El Tunco and the Surf Coast

El Salvador has emerged as one of Central America's great surf destinations, and the heart of its scene is the Balsamo Coast, a stretch of dark volcanic-sand beaches and superb point breaks just a short drive from the capital. The buzzing little town of El Tunco, with its cluster of hostels, bars, restaurants and surf shops along a couple of dusty lanes, is the laid-back hub, drawing surfers and backpackers from around the world. Nearby breaks like El Sunzal and Punta Roca offer waves for every level, from gentle beginner rollers to the long, world-class right-hand point that has put the country on the global surf map.

What you actually see

• The surf breaks - El Sunzal, Punta Roca and the point breaks.
• El Tunco town - the buzzing hub of bars and surf shops.
• The sunsets - the spectacular Pacific sunsets over the waves.
• The beginner waves - the gentle rollers for learning to surf.

When to go

The dry season from November to April offers the most reliable sunny weather, while the biggest, most consistent surf tends to come with the southern-hemisphere swells from around March to October; the coast is warm and surfable year-round. El Tunco is liveliest at weekends and in the surf season, and its sunsets are a nightly ritual.

Honest expectations

The beaches here are dark volcanic sand with often powerful surf and currents, so they are more about surfing and sunsets than gentle swimming or classic postcard sand, and El Tunco itself is a small, rustic, party-leaning surf town rather than a resort. El Salvador's past reputation for crime has improved markedly in recent years, with tourism rising, though normal precautions apply. For world-class waves, a laid-back vibe and superb sunsets, though, the surf coast is a genuine highlight.

Nearby

The capital San Salvador, Punta Roca and the western volcanoes are within reach.