El Salvador
Surf, Smiles & Sunsets – Our Family Adventure in the Land of Volcanoes
If you had asked us a year ago where we thought we'd fall in love with next, El Salvador probably wouldn't have made the top of the list—only because we didn’t know how magical it truly is. But after weeks spent exploring its Pacific coastline, lush inland hikes, and meeting some of the warmest people we've ever encountered, El Salvador has earned a forever spot in our hearts.
Safety First – And El Salvador Delivered
Let’s address what most people ask us: “But is it safe?” The answer, resoundingly, is yes. El Salvador has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years, thanks in large part to President Nayib Bukele. He’s made it his mission to clean up the country’s past reputation, and his efforts have paid off. In fact, El Salvador is now considered one of the safest countries in Latin America—a fact we felt daily while camping on beaches, walking through villages, and riding the famously colorful chicken buses.
Side note: President Bukele actually shared one of our family’s social media posts! To say we were stunned is an understatement—it was surreal and definitely one for the books. We actually made our own video about the safety of El Salvador- check it out below 👇
A Coastline Built for Soul Surfers and Storytellers
If you're chasing waves and sunshine, El Salvador’s coast is the place to be. We spent time in La Libertad, El Tunco, El Zonte, and La Flores—each spot with its own charm and rhythm.
El Tunco buzzes with backpacker energy, fire dancers, and nightlife.
El Zonte is more laid-back, with smooth right-hand point breaks and some of the kindest locals we met.
La Flores felt a bit like a secret—untouched beauty, empty surf, and dreamy sunsets.
La Libertad, with its iconic pier and local fish market, gave us the perfect mix of authentic Salvadoran life and top-notch surf.
Surfing here isn’t just about the waves—it’s about the people you meet in the water, the laughter shared over post-surf coconut water, and the way every local seems genuinely proud to welcome you to their piece of paradise.
Camping, Connections, and the Simple Life
One of the best parts of the trip? Camping as a family right on the beach. Falling asleep to crashing waves and waking up to golden sunrises over the Pacific felt like a dream. Locals often came by to chat, offer us fresh fruit, or just share stories. The kindness we experienced was overwhelming in the best way.
And yes- most people here practically lived on pupusas! These are cornmeal pockets stuffed with cheese, beans, and pork fillings. Every region had its own twist, we did try them but it was definitely not to my acquired taste… I couldnt taste anything very bland 😂!
Inland Adventures: Tamanique Waterfalls and Beyond
While the coast stole our hearts, heading inland was a refreshing shift. We hiked to the Tamanique Waterfalls, a series of cascading falls surrounded by lush forest and deep rock pools. The hike itself was a bit challenging as it was super steep and a lot of steps to get there, but the payoff was massive—cliff jumping, swimming, and spending time together in nature. Pure magic. I would recommend only visiting here if you are fairly fit and able to walk steep steps, it is not for the faint hearted that’s for sure!
The Colorful Chaos of Chicken Buses
Oh, the chicken buses! Every ride was an adventure—blaring reggaetón, flashing lights, and bold paint jobs. These old American school buses-turned-public-transit were loud, hot, chaotic, and absolutely unforgettable. It helped us to get around on budget too as the buses were super cheap, the only thing is you didn’t know when they were going to turn up or not (we often got caught out later on an evening and ended up walking).
El Salvador: More Than a Destination
We came to El Salvador for the surf and sunshine. We left with new friends (even though our Spanish was far from perfect), lifelong memories, and a newfound appreciation for a country often misunderstood. Whether it was sharing a bonfire with locals on the beach, hiking to hidden waterfalls, surfing with the locals, this trip had it all.
If you're considering visiting—go. Do it. El Salvador is rising, and it’s doing so with a smile, a wave, and a pupusa in hand. It is a place that welcomes you with open arms and everyone is so happy to be alive, the appreciation is real and you can feel it all around you when you're there. It was a lovely feeling and it definitely showed us not to take any day for granted, these people lived in sheer fear for years of their lifetime due to crime and gangs and now they get to enjoy El Salvador for all its beauty…. its such and amazing place and we will 100% be coming back!
