One Of Central America's Top Surf Destinations Is A Small But Thriving Party Town With Unmatched Sunsets

On the coast of El Salvador, some 5.9 miles away from Puerto de La Libertad, is a surf paradise that has become one of Central America's most emblematic beach party destinations. El Tunco, meaning "pig" in Salvadoran slang, got this nickname thanks to a huge boulder on its shores, which is thought to resemble a huge pig. Revered by surfers for its incredible waves, and known by tourists for its incredible beauty, El Tunco calls young adventurers to its beaches with its cosmopolitan atmosphere and "chiva", a Salvadoran term reserved for good vibes.

El Tunco now welcomes hundreds of El Salvadoran and foreign visitors per week, with word of the now legendary beach town spreading quickly. Once a quiet fishing village, El Tunco emerged from the surfing boom of the seventies and eighties as one of the best places in Latin America to catch some epic waves. This thriving Southwestern coastal nightlife hub is an incredible stop for backpackers, with many low-cost accommodation opportunities on offer, as well as nature enthusiasts and ecotourists, who will find estuaries and nature reserves in its proximity, as well as surfers, drifters, or those in search of a party. El Tunco is now a mandatory spot on any Central America itinerary.

If you, like many others, were called to El Tunco because of its legendary riptides, then look no further than La Bocana beach. Here you'll find the best waves in all of El Salvador, with a beach shore that feeds from the mouth of the Rio Grande. Waves reach up to 10 feet high, making this a powerful point break, sometimes with wave tunnels, perfect for the advanced surfer. The weather ranges from 73 degrees to 90 throughout the year, meaning water activities are possible all year round. If you're a first-timer or are heading to El Tunco without a board, you'll find plenty of surf rental places, as well as surf schools and teachers, ready to show you the ropes. For seriously advanced surfers, El Sunzal offers the largest waves on the Salvadoran coast, with mythical waves reaching heights of 25 feet, said to have been conquered by only the bravest surfers. However, there is a quieter side of the beach, with less intimidating waves that are great for beginners or intermediates. Stingrays, sea turtles and many varieties of fish and birds can be seen at Sunzal, while witnessing a sunset here is said to be a spiritual experience. 

El Tunco is one of the most well-known beach party destinations in the whole of Latin America, with famed parties extending throughout the beaches and well into the night. Weekends are known to be vibrant and energetic, and if you're looking for a fiesta, it's recommended to stay at Papaya Lodge or Canuck's Guest House, two backpacker hostels that organize various social events and pre-party drinks. You'll find the best parties at La Guitarra, a local spot that has regular live music events and overlooks the ocean. Barba Blanca is the best pit stop for cocktails, while Beach Life starts its DJ sets at 8 p.m. and goes on till late. Here you'll find the loudest music in El Tunco and a dance floor that fills up with people from all walks of life.

El Tunco is a mere 50 minutes drive from El Salvador International Airport and another 50 minutes away from San Salvador City. There is both high-end and low-budget accommodation on offer near the beach. There is also the option to rent scooters, bicycles and cars in the vicinity, with a paid parking lot for those traveling with their own vehicle. There is a $1 vehicle charge on the weekends, with the money being reinvested back into the local community. 

You'll find a community of surfers and drifters at this beach paradise, an international melting pot that brings a multitude of cultural influences with it. Here you can discover real Salvadoran cuisine, from home-cooked street treats to pupusas and seafood dishes. But you're also spoiled for choice with international cuisine on offer, from Asian to Mediterranean, as well as an array of Latin American restaurants. El Tunco has a thriving bar culture, with international beers and high-end cocktails on offer — try ceviche and a tequila sunrise at the beachside Cafe Sunzal. Of course, just as legendary as the beach itself is the Salvadoran coffee, available on almost every street corner, that must be sampled to be truly understood.

Central America's ocean surf mecca is also a great transit spot, with regular buses passing through El Tunco, offering travelers the opportunity to traverse the continent, heading to destinations such as Antigua, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. As an international hub, El Tunco can be a departure point for countless other adventures, as well as a place to discover oneself. The stunning beaches and thriving nightlife make this one of the hottest modern destinations in Latin America, an adrenaline-fueled paradise with adventure in the air.