Best Surf Hotels in El Tunco, El Salvador: Beach Stays & Surf Camps (2026)
Find the best surf hotels in El Tunco, El Salvador. From beachfront boutique hotels to budget surf camps, discover where to stay on Central America's rising surf destination.
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El Tunco: El Salvador's Surf Capital
El Tunco has emerged as Central America's hottest surf destination. This small beach village on El Salvador's Pacific coast offers consistent waves, dramatically lower prices than Costa Rica, and an authentic Latin American surf culture. The famous rock formation that gives the town its name ("El Tunco" means "The Pig" in local slang, after the rock's shape) guards a beach with multiple quality breaks.
What makes El Tunco special is the combination of world-class waves, easy access from San Salvador (45 minutes), and a growing scene of hotels, restaurants, and bars that still feels undiscovered. Whether you're a serious surfer or just want a beach break with character, El Tunco delivers.
Understanding El Tunco
Main Beach (El Tunco)
The central beach with the iconic rock formation. Medium-difficulty beach break, restaurants, bars, and most hotels. The social hub of the area.
La Bocana
Just west of El Tunco, a river mouth break that produces some of the best waves in the area. More challenging, less crowded.
El Sunzal
The premier point break, 10 minutes east. One of Central America's best rights, hosts international competitions. More serious surfers gravitate here.
El Zonte
A quieter, more bohemian beach village 10 minutes west. Less developed, good waves, mellower vibe.
Boutique & Design Hotels
Kayu Resort
Contemporary Beachfront Luxury
El Tunco's most stylish hotel, Kayu combines modern design with Pacific coast vibes. The rooftop infinity pool overlooks the surf break, and the rooms feature high-end finishes rarely seen in surf towns.
Highlights:
- Rooftop infinity pool with surf views
- Modern design aesthetic
- Beach club and restaurant
- Surf equipment rental
- Spa services
- Central El Tunco location
Price: From $180 USD/night
Best for: Design lovers, couples, luxury surf trip
Palo Verde Boutique Hotel
Jungle Meets Beach
Set on a hillside with ocean views, Palo Verde offers a boutique experience that balances nature and comfort. The property feels like a private retreat while being just minutes from the beach.
Highlights:
- Hillside location with views
- Swimming pool
- Surrounded by nature
- Excellent breakfast
- Boutique atmosphere
- Walking distance to beach
Price: From $120 USD/night
Best for: Nature lovers, couples, peaceful retreat
Hotel Boca Olas
Surf Culture Boutique
A locally-owned boutique hotel that captures the soul of El Tunco's surf scene. The pool courtyard is a gathering spot for surfers, and the location is perfect for dawn patrol sessions.
Highlights:
- Pool and courtyard
- Surf-focused atmosphere
- Great location
- Friendly local staff
- Board storage
- Restaurant on-site
Price: From $90 USD/night
Best for: Surfers, authentic experience, social scene
Surf Hotels & Lodges
Sunzal Point Hotel
Right on the Point Break
Located directly at El Sunzal point break, this hotel puts serious surfers steps from one of Central America's best waves. Watch sets roll in from your balcony.
Highlights:
- At El Sunzal point break
- Balconies overlooking waves
- Swimming pool
- Restaurant and bar
- Surf lessons available
- Peaceful location
Price: From $100 USD/night
Best for: Serious surfers, wave watching, quiet location
Tekuani Kal Hotel
All-Inclusive Surf Experience
An all-inclusive surf resort that takes care of everything—daily surf guiding, meals, airport transfers, and instruction. Perfect for those wanting a complete surf vacation package.
Highlights:
- All-inclusive surf packages
- Daily surf guiding
- Airport transfers included
- Multiple meal plans
- Swimming pool
- Beginner-friendly
Price: From $200 USD/night (all-inclusive)
Best for: Surf vacation packages, beginners, convenience
Casa de Mar Hotel
Beach Club Vibes
A larger hotel with beach club atmosphere right on El Tunco beach. The pool, restaurant, and beach access make it a complete destination.
Highlights:
- Beachfront location
- Large swimming pool
- Beach club restaurant/bar
- Multiple room types
- Surf rentals on-site
- Events and parties
Price: From $80 USD/night
Best for: Beach club scene, groups, social travelers
Budget-Friendly Options
Mopelia Surf Camp
Classic Surf Camp Experience
The original El Tunco surf camp, Mopelia offers dorms and private rooms with a true surf camp atmosphere. Communal spaces encourage meeting fellow travelers.
Highlights:
- Dorms and private rooms
- Pool
- Communal kitchen
- Board rentals
- Surf lessons
- Social atmosphere
Price: From $15 USD (dorm) / $50 USD (private)
Best for: Backpackers, surf learners, budget travelers
Papaya Lodge
Chilled Budget Base
A laid-back hostel with hammocks, garden, and easy beach access. Good for those wanting budget accommodation without the party hostel vibe.
Highlights:
- Relaxed atmosphere
- Garden setting
- Near the beach
- Kitchen access
- Board storage
- Good WiFi
Price: From $12 USD (dorm) / $40 USD (private)
Best for: Budget travelers, digital nomads, chill seekers
La Guitarra Hostel
Social Backpacker Hub
A lively hostel known for its bar, pool, and social events. The go-to spot for backpackers wanting to meet people and party.
Highlights:
- Bar and pool
- Social events
- Central location
- Dorms and privates
- Surf packages
- Party atmosphere
Price: From $10 USD (dorm) / $35 USD (private)
Best for: Backpackers, nightlife, social scene
Nearby Alternatives
Horizonte Surf Resort (El Zonte)
Eco-Luxury in El Zonte
Ten minutes west in quieter El Zonte, Horizonte offers a more upscale, peaceful alternative to El Tunco's busier scene. Modern eco-luxury with excellent waves nearby.
Highlights:
- Quieter El Zonte location
- Modern sustainable design
- Swimming pool
- Great restaurant
- Close to good breaks
- Peaceful atmosphere
Price: From $150 USD/night
Best for: Eco-conscious travelers, couples, escape from crowds
Esencia Nativa (El Zonte)
Bohemian Beach Retreat
A collection of casitas in El Zonte with a bohemian, artistic vibe. Perfect for those seeking authenticity over polish.
Highlights:
- Individual casitas
- Artistic atmosphere
- El Zonte's quiet beach
- Restaurant/bar
- Yoga classes
- Community feel
Price: From $70 USD/night
Best for: Artists, bohemians, quiet seekers
Surf Spot Guide
Beginner-Friendly
- El Tunco Beach (inside): Smaller inside section, sandy bottom
- El Zonte: Mellow waves, less crowded
- K59: Beach break south of El Tunco, good for learning
Intermediate
- El Tunco Beach (main peak): The iconic break by the rock
- La Bocana: River mouth, more power
- El Sunzal (inside): Inside section of the point
Advanced
- El Sunzal Point: World-class right point break
- Punta Roca (La Libertad): Heavy reef break, for experts
- La Bocana (big days): Powerful and hollow
Beyond Surfing
What Else to Do
- Sunset watching: El Tunco's sunsets are legendary
- Ruta de las Flores: Mountain towns day trip (2 hours)
- Joya de Cerén: Maya archaeological site (UNESCO)
- San Salvador: Capital city for culture and food
- Horseback riding: Beach and village tours
- Yoga: Several studios in El Tunco and El Zonte
Food & Nightlife
El Tunco has a vibrant scene for a small village:
- Ecobar: Popular bar with live music
- La Bocana Restaurant: Seafood with ocean views
- Dale Dale Cafe: Coffee and breakfast
- D'Rok Bar: Weekend parties
Best Time to Surf
Dry Season (November - April): Offshore winds, smaller but cleaner waves, best weather.
Rainy Season (May - October): Larger swells, bigger waves, afternoon rains. May can have huge swells.
Year-Round: Waves every day. Water temperature 78-82°F. No wetsuit needed.
Getting There
From San Salvador Airport: 45 minutes by taxi or shuttle. Hotels can arrange transfers.
From San Salvador City: 30-40 minutes by Uber or taxi.
From Guatemala: Direct shuttles from Antigua and Guatemala City (4-5 hours).
Practical Tips
Safety
El Salvador's safety has improved dramatically. El Tunco is a tourist area with good security. Standard beach town precautions apply.
Currency
US Dollar is the official currency (and Bitcoin is legal tender). ATMs in El Tunco, credit cards accepted at most hotels.
Board Rentals
Available everywhere. Quality varies—check boards before renting. $10-15/day for shortboards, $15-20 for longboards.
When to Book
El Tunco is still relatively undiscovered. Weekends fill up with San Salvador visitors, but weekdays often have availability even in peak season.
Conclusion
El Tunco offers what many surf destinations have lost: authentic culture, uncrowded waves, and prices that make extended surf trips possible. The village has enough infrastructure to be comfortable but hasn't lost its soul to overdevelopment.
For a stylish surf trip, book Kayu Resort or Palo Verde. For serious surfers, Sunzal Point Hotel puts you right on the waves. For budget travelers, Mopelia or Papaya Lodge offer true surf camp experiences at incredible prices.
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