El Tunco, El Salvador: A Personal A-Z Travel Guide
The mantra we think everyone should live by is “Work hard, party harder”. So if you are one of those people, and you’re looking to spend some relaxing days around the beach, we’ve got the perfect destination for you! El Tunco, El Salvador. The beautiful beach town is the perfect place to unwind, relax and spend some time in the Sun. The town is packed with beach activities, beautiful markets, surfing activities, an awesome nightlife and some stunning landscape.
So grab your passports, pack your bag and get ready for a vacation of a lifetime!
Where Even Is El Tunco, El Salvador
Located along the Pacific coast of El Salvador, El Tunco is a small but lively beach town that is filled with tourists and travellers year round but especially during summertime. It is located a short distance of 40 minutes from the capital, San Salvador, but has a totally different lifestyle than the capital. There are other, less popular coastal towns like La Libertad and El Zonte around it but the vibe of El Tunco is unmatched.
If you’re flying to El Salvador International Airport, you can get a taxi and reach El Tunco in about an hour. Alternatively, you can take a local bus (known as “chicken buses”).
El Tunco, El Salvador weather: The Best Time To Visit
Like any coastal town, El Tunco also has unpredictable weather, but there are dry and rainy seasons so you can plan your perfect vacation without worrying about any unpredictable weather.
Dry Season (November to April)
For obvious reasons, El Tunco’s dry season is the most popular time to visit. This season is typically from November to April. Even though the nights get a bit colder during December-January, the days are still very sunny with a light sea breeze which is very pleasant for a day out or for surfing. If you’re looking for that classic beach holiday with blue skies and warm breezes, this is your go-to season. But be aware, this is also the peak season for tourists and almost all the places are very crowded and busy during this season. That is why we recommend booking your resorts and hotels in advance.
Rainy Season (May to October)
Hey hey, don’t be put off by the term “rainy season.” Only June-July are full-on rainy season. In the rest of the months, rain usually shows up in short afternoon bursts, and leaves plenty of sunny hours in the mornings. But, the plus side is, the waves get even better for surfing, and the crowds are thinner if you go immediately after rain, so you might just feel like you have the beach all to yourself. If you don’t mind a bit of rain and you’re after a more peaceful vibe, this could be the perfect time to visit.
El Tunco, El Salvador Hotels For A Comfortable Stay
Since El Tunco is a touristy place, there’s no shortage of options. There are some budget-friendly options as well as some beachside resorts and high-end hotels. Depending on your budget and the type of accommodation you want, you can pick the options that suit you best.
Some of our favourite picks are Hotel Tunco Lodge and Boca Olas Resort, both known for their chill vibes and excellent service.
Resorts in El Tunco, El Salvador
If you want an all-inclusive and luxurious stay, El Tunco has a few resort options that will add luxury and comfort to your vacation. Boca Olas Resort & Villas is a great option that offers stunning views, spacious villas, and top-tier amenities like pools and beachfront dining. It’s the perfect choice for those who want to relax in style after a day of surfing or exploring.
Another great option is Eco del Mar Hotel, which is more focused on luxury and on sustainability, so you can enjoy your stay while feeling good about your environmental impact.
Airbnb El Tunco, El Salvador
If you want a personalised trip with your own space, Airbnb in El Tunco can be great. There are plenty of private properties that are on Airbnb. Depending on your budget, location preferences and host preferences, you can pick the Airbnb that best matches your needs.
You can find beachfront properties with stunning ocean views or cosy little homes away from the busy streets. Some popular Airbnb stays even come with extras like private pools, outdoor dining areas, or direct beach access. The plus point is that some hosts are awesome enough to share insider tips on the best places to eat, surf, or explore.
El Tunco, El Salvador Beach That You Cannot Miss
Even though there are many closeby coastal towns, El Tunco has the best beaches and coastline. Known for its iconic rock formations and breathtaking sunsets, the El Tunco beach is the perfect spot to kick back, relax, and enjoy the beauty of El Salvador’s Pacific coast.
Other than relaxing, the whole coastline in El Tunco has awesome beachside cafes, restaurants and bars that are open till late and have a fun vibe. And if you’re lucky, you might even catch some live music or a beachside bonfire at night.
El Tunco, El Salvador Surf Scene
El Tunco isn’t just a calm beach where you can lounge on the sand and relax. The waves on this side of the coastline are suitable for surfing. In fact, this town is famous for its world-class waves, which is another reason why tourists flock to this small town.
On some parts of the coastline, the waves are calm enough for beginner and intermediate surfers, while in most areas, the waves are a bit powerful which are perfect for advanced surfers. If you don’t know how to surf but you still want to give it a go, there are plenty of local surf schools and rental shops available, so if you’ve ever wanted to learn, El Tunco is the place to catch your first wave!
El Tunco, El Salvador Nightlife
When the Sun goes down, that’s when the real party starts. The nightlife of El Tunco is more happening than the daytime. The beachside cafes and bars are open till late and offer plenty of fresh food, booze and party opportunities.
Popular spots for enjoying a night party are La Guitarra and D’Rocas which have options for reggae tunes and salsa nights. If you’re tired from dancing and partying, you can grab a drink, sit on the beach and enjoy the sound of waves and a dim sound of music.
Conclusion
All in all, El Tunco is the perfect place to relax, enjoy solo, with a partner or with family. You can participate in activities like surfing, dancing, clubbing and boating. And for a more relaxed mood, you can take a stroll around town or just lay on the beach.
Whatever you want to do, El Tunco has a bit of everything for everyone. It’s a perfect place to ‘treat yourself’ after working your jobs.