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Looking for the best things to do in El Tunco? There are many! El Tunco might be a tiny town, but there are so many great things to do in this part of El Salvador.
Exploring the stretch of Pacific coastline around El Tunco was a highlight of our 6 months in Central America.
The sunsets, the ocean pools, the surf and the amazing laidback vibes completely captivated us, and we could really see ourselves staying here for a long time.
Whether you’re discovering the street art in Tunco town, jumping on a scooter to cruise to hidden beaches, swimming in epic tidal pools or enjoying a famous Salvadoran sunset, these are the 19 best things to do in El Tunco and its surroundings.
Things to do in El Tunco
All these activities are directly in town and don’t require any transport.
🏄🏽♂️ Planning a trip to El Tunco? Go read our El Tunco travel guide for a detailed overview of the town, getting there and around, where to stay, best spots to eat and other handy travel tips
1. Go surfing
El Tunco and the surrounding section of El Salvador’s Pacific Coast are world-famous for surfing!
Surf may have been what brought you to El Tunco in the first place, if not, you should at least try your hand at riding some waves.
SURF SEASON 🗓️
The surf has two seasons in El Salvador: big and bigger.
In the dry season, from around November – April, the waves are the best for beginner/intermediate surfers. This is considered the off-season and the local pros would say it’s tiny, but there are always some waves and most visitors would still consider this decent surf.
As the wet season picks up from May – October, the swell gets much bigger. The tides are high and strong, and the waves are best for advanced surfers.
BREAKS 🌊
- El Sunzal: probably the best-known surf spot in El Tunco, if you’re looking at the beach, turn right and walk all the way to the end of the sandy beach to the point. That’s El Sunzal. Very crowded, good for surfers of all levels depending on the swell and tides, if you’re taking lessons, you’ll most likely be here.
- La Bocana: an advanced break near the river mouth, if you’re looking at the main beach, turn left. Unless you’re a pro, you probably won’t be surfing La Bocana.
- La Bocanita: right in front of the main beach in El Tunco, La Bocanita is a beach break that picks up at high tide. Most of us are more likely to be enjoying the show from a front-row seat at a beach bar like La Bonita, watching the locals shred it up.
BOARD RENTALS 🏄🏽♀️
There are board rentals available all over El Tunco. Most accommodations rent boards, and you’ll see a few different stores with boards lined up on the road down to the beach.
If you’re new to the area, I’d recommend taking a lesson at least once to get some local tips and get a feel for the different breaks, then continue renting from your school.
LESSONS 🏄🏽♀️
If you actually want to learn or improve your surfing, not just pay to get pushed onto a wave, book lessons at WAYO. Owner, Wayo, was an absolute legend, and the best surf instructor Brayden has ever had.
He was helpful, honest and tough, and there to teach you the skills and foundations required to be a good surfer, not just get you riding a wave for a photo.
He was such a genuinely nice person, we could not recommend him more highly!
Wayo is a little pricier than some of the other schools, but $40 for a private 90-minute lesson with a pro surfer isn’t too bad!
2. See a famous El Tunco sunset
I’m making the call, El Tunco has the best sunsets in Central America. Big call, I know, but the fiery skies and flaming ball we saw night after night in El Tunco were incredible.
You can wander down pretty much anywhere on the beach and enjoy the show, but I’d recommend heading slightly east (to the left looking at the beach) to see the sunset with the famous Tunco rock silhouetted in the foreground.
It was really special, and everyone in town will be down on the beach each evening to watch the sunset. Have a beer and either wind down the day (us) or get ready for a big night ahead (all the other backpackers).
Make sure you plan your day around being on the beach at sunset time, you really don’t want to miss any opportunities to see it during your stay.
3. Explore the sea caves
At the far eastern end of the beach in El Tunco (turn left if you’re looking at the water) are some really cool sea caves. (Get the exact location pinned on my El Salvador Google Map).
You’ll need to waddle your way across the very rocky beach before you see the caves in the tall cliffs.
You can only access them at very low tide, and even then you will be wading through shallow water. I’d suggest making sure the tide is going OUT not coming in, just to be sure you don’t get stuck.
There is a whole network of caves, with tunnels you can walk through connecting the caves. Most of them are very tall and open, not tight or claustrophobic.
We loved exploring the caves both here, and in El Zonte, and this whole stretch of rocky coastline is full of amazing hidden discoveries like the caves and ocean pools. It’s crazy what the ocean has carved out from years of rough waves eroding the rocks.
If you have any belongings, you’ll want to make sure they’re in a dry bag. Come wearing bathers as you will get wet walking through the caves.
4. Wander around town and find the street art
El Tunco is really tiny, and it won’t take you too long to walk around the town. But it’s so worth doing, as this place is like a rainbow! There are gorgeous murals and street art all over town, that make for some great photos.
There are lots of paintings of the marine life and animals of the region, and some lovely portraits of influential community members.
I won’t tell you exactly where to look, just wander the streets – you won’t miss them!
5. Go shopping
I’m not normally a big shopper, and I wouldn’t normally include this as a recommendation, but El Tunco has some seriously cool surf brands.
‘Surf, Skate & Pupusas’ is one of them, with an iconic tee that sums up the area perfectly.
If you’re travelling through Central America, El Salvador is probably about your halfway point, and you’re no doubt in need of something new to wear. There are plenty of really cool branded tees, bikinis, hats and other beachwear.
There are a couple of good shops in Tunco Town Plaza and on the main street, but otherwise just pop your head into the surf schools, as most have some merch too.
6. Stretch it out with some yoga
Next to surfing, yoga is the most popular thing to do in El Tunco.
Whether you need to stretch out your sore muscles from surfing or relax and realign after too much partying, there are some really beautiful spaces to do yoga.
We highly recommend Balance. They are a dedicated yoga retreat, but they’ve also got a schedule of drop-in classes, and their space is beautiful! Check their timetable here and don’t forget to pop into their cafe after class for a delish breakfast or fresh juice.
7. Enjoy El Tunco’s nightlife
Surfing and partying are the things El Tunco is best known for, so even though we’re not huge partiers, it would be remiss of me not to mention nightlife!
We stayed during the week and were actually surprised at how tame it was, but I hear all that changes on the weekend. The city slickers come down from San Salvador, and they are ready to party.
We don’t have the best insight on where the party is at, but it’s a small town, you won’t miss it.
A couple of the more laidback bars we enjoyed while in town were:
- La Bonita Beach Club: all the boho aesthetic vibes, this beach club is STUNNING. We only had one drink here, as it’s quite pricey, but worth it for a good cocktail in a gorg setting, with amazing beach and sunset views. It picks up later in the night on the weekends if you’re looking for a party.
- Monkey Lala: the location is amazing, everything else is pretty average. The best sunset vantage point in town, I wouldn’t waste your time on a cocktail, just grab a beer and don’t expect good service. It’s a popular spot on the weekends and I think they have events and parties often.
- La Guitarra: the go-to place for live music, it’s nothing fancy or bougie but it’s got a fun pub vibe and lots of dancing. Great location right on the beach. It’s also a budget hotel but if you like sleep, I wouldn’t bother!
8. Chill out at the beach
It’s very easy to do nothing in El Tunco, and I highly recommend you make the time to do so! Don’t cram your schedule full of activities and day trips.
For most travellers, this is the perfect place to slow down for a few days and get into an easy rhythm of surfing, chilling and sunsets.
Your accommodation probably has hammocks or a pool, otherwise head down to the beach.
The west section of the beach, when you turn right and pass the river is the nicest place to hang out as there is more sand, so you can lay down a towel.
Read a book, go for a swim, watch the sunset, or just soak up the atmosphere. There is sure to be plenty of action for people (or dog) watching.
Things to do around El Tunco
El Tunco is just one part of this epic stretch of Pacific Coast, and there are so many other great places to explore outside of the town. You’ll need some form of transport for these activities, like the chicken bus, scooter, tour or taxi/Uber/driver.
9. Have lunch at Cadejo Brewery
This awesome brewery is perched on a cliff about 5 minutes drive from El Tunco town.
Originally created in San Salvador, Cadejo has breweries all over the country and is one of the biggest craft breweries in Central America. Their El Tunco location is stunning, and this is an amazing place for lunch with a view.
They’ve got a great selection of beers on tap, and you can order tasting paddles. They’ve also got a full food menu, and we loved the chicken wings and pizza. A nice change from pupusas!
Even better than good views, good beer and good food is their epic ocean pool.
Supposedly you have to spend at least $25 per person to access the pool, but we visited on a weekday when it was quiet, and we talked them into letting us use it for $25 total spend.
This was one of the best ocean pools we swam in, with enough water coming in to keep it clean, and big enough to properly swim around and float without constant waves coming at you.
It was one of my favourite afternoons in El Tunco, and I highly recommend planning a few hours here to enjoy their pool. Jump on the bus, take a taxi or ride a scooter here from town.
10. Sunset drinks at Cerveceria Chapultepec
A 5-minute drive in the other direction is another great bar you should check out. We were first introduced to Cerveceria Chapultepec in Guadalajara, Mexico.
It’s a regional chain where everything on the menu is the same price. It used to be $1 USD or the equivalent in the local currency, but with inflation, it’s more like $1.99 now.
It doesn’t quite have the same ring to it, but it’s still insanely cheap!
You can get cocktails, beers, shots, and a whole menu of small food items like tacos, mini burritos, burgers, tostadas and tortas for the same cheap price.
Obviously it’s not the most amazing quality, but we loooove their flavoured margaritas, and despite the cost, they definitely still have alcohol in them. Try the maracuya (passionfruit) and tamarindo (tamarind) flavours, they are *chef’s kiss*.
If the cheap prices weren’t enough to sell you, the location is stunning, perched on a cliff overlooking the water, with the best sunset vantage point. Time your visit for late afternoon!
Jump on the bus, take a taxi or ride a scooter from town.
11. Spend the day at Atami Escape Resort
If a beachfront resort is out of your budget, you can be bougie for a day at Atami Escape Resort.
Located 15 minutes down the coast from El Tunco, Atami is perched on a cliff overlooking Playa El Palmarcito. You’ll need to take the bus or ride a scooter to get here.
The resort offers day passes for non-guests. It’s $20 per person, and of that $20, you get $8 to spend on food and drink.
There are dozens of little palm-thatched huts with a picnic table and hammocks scattered around the grounds, and for $7 extra, you can reserve a private hut for the day.
If you’re there early enough or reserve online in advance, you’ll have a hut overlooking the ocean. Try and snag 55, 56 or 64. A pretty sweet place to set up for the day!
In addition to the restaurants, two swimming pools and lush tropical grounds, Atami has three ocean pools. The biggest pool is an amazing place to swim and was so much fun as the tide started coming in, with big waves crashing into the pool and churning it up.
12. Check out Playa El Palmarcito
If the day pass at Atami is out of your budget, El Palmarcito is still a lovely little beach to come and hang out on for a few hours.
A lot of surf schools bring students here for lessons as it’s much calmer and the waves aren’t so big. You can rent boards from a little shack on the road leading to the beach.
It’s also a nice spot for a swim if you’re not a surfer.
I believe you can also access the ocean pools at Atami from the beach, without paying to enter the resort.
The rules are a bit unclear, and there is a gate, but I think if you visit during the week you can get into the pools for free.
You can get the bus down the highway, and then it’s a 10-minute walk to the beach. Otherwise, ride a scooter, there’s space to park before the sand.
13. Rent a scooter for a day
We rented a scooter from WAYO in El Tunco for $25 for 24 hours and spent a day cruising down the coastal highway. We rode west all the way to Mizata.
There are a series of really cool tunnels on the highway, it winds around the coastline with insane ocean views, and there are a series of small towns and oceanfront restaurants you can stop for a drink or a meal.
It was a really fun day just cruising around and exploring. We didn’t have a destination or any sights in mind, we enjoyed the sunshine and breeze in our hair and stopped when we felt like it!
📍 I pinned the tunnels and our favourite lookouts on our El Salvador Google Map
14. Hang out in El Zonte
My favourite town on the coast, El Zonte is a smaller, more laidback version of El Tunco. I would highly recommend spending a few nights here, as it’s such a special, chilled-out place that’s worth a couple of days.
But if you don’t have the time, it’s worth visiting for the day.
There is a good surf spot at the point, a long, sandy stretch of beach that’s quite different to the beach in El Tunco and two sets of sea caves to explore. There’s a handful of nice cafes and restaurants for a meal too.
Any bus heading west from El Tunco should pass by El Zonte.
🌴 Check out my complete guide to El Zonte for more ideas for your day trip
15. Hike to Tamanique Waterfalls
Head into the mountains to the small town of Tamanique to discover some gorgeous waterfalls.
It’s mandatory to visit with a local guide, and you can either organise a tour from El Tunco that includes transport or head to the local tourism office in town to find a guide.
If you visit independently, the price for a guide depends on how many people you are. Expect to pay between $7 – $15 per person.
The hike to the waterfalls is very challenging, with some steep inclines. It will take at least an hour, but it’s all worth it when you reach the river!
There are at least four different waterfalls and plenty of spots for cliff jumping.
I’d recommend booking this tour that includes pick-up from El Tunco or El Zonte if you want someone else to take care of all the logistics.
Otherwise, you can take the bus (#187) or ride a scooter to Tamanique.
💦 Book a guided hike to Tamanique Waterfalls
16. Surf a different break
If you’re a surfer, there are so many other amazing breaks to check out on this stretch of coastline. Most are outside of the main towns!
In addition to El Tunco and El Zonte, check out K59, K61, El Palmarcito, Punta Roca or San Blas, depending on your skill level. All these breaks are pinned on our Google Map.
You’ll probably need to carry your board on the bus with you, or on a scooter with a rack, as many of these breaks are quite remote and may not have board rental available.
17. Check out the fish market in La Libertad
One of the bigger towns in the La Libertad Department that encompasses this area of El Salvador, La Libertad feels like a typical coastal city. It’s not as popular with foreign tourists, but it receives a steady stream of domestic tourists.
We personally didn’t enjoy the city that much, but it’s a good place to stock up on groceries and there are a few sights worth exploring.
The town has a long pier, and each morning dozens of fishermen come back to shore to unload their catch. It’s quite the spectacle to see.
There is a huge seafood market right on the waterfront, where the fish gets unloaded. You can find a restaurant inside and enjoy a seafood feast for lunch – does it get much fresher than that?
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Day trips further afield
I would strongly recommend spreading your time in El Salvador and staying in a few different destinations. There is so much more to see than just the coast, and the inland regions are a real contrast. But, if you’re short on time, there are a couple of great day tours you can do from El Tunco.
18. Hike the Santa Ana Volcano
The Santa Ana Volcano, also known as Volcan Ilamatepec is the tallest volcano in the country at 2,381 metres (7,811 feet) above sea level. The volcano is still active, and at the summit, you look down into a bright turquoise crater lake, filled with sulphur and gases.
The hike is a moderately challenging 3 – 4 hour round trip that can only be done with a local guide. It’s tough at times, but seeing the crater lake is so worth it. It was like looking into the core of the earth!
It was an incredible experience and was one of the best volcano hikes we did in Central America. We’d never seen anything like it.
It’s at least 2 hours drive from El Tunco, but this tour takes care of all the transport and includes your entry to the national park and a guided hike. It also stops at Lake Coatepeque for lunch, a bigger crater lake (not the sulphur kind!).
If you had a rental vehicle you could drive yourself, but you’ll need to organise a guide on-site and be aware that the last hike leaves at 11:00 am each day.
🌋 Book your Santa Ana Volcano hike from El Tunco
19. Visit the Ruta de las Flores
We spent five nights exploring the Ruta de las Flores region, which highlights how much there is to see and do in this area.
One day will never be enough, but if you’re short on time and want to get a taste of this beautiful part of El Salvador, you can take a day tour from El Tunco.
The drive is at least 2 hours each way, so it will be a long and jam-packed day, but it’s a nice contrast from the coastal area.
Tunco Life runs a great tour that hits a lot of the highlights of the region: coffee plantations, the famous rainbow slide, waterfalls and local cuisine.
If you’ve got a rental car, you could technically drive yourself. It would be a long day, and if you’ve got the flexibility of a car, I’d recommend spending at least a night or two in the area. It’s worth it!
Final thoughts: Things to do in El Tunco
Everything we did in El Tunco was amazing. We had such a great time exploring this part of El Salvador, and it was definitely my favourite section of the Pacific Coast in Central America.
El Tunco and its surrounding towns and beaches just had a special vibe that neighbouring countries were lacking.
There is the perfect balance of fun things to do in El Tunco, but it’s also the perfect place to chill out, where lazing on the beach, surfing and watching the sunset is a day well spent.
Make sure you check out my El Tunco and El Zonte travel guides too, which have a lot more logistical information to help plan your trip to El Salvador’s Pacific Coast.
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