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A Complete El Tunco El Salvador Travel Guide
Trying to figure out if you want to visit El Tunco El Salvador on your next trip? You’ve come to the right place!
El Tunco El Salvador is a world-famous surf and beach town in southwestern El Salvador that is visited by thousands of travelers every year.
When we passed through El Salvador during our Pan-American Highway road trip, everyone told us not to miss El Tunco. And it’s easy to see why!
It is a popular beach town destination for surfers due to its two surf spots: La Bocana and Sunzal. However, even if you’re not a surfer, El Tunco El Salvador is still a great place to visit.
Fun Fact: You can also find a Bitcoin ATM in town, as well as several businesses that accept Bitcoin as payment.
Plus, there are chicken buses and shuttle services to nearby towns such as Juayua and Santa Ana as well as international spots like Antigua, Guatemala and Leon Nicaragua.
So El Tunco El Salvador makes a great jumping-off point for exploring elsewhere in Central America.
Keep reading, as this travel blog post outlines everything from what to do and where to stay to restaurants, groceries, and all the other details you need to enjoy your time in El Tunco El Salvador.
11 El Tunco El Salvador Things to Do
If you’re looking to learn more about El Tunco and make the most of your visit, here are some cool El Tunco things to do.
1. Look at the Street Art
Similar to some of the towns we visited in Mexico, there is an active street art scene in El Tunco El Salvador.
In fact, The Tourism Board and INJUVE commissioned local artists to share their artistic abilities and draw some of the past residents of the town.
Pro Tip: Don’t forget your camera because these are some Insta-worthy murals.
2. Go Surfing
As I mentioned, El Tunco El Salvador is a world-famous surf town. It would be a shame to visit and not try surfing on Playa El Tunco El Salvador!
Don’t worry if you’ve never surfed before, there are plenty of El Tunco El Salvador surf schools along Playa del Tunco El Salvador that offer surf lessons starting at $20 (including board rental).
If you already know how to surf, you can get a board for $10-$20 a day. The best spots to surf are La Bocana and Sunzal but there are also several other beaches nearby Playa Tunco El Salvador that have great waves.
3. Relax on the Beach
If Playa del Tunco surfing isn’t your thing, you can still enjoy El Tunco’s black sand beaches. The water is clean and clear and the perfect temperature for swimming. No need for fancy Playa de El Salvador beach clubs here.
Fun Fact: The beaches are black sand because of all the volcanoes found throughout the region.
Just take a towel and a bottle of water and camp out anywhere you like on El Tunco beach in El Salvador. Make sure to secure your valuables if you go in the ocean for a swim, though!
👉 I love this waist pouch. It triple seals before rolling down to velcro shut. After 2+ years of regular use, I’ve had no problems.
If you want more amenities, you can also find plenty of hammocks as well as playa El Salvador beachfront restaurants and bars where you can relax with a drink in hand.
4. Explore the Beach Caves
At low tide, you can walk along the beach to some of the amphitheater-shaped sea El Tunco caves that have formed along the rocks.
This is a great family adventure because it’s something that both adults and kids will enjoy.
Pro Tip: Make sure to wear your waterproof waist pouch or put your electronics in a dry bag.
Even at the lowest tide, there are some wading spots. Wear a swimsuit as well as some water shoes or hiking sandals, and be prepared to get a bit wet.
Just be careful of the tide coming back in so that you don’t get cut off! If you really enjoy this activity, check out the beach caves at El Zonte. That town has even larger beach caves!
5. Check Out La Libertad
La Libertad is a town about 10 minutes from El Tunco El Salvador and it’s famous for its fish market. Every morning, the fishermen come in with their catch and sell it to the El Tunco restaurants and locals.
El Tunco La Libertad El Salvador is a great place to buy fresh seafood to cook at your vacation rental or hotel. You can also find good produce at the market and some souvenirs. Just be sure to bargain!
Have some amazing ceviche in La Libertad, too. As you might expect, there are plenty of seafood restaurants in town. Little Man isn’t a huge fan of ceviche but at least he is willing to try it!
If you’re not a fan of seafood, don’t worry. You can also find plenty of other food options like pupusas, tacos, and even pizzas.
6. Eat Pupusas!
A pupusa is a type of Salvadoran corn tortilla that is filled with meat, cheese, and/or beans. These filling and tasty round delights are actually the national dish of El Salvador.
They are delicious and you can find them all over El Salvador as well as in neighboring countries, like Guatemala. You can even find them in most restaurants in El Tunco, El Salvador.
Most restaurants tend to be open in the evenings on weekdays and all day on weekends. Some El Tunco El Salvador pupusa restaurants open for lunch during the week, though.
7. Watch the Sunset
One of the best things to do in El Tunco El Salvador is watch the sunset. There are plenty of bars and restaurants with rooftop decks that offer stunning views of the sun setting into the Pacific Ocean.
Order a margarita or another tasty drink and enjoy the show! If you want to enjoy the view on budget, just go sit at your favorite beach spot and relax. After the sun goes down, stick around for a bit to stargaze, too, if the night is clear.
8. Tamanique Waterfalls
The Tamanique Waterfalls are just a short hike from El Tunco, and are one of El Salvador’s most popular waterfalls.
While the hike through the valley above El Tunco to the falls isn’t terribly difficult, I do recommend going with a guide because the trail can be a bit tricky to find. The guides also know all the best swimming holes!
The cost for a guide is around $15-$20 per person and includes transportation from your El Salvador hotel or El Tunco El Salvador Airbnb/vacation rental. You can also drive to the town of Tamanique and find a guide from there for about $5.
9. Do Yoga
If you’re looking for a more relaxing activity, do some yoga! There are plenty of yoga studios and classes in El Tunco El Salvador.
Balance and Sunshine Yoga both offer yoga retreats to major enthusiasts as well as drop-in classes for casual class attendees.
The yoga classes aren’t an ideal activity for small kids, older teens may enjoy it. Parents of younger ones can take turns attending class, too.
10. Atami Saltwater Pools
The Atami saltwater pools are a great place to take a dip, relax in the sun, and take in the stunning ocean views.
The pools are owned by the Atami Escape Resort and are a more unique way to take an “ocean swim” without ever touching the El Tunco El Salvador surf.
The El Tunco El Salvador resort has an awesome restaurant, gorgeous views, and three amazing saltwater pools.
Each one gets filled regularly by the ocean waves that hit the cliffs. The pools are quite relaxing at low tide and get some movement as they fill during high tide.
Pro Tip: Atami is located at Playa El Palmarcito, so you will have to drive or take the local bus to get here.
If you aren’t staying at the resort, you can purchase a day pass for $20. This gets you all-day access ( 8 am – 5 pm) plus a $10 voucher to use on food and beverage in their restaurant.
You also get day pass El Tunco access to 7 swimming pools (3 saltwater and 4 regular), access to 2 beaches, and even the use of their basketball courts. It’s a great deal!
11. Go Beach Hopping
El Tunco isn’t the only beach nearby that you can explore easily in the area.
If you have a car, consider driving to some of the other popular beaches like El Sunzal, La Libertad, or even all the way to the black sand beach at El Zonte. Getting back from El Zonte to El Tunco isn’t hard.
All three beaches offer something a little different, including great waves for surfing, plenty of beach bars, and stunning views.
The Palmarcito, Majahual, and San Blas beaches are also a lot of fun.
You can even find some undiscovered gems if you’re willing to explore a little further off the beaten path. Any one of these, or all of them, makes for a great day trip from El Tunco El Salvador.
Where to Stay in El Tunco El Salvador
El Tunco El Salvador has a pretty active party culture on the backpacker circuit.
The El Tunco El Salvador nightlife has so many bars that ladies drink free from 8 pm – 10 pm somewhere every night of the week.
This is why I recommend staying outside the main drag of El Tunco El Salvador hostels if you want a good night’s sleep.
Some budget El Tunco El Salvador hotels, like Tunco Lodge, are more likely to be near the party area, too, so read reviews carefully before booking anything.
💎💎💎 Luxury Recommendation: Farallon Beach House
Photo Credit: Expedia
There are no luxury hotels in El Tunco El Salvador. However, Farallon Beach House is the next best thing! With its spacious gardens, tall coconut trees, and beautiful swimming pool, it’s the ideal place to relax.
The house has a fully equipped kitchen, so you can cook your favorite meals or take advantage of their private chef to do it for you.
There’s even a daily housekeeper to attend to the property for you. Plus, there’s plenty of parking available for your car or motorcycle.
And if you need to work while you’re on vacation, there are ample workspaces throughout the home as well as four TVs with cable available in the house.
But the best part of the Farallon Beach House is its location. With panoramic ocean views and private access to the beach, it’s hard to imagine a more perfect place to spend your vacation.
💎💎 Mid-Range Recommendation: Boca Olas Resort Villas
Boca Olas Resort Villas is a great place for families to stay during their vacation in El Tunco El Salvador. This smoke-free hotel features both indoor and outdoor pools, as well as a restaurant on site.
Guests can enjoy a free full breakfast each morning, and complimentary WiFi is available in public areas.
Free self-parking is also provided. Additional amenities include a bar/lounge and a children’s pool.
Each of the hotel’s 22 air-conditioned rooms come with cofee/tea makers, ceiling fans, a safe, and bottled water. Rooms all open to balconies or patios and offer separate living rooms with desks.
Flat-screen televisions come with cable channels, and bathrooms include showers and complimentary toiletries.
Guests can use free wireless internet access to stay connected. Irons/ironing boards and hair dryers are available. Housekeeping is provided daily.
💎 Budget Recommendation: Eco del Mar Hotel
Eco del Mar Hotel is the perfect place for a quiet vacation in El Tunco El Salvador because it’s outside the central party district.
The hotel is located on El Tunco beach El Salvador and offers rooms with beautiful views of the ocean.
The hotel is also close to town, but it is quiet and has private security on staff 24 hours a day.
The hotel has a pool and offers free cooked-to-order breakfast each morning. Rooms come equipped with refrigerators and toasters, and there is free wireless internet access throughout the property.
🏠 Vacation Rental Recommendation: 3BR House w/Pool
Seeking a luxurious and private stay on the most beautiful beaches in El Salvador? Private El Tunco El Salvador rentals are the way to go!
Look no further than this exclusive 3-bedroom house with a private pool, located just 5 minutes away from the town of La Libertad.
With its sparkling pool and incredible ocean view, this villa is perfect for a relaxing vacation. Each bedroom comes with its own private full bathroom, ensuring that each guest has plenty of privacy.
Best of all, the caretakers who live off-property will give you your privacy while still making sure that the pool and outside of the villa is kept clean and comfortable.
With two large supermarkets just a 5-minute drive away, this villa is perfectly located for stocking up on groceries. And with the local police station nearby, you can feel safe enjoying the beach day and night.
Where to Eat in El Tunco El Salvador
For such a small town, with only two major streets, there are some really tasty restaurants in El Tunco El Salvador! Here are all the popular spots to try, so you don’t have to waste time searching for the best places to eat in El Tunco.
Breakfast in El Tunco
Almost any restaurant that’s open in the morning will serve desayunos typicos — typical Salvadorian breakfast.
This will usually include fried plantains, eggs, refried beans or beans & rice (gallo pinto), cheese and/or crema, and more bread than is necessary.
Pro Tip: Ask if they offer Lizano salsa, a Costa Rican sauce that goes great on almost everything and is catching on across Central America.
Esquina la Comadre and Deli Food are both near the main corner. Other breakfasts are available as well, such as omelets and granola. Meal prices range from $3 – $5 with coffee refills.
If you aren’t into full breakfasts or just need a mid-morning pick-me-up, then El Coyote is great for coffee. They also have delicious pastries.
Point Break Cafe‘s $4 Nutella crepes are also really tasty! Little Man absolutely loves anything Nutella, so this place gets two thumbs up for kids!
Lunch in El Tunco
For a deliciously fresh and healthy meal try building your own noodle dish at Take A Wok. The portions are huge!
Or try “This is Living” Pupusas. That’s not really its name. The place doesn’t seem to have one. But that’s what’s written on its large blue canopy over the shop. It’s in the middle of town and you can’t miss it.
On the off chance you don’t see it, then El Buen Gusto, next to the Posada Luna Hotel, is also really tasty!
Bao House El Tunco is also a great choice. We discovered baos when we lived in Chicago but really grew to love them living in Malaysia. We were surprised to find them all over Central America, too.
We have eaten them in Guatemala, El Salvador, and Costa Rica! Baos are basically soft pillows of slightly sweet buns filled with various Chinese foods, from bbq pork to kung pao chicken.
Occasionally there are even dessert baos filled with yams or melted chocolate. Those are shaped more like dumplings to ensure the filling doesn’t spill out.
Pro Tip: If you go from El Tunco to San Salvador, you can also enjoy baos at a local chain restaurant called Pan Bao Bao.
Dinner in El Tunco
For dinner, there are a variety of options from which to choose. There aren’t a ton of El Tunco El Salvador restaurants in town but there’s a good selection for what’s actually there.
You can choose not only from Salvadorian and North American cuisines like pizza, BBQ, and burgers, but also street food stalls and even beachfront restaurants with incredible views.
Sammy’s Tacos, Burger Cristy, Rock & Roe Fish Shop, and Pita Jaus are all great choices. Just go with what strikes your fancy that day.
For something a bit more upscale, have dinner on the beach at Roca Sunzal. Arrive in time for the 2-for-1 sunset happy hour cocktails and stay for dinner. It’s one of the best restaurants in El Tunco!
Pro Tip: If your kids get bored with sunsets after a while, as ours does, just make sure you bring some toys for the kiddos while you enjoy it.
How to Get to El Tunco El Salvador
El Salvador is a small country, that you could drive across in a single day if you wanted. If you’re into riding local buses, it’s also pretty easy to get almost anywhere in the country with only one or two connections.
The Panamerican Highway (which we are driving from Mexico to Argentina) runs through the center of the country so travel times are usually fairly reasonable, especially when driving or if you take a direct bus.
Pro Tip: Many backpackers like to take the chicken buses since they’re cheap. Skip them. They’re also a logistical nightmare for families with luggage.
For a family getting around to explore, it’s much easier to get a rental car for your stay. Driving in El Salvador, especially outside San Salvador, isn’t very difficult.
👉 I recommend using Discover Cars for renting a car on your trip!
How to get to El Tunco From San Salvador
If you don’t rent a car, the quickest and easiest way to get to El Tunco El Salvador from San Salvador is by taking an El Tunco San Salvador Uber.
The one-way ride from San Salvador to El Tunco should cost around $25 – $35 and will take about an hour door-to-door.
👉 You can also hire a driver to pick you up from San Salvador Airport to El Tunco.
Many backpackers like to take a local bus since they only cost a couple of dollars.
If you do want to try the bus, then from Occidental Terminal take the Air-Conditioned #102a to El Tunco El Salvador. It will cost $1.50 and the ride will be about 90 minutes.
Note: you’ll likely be charged for extra seats for each large bag you’re bringing if you have a large bag.
You can also take the (non-Air-Conditioned) #102 to La Libertad for $1.25 and transfer to the #192 or the #80 into El Tunco El Salvador. They arrive every 5 minutes and cost $0.25 per person.
Ask to get off at El Tunco and the guy collecting the money will shout it out when you reach the side of the road. Get off here and walk in on one of the two roads leading to the main street.
Most people are very helpful and if you ask about your accommodation, they will point you in the right direction.
It really helps to know some basic Spanish or have a good translation app handy on your phone!
How far is El Tunco from San Salvador?
El Tunco is just 39 KM (~24 miles) from San Salvador.
Just 50 minutes away from the International Airport of El Salvador, this little town has become a mandatory stop for many visitors to El Salvador or Central America.
How to get from Santa Ana to El Tunco
Driving from Santa Ana to El Tunco El Salvador can be done on almost all highways (Route 1 to Route 4), or you can take Route 2 along the coast.
Pro Tip: The latter is beautiful but has some switchbacks so if anyone in your car is prone to motion sickness you may want to stick with the highways. And don’t forget to see the Santa Ana Volcano when you’re there!
To get to San Salvador from Santa Ana, you’ll need to take the 201 bus. The bus will pick you up at the Metrocentro Mall, which is just outside the city center.
The bus costs $1.35 per person and it takes around an hour. You can easily take an Uber to the Metrocentro bus stop from most anywhere in Santa Ana for less than $3.
If you’re taking a bus that starts out in San Salvador, simply ask the driver to drop you off at La Ceiba de Guadalupe.
This is an interchange where you can catch other buses that will take you closer to the city center. It’s a helpful option because it will save you time spent in traffic.
When you get to La Ceiba de Guadalupe, you need to cross the street using the pedestrian bridge. Catch the 102A bus I mentioned above.
How to get to El Tunco From Juayua and Ruta de Las Flores
If you’re heading to El Tunco El Salvador from the western coffee country and the Flower Route, getting down to the El Tunco El Salvador beaches is pretty easy.
You drive almost all highways once outside Juayua (Route 1 to Route 8 to Route 4), or again you can take Route 2 along the coast.
If you’re using a bus to get from Juayua to El Tunco, take the #287 bus to Sonsonate ($1.50) and then the #249 to Juayua ($0.50).
The bus will say Ahuachapan and stops in every town along the Ruta de las Flores. Unfortunately, there are still only 2 buses per day at 5:30 am and 3:30 pm from Sonsonate ($1.50).
Be on the highway waiting for the bus going about 15 minutes early, in case it’s running ahead of schedule.
Again, when traveling with kids I don’t recommend using the buses. They just aren’t convenient enough for my tastes, and we’re pretty adventurous.
How to get to El Tunco From Guatemala
You can’t drive rental cars across country borders. So if you aren’t driving your own car or taking a shuttle, Then your best bet is to fly from Guatemala City to San Salvador.
The border crossing driving between El Salvador and Guatemala is one of the easiest and friendliest in Central America. We’d know because we drove from Mexico to Panama in 2022.
While what we did in our car was more difficult because needed car permits in each country, shuttle riders don’t have those issues. There are shuttles that you can take from Antigua, Guatemala to El Tunco El Salvador.
Pro Tip: Ask your Antigua hotel when booking for referrals on shuttle companies.
These Antigua shuttles are much easier than trying to take public buses between countries. And they’re generally $25-$30/person.
If you do take a public bus, you’ll be doing a LOT of walking because the border crossing process is very spread out.
Generally, shuttles leave a couple of hours before dawn to get you to the border when it opens at 7 am.
You’ll get out of the vehicle to go through Guatemala exit customs and again to go through El Salvador entry customs.
How to get to El Tunco From Nicaragua
Exiting Nicaragua for El Salvador is a long day. We’ve done this, too, but in the opposite direction. You’ll end up crossing two borders, Nicaragua to Honduras, and Honduras to El Salvador.
Both borders are long and hot, but Honduras/Nicaragua is the worst because it’s very chaotic and the door guard takes bribes from helpers who pay him to let car clients cut the line.
We did not do this but saw many other drivers do so. I was so tempted. Until I saw a bunch of them get kicked out of line without refunds.
👉 If you’re on a budget then you can hire shuttles from Leon, Nicaragua to El Tunco El Salvador
If you’re feeling brave, you can also take the Tica Bus from Managua to San Salvador.
Considering our experience with the Honduras crossings between Nica and El Salvador, though, I’d really recommend flying if you aren’t transiting borders in your own vehicle.
El Tunco El Salvador: FAQs
Can I use Bitcoin in El Tunco?
Yes! Bitcoin is now the other official currency of El Salvador. Many local shops and restaurants accept it, both in El Tunco and elsewhere.
All you have to do is look for the bitcoin logo in the window or at the cash register. Or just ask when you enter, and the staff are happy to help out with an answer.
Are there ATMs in El Tunco El Salvador?
There are now three ATMs in El Tunco El Salvador. Two can be found near the main intersection, beside and across the street from Papaya Lodge. The third is down the main street near the beach.
It’s not uncommon for ATMs to run out of money on the weekends, so it’s wise to bring some with you. And if you need money, make the ATM your first stop, just to be safe.
As well, Bitcoin is legal tender in El Salvador. So even if the ATMs are giving you an issue, you can pay with BTC without hassle.
Where can I grocery shop in El Tunco?
There are a couple of small shops selling the usual array of snacks, drinks, and basics including some fresh produce and canned goods.
For a larger grocery shopping trip with more options, you’ll need to travel to La Libertad, which has several big grocery stores.
Our favorite is Super Selectos. As the name implies, their selection is the best but they are also one of the pricier places to shop.
Costs are still generally lower than in the US, though. Better yet, do a bigger shopping trip for non-perishables in Santa Ana or San Salvador and bring it with you.
Then you can replenish small items and perishable produce locally during your stay.
Is El Tunco safe?
While there are places in Central America, and specifically El Salvador, that are known for being dangerous to tourists, El Tunco El Salvador is not one of them. Generally, El Tunco has a reputation as a very safe place.
Even walking around at night is actually fairly safe, although we are early risers so we’re not generally out after dark anywhere we go.
Of course, it’s always wise to take precautions and use common sense, but overall El Tunco El Salvador is a safe place to visit.
Don’t walk alone at night, secure your valuables when you go out during the day, and don’t wear opulent attire or jewelry when out and about.
Plus, if you swim in the pool or the ocean don’t leave anything important on your towel or chair as it may not be there when you return.
What is the best time of year to visit El Tunco?
Like much of Central America, there are two seasons in El Salvador.
The rainy season coincides with the northern hemisphere summer months (May to October). And the dry season is associated with the typical winter months (November to April).
El Tunco El Salvador weather is basically the same as in Nicaragua.
Temperatures don’t really drop significantly at night, and they are likely to be around 30 degrees Celsius most days throughout the dry season.
I’m not comfortable without AC in this type of weather, but if you’re truly on a budget then you’ll at least want a room with a fan and decent ventilation. Anything else is going to be too uncomfortable to sleep.
The temperature is about the same in the rainy season as the dry season (~28-29 C during the day). The only difference is the rain.
It rains at least one out of every two or three days. Like Costa Rica, it typically just rains in the afternoon, evening, or overnight. While most rains just last an hour or two, other times it can rain all night long.
This means that you can usually enjoy morning excursions without being rained on, but you’ll still need to be flexible for those unusual morning rain storms.
Pro Tip: Families with little kids will want to ensure they get a room or vacation rental with AC, to prevent hot, cranky kids from falling asleep.
Conclusion: El Tunco El Salvador Travel Guide
So there you have it! Our El Tunco El Salvador travel guide for families or anyone else planning a visit.
This beautiful country has a lot to offer, from amazing fresh seafood to stunning El Salvador Tunco beaches and surfing.
Plus, it’s a fairly safe place to visit, making it a unique and adventurous place to visit as a family. We loved our time in El Salvador and hope you do, too! 🏄
👉 While we have global health insurance for our day-to-day lives, we also elect travel insurance with SafetyWing for our spurts of fast travel adventure!
