Hang 10 at El Zonte, a surfer's paradise in El Salvador
Catch some waves and a great cup of coffee


El Salvador may have less than 200 miles of coastline, but it "features dozens of world-class waves crammed within its shores," Surfer said. El Zonte is one of the laidback beach towns attracting visitors seeking great surfing conditions, sunshine and a respite from the grind.
Surf's up in El Zonte
Beginners can find their groove in El Zonte alongside skilled surfers
El Zonte is an emerging surfing hotspot within an hour's drive of the capital, San Salvador. Expect small waves between November and early April, and medium and big wave conditions from April to November (which coincides with the rainy season of May to October). When the waves are small, it is "beautiful," Marcelo Castellanos, owner of Puro Surf in El Zonte, told Surfer. "The water is clear, the skies are blue and we get some offshore winds and cold fronts."
Playa El Zonte offers "beginner-friendly breaks," TripSavvy said, and first-time surfers or those who are not quite comfortable on a board can sign up for lessons. The beach is "more secluded" than others nearby, so visitors are "treated to much less crowded waves." Depending on when you arrive, there might also be an international surf competition.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Another way to connect with the waves is by participating in a baby sea turtle release, through Misión Tortugas El Zonte. This is "not a turtle sanctuary in the typical sense" but "more of a hatchery," Everything El Salvador said, with eggs found in the wild brought here so they can be protected from predators. After the eggs begin to hatch (usually between September and November), the baby turtles are "gathered in a large tub and brought to the edge of the surf as the tide goes out."
Make time for pupusas and horchata
Pupusas are the national dish of El Salvador
When in El Salvador, eat as many pupusas — thick, stuffed corn cakes — as possible. Pupuseria Jeisi is an El Zonte staple, with fans saying it is the best pupusería in the country. Family-owned and operated, prices are affordable, with dinner for four coming in at under $20.
The easygoing Cafe Canegue offers sweet and savory dishes, including vegan options, along with delicious horchata. Nan Tal has a similar feel and shines when it comes to seafood, serving ceviches, poke, shrimp and fish tacos and a grilled octopus special.
Surfing is part of the culture in El Zonte, but so is coffee. Since the 1800s, it has been a "top agricultural export" of the country, Lonely Planet said, and when sitting at a cafe, drinking a cup "can't be missed." Explore the region's small coffee farms and plantations with the El Zonte School Tour Company. Its founder, Luis Rivas, knows his stuff — he also owns his own coffee bean company.
Beachfront bliss
The Al Suave House stands out for its sleek design and attention to detail
For an unforgettable — and totally private — experience, book a stay at the stunning new Al Suave House, built almost entirely from locally sourced, sustainable materials by Salvadoran designers, architects and contractors. The five-bedroom villa right on the beach is "split into two halves," Wallpaper said, in order to "allow a swimming pool to run through the center of the property toward the ocean, like a flowing river." Classic hospitality offerings are provided alongside thoughtful amenities perfect for the property, like an indoor treehouse and oceanfront mezzanine.
Wave House's roomy accommodations offer ocean or mountain views
Open since December 2024, Wave House's 19 condo-like accommodations have all the comforts of home: kitchens, living rooms and comfortable furniture crafted by local designers. The accommodations also have killer views of the surrounding mountains and ocean. Communal amenities include an infinity pool, rooftop deck and wellness area with cold plunge and a gym, plus a vibrant lobby gallery where guests can see works by local artists.
'A new era' of tourism
The unspoiled beauty of El Zonte brings international visitors to its beaches
A civil war ravaged El Salvador from 1979 to 1992, and "decades of instability and violence chipped away at the country's reputation abroad," Lonely Planet said. Under President Nayib Bukele, there has been a drop in gang-related activity and crime numbers, and these recent strides have "set the stage for a new era of tourism." In its most recent El Salvador travel advisory, the U.S. State Department noted the decrease and set the advisory at Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution.
The lower crime rates come "with a cost" though, CNN said, as some constitutional rights, including due process, have been "suspended under emergency measures," leading to a rise in incarceration and an "outcry from human rights groups."
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Catherine Garcia has worked as a senior writer at The Week since 2014. Her writing and reporting have appeared in Entertainment Weekly, The New York Times, Wirecutter, NBC News and "The Book of Jezebel," among others. She's a graduate of the University of Redlands and the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism.
-
New tariffs set on 14 trading partners
Speed Read A new slate of tariffs will begin on August 1, with rates ranging from 25% to 40% on imports from Japan, South Korea, Thailand and more
-
Trump U-turns on weapons to Ukraine
Speed Read Unhappy with Putin, Trump decides the US will go back to arming Ukraine against Russia's attacks
-
July 8 editorial cartoons
Cartoons Tuesday's political cartoons include a Trump disappearing act, trade talk uncertainty, and Elon Musk's many injuries
-
Snow what? 6 charming ski towns to visit during peak summer
The Week Recommends No powder, no problem
-
An American girl takes on London, 'Bosch' gets another spinoff and Washington Black leaps from page to screen in July TV
the week recommends This month's new television releases include 'Too Much,' 'Ballard' and 'Washington Black'
-
5 dreamy books to dive into this July
The Week Recommends A 'politically charged' collection of essays, historical fiction goes sci-fi and more
-
Rustle up some fun at these Western hotels and dude ranches
The Week Recommends Six properties that are ready to rope you in
-
The best film reboots of all time
The Week Recommends Creativity and imagination are often required to breathe fresh life into old material
-
Feel the groove with these music-centric getaways across the globe
Let the rhythm move you
-
JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort & Spa: beachfront paradise in Thailand
The Week Recommends This luxury resort in Phang Nga is the perfect place to relax and unwind
-
5 high-concept animated science fiction shows for grown-ups
The Week Recommends How filmmakers are using a different medium to bring visionary science fiction to life