El Tunco, a small beach town on El Salvador’s Pacific coast, was such a fun and unexpected stop for us. Known for its surf culture, black sand beaches, and epic sunsets, this place has a super laid-back vibe that makes it easy to stay longer than planned. The beach was quite rough when we were there and you really couldn't even swim, so make sure book somewhere with a pool. We stayed on the other side of the river cutting through the town which we wouldn't recommend but the town was a total vibe, would highly recommend this place!

Things We Loved in El Tunco:

• Sunsets at El Tunco Beach – Watching the sun dip behind the iconic rock formation was a daily ritual for us. Easily some of the best sunsets we’ve seen in Central America.

• Surf Culture – Even if you’re not a surfer, the energy here is infectious. There are great beginner surf spots and plenty of places to just sit back and watch the pros.

• Beach Bars & Nightlife – El Tunco comes alive at night with beachfront bars, live music, and DJs. It’s social, fun, and easy to meet people.

• Day Trips – We loved using El Tunco as a base to explore nearby waterfalls, beaches, and other coastal towns.

• Bitcoin Beach (El Zonte) – Just a short trip away, we loved visiting Bitcoin Beach to see how the local community embraces Bitcoin in everyday life. It was such a unique experience and something you don’t see anywhere else in the world.

• Mizata – A quieter, more local-feeling surf town nearby that we absolutely loved. It felt untouched, peaceful, and was a nice contrast to El Tunco’s social vibe.

• Nawi Beach Club (mizata) – One of our favourite spots for a chilled beach day. Great food, cocktails, ocean views, and the perfect place to relax between adventures.

Tips for Visiting:

• Best time: November to April for dry weather and consistent surf.

• Getting there: About an hour from San Salvador by shuttle or taxi.

• Essentials: Sunscreen, swimmers, cash, and something light for cooler evenings.

El Tunco was the perfect mix of beach life, surf energy, and social vibes. If you’re travelling through El Salvador, this town is a must—especially if you love sunsets, ocean days, and relaxed coastal living.