Hotel Costa Verde El Tunco - Surf and Sea on El Salvador's Coast

About Hotel Costa Verde

Hotel & Restaurante Costa Verde is a beloved beachfront establishment in El Tunco, El Salvador's most famous surf destination. This three-star hotel combines the laid-back vibes of a surf town with comfortable accommodations and a restaurant known for its fresh seafood. For travelers seeking an authentic Pacific coast experience without luxury price tags, Costa Verde delivers an unbeatable combination of location, atmosphere, and value.

Perched on the rocky coastline overlooking the powerful Pacific swells, the hotel offers front-row seats to some of the best surfing in Central America. The property's open-air restaurant and bar have become gathering spots for surfers, backpackers, and weekending Salvadorans alike.

Location

El Tunco sits on the La Libertad coast, approximately 40 minutes southwest of San Salvador. The village takes its name from a pig-shaped rock formation (tunco means pig in local slang) visible from the beach at low tide. Costa Verde is positioned right on the main beach strip, steps from the famous surf breaks.

The area has grown from a sleepy fishing village into El Salvador's premier beach destination, with a lively mix of restaurants, bars, and surf shops lining the main road. Despite its growth, El Tunco maintains an authentic, unpretentious character that attracts travelers from around the world.

Rooms

Costa Verde offers clean, comfortable rooms with the essentials that beach travelers need. Standard rooms include air conditioning, private bathrooms, and comfortable beds. Some rooms offer ocean views with the sound of waves as your natural alarm clock. The décor is simple and beachy, with colorful touches that reflect the vibrant local culture.

For groups and families, larger rooms and connecting options are available. The property maintains a casual, welcoming atmosphere where sandy feet and salty hair are perfectly acceptable in the common areas.

Restaurant and Bar

The Costa Verde restaurant is a destination in itself, famous for its fresh seafood platters and cold beers with ocean views. The menu features locally caught fish prepared in traditional Salvadoran styles — grilled, fried, or served as ceviche. The signature seafood platter for two is legendary among regulars.

Traditional pupusas, grilled meats, and international favorites round out the menu. The bar comes alive in the evenings with cocktails, local Pilsener beer, and often live music or DJ sets on weekends. The sunset views from the restaurant terrace are spectacular.

Surfing at El Tunco

El Tunco is Central America's most accessible surf destination, and Costa Verde puts you steps from the action. The main beach break offers waves suitable for beginners and intermediates, while more challenging point breaks lie within walking distance at Playa El Sunzal and La Bocana.

The hotel can arrange surf board rentals and lessons with local instructors who know every break along this coast. The consistent Pacific swells mean there are rideable waves almost every day of the year, with the best conditions typically from March through October.

Things to Do

Beyond surfing, the El Tunco area offers plenty of activities. Beach yoga classes are offered on the sand at sunrise. The rocky tide pools at the base of El Tunco rock teem with marine life at low tide. Fishing trips can be arranged with local fishermen for a genuine Salvadoran experience.

The nearby town of La Libertad has a bustling fish market where you can buy the freshest catch of the day. Boat tours along the coast reveal hidden beaches and dramatic cliff formations. For culture seekers, the Ruta de las Flores and the colonial town of Suchitoto are accessible for day trips.

Nightlife

El Tunco has the most vibrant nightlife on El Salvador's coast. On weekends, the beach bars and clubs fill with both locals and visitors dancing to reggaeton, cumbia, and electronic music. Costa Verde's bar is perfectly positioned to join the action or simply watch the scene unfold from a comfortable perch.

The atmosphere is friendly and social, making it easy to meet fellow travelers and locals. Thursday and Saturday nights tend to be the liveliest, with special events and DJ performances at various venues along the strip.

Practical Information

Costa Verde offers excellent value for the El Tunco area. Rates are very reasonable, especially during weekdays and the low season (November-February). The hotel's restaurant eliminates the need to search for meals, though the village is compact enough to explore dozens of dining options on foot.

Parking is available for guests arriving by car. The hotel staff can help arrange airport transfers and day trips. Cash is preferred at many El Tunco establishments, though Costa Verde accepts major credit cards.

Why Choose Costa Verde

Hotel Costa Verde captures the essence of El Tunco — relaxed, authentic, and connected to the ocean. It's not a luxury resort, but that's precisely its appeal. For surfers, beach lovers, and travelers who value experience over opulence, Costa Verde provides everything you need for an unforgettable Pacific coast adventure in El Salvador.