Playa El Tunco
Playa El Tunco
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
302 reviews
Excellent
151
Very good
89
Average
43
Poor
12
Terrible
7
bucketlisttravellers
Sydney, Australia3,645 contributions
Feb 2020 • Friends
El Tunco is a renowned surfing spot in El Salvador. A fair part of the beach has pebbles, so not the best for walking on. You can swim here but it was a little tough when we were there and it appeared that the other end of the beach, away from the main restaurant district, was better for swimming. We did a surfing lesson here in 3-4ft surf and enjoyed it.
Written 27 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tessmar
Thamesford, Canada38 contributions
Feb 2024 • Couples
Just back from a great week in El Tunco and already looking forward to going back. Fun little village with some excellent restaurant options and very affordable. The El Tunco beach is not the best for swimming with all the rocks. A short chicken bus or Uber ride away are some great bâches complete with shade, food, and beer for $1.50. The place is really rocking on weekends with many El Salvadorans coming down from San Salvador.
It’s pretty popular with backpackers but otherwise I’d describe it as undiscovered, but not for long. We stayed at the Canuck Guest House and would again.
It’s pretty popular with backpackers but otherwise I’d describe it as undiscovered, but not for long. We stayed at the Canuck Guest House and would again.
Written 25 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jefferson l
Las Vegas, NV289 contributions
Sept 2022
The El Tunco beach itself is very rocky with dead wood, and extremely hard to even walk on, let alone try to go into the water. However, this is an Intenational surfing location because of the large waves and swells. The sunsets here are incredible, and it is a great rest and relax area. The people a all very nice, both the locals and the tourist. There is an incredible nightlife and social scene, plenty of good restaurants to eat and everything is very inexpensive. It is an extremely safe area and you do not have street people bothering you for money or trying to get you to buy something from them. The hotels and hostels are very good and inexpensive, as well. This is a Spanish speaking tourist area, that attacks Spanish speaking tourist, so if you do not speak any Spanish, it may be difficult for long stays.
Written 23 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
56003Richard
Houston, TX349 contributions
Feb 2020 • Solo
Not sure what the fuss is all about but hey everyone says it’s great so I went to see it. It’s a very small Pueblo that is easy to get to via bus or car. The beach itself is a straight walk down the Main Street and at the beach you will come across the rock formation Tunco. It’s a black sand/rock beach. I took a look to see if one could swim to the rock formation but that would be a bit risky. To the right is where the surfers go and the waves are pretty decent for young gremlins. Not much else to do here except relax and do nothing. I didn’t spend the night here so no idea about the nightlife but I’m sure it’s good with all the gringos and locals that come here. Enjoy.
Written 23 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kelly C
1 contribution
Jun 2024 • Friends
Had the best experience at La Bonita. Excellent vibes great music wonderful service
The place next door Kakos is a waste of time and money. The drink selection is subpar and there is an overwhelming smell of raw sewage. The service is discriminatory masked by a “dress code.” save your money and avoid that bar.
The place next door Kakos is a waste of time and money. The drink selection is subpar and there is an overwhelming smell of raw sewage. The service is discriminatory masked by a “dress code.” save your money and avoid that bar.
Written 23 June 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ktolou
Lodi, NJ50 contributions
Jul 2023 • Family
Is a really nice beach for a day trip. Plenty of restaurant for all budgets. The beach is has a lot stones is more for surfing. Nightlife is good but is more for young people teenagers yo 25 years old. They also charge to go in. And they charge for parking too unless that you consumed in the place parking is free. Food and views are great.
Written 24 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mike X
Santa Cruz, CA16 contributions
Mar 2020 • Family
Spent a week here (from California). Great place for surfing and hanging at the beach. Very good food, beach and very nice people. More Americans should come down here!!! We felt safe the whole time and had a great time.
Written 10 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ThomasCos
Leuven, Belgium164 contributions
Feb 2020 • Friends
The typical surfspot with all its restaurants, smoothie bars, easy living, hostels and long haired surf locals. Also great parties. One of the best surfing location in this region of our planet. Buses to and from El Tunco possible.
Written 4 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Javier C.
San Salvador, El Salvador883 contributions
Jul 2019 • Friends
This is a small front beach village. However it has everything you need. From great food to locally brewed beer. Small shops, restaurants, hotels, hostels, bars, discos, etc. You have to visit El Tunco while in La Libertad. A must!
Written 27 July 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Faye T
Bristol, UK7 contributions
Mar 2015 • Solo
Beware- this beach may seem like a surfer's paradise but there are various undesirable locals around waiting to rob you. I got mugged here and attacked by a group of men at just 7pm while walking back from a restaurant on the beach. A gang of men were on the beach and had clearly been waiting for a target. Even for men this is not somewhere safe to come alone so avoid this beach and town at all costs.
Written 22 March 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hey,I coming to el tunco for 2 months and I need a good hostel or apartment for 2 people in good price?
Someone maybe know?
Gracias
Written 22 June 2018
I went there just for a day. I see a lot nice places but depends on your budget.
Written 28 July 2018
Hi,
I will be landing in La Aurora airport in Guatemala next Wednesday and I thought about taking a surfing lesson somewhere in San Salvador. What would be the most convenient way to get there from the airport. I am landing at 9.30 am so I have an entire day to get there.
Written 23 April 2018
You can take a bus. Probably a 1/2 day ride. Just got back from el salvador last Thursday. Take a lesdon through kayu at Suzail near el tunco.
Written 23 April 2018
Hola,
I am travelling with a friend from rivas in nicaragua to el tunco el salvador. We have 2 surfboards and big bags. Do you know the best to do this ?
Is it possible in one day or is it a two day trip?
Gracias
Written 19 May 2017
I know that beach, it is not safe to take your eyes off of the waves, because sleeper waves can creep up on you and knock you over; it happened to a friend and I when we were sitting down on a fallen tree trunk. Never go to sleep on or pass out on the beach, way too dangerous. And those rocks are really something else! They go into the sea and then return, the beach is different every day, there are actually times when the beach is sand and there are not so many rocks, but the sea always throws them up again. eventually.
Written 16 August 2015
Hello!
I am traveling alone internationally for the first time! I am both nervous and excited, of course. Is there any tips or advice you could pass along for as a single woman in her 30's on her own? I have 56 days to explore starting in El Salvador. I have my first 3 nights booked in El Tunco at La Sombra.
Thank you in advance!
Written 8 May 2015
Hi Stephany,
Congrats on your trip. I wouldn't worry about El Tunco. Its super easy, mellow and friendly.
For tips If you are planning to surf I would check with the locals about conditions. It is probably big wave season. Actually I think they had some small tidal waves or big storm a few weeks ago and had about a foot of water in main street. It looks like they are back to surfing big waves now but you may hear about it or see some building damage.
Bamba Diaz is a great local contact if you want to go do something other than chill in town. He is a surf instructor but can take you hiking to waterfalls with jumping rocks etc. He doesnt email but you can find him on facebook. If he knows you are coming he will watch out for you.
Or find him at Restaurant Erika.
For chilling in town.
The Balance yoga studio in town is great.
You can get a $30 massage upstairs from the coffee shop. Coffee shop has nice shady back deck during hot afternoons.
For all food. (Except Take a Wok)
Go an hour before you are ready to eat. Things take a while.
Guanaco Taco is a night time hangout.
Super Tunco is a great Breakfast Hangout.
La Guitara on the beach has great atmosphere for drinks and appetizers but dont bother with their dinner.
Julie
Written 8 May 2015
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