El Salvador is known for its world-class surfing, and few spots are better than El Zonte.
However, this coastal town has become popular for more than just surfers. El Zonte has numerous wonderful accommodations, easy access to beautiful beaches, and plenty of fun spots to explore. It’s also just down the road from El Tunco, which boasts some of the best nightlife in El Salvador along with more restaurants.
A typical trip to El Salvador includes a stay in El Tunco or El Zonte. If you are crafting your itinerary, continue reading to find out everything you need to know about this coastal paradise.
Why Is El Zonte Such a Great Place to Visit?
Some of El Salvador’s best beaches and most dramatic coastal settings can be found in El Zonte. There are plenty of restaurants to choose from, so you’ll never have to travel far for a good meal.
Between El Tunco and El Zonte, the latter is more relaxed. There’s not much in the way of nightlife, but El Tunco can offer that just 10 minutes down the road.
Instead, El Zonte caters to couples, families, and solo travelers who just want a break from the noise. It’s an ideal place to unwind to start or finish a trip to El Salvador.
What Is There to Do in El Zonte?
Most activities in El Zonte revolve around two things: the water or relaxation.
Some of the most popular things to do in El Zonte include:
Surfing
Surfers from across the globe flock to El Zonte’s beaches for epic waves. Professional surf competitions are regularly held in this part of El Salvador.
Surfing lessons are widely available in and around El Zonte.. Your accommodation will likely help you set up a lesson, though you can also explore booking through Horizonte Surf Camp, Puro Surf, or Esencia Nativa, all of which offer surf lessons and rentals. If you want to go on your own, there are several surf shops in town and in El Tunco with rentals for as little as $10-15 USD per day.
Yoga
Yoga on the beach is a must if you’re coming here with a goal of unwinding. You can also take yoga classes at Sunset Surf Villa and Esencia Nativa, according to Everything El Salvador.
Fishing
If you don’t live along a coastline, you can take advantage of being in El Zonte by taking a deep-sea fishing excursion with companies like Sunzal Surf Company or EC Tours.
Watch Stunning Sunsets
Though the beaches face southwest in El Zonte, you can still see some incredible colors by heading down to Playa El Zonte at dusk.
Get a Massage
While not known for its spas, Lua Massage in El Zonte by all accounts gives some of the best massages you’ll find anywhere, and for very affordable prices. You can get a 90-minute massage here for around $50-60 USD and it’s just a couple blocks from the beach.
Take a Day Trip
Because El Salvador is so small, you can get to some of the country’s other top spots in a day trip from El Zonte.
Obviously, you have nearby El Tunco to spend some time in. Other coastal towns and cities like El Sunzal, Mizata, and La Libertad are worth venturing to as well.
\Tamanique Waterfalls, Santa Ana Volcano, Lake Coatepeque, and Ruta de las Flores are all within a 2-hour drive. I wasn’t able to get to Tamanique, but I visit Santa Ana Volcano, explore Lake Coatepeque, and spend a couple nights in the Ruta de las Flores. All are absolute must-visits if you can fit them in your itinerary.
Relax
While you have a share of things to do in El Zonte, the main reason most visitors choose to stay here is simple: to relax.
Thrill-seekers tend to prioritize the more inland regions of El Salvador, such as Santa Ana Volcano and the Ruta de las Flores. You can get a taste of the thrill by surfing in El Zonte, but otherwise, you’ll probably appreciate it for being an ideal time and place to give your mind a break.
Where to Eat & Drink in El Zonte
El Zonte has an impressive number of highly rated restaurants within a fairly small area.
Some of the best places to eat in El Zonte include:
- Nan Tal: Sensational views, healthy options, nice atmosphere, and known for fantastic service.
- Palma: Numerous vegan options, healthy options, and an intimate setting on a cozy outdoor patio.
- La Cajita Kitchen: One of the best burgers you’ll find with absolutely glowing 5-star reviews.
- Canegue Cafe: Small, intimate spot with fresh food and coffee in a charming spot next to the beach.
- El Rinconcito: An authentic atmosphere with very affordable traditional Salvadoran food.
How Expensive Is El Zonte?
El Zonte is one of the more expensive places in El Salvador, but it’s still considered an affordable destination. El Salvador is an extremely budget-friendly place to visit, so even the more “touristy” places like El Zonte won’t put too much of a dent in your wallet. Plus, nearby El Tunco tends to be a tad pricier.
Expect to pay $10-20 USD per meal and around $100 per night for top-notch accommodation.
Where to Stay in El Zonte
El Zonte has no shortage of beautiful places to stay. AirBnBs are plentiful, but there are no shortage of boutique hotels and resorts right on the coast, including:
- Almare Zonte (Oceanfront Glamping)
- The Beach Break Hotel
- Esencia Nativa
- Palo Verde Sustainable Hotel
- Hotel El Xalli
How to Get to El Zonte
El Zonte is easy to reach from most popular destinations in El Salvador, especially if you are based along the coast.
From San Salvador
El Zonte is about a one-hour drive from San Salvador and even closer to the airport.
The easiest option is to rent a car from the airport or take a private shuttle. If you are using public transportation, take a bus from San Salvador to La Libertad, then transfer to a bus heading toward El Tunco or El Zonte. Once you arrive in El Tunco, a short taxi ride will get you the rest of the way.
Renting a car in El Salvador is pretty cheap and the road to El Zonte is well-paved and scenic, so I’d suggest that over public transport.
From El Tunco
El Zonte is only about 10 minutes from El Tunco. You can simply ask your accommodation to call for a taxi if you don’t have your own car. Regardless, driving along scenic CA-2 is a real treat.
From Santa Ana
The drive from Santa Ana to El Zonte takes about two and a half hours. The most straightforward route is by rental car or private transfer.
By bus, you will need to travel to La Libertad, then through San Salvador.
From Juayua
Juayua is located in the Ruta de las Flores and is about a 2.5-hour drive from El Zonte. A rental car makes this journey much easier. With public transportation, expect several bus transfers and a full travel day (definitely not worth it).
In Summary: Visiting El Zonte, El Salvador
El Zonte is one of the best places to stay in El Salvador if you want to slow down, enjoy the beach, and experience the country’s surf culture. If you’re looking for nightlife, it’s right down the road in El Tunco.
While El Salvador is still new to the whole tourism thing, they’ve come a long way in just a few years. You’ll find that El Zonte offers not just beautiful coastal scenery, but also plenty of first-class accommodation. There are also plenty of tour providers to setup surfing and fishing. Whether you’re traveling alone, with your family, or with your significant other, El Zonte is sure to meet your expectations. So if you are planning a trip to El Salvador and want a coastal base focused on comfort beauty and relaxation, El Zonte deserves a spot on your itinerary.
