Goodlife Guides: El Zonte

El Zonte offers a variety of accommodations to suit every traveler’s budget and preferences. Here’s a quick guide:

• Wave House: The ideal choice for couples or families seeking modern conveniences and comfort. It’s the only place in the area offering private kitchen and laundry facilities, along with premium shared amenities and an oceanfront location. Enjoy an up-to-date and practical retreat with everything you need for a relaxed and enjoyable stay.
• Puro Surf: An ocean front boutique hotel with a surf school and wellness focus. Perfect for travelers who are interested in ‘sport’ — as well as relaxation with really well done amenities. You might even bump into a pro surfer at some point. Puro Surf is one of the top surfing hotels in the world.
• Palo Verde: An eco-friendly ocean front boutique hotel with a focus on sustainability. This hotel has some of the best customer service in town.
• Garten Hotel: A modern and stylish oceanfront retreat that is a favorite for Bitcoiners. This boutique hotel offers upscale amenities and a great menu.
• Esencia Nativa: This is one of the best spots in town with beautiful ocean views. Situated right on the river, you have views of sunset and surf. Esencia Nativa offers more of a local vibe and is one of the best places to go for surf lessons and instruction. Perfect for surfers, backpackers, families and adventurers.
• The Pocket (Airbnb): A stylish and digital nomad friendly Airbnb option, perfect for couples or solo travelers.
• Casa Mowgli (Airbnb): A spacious and beautifully designed ‘tropical’ Airbnb, great for friends or small families.

Begin your day early by witnessing a breathtaking sunrise over the ocean. After soaking in the view, grab your surfboard or rent one from local spots like Tres Hermanos, Esencia Nativa, or Puro Surf, which also offer lessons for beginners. Surf enthusiasts will find waves for every skill level—whether it’s the right-hand point break for advanced surfers or the left-hand beach break. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, head to Tecos, a local favorite in front of El Zonte’s iconic surf point. Enjoy a típico salvadoreño breakfast—a traditional Salvadoran meal that’s both delicious and satisfying—to fuel you for the adventures ahead.

Savor the coastal flavors at Olas Permanentes, the perfect lunch spot for seafood lovers. Their ceviches are always a favorite, offering an authentic taste of the local cuisine. With the ocean right in front, it’s not just a place to eat—it’s a place to experience. Take a refreshing swim while you wait for your food and enjoy the unique charm of dining where Bitcoin is accepted.

For dinner, head to Low Tide Eatery, where Mediterranean-style cuisine takes center stage. Known for serving the best pasta in town, this charming spot also stands out with its fresh burrata—an exclusive treat in El Zonte. While you enjoy a glass of wine, indulge in their vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free options (available upon request). Opening at 6 PM, the eatery also accepts Bitcoin for a modern dining experience.

Looking for the perfect place to unwind with coffee? Visit Nan-tal, a cozy spot located inside Palo Verde Hotel, offering stunning ocean views. Relax to the sound of waves as you sip on your favorite brew. Don’t miss their special treat: artisanal plantain ice cream, a unique local delight that comes highly recommended! Nan-tal also serves delicious breakfast and dinner, making it a great place to enjoy a full day of relaxing and indulging.

Jeisi’s Pupuseria is renowned for serving some of the best pupusas in town. This family-owned eatery offers a wide variety of pupusas, including traditional corn and rice options, as well as unique vegan choices like garlic-flavored pupusas. Despite being busy, the friendly staff and delicious, affordable food make it worth the wait. Prices range from 75 cents to $1.50 per pupusa. Oh, and a quick heads-up: they take a well-deserved break on Wednesdays, so plan your pupusa cravings accordingly!

For adventure seekers, the El Zonte caves are a must-visit and truly a one-of-a-kind hidden gem. To find them, when you are facing the ocean, walk to your right along the beach, all the way to the end. You’ll cross a rock formation, and just beyond it, you’ll discover the caves. Be sure to plan your visit during low tide for safe exploration!

El Zonte Skate Bowl is the perfect place for the whole family. This vibrant skate park offers a dynamic space where kids, locals, and the skate community can gather, practice tricks, and enjoy the thrill of the sport. Beyond being a hub for skaters, the space also hosts events organized by the community and local brands, including memorable gatherings by Grlswirl. It’s an energetic hangout spot that brings fun and connection to the area, making it a must-visit for anyone in El Zonte. Plus, you’ll find the public beach entrance here.

El Zonte is leading the way in Bitcoin adoption, as many local shops accept Bitcoin as a payment method. Whether you’re purchasing fresh vegetables, eggs, beer, water, or even a pair of shorts, it provides a seamless opportunity to witness the digital currency revolution in action.

Discover how Bitcoin is empowering communities in El Salvador. Visit the Bitcoin Beach Office, where you can learn about inspiring local initiatives and the broader impact of Bitcoin in the area.

The Bitcoin Hardware Store embodies El Zonte’s innovative spirit. This unique establishment offers a variety of products, including hardware wallets, seed metals, textbooks, business terminals, and fun merchandise. They also provide Bitcoin integration and recovery services, making it a valuable resource for newcomers and seasoned Bitcoin enthusiasts. The store also features a Bitcoin Lightning ATM, offering a convenient way to buy or interact with Bitcoin on-site.

• Need to cross the river? The new bridge in El Zonte, located right on the street in front of El Vikingo restaurant, allows residents and visitors to cross the river with ease. It provides safe and convenient access between different parts of the community, making it easier to explore all that El Zonte has to offer.
• ATM Location: For your banking needs, the only ATM in El Zonte is conveniently located right next to La Canasta Shop. This ensures locals and tourists can easily access cash without venturing far from the heart of town.
• Local events and meetups: Look out for local events that might align with your stay. Every Friday night there is a Bitcoin dinner and the last Friday of every month a Bitcoin meetup at Palo Verde hotel. You will also find plenty of other activities and classes like yoga at sunset, salsa classes and more. Simply ask around town and you’re sure to figure out what’s happening.

End your day by witnessing one of El Zonte’s breathtaking sunsets—nature’s masterpiece that never fails to inspire awe. The best spots to soak in the magic are at the Bocana of the river or right in front of Olas Permanentes. From October to March, you can even catch the sun setting directly into the ocean, creating a truly unforgettable view. It’s moments like this that lead most visitors to ‘extend their stay’. Enjoy!