El Salvador
El Salvador is the smallest country in Central America but boasts a diverse geography. It features beautiful beaches along its Pacific coastline, volcanic mountains, lush forests, and fertile valleys. The country is often referred to as the "Land of Volcanoes" due to its numerous volcanic peaks. I will highlight the spots to visit here, but it's important to note that I passed straight through El Salvador with a friend (check out our crossing borders blog post). If you have stopped off in El Salvador and would like to contribute for your fellow backpackers, please contact us.
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OUR RECOMMENDED JOURNEY
El Zonte
El Zonte
If you have read our blog post 'crossing borders'. You will know that we took a shuttle from Antigua Guatemala to Leon Nicaragua. The shuttle takes the safe costal road through El Salvador to transit through country. The Shuttle stops at various surf towns along the way allowing you to hope of at one of the surf towns as you go. We stopped off in El Zonte & El Sunzal with the backpackers who jumped on the bus giving El Salvador and its people a greta review. A personal regret is not having stopped here, but Central America is so fun, I am sure I will see it again.
El Zonte is one of the most emblematic surf destinations in El Salvador. This small coastal community maintains its original bohemian and beach style. Cliffs and rocky peninsulas that enter the ocean and mark its boundaries.
El Sunzal
You are not going to find golden sandy beaches in El Sunzal, but what you will find is 365 days of surf. Some of the bigger brands like La Point are located. These branded surf academies will give you a full package of surf, yoga and food if you want someone else to do the organising. That is of course the expensive option. The other option being find yourself a hostel for around £12-20, there are only a few available and frankly the reviews are mixed with the bulk of issues being around mosquitos and cleanliness! The winning formula in this instance is probably Air BnB, there are multiple nice properties which are extremely affordable especially if there is a few of you and you. OK you wont perhaps meet fellow backpackers as easily but you can get yourself a nice hold up for a week or two of surfing.
El Sunzal
El Tunco
El Tunco
El Tunco beach is known as the surfing capital of El Salvador, as is just one beach over from El Sunzal. You will get a bit more beach here with black sands but as with most of El Salvador, this is going to be a stony beach. El Tunco and El Sunzal combine together to offer a really chill bohemian vibe. Again look out for Air BnB's here that you can share with friends.
Punta Roca
... I want the big waves. You have got them at Punta Roca, just south of El Tunco its located on the outskirts of the city of El Puerto de La Libertad. Here you have a powerful right hander that has been compared to that of Jefferey Bay (see right image taken from Surfer Today). One for only the experienced surfers but also one that would be great to watch from the shore.
