Playa El Tunco, El Salvador 🇸🇻
#2090
13.493151, -89.390024
Nomad Score:
62%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Playa El Tunco is a popular beach town in El Salvador, known for its surfing and laid-back atmosphere. It has become a hub for digital nomads and travelers seeking a beach lifestyle. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 2,000 local residents, with seasonal influxes of tourists and expats. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speeds are around 30-50 Mbps, with some coworking spaces offering higher speeds. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD is the local currency. ATMs are available, and credit cards are accepted in many places. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Tap water is generally not drinkable; it is advised to drink bottled water. |
| 🔌 Power | Electricity is 110V, 60Hz, with Type A/B sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Local providers include Tigo and Claro, with prepaid SIM cards widely available. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | International cards (Visa, MasterCard) are accepted in many businesses. Online banking options are available. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Accommodation ranges from hostels ($10-30/night) to beachfront hotels and vacation rentals ($50-150/night). |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, many places accept cards, especially restaurants and shops. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo offer various short-term rentals in the area. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Look into Hostal Tali for budget-friendly dormitory options starting at $10 per night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Coco Coworking is a popular choice among digital nomads, offering fast internet and comfortable workspaces. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe El Tunco offers a relaxed atmosphere with Wi-Fi and good coffee for working. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Various meetups are organized in coworking spaces and community centers, check local Facebook groups. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | The El Tunco Expats group on Facebook is active with regular meetups, parties, and social activities. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | There are no traditional ride-sharing apps, but local taxis are available. Look for 'tuk-tuks' for short distances. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bicycles and scooters can be rented from local shops around the area. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Playa El Tunco is the main beach, popular for surfing and sunbathing. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Avianca is the primary airline offering domestic flights within Central America. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | American Airlines and Delta provide multiple flights to and from the United States. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | El Tunco is accessible via CA-2, the coastal highway connecting to other parts of El Salvador. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | There is no train service; buses are the primary means of public transit connecting to nearby cities. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Public buses are inexpensive and run frequently between major cities. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses and shuttles run to San Salvador, Santa Ana, and other cities regularly, costing around $1-5. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hospital de la Mujer in San Salvador is the nearest reputable hospital for emergencies. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Tunco offers yoga classes and wellness retreats near the beach. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Gym El Tunco offers basic workout facilities; however, options may be limited. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundromats offer basic laundry services, typically charging $3-5 per load. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Use Rappi for food delivery services across Playa El Tunco. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Pupusas, a traditional Salvadoran dish made of corn dough filled with various ingredients. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | The Green House offers a range of vegan and vegetarian dishes in a relaxed atmosphere. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Cafe Los Almendros offers delicious pastries and desserts; try their coconut macaroons. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Street vendors sell snacks and local produce at affordable prices throughout the town. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Occasional online sales occur via Facebook Marketplace or local vendors. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Local supermarkets offer some delivery options; inquire at Super Selectos in La Libertad. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | El Tunco is known for its lively nightlife, especially along the beach with numerous bars. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Open Bar Brewery is an emerging craft brewery in the region. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Wine bar options are limited; enjoy local beers at many beach bars. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Try the street food vendors near the beach for affordable snacks and local cuisine. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Many restaurants serve seafood and pizza, a popular choice amongst tourists. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Visit the El Tunco lookout for stunning sunset views and some of the most photographed spots in El Salvador. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | El Salvador isn't rich in museums around El Tunco itself; San Salvador's Museo de Arte is worth a visit. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Visit the historic town of La Libertad nearby, known for its colonial architecture. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Church of El Tunco is a small but significant local place of worship. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Surfing Tournament in July draws many visitors for local and international competitions. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | El Tunco's beach area is vibrant, filled with local artists and sellers showcasing crafts. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Local beaches often host informal performances, particularly live music events at local bars. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The local artisan markets in La Libertad are worth exploring for souvenirs and crafts. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Many bars feature live music, particularly reggae and rock, creating an inviting atmosphere. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Look for murals and graffiti around town showcasing local art and surf culture. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Various cooking classes are available focusing on traditional Salvadoran cuisine, inquire locally. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Local art shows occasionally pop up along the beach during peak tourist seasons. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Notable historical buildings can be found in nearby towns, featuring colonial architecture. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | El Salvador has a rich indigenous history; you can explore local cultural heritage at community events. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Nearby national parks, such as Cerro Verde, offer hiking opportunities and stunning views. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | El Imposible National Park is about 2 hours away and known for biodiversity. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Walking paths along the beach make for enjoyable strolling or cycling along the coast. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The cliffs of El Tunco provide plenty of lookout points for breathtaking ocean vistas. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Tranquil spots near the estuary provide opportunities to see local bird species. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas on the beach allow for bonfires, a popular evening activity. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Local postal services handle parcel deliveries, but consider using DHL for international shipments. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Limited; check local shops, especially around major tourist areas. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Some hostels may have table tennis, but public spots are limited. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language schools in nearby San Salvador offer Spanish classes for foreigners. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Few libraries are available; cafes usually serve as study spots. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Various community organizations run events and activities, check local Facebook groups. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited options; local bars may have gaming setups for entertainment. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Few casinos exist in El Salvador; travelers typically go to San Salvador for gaming. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $48,000) for beachfront properties. |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $900 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $36,000) for properties farther from the beach. |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $108,000) for beachfront options. |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $72,000) in less prime areas. |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,500 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $200,000) for prime seaside locations. |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,800 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $144,000) for suburban settings. |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 25% standard corporate tax rate. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 0% on dividends distributed for foreign companies under certain conditions. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Tax system is based on worldwide income for residents. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 30% maximum personal income tax rate. |
| 🧾 VAT | 13% Value Added Tax applied. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, CFC rules apply to foreign corporations controlled by local residents. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax is calculated based on property value; rates vary. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Approx. 3% transfer tax on property purchases. |