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El Tunco, El Salvador

Plan your trip

Everything you need to get here, settle in, and make the most of your time on the black sand coast.

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Getting Here
Where to Stay
Rentals
Events
Surf Schools
Live & Work
Suggested itinerary
Day 1
Arrive & settle in
Morning
Fly into San Salvador (SAL), take the 45-min shuttle to El Tunco
La Costeña shuttles run hourly from the airport
Noon
Lunch at La Bocana — ceviche and a cold Pilsener
Get a window table if you can
Afternoon
First session in the water — beginner or free surf
Punta Roca Surf School has afternoon slots
Evening
Sunset drinks on the terrace, then dinner at El Tunco Rock
Live music Fridays from 8pm
Day 2
Full surf day
5:30am
Dawn patrol — catch the best conditions of the day
Meet at the rock. Coffee after at Café Sunzal
Breakfast
Açaí bowl and espresso at Café Sunzal
Opens at 6am
Morning
Second session or take a lesson if you're learning
$40/2hrs with Punta Roca Surf School
Afternoon
Hammock time. Let your shoulders recover.
Afternoon
Walk the main street, grab a pupusa
Doña Rosa's stand near the road junction
Evening
Saturday night live music at La Bocana
Free entry, starts 8pm
Day 3
Easy exit day
7:00am
Sunday morning yoga on the rooftop
Hotel Mopelia · $15
9:00am
Sunday artisan market — pick up something to bring home
Calle Principal, 9am–2pm
Noon
Farewell lunch — tuna tostadas one last time
Afternoon
Shuttle back to SAL for afternoon/evening flights
Book 24hrs in advance via WhatsApp
When to go
Dry season · best surfNov – Apr
Rainy season · still surfableMay – Oct
Jan
Great
Dry · offshore winds
Feb
Great
Best conditions
Mar
Great
Peak dry season
Apr
Great
Hot & sunny
May
Okay
Transitions to wet
Jun
Rainy
Rainy season begins
Jul
Rainy
Heavy afternoon rain
Aug
Rainy
Big south swells
Sep
Rainy
Peak rainy season
Oct
Rainy
Still wet
Nov
Okay
Drying out
Dec
Great
Dry season returns
What to know
Entry requirements

Most nationalities get 90 days on entry — no visa required. Extendable at the immigration office in San Salvador. See the full visa guide for your passport.

Visa info →
Currency & Bitcoin

El Salvador uses USD. Bitcoin is legal tender — Chivo Wallet and Strike are widely accepted. Many businesses in El Tunco take BTC directly. ATMs are available in La Libertad.

Safety tips

El Tunco is a safe, well-worn tourist area. Use basic precautions: don't leave valuables on the beach, stick to lit streets after midnight, and ask locals for current advice. The surf can be strong — respect the rip currents.

What to pack

Reef-safe sunscreen, a rash guard, flip-flops, one light layer for evenings, and a universal power adapter. Board shorts and boardwear are fine everywhere. Leave the rain jacket if you're coming dry season.

Before you arrive

Get the El Tunco insider briefing

Surf conditions, upcoming events, new listings, and local intel — sent once a week. No filler.