Things to see and do on a trip to El Tunco

The small town of El Tunco is a real hidden gem on the coast of El Salvador. Eternally bathed in sunshine and frequented by surfers, if you find yourself travelling around this beautiful country, El Tunco is definitely one of the beaches you have to see. Along with El Sunzal, this place is excellent for surfing, given its perfect waves suited to all abilities.

Even if you are not a fan of surfing, El Tunco is a beautiful village where you can enjoy the essence of the Salvadorian coast. This town in La Libertad is an enclave where people from all over the world come to enjoy the coast and the black sand that characterises the beaches of El Tunco. If you enjoy sun, sea and water sports as much as we do, read on. We will tell you everything you can see and do in El Tunco, El Salvador.

What are the best places to see in El Tunco?

Walking along the beach

Of course, our route through the beautiful little village of El Tunco could not begin in any other way than by taking a long, leisurely stroll along the beach of El Tunco. There is something about this beach that enraptures everyone who sets foot on its black, pebbly sand, making it impossible to forget.

There are many things to do on the coast of El Tunco, but our first recommendation is that you take a walk along the beach, enjoying the unique view on the volcanic black sand, which contrasts with the typical coasts of the Iberian Peninsula.

In fact, if you continue walking along the shore, you will soon discover the reason for the name of this locality. There is a peculiar rock formation that juts a little into the water, with a shape reminiscent of a ‘Tunco’, that is to say, a pig. Get close and admire it, as it is certainly one of the most iconic experiences of walking along the beach.

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Enjoy surfing at El Tunco beach in El Salvador

Another essential part of visiting a town like El Tunco is getting into the water and trying to tame the incessant waves that bathe this coast all year round. If there is one sport you have to practise in El Tunco, it’s surfing. It is an area that welcomes surfers of all levels.

There are many surf schools dotted around El Tunco, which can provide you with the equipment you need to venture into the waters at a very affordable price. In addition, you can also count on the help of surf instructors if you need training in this sport. It is certainly a good place to get started, as there are great surfing professionals who spend the whole year here, enjoying the unbeatable climate and the optimal conditions for surfing.

You can rent boards for a modest price, which is usually around 15 and 20 dollars. If you want to have an instructor by your side to accompany you, the prices are usually around 30 dollars for an hour and a half. But this is not the only activity you can do in and around El Tunco. Hiking is also very common. In fact, from the beach there are different routes that go all the way to the Tamanique waterfalls, just a few kilometres away.

Travel Tip: To organize your trip we recommend using Passporter totally free. You can be inspired by the experiences of other travelers, choose the places that interest you most, create the travel route with a geolocated map, upload all important documents such as reservations and invite your friends so that everyone can participate in the organization of the trip.

What to see around El Tunco?

San Salvador, the capital of El Salvador

Located less than an hour’s drive from the beach paradise of El Tunco is the country’s capital, San Salvador. It is a must on your route through the spectacular country of El Salvador. Perched on the slopes of the volcano and with views that will take your breath away, the capital of El Salvador has a lot of history to offer.

The Plaza de la Libertad is the perfect starting point for this adventure through San Salvador, a square that is always full of people, where you can feel the rhythm of the city in every square metre. This is where some of the city’s main buildings once stood, but today it is home to the monument of ‘El Angel de la Libertad’, which commemorates the country’s independence.

Find out all there is to see in San Salvador in our post

Of course, another must-see is the National Palace. This historic building was once the presidential office, but today, after its reconstruction, it is a monument that you can visit. The most interesting feature of the palace are the two statues that crown the façade: one of Christopher Columbus and the other of Isabella I of Castile.

If there is one thing that comes as a surprise when approaching San Salvador, it is the breathtaking natural environment that surrounds it. One of the best ways to enjoy it is by visiting the Boquerón National Park. This enormous park, filled with vast hectares of forests and exotic flora, is crowned by the spectacular volcano and its highest point, El Picacho. 

What to see in 1 day in El Tunco, Salvador?

The truth is that 1 day is more than enough time to see what El Tunco has to offer. The town is not particularly large and unless you want to spend more time enjoying the surfing, you will have enough time to discover the charm that El Tunco has to offer.

We recommend starting your day in El Tunco by surfing, as the first hours of sunshine are a perfect time to try to tame the waves. Afterwards, you can relax with a drink, as there are plenty of stalls selling all kinds of refreshing drinks.

After the surfing experience, we recommend trying the local food in the different restaurants and bars. Pupusas, fried yucca and breads with chicken are very typical in this town and in El Salvador, so it is an excellent option to spend some time enjoying the gastronomy, which is sure to surprise you.

To end the day, what we recommend is returning to the beach and walking it from end to end, while the sun goes down. People start to gather on the sand to have dinner and share drinks around a bonfire. It’s an experience you won’t forget that will stay with you for the rest of your trip in El Salvador.

Where and what to eat in El Tunco?

Pupusas, fried yucca, corn… the food of El Salvador is a whole experience to discover. In El Tunco you can enjoy it while witnessing the best sunsets along the coast of El Salvador. To make it easier to choose where and what to eat, we have provided a series of recommendations.

• Cadejo Brewing Company: A few kilometres from El Tunco, this restaurant on a cliff has spectacular views of the coast of La Libertad and an even more excellent gastronomic offer, based mostly on seafood.
• Coyote: The incredibly varied menu is what characterises Coyote, and its affordable price makes it very attractive. Enjoy everything from hearty breakfasts to different varieties of pizzas, for prices between €5 and €9.
• Rock & Roe Fish Shop: Although the name suggests otherwise, this place has some impressive burgers, as well as an excellent seafood menu. Prices are around €10 per person for a meal.

Where to stay in El Tunco?

The truth is that although the village is not particularly large, there is plenty of accommodation, both in El Tunco and in the nearby towns of La Libertad and El Sunzal. To make it easier for you to choose a place to sleep, we have prepared a short list:

• Hotel & Bar La Guitarra: Overlooking the rock of El Tunco and right on the seafront, this hotel is one of the best ways to really experience El Tunco. It also has an outdoor pool, in case you get tired of swimming on the beach. Prices are around 150€ for a weekend for two people.
• Eco del Mar: Located in La Libertad, just minutes from El Tunco, these flats are an ode to relaxation. Swimming pool, hammocks and palm trees are the trifecta that Eco del Mar uses to make you feel carefree. Prices for a weekend are around 160€ for two people.
• The Cabins: About 300 metres from El Tunco beach and a few minutes from El Majahual, The Cabins is an excellent place to stay, with everything you need to enjoy your days at the beach. The price is 138€ for two people for a weekend.

Travel Tips to El Tunco, El Salvador

• The official currency is the Salvadoran dollar.
• Mosquito repellent is recommended.
• Try to always drink bottled water and avoid ice. 
• It’s best to carry small notes, as change is hard to come by. 
• Private cars are a good way to get around, but buses are also a good option. The whole country is very well connected. 
• Electricity and voltage has a current of 115 volts (v) and a frequency of 60 Hertz (Hz).
• As for plugs in El Salvador uses A and B plug types.
• The best time to travel to El Salvador is the dry season, which runs from November to April.
• It is best to avoid exchanging money at the airport, as prices are high.
• Spanish is spoken in San Salvador.
• You don’t need a visa to travel to El Salvador, but you do need a passport. 
• It is advisable to get a malaria vaccine.
• Cover yourself against possible medical emergencies: travel with insurance.

How to prepare your trip to San Salvador?

Register or download the Passporter App and discover all its useful features.

• Get inspiration from the experiences of other travellers.
• Create your own itinerary and add the app’s suggestions to it.
• Add the spots you are most interested in, as well as the restaurants and bars where you want to eat (you can use the points of interest listed in this post as a reference).
• Organise your itinerary by days and according to their location (you can take inspiration from the routes presented in the post).
• Check the travel budget that the app calculates for you based on your travel stops, restaurants, and leisure activities.
• Make the necessary modifications and you are ready for your trip.
• Finally, share your experience. Upload photos of every place you’ve visited to the app and recommend to other travellers all the best beaches in El Salvador.

Frequently asked questions about a trip to El Tunco