Playa El Espino

El Espino runs for several kilometres on the Usulutan coast, a broad dark-sand beach backed by coconut palms with the Pacific breaking on it and very little development beyond a strip of simple hotels, ranchos and seafood restaurants at the main access point. Away from that the beach is empty. It sits near the eastern end of the Jiquilisco bay system, and mangrove and estuary lie behind the coastal strip. Turtles nest along this shore. The road down from Usulutan passes through the Jucuaran hills and is slow. Holy Week and holiday weekends fill the beach entirely; the rest of the time it is one of the quieter long beaches in the country.

What you actually see

• The long beach - the wide dark sand running along the coast.
• Coconut palms - the fringe behind the sand.
• Beach ranchos - the simple restaurants and hotels at the access point.
• Estuary behind - the mangrove and lagoon inland of the strip.

When to go

November to April in the dry season. Holy Week and December holidays are the peak and the beach fills; ordinary weekdays are almost empty. Mornings are calmest.

Honest expectations

The surf is strong with rip currents and there are no lifeguards. Facilities are basic and limited to the access point. The road in is slow and rough in places. Litter accumulates after holiday weekends.

Nearby

Bahia de Jiquilisco lies west; Playa El Cuco is east.