Aelfgifu Travels

Hi Aelf Crew,

Next up: the laid-back beach town of El Tunco, where travellers swapped stories late into the night over beers and pupusas.

I stayed at Sunzal Surf Garden, a sociable hostel just a short walk from the beach. Although I’d planned to try surfing, I ended up getting swept up in the social side of things instead (classic Aelfgifu).

Surf lessons with English-speaking instructors cost around US$50 per hour, and most schools are a quick 30-minute walk or a US$3 Uber ride from the hostel. The beach itself is rocky, so if you’re new to surfing, it’s worth checking with locals about the safest entry points – this is something that put me off completely!

The majority of my time here was spent laughing in the swimming pool, eating pupusas and at Kako’s Bar with an amazing group of friends I made. So no strange anecdotes today my readers, just genuine positivity (I’m sure a welcomed change from my usual posts)!

Tips to Learn from Aelfgifu:

• Bring cash – the ATMs in El Tunco charge hefty fees.
• Try pupusas – El Salvador’s national dish! These griddled corn pockets filled with cheese, beans, or pork are simple, cheap, and dangerously moreish.
• If you surf, El Sunzal is the go-to spot for consistent waves.
• El Tunco isn’t about ticking boxes – it’s about slowing down, watching sunsets and meeting people who make you forget what day it is.

If you enjoy honest travel notes – the practical bits, the quiet moments, and the things I wish I’d known – you can subscribe using the yellow button at the top or bottom of the page to follow along.

With a pupusa in hand,
Aelfgifu