Chances are you’ll be stunned that I’m recommending a seaside city in El Salvador. Nevertheless, not too long ago, El Salvador has develop into a lot safer than it was ten and even two years in the past. As of July 2023, 71,479 folks accused of gang affiliation have been arrested (La Prensa Grafica). Moreover, the Minister of Protection recorded 496 homicides in 2022, an roughly 57% lower from 1,147 homicides in 2021 (Reuters). Additionally, Miss Universe was hosted in El Salvador this yr, making this the time that El Salvador is popping round its earlier “harmful” demarcation.
This tiny seaside city solely has two streets, however that doesn’t imply it doesn’t have something to do. Lately, it has develop into a well-liked vacationer vacation spot for folks everywhere in the world, from America to Australia. The identify “El Tunco” means “pig” in Salvadoran slang. The seaside is particularly known as pig for the reason that locals thought {that a} rock on the seaside had the form of a pig. It’s 25 km or 40 miles from San Salvador, El Salvador’s capital metropolis, and is positioned inside the La Libertad division, one in every of El Salvador’s 14 departments.
Listed below are my suggestions for learn how to make the perfect out of your time on this place:
Learn how to get to/from El Tunco
After I went to El Tunco from San Salvador, I paid $24.79 for an Uber. After I stepped within the automotive at 1 PM, it took an hour to get to Sunzal Browsing. Nevertheless, the experience again was nearly 2.5 hours, through the peak rush hour site visitors hours (5 – 6 PM) and value $2 extra.
You can too take the 102a bus from the Occidental Terminal in San Salvador to El Tunco. The journey ought to take between 1 – 2 hours and can price $1.50.
What to deliver to El Tunco
For those who’re planning on swimming, clearly make sure that to deliver a showering swimsuit and a towel. And do deliver sunscreen! The solar in El Salvador may be very robust. I didn’t put on sunscreen for half a day in San Salvador and had warmth exhaustion for the remainder of the day. I might additionally deliver thick flip flops since there may be rocks strewn all through the roads and the seaside itself. And since there aren’t any main pharmacies or grocery shops in El Tunco, it’s possible you’ll wish to deliver some snacks, water, and any medicines you’re taking. Lastly, be sure that your telephone is totally charged since it could actually take some time to get to/from El Tunco. Remember that El Salvador accepts US {dollars} and bitcoin so you need to have one or these two currencies in the event you’re not planning on bringing your debit or bank card with you.
Take a browsing lesson
Browsing has been on the high of my bucket listing so after I was in El Tunco, I made positive to take a surf lesson. I went to Sunzal Surf Firm, which solely charged $40 for a two-hour non-public surf lesson. The board and transportation had been included within the value.
These classes are greatest for inexperienced persons who wish to know the proper strategy of browsing and intermediates who wish to enhance their abilities.
In addition they supply half-day or full-day guides, the place guides transport surfers to surf on completely different waves, like El Cocal, Punta Roca, and Sunzal.
Personally, I felt prefer it was a unbelievable approach to study browsing. My information was affected person as he confirmed me learn how to prop my board up on the waves. We practiced just a few instances till I used to be in a position to arise by myself!
El Salvador’s wet season runs from Might by way of October so it might be greatest to go through the dry season, which runs from November by way of April.
Go swimming
That is an apparent selection since you might be on the seaside. There have been loads of folks taking within the waves as I used to be browsing and the water wasn’t that chilly so it must be a cushty swim. Simply make sure that to remain near shore if you’re an inexperienced swimmer for the reason that waves had been fairly large. Additionally, there are pebbles near shore so watch out the place you stroll.
Get a drink
As I used to be strolling to/from the seaside, I keep in mind seeing many pop-up bars. For those who choose to go to a correct bar, you may as well cease by Brew Revolution, which creates craft beer, and Lodge Mopelia, which not solely serves Brew Revolution’s beers, however high-quality imported beers.
Take a yoga class
Balancé, which is positioned very near Sunzal Surf Firm’s suites, presents surfer stretch, morning motion, vinyasa, and restorative yoga courses. The studio additionally presents area for cacao ceremonies, workshops for breathwork, and meditations.
Their courses price $12.
Loosen up
As I used to be strolling and driving by way of El Tunco, I received the impression that there was a really laid-back vibe. I didn’t see anybody speeding to a job or impatient drivers honking at folks. For those who’re in search of the sort of atmosphere that’s completely different from the hustle and bustle of metropolis life to easily lay again and stroll round leisurely, that is the place.
Cease by one of many waterfalls
Situated simply half-hour from El Tunco, these crystal spring waterfalls tucked in one of many Tamanique forests are an alternate swimming choice so that you can reap the benefits of. Remember that it takes one other half-hour to stroll to the waterfall from the city so deliver good mountain climbing sneakers and water.
The doorway charge is $2.50.
Discover the caves
Comply with the seaside southeast and stroll alongside the rocky shore for 10 minutes to expertise the amphitheater-like atmosphere these caves supply.
Eat pupusas
Pupusas are recognized to be the nationwide dish of El Salvador, originating with the Indigenous Pupil tribe. Corn-filled pupusas are sometimes crammed with pork, squash, greens, cheese, and/or beans. Pupuseria La Guanaquita and Lodge y Restaurante Mamaguaya supply pupusas.
Buy groceries
The El Tunco City Plaza presents a tattoo store, a smoothie bar, skincare merchandise, and, after all, surfboards!
Take a look at the murals
The Institute of Youth in Spain and the Authorities of El Salvador have commissioned native artists to color murals round El Salvador. For those who’re seeking to view some interpretative artwork, make sure that to have your digital camera out for murals round El Tunco.
Watch the sundown
Though I left El Tunco earlier than I might see the sundown, there are lots of folks, Salvadoreans and vacationers alike, who keep on the seaside to look at the crimson-pink collage that the setting solar creates. With the black sand on the seaside, it gives a beautiful backdrop to an extended day.
Celebration
Letting go and releasing your stress is a vital a part of having fun with seaside life. La Bonita Seaside Membership presents a restaurant, occasions, and music from 1 PM – 12 AM.
Discover the close by city of La Libertad
Situated only a 20-minute drive from El Tunco, this city is taken into account an necessary fishing port and a well-liked vacationer spot with a boardwalk, amphitheater, seafood markets, and eating places. It additionally has the Museo de la Revolución, the Monumento a la Libertad, and the Iglesia de San Jacinto.
Keep in consolation 
Sunzal Surf Firm and Balancé supply lodging that overlook the Pacific oceans and the surf breaks of La Bocana La Bocanita, El Sunzal, and El Sunzalito. After I was ready for my browsing lesson, I frolicked by one of many swimming pools close to the workplaces of Sunzal Surf Firm and Balancé. It had loads of seaside chairs and felt stress-free to look out on the waves from the pool.
Swim in a saltwater pool
For those who’re hesitant to go on to the seaside, the Atami Escape Resort in Tamanique has pure water and saltwater swimming pools which might be enclosed but nonetheless present views of the seaside.
For those who select to not keep on the resort, you should purchase a day cross for $20, which supplies you full-day entry to the swimming pools (8 AM – 5 PM) and a $10 low cost on meals and drinks within the resort.
Experience the hen bus
Enjoyable truth: Previous buses from america are auctioned off and pushed to Central American nations like El Salvador, the place they’re transformed into public transit buses. These buses often have colourful patterns on them. Nevertheless, don’t count on the posh of air con or private area.
They run by the freeway close to El Tunco and may price anyplace from $0.25 – $5, relying on how far you’re going.
Learn Subsequent:
Prime 18 Issues to do in Roatan, Honduras
La Fortuna Costa Rica with Youngsters
Get Journey Insurance coverage
Sadly, there are numerous issues that may go unsuitable on any journey. Be ready for the worst with journey insurance coverage. We use Travelex.
E-book Flights
I take advantage of Skyscanner to search out flights. I take advantage of it a lot, I wrote a whole information to discovering low cost flights with Skyscanner! Momondo can also be a terrific website for locating low cost flights.
E-book a Place to Keep
I like to recommend utilizing Expedia.com or Lodges.com for many resort bookings. I choose to guide instantly with Marriott after I keep there due to their wonderful navy low cost.
For those who choose staying in a trip rental as an alternative, I like to recommend VRBO.
Select Actions and Excursions
To search out nice actions in any space I take advantage of Get Your Information and Viator. If we’re visiting a metropolis with a number of in style points of interest I all the time verify CityPass and GoCard to see if they’ve low cost playing cards obtainable.
After I wish to guide a full-on multi-day tour I take advantage of TourRadar. They’ve received unbelievable weekly offers.
Disclosure: This submit accommodates affiliate hyperlinks, which implies we might obtain a fee in the event you click on a hyperlink and buy one thing that we’ve got beneficial however doesn’t price you any further. Please take a look at our disclosure coverage for extra particulars. Thanks on your help!
