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What to do in El Tunco beach, El Salvador
You might have heard about El Salvador and its beautiful natural sceneries in particular those towns surrounded by volcanoes, but I bet not many of you would know that the country has a specific spot which has become very popular among surf passionate.
Maybe the first thing that comes to mind when talking about El Salvador are beaches with crystal clear water and not enormous waves that attract surfers. Well, is time to update you and tell you about this area that has become a must-go place for worldwide surfers and those looking for the perfect beach chill type of vacation.
No matter what type of beach experience you are looking for; El Salvador can provide you with the most amazing location to stay at. In this case, El Tunco has some characteristics that cater to a much younger type of visitor other than those who are big surf passionate.
El Tunco, a place that till a few years ago was only known to locals while nowadays has become the most visited location of all El Salvador, and a must go surf spot in Central America.
The reason for it is due to the country’s geographical location. Is the only country in all Central America without a coastline on the Caribbean Sea.
This could be seen as a disadvantage if we compare it to the neighboring countries but in this case, is a plus. The coast facing the Pacific Ocean, allows surfers to face some of the most adventurous and terrifying waves.
This is a source of exciting and chilling activities that not only backpackers but also normal tourists can look for. The things to do are so numerous that it would take an entire day to tell them all, that’s why we decided to list the top 10 things to do while staying at El Tunco.
Surf Lesson, it is time to catch your first wave!
If you are staying in a place, known worldwide for having the best waves which each year keep attracting local and international surfers, then you must book a surfing lesson. There is no better way for beginners to learn surfing than by doing it in a place with high-quality instructors with years of surfing experience. While walking along El Tunco, you will be greeted by countless surfing schools and even surf camps in which people from abroad come to join this one-week programs where you can learn all about surfing. All lessons are inclusive of everything you need (surfboard and a wetsuit) so you do not need to bring or buy anything, just bring your will to embark on this new adventure. Learn the basics on the beach and then get ready to get into the water and catch your first wave! Do not worry, all surfing classes are offered at all levels so do not feel embarrassed of feeling awkward.
Escaping El Tunco for some hiking: The Tamanique waterfalls
If you want to take a break from the beach and so you want to escape for a bit from the frenetic mood of El Tunco, then the best option is to visit the wonderful Tamanique Waterfalls. You can easily arrange for a local guide who will suggest you the right path to the best places to admire the waterfalls. For the most courageous ones, they might get the chance to jump from the top down into the pool below and enjoy a good swim. This is not an easy hike, so remember to wear comfortable shoes and bring water to stay hydrated during the entire trip which should take around 3 hours.
Tamanique Waterfalls | Chasing a new adventure near El Tunco Beach (tuncolife.com)
Exploring the Tunco Caves
Often a lot of different beaches have some gorgeous Caves to explore. Some of them might be located underneath the water but those in El Tunco are not. As they are not shaped like tunnels, there is no reason to worry for those who suffer from closed places. These Caves have more of an amphitheatre type of shape, therefore the only thing to be careful about is the electronic devices that might be touched by water.
Catch breath-taking sunsets along the beach
Those moments in which the sun is ready to fall beneath the horizon are some of the most magical instants we get to live and carry in our memories, especially when we are admiring a sunset while sitting at the beach with our closest ones. If you are staying in El Tunco with your significant other, you might be looking at the spectacle of mother nature while creating a significant and romantic moment.
Exploring Puerto de La Libertad
Just a few kilometers away from El Tunco, the city of El Puerto de La Libertad offers more than what a simple city can give. other than buildings and malls, its landmark is represented by the Fish market, in which visitors can look at the arrivals of fishermen’s boats and their freshly caught fish. This is also the perfect place to get to see how locals live.
Swimming in the salty pools in Palmarcito Beach
After exploring the surrounding area of El Tunco, you might want to do something different than the usual “laying on the beach”. What about visiting the Atami Resort, where here you can swim in salty natural pools? These pools have been formed naturally so their shape keeps evolving under the corrosion of the salty water. You can have fun swimming in slaty water without technically being in the ocean but only looking at it from inside the pools.
Reaching the top till el Peñon de Comasagua
One of the most outstanding locations is represented by the Peñon de Comasagua. This rock formation can be seen from the beach and according to many old tales, due to its dimensions and easy visibility, it became a sort of signal for when the boats reached.
Reaching the Penon de Comasagua is a demanding hike, therefore, be careful about the outfit you wear and most importantly bring water with you.
Get lost within the vibrant nightlife
When walking around the town of El Tunco, you will notice especially on the weekend how much the nightlife is vibrant, bringing out all locals and foreigners to have a good time at the most famous and frequented clubs. You cannot miss getting a drink at the La Bonita beach Club and Kako’s GstroBar, both places filled only with good vibes. Many are the clubs scattered around the scene, you just need to get there and get the party started.
A visit to Cadejo Brewing Company
If you are looking to taste real original beer from El Salvador, there is no better option than visiting the Cadejo Brewing Company. When outside of home we should try new things and a tour within this brewing company will not only show you how local beer is produced but moreover you might try new tastes that could become your new favorites.
Immerse yourself in a surfing atmosphere
What makes El Tunco different from any other area of El Salvador, is the atmosphere you breathe once you reach. First of all, this surfing community with people coming from all over the world has brought so many cultures to one place that you can feel like you are traveling the world through all these visitors. The sense of community is strong in a place where people who share the same passion reunite and in El Tunco the Surfing community was able to make a strong impression to the point of being able to help the area in becoming Surf City certified.
