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Eastern El Salvador, El Salvador
Photo: davidjoviera, CC BY 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
El Cuco, also known as Oriente Salvaje among surfers, is a quintessential beach with dark sands, lined with vendor huts, seafood restaurants and shaggy palms. It is a world-famous surfing destination that is regarded as one of the best in the world, although it is not well known outside the surfing community. Non-surfers will find long stretches of sandy beaches that are lightly visited but with a local beach vibe unspoiled by crowds and development.
Mexican-style taqueria serving a variety of tacos and tortas (sandwiches). Food is as good as what you'd find in Mexico (well seasoned and marinated with a dose of chile).
El Bombon is the gregarious, English speaking chef who is happy to provide recommendations about the food or general knowledge about the beach community. Locals say the steak sandwiches are the best in El Salvador.
It wouldn't be a Salvadorian town without at least one place with good pupusas and you can your fix here when in El Cuco. Made freshly before your eyes with your choice of fillings and served with a hefty dollop of curtido, spicy pickled shredded cabbage.
Beach restaurant and bar with chill atmosphere including hammocks under the palapa. Seafood entrees and snacks including shrimp cocktails, ceviche and fried fish filets. Ice cold beer (of course).
Beach resort, turtle sanctuary, swimming pool, jacuzzi, yoga and meditation temples, health and beauty spa, restaurant and bar, shuttle service to El Cuco, Intipuca Beach and Las Flores surf spot. Other tours include, stand up paddle boarding, island boat trips, water-skiing, wake-boarding, para-sailing, volcano and nature hiking, hot springs, lake tours, and kayaking through mangroves.
Surfing resort with facilities and equipment that include a private beach access road, beachfront palapas with hammocks, beach shower, boat house with enclosed surfboard storage, restaurant, infinity pool, swim-up bar, massage table and canopy.
Cliff-top hotel with dramatic sunset and ocean views. Rooms are modest and a bit worn. Outdoor swimming pool available. On-site restaurant available. Beach access is down 150 stairs.
Beautiful locally run hotel down a rocky dirt road off the main highway with a secluded location between rocky cliffs and the black sand beach of Playa Flores. Rooms are spacious and decorated in traditional Salvadoran style with air conditioner, coffee maker and boutique toiletries, outdoor swimming pool set on a bluff overlooking the sea. On-site restaurant serves traditional Salvadoran cuisine (including pupusas).
The Pan-American highway crosses through El Salvador and is a safe route for entering the country and traveling between San Miguel in the East and San Salvador in the West.
Read in the guideIn Playa El Esteron you can find hotels that offer a shuttle service between Intipuca Beach, Playa Las Flores and El Cuco or alternatively you can take a cheap taxi between the neighboring beaches.
Read in the guideChoose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
San Salvador (San Luis Talpa) · International · SAL
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Articles and travel topics about El Cuco and El Salvador.
Nature & adventureSurfing is a sport in which people stand on boards and ride waves.
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Nature & adventureEl Salvador has 5 national parks conserving a wide range of plant and animal species across several types of ecosystems including Pacific beaches, coastal wetlands, mountainous rainforests, and rugged volcanic peaks.
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ItinerariesRuta de las Flores is an official tourist itinerary in El Salvador. The itinerary follows a route through the Apaneca-Ilamatepec mountain range visiting six towns that are emblematic of rural Salvadoran culture.
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ItinerariesItineraries in North America
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