A kingdom for both the crypto knights and surfer types to convene, this beach town is disguised in a resort vibe that separates it from classic El Salvador. A startling luxury tax slipped into the prices, keep your eyes peeled for cheap eats and accommodations as these are scarce. This excludes those paying with bitcoin who can instead expect a sizable discount.
Shove any complaints down a bottle neck and plop that mental pollution into the ocean. Beach days are better days. Surf it up or crack a cold one and catch the sunset.
End your Salvadorian explorations on the coast as the airport is located less than 40 km (25 mi) away or skip San Salvador entirely by making this destination numero uno. A taxi should cost no more than $30. If traveling by bus from the airport, take Bus 183 to San Luis Talpa. From there hop on to Bus 166 headed to La Libertad for around $0.60. Welcome to the beach! Take the local bus to wherever you please.
Rinse off the Ruta de las Flores pollen, and cruise on over from Sonsonate using Bus 287 for about $1.50.
Places to Eat in El Tunco
Bao House
Baounce back from soy sauce sobriety with some bao buns and dumplings.
Day Cafe & Salad Bar
Whether you are cleansing from a pupusa overdose or just sprucing up before paddling out. Refresh your body’s inner garden at this cafe with a salad or smoothie.
Exotic Burger
Regardless of the country, every once in a while the stubborn demand for a pizza or burger strikes. Satiate that craving with a local twist. Try a tango with the mango burger or frolic through some edible flower buds with the loroco pizza.
Laundry Bar
With chickens strutting about the restaurant, this is about as farm to table fresh as it gets. For those faithful to the pupusa, El Tunco can be quite daunting with its impressive range of cuisine choices. Stick to the Salvadorian staple (or don’t) and have a fairly priced feast.
Places to Drink in El Tunco
Cadejo Brewery
Self proclaimed craft connoisseurs, paled and ailed by the sole option of mass produced pilsners during their travels, will naturally require a brewery break.
Kako’s Gastrobar
Whether it is reggaeton or top hits that get those hips moving, Kako has you covered. Join the rest of El Tunco on the dance floor.
Things to do in El Tunco
Beach Hopping
Saying you don’t like the beach equates to hating happiness for the general masses. Even those Casper colored, SPF soaked souls clinging to their shady personal protective equipment back this sentiment.
Expand your sunset horizon by exploring the coast. Lay claim to everything the light touches in tranquil Mizata. Stock up on seafood at the La Libertad market. Spend the day surfing waves lacking crowd obstacles in El Zonte. Sink into the black sands of El Sunzal. With half the country dipping into the Pacific Ocean, beach options are brimming. Bring your board on this wave crawl, and discover your own surf treasure.
Surfing
A pebble strewn shore, the ocean waters are star studded with surfers of ranging skill from before day breaks to the sherbert shimmer of sunset. For the bucket list beginners, sign up for a lesson or a multi-day package in town. Keep in mind, crowds can be intimidating as can be a rocky shoreline.
Drown out any self-conscious concerns, by drifting down to the neighboring beach, Playa San Blas. Sandy shores and weaker waves combined with ample space for uncontrolled maneuvers are a dream for any nervous student. Book a lesson at the only surf shop in town. If unavailable, add an extra level of session safety by propositioning the lifeguard.
Tamanique Waterfall
Beached out yet unable to sit still? Head to the main road for a stereotypical Central American waterfall hike. For those patrons of patience, there is supposedly a bus that will whisk you off to the starting point. Otherwise there is an unofficial taxi service providing rides for the anxious amblers.
Fair warning the trail is unmarked and does contain a few offshoots. Furthermore, the path descends to the destination which promises an uphill battle for the return.
The cascada guardians charge $2.50 for entrance. Fork it up and pick a path. Perhaps continue the journey downwards to the waterfall base or halfway point for a nerve shocking swim. For those who laugh in the face of danger, clamber skywards for the tree leaning ladders and jump zone. Depth dependent, it is best to bring a friend to imitate drain plug thus increasing the water level as well as your chances of survival.
Places to Stay in El Tunco
Papaya Lodge
A poor person’s palace with a potential opossum problem. This beach town is limited when it comes to affordable housing. Seek sanctuary at the Papaya Lodge without breaking the bank. Boards are available for rent for those who did not pack their surfboard as their carryon. Feeling sluggishly, slothful? Order breakfast and lounge poolside while you wait.
Both dorms and singles are available.
