7 Days  •  6 Nights

El Salvador Surf & Beach: Pacific Coast

El Tunco (4N) - El Zonte (2N)

Tour Includes

Accommodation
Meals
Sightseeing
Transfers
Local Guide
Activities
Overview

About the Trip

El Salvador's Pacific coast has quietly become one of the world's great surf destinations, a string of black-sand beaches and warm, consistent point breaks that draw surfers from around the globe while remaining refreshingly laid-back. This seven-day escape settles you into its rhythm. You surf or learn to surf at El Tunco and El Zonte (the original 'Bitcoin Beach'), watch fiery sunsets from beach bars, feast on fresh seafood, and take a day to explore inland volcanoes and coffee towns for contrast. Whether you are a seasoned surfer chasing the point break at Punta Roca or a first-timer wanting gentle waves and hammock time, this is barefoot Pacific bliss with just enough adventure.
Highlights

Trip Highlights

  • World-class point breaks at El Tunco and Punta Roca
  • Beginner-friendly waves and surf lessons
  • El Zonte, the original 'Bitcoin Beach'
  • Black-sand beaches and fiery Pacific sunsets
  • Fresh seafood and laid-back beach bars
  • An inland volcano and coffee day trip
Itinerary

Day by Day

A detailed day-by-day plan for this 7-day journey.

Day 1

Met at the airport, you transfer to the surf village of El Tunco on the Pacific coast. Settle in, feel the sand between your toes, and enjoy a welcome dinner as the waves roll in.

Your Journey This Day
San Salvador Airport
Arrival · Private
El Tunco
Meals Included
Breakfast|Dinner
Day 2

A morning surf lesson on the beach breaks with expert local instructors, suitable for beginners and improvers, followed by an afternoon relaxing on the sand and a legendary El Tunco sunset.

Meals Included
Breakfast
Day 3

A trip to nearby Punta Roca, one of Central America's finest right-hand point breaks, to surf or watch the experts, with the rest of the day for beach time and seafood.

Meals Included
Breakfast|Lunch
Day 4

A change of scene inland to the Santa Ana volcano area or the Ruta de las Flores coffee towns, hiking or sightseeing among the highlands before returning to the coast.

Meals Included
Breakfast
Day 5

A short coastal transfer to El Zonte, the mellow beach known as the original 'Bitcoin Beach', with a great point break and an even more laid-back vibe. Settle in and catch the sunset.

Your Journey This Day
El Tunco
Road · Coastal drive
El Zonte
Meals Included
Breakfast
Day 6

A free day to surf El Zonte's waves, take another lesson, swim in the natural rock pools, practise yoga, or simply laze in a hammock by the Pacific.

Meals Included
Breakfast
Day 7

A final beach morning before transferring back to San Salvador airport for your onward flight home.

Your Journey This Day
El Zonte
Departure · Private
San Salvador Airport
Meals Included
Breakfast
Route Map

Where You Will Travel

Package

What's inside the package?

Inclusions

  • 6 nights accommodation
  • Daily breakfast, a welcome dinner and a beach seafood lunch
  • Airport transfers
  • Touring and activities as per itinerary with English-speaking guides
  • Ground transfers between regions
  • Entrance and national park fees as per itinerary
  • two surf lessons and an inland volcano and coffee-town day trip

Exclusions

  • International airfare
  • Visa or tourist card fees where applicable
  • Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
  • Meals not mentioned in the itinerary or inclusions
  • Drinks unless specifically stated
  • Optional excursions and experiences
  • Personal expenses and gratuities
  • Anything not specifically mentioned under Package Inclusions
Best Time to Travel

Know when to go.

Place
El Salvador
Conditions
Dry, warm
Daily max temperature
32°C
Monthly rainfall
5mm
Weather data is based on monthly averages. Popularity rating
Good to Know
  • Visa & entry: Most nationalities, including UK, US, EU, Canadian and Australian passport holders, do not need a visa for tourism and receive entry under the CA-4 regional agreement; a passport valid for at least six months and, sometimes, a small tourist fee apply. We confirm details for your nationality
  • Currency: El Salvador uses the US Dollar as its official currency, and Bitcoin is also legal tender though rarely needed by visitors; carry small US Dollar notes for markets, tips and rural areas
  • Best time to visit: The dry season (November to April) is sunniest and ideal for volcanoes, ruins and the beach, while the green season (May to October) brings lush landscapes and afternoon showers; the surf is excellent year-round
  • Getting around: El Salvador is Central America's smallest country, so distances are short and you can reach beaches, volcanoes and colonial towns in a single day; internal ground transfers are included
  • Surfing: The Pacific coast is a world-class surf destination, with consistent waves at El Tunco, El Zonte and Punta Roca suiting beginners to experts; lessons and boards are easy to arrange
  • Safety: El Salvador has transformed its security in recent years and now welcomes travellers warmly; as anywhere, we use trusted local guides and drivers and follow sensible precautions to keep your trip smooth
  • Health: No vaccinations are required for most travellers; bring insect repellent, reef-safe sunscreen and stay hydrated in the tropical heat, and drink bottled or filtered water
  • Money & tipping: US Dollars in cash are useful throughout; cards work in cities and resorts. Tipping around ten percent is customary for good service, and power is 120V with US-style plugs, so US travellers need no adapter
FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this suitable for non-surfers?

Yes — while the surf is a highlight, the beaches, sunsets, seafood, rock pools and the inland day trip make it a lovely coastal holiday for non-surfers too. You can be as active or relaxed as you like.

Are the waves suitable for beginners?

Absolutely. El Tunco and El Zonte have beginner-friendly beach breaks and excellent instructors, while experienced surfers can chase the point breaks at Punta Roca and beyond. Boards and lessons are easy to arrange.

What meals are included?

Daily breakfast is included throughout, along with any meals named in the itinerary such as a welcome dinner. El Salvador's food, from pupusas to fresh seafood, is a delight and inexpensive, so most lunches and dinners are left free to explore.

Is El Salvador safe to visit now?

El Salvador has seen a dramatic improvement in security in recent years and is increasingly popular with travellers. We use trusted local guides and drivers and sensible precautions throughout, and most visitors find the country warm, welcoming and easy.

Do I need a visa for El Salvador?

Most nationalities do not need a visa and enter under the regional CA-4 agreement, sometimes with a small tourist fee. We confirm the requirement for your nationality when you book; a passport valid for six months is needed.

What currency is used?

El Salvador uses the US Dollar, which makes budgeting easy for many travellers. Carry small notes for markets, tips and rural areas; cards are accepted in cities and resorts.

When is the best time to visit?

The dry season (November to April) is best for sightseeing and the beach, while the green season is lush with afternoon showers. The Pacific surf is excellent all year.

Can the itinerary be customised?

Absolutely. Because the country is small, we can easily combine volcanoes, colonial towns, Maya ruins and the surf coast, adjust the pace, and tailor the trip to your interests and budget.