- John Smith
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- surfer.com
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- March 10, 2025
Surf City, El Salvador, has quickly become one of the most exciting surf destinations in the Americas, and it’s easy to see why. This stretch of Pacific coastline delivers warm water year-round, consistent swell, and a mix of breaks that work for both first-timers and people chasing clean, powerful right-handers. If you’re planning a surf trip and want to make the most of your time, this quick guide helps you narrow down what to surf, when to go, and how to base yourself so you’re not spending half the day in a car instead of in the water.
The best part about Surf City is how many options you have within a short drive, which makes it perfect for a long weekend or a week-long escape. You can post up near El Tunco and bounce between nearby spots like El Sunzal for mellow, long rides, or head toward breaks that turn it up when conditions line up. Between sessions, the vibe is simple: beach sunsets, fresh seafood, and laid-back nights that still feel local. The only real challenge is choosing where to stay so you can surf early, surf late, and still have a comfortable place to recharge for the next tide.
I went down in early March, and the weather was about as easy as it gets, warm days in the mid- to high-80s with a light breeze, then cooler nights that felt perfect for sleeping with the windows open. I based myself in El Tunco for the weekend and loved how quick it was to get from coffee to the lineup, with El Sunzal just up the road for a mellow first session and long, forgiving rides to get my timing back. On my last full day, I caught the early tide, grabbed a quick breakfast in town, and then hopped between a couple nearby breaks, finishing with a sunset session that ended with salt on my skin and sand still stuck to my ankles.
Surf lesson (El Tunco / El Sunzal area): Book a 1-hour lesson with a local instructor, usually with board rental included, and get the basics dialed fast (paddling, pop-ups, reading the lineup).
Estimated price: about $20–$30 per person for 1 hour (example: $25 for a 1-hour private lesson incl. board).
Tamanique Waterfalls hike: A short adventure inland with jungle trails, swimming holes, and a few waterfall drops depending on the route you pick. Most people go with a guide, and some tours bundle transport from the Surf City coast.
Estimated price: about $65–$85 per person for guided tour options (DIY can be cheaper if you handle transport and hire a local guide separately).
Pupusa cooking class + local market stop: A hands-on way to do something cultural that still feels relaxed, with pickups commonly offered around the Surf City beach towns. You’ll learn the dough, fillings, and the proper “griddle rhythm,” then eat what you make.
Estimated price: about $35 per person (some options add a transport fee if you’re not already on the coast).
Sunset Park in Puerto de La Libertad: Go late afternoon, walk the pier, watch the sky light up, then hop on a couple rides for the full beach-boardwalk vibe.
Estimated price: rides are typically $1–$3 each (Ferris wheel often around $3, smaller rides around $1–$2).
A must!
