El Zonte, El Salvador: Surf Breaks, Volcano Exploring & Coffee Country Adventures

The Experience

This trip took us deep into the heart of Central America and straight to the black sand beaches of El Zonte, El Salvador— a raw, rugged, and unforgettable destination.

We flew into San Salvador, but the beauty of this trip starts with logistics — the airport is conveniently located outside the city, between the capital and the coast. That means you can skip the chaos of San Salvador entirely. With a pre-arranged driver waiting at the airport, we avoided the overwhelming crowd of local drivers outside. What seemed intimidating at first turned out to be completely manageable and secure.

The drive to El Zonte was stunning — a smooth highway followed by winding coastal roads lined with palm trees, jungle, and sweeping ocean views. We passed Surf City and rolled into El Zonte — a laid-back surf village famous for its waves, sunsets, and its growing reputation as Bitcoin Beach.

El Zonte is the kind of place where sunsets stop you in your tracks. It’s underdeveloped in the best way: no souvenir shops, no Walgreens, no tourist traps. Just a few boutique hotels, rocky beaches, and a community of surfers, locals, and a handful of dogs that seem to have moved in permanently. It’s gritty, relaxed, and beautiful.

We booked surf lessons with Puro Surf Academy, and it was one of the highlights of the trip. Our instructors were patient, helpful, and found a beginner-friendly break for us to get started. We had only planned to surf one day — we went out two. Watching the horizon from the hotel restaurant, drink in hand, as surfers caught waves right in front of us was a surreal way to spend the afternoon.

Another high point was our day trip to the Ruta de Las Flores, a scenic mountain route filled with coffee farms, colorful villages, and volcano views. We booked the Coffee Country and Ruta de las Flores: A Day Full of Fun tour through EC Tours. It included stops in several towns nestled in the Apaneca mountain range. In Juayúa, we visited the Bourbon Hotel rooftop café, where we had incredible coffee, tasty pastries, and a jaw-dropping view of the volcanoes.

We also stopped at Lechuza Café, where our guide Javier took us through the coffee farm, explained the growing process, and led a fantastic tasting experience. The flavors, stories, and culture made it a true highlight — a must-do if you’re in Juayúa.

Our most challenging (and rewarding) adventure? Climbing Santa Ana Volcano — the highest peak in El Salvador at 7,812 feet. The trail is long and can be steep in places, climbing straight up like a goat path. It’s not for the out-of-shape, but at the summit, we were rewarded with an aqua-blue crater lagoon that looked like something out of a fantasy novel. Lookout points near the top gave us some of the best photo ops of our lives. And yes — three-quarters of the way up, we found vendors with backpacks full of handmade popsicles, and they were incredible. Whether it was the effort or the flavor, they were some of the best we’ve ever had.

What to Expect in the Town

El Zonte is raw and real. Roads are unpaved, drainage is poor, and surfboards lean against palm trees. It’s a town that operates at its own pace, and that’s exactly why we loved it.

Locals are friendly and curious, open to talking about life, surfing, and even cryptocurrency — Bitcoin is deeply embedded in the culture here. While we never felt directly threatened, I wouldn’t recommend wandering alone at night. Awareness goes a long way, especially in an undeveloped town like this.

It’s not polished, but it’s charmingly authentic. You don’t come here for luxury — you come for the vibe.

Where We Stayed

Palo Verde Sustainable Hotel – El Zonte

Easily one of the best lodging options in the area. This boutique hotel has fewer than 20 rooms and sits right on the beach. We recommend booking one of the rooms at the end of the pool — they open directly onto a private lounging area. The on-site restaurant is excellent, though billing is done separately from the hotel (a minor quirk that didn’t bother us). It’s modern, well-kept, and fits perfectly into the natural surroundings.

Eat and Drink

We loved the food in El Salvador. Not a single bad meal, and while you should be careful with seafood pasta, grilled fish and fresh-caught seafood were consistently great.

Top Spots:

• Pupusería Jeisi – El Zonte

A decent local spot. Good pupusas, but not quite worth the hype from online reviews.

• Cadejo Brewing Company – Between Surf City & El Zonte

One of the coolest breweries we’ve ever seen. Outdoor patio, tide pools below, waves smashing against the rocks. Incredible sunset photos, great beer, and unforgettable scenery.

• Bourbon Hotel Rooftop Café – Juayúa

The coffee and views were amazing. We only had pastries (which were excellent), but the setting alone makes it worth a visit. Great way to experience the local culture and soak in the surrounding beauty.

• Lechuza Café – Juayúa

Part of our coffee tour. We sampled fresh-brewed varieties while learning about the farming process. Our guide Javier was fantastic. Highly recommended if you love coffee and want to learn about El Salvador’s local traditions.

Tips for Travelers

• Skip San Salvador. The airport is outside the city — you can go straight to the coast without entering the capital.

• Pre-arrange airport transportation. The crowd outside the airport can feel chaotic. A driver with a sign waiting for you is the way to go.

• Be aware after dark. El Zonte felt safe, but you’ll want to be cautious at night and stick to familiar routes.

• Pack for exploration. Hiking shoes, swim gear, sunscreen, and bug spray — you’ll need it all.

• Stay hydrated. Between the heat, altitude, and surf, it’s easy to forget. Bring your water bottle everywhere.

Final Thoughts

I can’t say enough about El Salvador — the kindness of the people, the beauty of the land, and the vibe of El Zonte. It’s not for the traveler looking for luxury or convenience, but for those who crave authenticity, adventure, and a place that hasn’t yet been overrun by tourism, this is it.

We surfed, we climbed a volcano, we drank world-class coffee, and we saw some of the most beautiful sunsets of our lives. El Zonte is not polished — and that’s exactly why we fell in love with it.