how affordable and popular Happy Hour is there.

Following along the promenade, you will notice a mix of luxurious and casual beach bars, which cater to all budgets. While some can be compared to swanky beach clubs, others can be compared to cool dive bars, so you get a real mix of options for enjoying a golden hour beverage in El Tunco.

As a budget traveller, one of my favourites – and apparently everyone else’s judging by how busy it was – was Restaurante La Bocana, not just because of its prime oceanside location, but because of its enticing Happy Hour offers.

You will find plenty of places to enjoy a sundowner in this area, but from my experience, the cocktails there were delicious, especially the pina colada and the Bloody Mary. This was also an amazing place to mingle with locals and expats who made the move to El Tunco. 

It was here that I had a great chat with an American man who had been visiting El Tunco since the ’70s and had watched it change over time, especially in recent years. This Californian agreed that the town reminded him of his home state, and as a surfer, he felt completely at ease in El Tunco. He even admitted he had no interest in revisiting any other beach town in Central America since moving there, since none could compare.

Interestingly, he named many friends who had also made the move, people who were captivated by the town at first sight. According to him, I seemed to have that same spark in my eye as his friends had, and he insisted this wouldn’t be my last visit to El Tunco.

Visit El Zonte, aka Bitcoin Beach

Interestingly, while visiting El Zonte, I learned that this was known as “Bitcoin Beach” because it was one of the first towns to establish the everyday use of cryptocurrency.

At first glance, this cool little beach town seemed like a great place to soak up the sun, watch the surfers do their thing and catch a bite to eat. But I quickly discovered that El Zonte had earned its fame for a very different reason – as a real-life testbed for Bitcoin. Here, you can buy almost anything with cryptocurrency, which only adds to its appeal for travellers.

Note: El Salvador was the first country to establish Bitcoin as legal tender in 2021, but this was reversed in 2025. However, Bitcoin payments are still widely accepted in El Zonte. 

Where to eat & drink

El Tunco has no shortage of places to eat and drink, and you will notice many cafes serving coffee, breakfast and brunch as well as restaurants serving fresh seafood and tasty micheladas.

Apart from La Bocana, which had a $5 two for one deal on cocktails at happy hour, I spent an evening at Liberdad Brewing. Trust me to always find a local craft beer spot, wherever I go in the world. 

This was a great place to try locally brewed beer, listen to live music and mingle with other travellers. I always find that craft beer is a great conversation starter, and this brewery had some interesting choices, which the owner, Charlie, kindly took time to explain to me.

You could tell that this was a popular hangout spot, and though the beers won’t exactly win any budget awards, they do take the top spot for being lovingly crafted and tantalisingly tasty. The live band was fantastic too!

Here are some of the best spots to eat in El Tunco

• Sabor Costeño $ (I ate here almost every evening – their food is delicious, fresh and very well priced)
• Captain Cook Restaurant $$
• Cielo Mar $$$

Here are some of the best spots to drink in El Tunco

• Restaurante La Bocana $
• La Libertad Brewing $$
• Mopelia Restaurante & Bar $$

Best time to visit & how long to stay?

I visited El Salvador in early December, and I can safely say that the weather was perfect then. The dry season runs from November to April, which means this is a more popular time to visit, but if you are keen to enjoy the surf, then you might prefer to visit between March and October when the waves are more consistent. 

In saying that, El Tunco is a year-round destination, so I would suggest that if you have a particular place you want to stay or are seeking budget-friendly accommodation, it is best to book in advance, or else you could end up in a not-so-great, albeit very cheap, hostel as I did. 

I stayed 3 nights in El Tunco, and if my accommodation wasn’t so terrible or I had more time to play with, I would definitely have extended this.

Whether you are the active type or prefer to relax on the beach, you will not get bored there, so I would suggest a minimum of 4 days to experience El Tunco and the surrounding area. But believe me, it’s the earthy vibes and community spirit that will have you wanting to stay that little bit longer. 

Note: El Tunco is one of El Salvador’s prime destinations, but it’s not just travellers who are drawn here. Having spoken to locals during my time riding through El Salvador, I had come to learn that as safety has improved and violent crime has declined significantly in recent years, locals are also rediscovering places that were once less accessible to them.

With greater freedom to explore their own country, many Salvadorans are now visiting coastal towns like El Tunco simply for the pleasure of it.

As a result, El Tunco – like many of El Salvador’s standout destinations – continues to grow in popularity with both locals and international visitors. It’s a lively spot throughout the year, and seeing it so full of life feels like a positive reflection of the country’s changing reality.

Tips for visiting El Tunco

• El Tunco is slowly becoming El Salvador’s prime surf and party destination, but it still feels a world away from other beach towns in the region. Visit now before that changes. 
• Safety is a huge concern to many, and because of El Salvador’s turbulent history, it has not been on travellers’ radars – until now. From my experience, I felt safer in El Salvador than in any other country in Central America. Just ten years ago, it had one of the highest homicide rates in the world, yet today this number has dropped 70%. I would recommend taking regular precautions as you would anywhere else, and enjoy your visit to this special country.
• El Tunco is a beach town, but you should know that it is a stony beach rather than a sandy beach. However, I found nearby El Zonte to be an incredible spot for a relaxed, sandy beach day. 
• El Salvador has incredible seafood, and you will notice lots of lobster, fish and shrimp on the menus. Make sure you try plenty of seafood dishes while you are there, as well as pupusas (from Pupuseria El Milagro), which are thick corn tortillas with various fillings. These are local, delicious and very cheap on-the-go snacks. 
• Along Highway 2, you will find lots of street food and local restaurants serving delicious local fish for very low prices compared to in town. Keep an eye out for their offers, which are often displayed roadside as you ride this beautiful route, and stop off for a hearty lunch with a view. 
• El Tunco has some vibrant street art, so take a wander around town and discover the colourful pieces. 
• El Salvador uses the USD, which makes things much easier to calculate, so if you are coming from the US, then this will be one less thing to organise. 

Final thoughts

In my experience, El Tunco is more than a surf town – it’s a reflection of a country rediscovering itself. Between the steep coastal road, dramatic sunsets and laid-back energy, it’s a place that feels alive with both local pride and fresh curiosity. 

Central America may be full of beach towns, but El Tunco stands out not by trying to impress, but by making you want to stay a little longer. No description quite does it justice – it’s something you feel once you arrive, and I can’t wait to return one day.