Our Favorite Spots

El Zonte is small, but it holds multitudes. Tucked along El Salvador’s Pacific coast, this once-sleepy surf town is quietly stepping into the global spotlight. As the country opens its arms to more travelers, El Zonte’s charm still feels refreshingly untouched punchy waves, a barefoot rhythm, and a community that blends warmth with independence.

What makes this place magnetic isn’t just the surf. It’s the way time slows down. The laughter shared under palapa roofs. The smell of pupusas on the griddle. The short walks that turn into slow wanders. Here, you don’t need big plans. You just need to look around.

Below are a few highlights we love—some tucked just steps from your door, others across the bridge or down a palm-lined path. Start here, but let curiosity guide you.

El Zonte Trail

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Start right from the house and wander into town with a local guide who knows the stories behind every mural and palm tree. You’ll learn about how the town began, meet familiar faces along the way, and get a feel for the community that makes El Zonte feel so alive. Guests always say this walk shifts something for them.

Relaxing Beach Walks

The black sand, the cliffs, the coconut trees swaying. There’s something about this coastline that slows you down. At low tide, the beach reveals secret rock pools and quiet corners perfect for a moment alone or a walk with someone you love. Every step here invites you to breathe deeper and move slower.

Multiple Point Breaks

El Zonte’s waves are consistent, dynamic, and welcoming to all levels. Beginners love the soft breaks for their first paddle-outs, while advanced surfers chase long rides and more technical lines. The locals always say the waves here are more than just good—they’re where they learned, grew up, fell in love, and found community. Every ride tells a story.

Across the River

The new bridge in El Zonte connects both sides of town, but it also does something more, it brings people together. It turns what used to be a seasonal crossing into a scenic path that feels full of possibility. Now, it’s easier than ever to get around, explore new corners, and feel how the town has come together, step by step and side by side.

Café Hopping (Start with Canegüe)

Canegüe is one of our favorite cafés in town, just a few steps from the house. It has an easy energy, vegan-friendly options, and a menu that rotates with the seasons. They make everything in-house, from their oat milk to their horchata. It’s the kind of spot you’ll return to for a slow morning, a quiet read, or a golden hour chat over coffee.

Pupusería Jeisi

This is where you go for the real thing. Grab a few to-go or stay a little longer and take a private class to learn how to make your own. It’s fun, authentic, and one of those experiences that sticks with you long after the trip is over.