El Tunco Beach: El Salvador's Surfing Heart
El Tunco Beach: Surf, sunsets, and vibrant vibes in El Salvador's ultimate backpacker and surfing destination. Discover black sands and consistent waves.
El Tunco Beach, a small but vibrant town in El Salvador, is a popular destination for surfers and backpackers. Known for its black-sand beaches, consistent waves, and lively nightlife, El Tunco offers a unique blend of relaxation and adventure. The iconic 'El Tunco rock' provides a stunning backdrop for sunsets and surfing sessions alike.
A brief summary to El Tunco Beach
- Playa, CP 1511, SV
- +50377490587
- Visit website
Local tips
- Bring water shoes! The beach is rocky, and water shoes will make exploring the shoreline much more comfortable.
- Catch the sunset from the beach or while surfing – it's an unforgettable experience.
- Try pupusas from a local eatery for an authentic and affordable Salvadoran culinary experience.
- Bargain respectfully when shopping at local markets and surf shops.
- Be aware of your belongings, especially at night, and avoid walking alone in poorly lit areas.
Getting There
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Bus
The most economical way to reach El Tunco from San Salvador is by bus. Take the 102-A bus from San Salvador, which departs hourly and takes approximately 49 minutes to reach El Tunco. The fare is around $2. Be aware that there may be an extra charge for large luggage like surfboards.
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Shuttle
For a faster and more direct journey from San Salvador, consider taking a shuttle. Several shuttle companies offer services to El Tunco, with a travel time of around 30 minutes. Shuttle costs range from $35 to $60. Shuttles can be booked online or through your accommodation.
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Taxi/Ride-share
Taxis and ride-sharing services are available from San Salvador to El Tunco. A taxi ride will take approximately 40 minutes, covering a distance of 42 km. Expect to pay between $30 and $50 for a taxi or ride-share. Confirm the price before starting your journey.
Discover more about El Tunco Beach
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Oceanside El Salvador
0.2 km
Experience the stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and thrilling adventures at Oceanside El Salvador, your perfect coastal getaway.
Layback Surf Hotel
0.2 km
Experience beachfront bliss at Layback Surf Hotel in El Tunco, El Salvador. Surf, relax, and soak up the sun!
Kayu Resort & Restaurant
0.5 km
Experience luxury and local flavors at Kayu Resort & Restaurant in El Sunzal, a tropical paradise on the Pacific Coast of El Salvador.
Playa El Sunzal
0.7 km
Experience world-class surfing, stunning sunsets, and a laid-back vibe at Playa El Sunzal, El Salvador's iconic beach break.
Hotel Los Farallones
1.0 km
Experience coastal luxury at Hotel Los Farallones in La Libertad, El Salvador, with stunning ocean views and a private beach.
Vista Sunzal Bungalows
1.2 km
Relax and ride the waves at Vista Sunzal Bungalows, your gateway to El Salvador's surfing paradise and coastal adventures.
Sabas Beach Resort
2.5 km
Experience beachfront bliss at Sabas Beach Resort in La Libertad, El Salvador. Relax, surf, and explore the beauty of Surf City.
Mandala Eco Villas
3.7 km
Experience an eco-friendly retreat at Mandala Eco Villas, a serene paradise in El Salvador combining comfort, nature, and sustainability for the ultimate getaway.
Real trips El Salvador tour Agency
3.9 km
Discover the beauty and culture of El Salvador with personalized tours from Real Trips El Salvador Tour Agency, your trusted travel partner in La Libertad.
Hammock Plantation (hostel)
4.1 km
Relaxing beachfront hostel in El Palmarcito, El Salvador, offering budget-friendly accommodations and a tranquil escape.
Puro Surf Hotel & Performance Academy
5.7 km
Experience beachfront bliss at El Zonte's Puro Surf Hotel: surf school, training, ocean views, and relaxation in a laid-back surf town.
Covana Seaside Kitchen
5.7 km
Experience fresh, locally-inspired cuisine with stunning ocean views at Covana Seaside Kitchen in El Zonte, El Salvador.
Palo Verde Sustainable Hotel
5.8 km
Experience eco-luxury at Palo Verde Sustainable Hotel in El Zonte, El Salvador: surf, sustainability, and breathtaking ocean views.
Canegue Cafe
5.8 km
El Zonte's beachfront cafe serving delicious brunch, exceptional coffee, and a laid-back surf vibe with fresh, local ingredients and ocean views.
Lote 44
5.8 km
Experience tranquility and surf vibes at Lote 44 in El Zonte, El Salvador. Your perfect getaway awaits!
Unmissable attractions to see
Tunco Beach Surf School & Rental
0.1 km
Experience the thrill of surfing at Tunco Beach Surf School & Rental, a top destination for enthusiasts and beginners in El Sunzal, El Salvador.
Piedra El Tunco
0.1 km
Discover the breathtaking beauty of Piedra El Tunco, a coastal treasure in El Salvador known for its stunning views, surf culture, and vibrant sunsets.
Tunco Life - El Salvador tours
0.2 km
Experience the vibrant surf culture, stunning sunsets, and warm local hospitality at Playa El Tunco in El Salvador.
El Tunco
0.2 km
Explore El Tunco, El Salvador: A vibrant surf village with stunning beaches, rich culture, and unforgettable sunsets along the Pacific coast.
Letras El Tunco
0.3 km
Experience the vibrant art and stunning coastal views at Letras El Tunco, a top tourist attraction in El Sunzal, El Salvador.
Surf City
0.4 km
Discover Surf City: Your ultimate destination for surfing, relaxation, and local cuisine on El Salvador’s stunning coastline.
Playa El Tunco
0.4 km
Discover the vibrant surf culture and stunning sunsets at Playa El Tunco, a must-visit beach destination in El Salvador.
El Sunzal
0.6 km
Experience the beauty of El Sunzal, a surf lover's paradise with stunning beaches and vibrant local culture in El Salvador.
Playa El Majahual
2.1 km
Experience the tranquil beauty and adventure at Playa El Majahual, a hidden beach gem on El Salvador's stunning coast.
Mirador Tamanique
2.3 km
Discover stunning views of El Salvador's natural beauty from Mirador Tamanique, an unmissable observation deck for every traveler.
Playa El Palmarcito
3.2 km
Experience the serene beauty of Playa El Palmarcito, a perfect blend of golden sands, gentle waves, and vibrant local culture in El Salvador.
Atami Playa, El Salvador
3.5 km
Experience the stunning beauty of Atami Playa in El Salvador, where adventure meets relaxation on pristine beaches.
Playa de Conchalio
3.9 km
Experience the tranquil beauty of Playa de Conchalio, a pristine beach in El Salvador perfect for relaxation, water sports, and stunning sunsets.
Maya Surf Tours & School El Salvador
3.9 km
Experience the thrill of surfing at Maya Surf Tours & School El Salvador, where adventure meets the stunning beauty of Playa El Palmarcito.
Playa El Cocal
4.1 km
Experience the breathtaking beauty of Playa El Cocal, a stunning beach destination in El Salvador known for surfing, relaxation, and scenic sunsets.
Essential places to dine
Restaurante La Bocana
0.0 km
Experience the vibrant flavors of El Salvador at Restaurante La Bocana – where family-friendly dining meets local culinary excellence.
Restaurante Erika
0.1 km
Experience local flavors and stunning views at Restaurante Erika in Playa – where every meal becomes a memorable occasion.
Loroco Bistro
0.1 km
Discover unique Salvadoran cuisine at Loroco Bistro in Playa Tunco - where every dish tells a story.
Coyote
0.1 km
Discover Coyote: A culinary gem near Playa El Tunco offering fresh seafood and traditional Salvadoran cuisine in a welcoming atmosphere.
Esquina la comadre
0.2 km
Discover the authentic tastes of El Salvador at Esquina la Comadre, where every dish tells a story.
Tunco Veloz Pizzeria
0.2 km
Discover exquisite pizzas and pastas at Tunco Veloz Pizzeria in Playa El Tunco – where flavor meets vibrant coastal charm.
JungleSv
0.2 km
Discover JungleSv: A vibrant restaurant blending health food and cocktails in a tropical paradise at Playa.
Sunzal Cafe
0.6 km
Experience breathtaking ocean views and delicious local cuisine at Sunzal Cafe on El Sunzal's stunning coastline.
Sunset Plaza
0.9 km
Experience culinary excellence at Sunset Plaza in La Libertad – where every meal comes with breathtaking ocean views.
Cadejo Brewing Company
1.6 km
Experience the best of craft beer and coastal cuisine at Cadejo Brewing Company in Tamanique - where flavor meets ocean views.
Beto's Restaurante La Libertad
2.3 km
Discover Beto's Restaurante La Libertad - where fresh seafood meets stunning ocean views in Tamanique.
Restaurante La Dolce Vita Playa San Blas
2.7 km
Discover exquisite flavors and oceanfront relaxation at Restaurante La Dolce Vita Playa San Blas – where culinary delights meet stunning views.
Pelicanos Restaurant
3.7 km
Discover Pelicanos Restaurant in Tamanique for exquisite seafood dishes and breathtaking ocean views that elevate your culinary journey.
Neto's Restaurante Playa El Cocal
4.2 km
Discover authentic Salvadoran flavors at Neto's Restaurante in Playa El Cocal—where culinary excellence meets breathtaking ocean views.
Lulo - Cocina & Pasión
4.2 km
Discover the flavors of El Salvador at Lulo - Cocina & Pasión, where family-friendly dining meets authentic culinary experiences.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Dale Dale Café
0.1 km
Discover the essence of El Sunzal at Dale Dale Café, where artisanal coffee meets stunning ocean views in a cozy, inviting atmosphere.
Karen Hope Store
0.2 km
Explore Karen Hope Store for unique souvenirs and local crafts that embody the spirit of El Salvador, perfect for any traveler.
El Encuentro Surf City Mall
3.8 km
Discover El Encuentro Surf City Mall, where shopping meets coastal charm in Playa San Blas, offering unique local finds and delightful dining.
Ava’s Closet
6.2 km
Explore Ava’s Closet in La Libertad for stylish clothing and accessories, reflecting the vibrant culture of El Salvador.
Tienda Luz
6.4 km
Discover the vibrant flavors of La Libertad at Tienda Luz, your one-stop grocery store for local and international products.
Variedades Dilma
6.8 km
Experience the essence of Salvadoran craftsmanship at Variedades Dilma, a premier cutlery store in La Libertad, where quality meets art.
Sastrería El Shinay
6.9 km
Discover bespoke tailoring and unique men's fashion at Sastrería El Shinay in La Libertad, where craftsmanship meets personalized service.
Tío Nay
7.0 km
Discover unique Salvadoran fashion at Tío Nay in La Libertad, where local artistry meets contemporary style.
Tienda cris
7.0 km
Explore the vibrant culture of La Libertad at Tienda Cris, a charming home goods store offering unique local products and artisan treasures.
Women
7.0 km
Explore the vibrant Women clothing store in La Libertad for stylish apparel that captures the essence of Salvadoran fashion.
San Diego Store
7.0 km
Discover unique youth fashion at San Diego Store in La Libertad, where local culture meets contemporary style.
BICAE S.A DE C.V.
7.0 km
Explore BICAE S.A DE C.V. in La Libertad for exquisite couture fashion, blending luxury with local charm in a stunning coastal setting.
Variedades Bonilla
7.1 km
Explore Variedades Bonilla in La Libertad: A charming general store full of local crafts, snacks, and authentic Salvadoran culture.
LJ Store
7.1 km
Discover unique home goods and decor at LJ Store in La Libertad, where local craftsmanship meets vibrant design.
Variedades Lemus
7.1 km
Discover Variedades Lemus in La Libertad: where local fashion meets vibrant culture, perfect for unique souvenirs and stylish apparel.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
La Bonita Beach Club
0.0 km
Experience the vibrant flavors and stunning ocean views at La Bonita Beach Club in Tamanique, a culinary paradise for beach lovers.
BamBar
0.1 km
Discover BamBar in El Sunzal: where refreshing drinks meet stunning ocean views for an unforgettable tropical experience.
Kako's Gastrobar
0.1 km
Experience the vibrant culinary delights of Kako's Gastrobar in Tamanique, where fresh local flavors meet a lively beachside atmosphere.
Michela
0.1 km
Discover the vibrant flavors of El Salvador at Michela, a premier grill restaurant serving exquisite dishes in a lively atmosphere.
Barba Blanca
0.1 km
Discover the vibrant Barba Blanca in Tamanique, where tropical cocktails and breathtaking views create an unforgettable experience.
Mopelia | Restaurante & Bar
0.2 km
Explore the vibrant flavors and coastal ambiance at Mopelia | Restaurante & Bar in Playa El Tunco, the ultimate spot for food and fun.
Long Beach Bar Karaoke
0.3 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Long Beach Bar Karaoke, where every night is a celebration of music, laughter, and unforgettable performances.
Olalai Beach Lounge
0.7 km
Discover Olalai Beach Lounge, a vibrant beachfront bar and restaurant in El Sunzal, perfect for food, fun, and surf enthusiasts.
Cervecería Chapultepec | La Libertad
0.9 km
Explore the vibrant flavors of Cervecería Chapultepec, where delicious gastropub dishes meet a lively bar atmosphere near Playa El Tunco.
Bella Vista
2.3 km
Discover comfort and local charm at Bella Vista, your tranquil retreat near Playa El Majahual in La Libertad, El Salvador.
Gitano La libertad (Plaza Baru)
4.1 km
Experience the vibrant beachside dining at Gitano La Libertad, where exquisite grilled dishes meet the beauty of Playa El Cocal.
Xclusive Club Bar
4.3 km
Discover the ultimate nightlife experience at Xclusive Club Bar in La Libertad, where electrifying music and vibrant atmosphere await you.
Clásico Beach
4.5 km
Experience the vibrant atmosphere and breathtaking views at Clásico Beach, the perfect coastal bar for relaxation and enjoyment.
The Beer Station
4.5 km
The Beer Station: Discover a lively bar in El Salvador offering a remarkable selection of local and international beers in a welcoming atmosphere.
Barú
5.0 km
Discover the vibrant culinary scene at Barú, where Salvadoran flavors meet cultural celebrations in La Libertad.
