EL TUNCO | The Coolest Beach Town in El Salvador

Visiting the cool beach town of El Tunco in the Central American country of El Salvador.
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Music during the video (in order):
"En El Auto" by Bassio
&
"Six by Eight" by Jimmy Fontanez & Media Right Productions
&
"Spiritize" by Isaac Charles
&
"Wildfires" by Jones Meadow
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Video created by Gabriel Morris, who is the owner of all video or photo content. Filmed with a DJI Osmo Action: amzn.to/3gSi8rA
Gabriel is a world traveler and travel writer who has been adventuring around the world since his first trip to Europe in the summer of 1990 when he was 18 years old. He is author of "Gabe's Guide to Budget Travel", "Following My Thumb" and several other books.
Disclaimer: Gabriel Morris is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to www.amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate, Gabriel earns revenue from qualifying purchases.

[@johncastro3673]

Do gooders around the world are highly critical of the drastic measures taken by Bukele. As president Bukele commented in one of his speeches; "where were all these critics when 15 to 20 people were being murdered daily in El Salvador?" Yes, El Salvador is a developing country but it's far cleaner than many of the countries you've visited in Asia. I don't see graffiti, or homeless people anywhere. If the criminal element continues being controlled, the country has much to offer visitors. Great video Gabriel!!

[@roquemocan]

I'll try to give a bit more context. Bukele made a peace pact with the gangs. Before, there were frontal attacks to the gangs (and thus, more deaths). This gave the opportunity to Bukele to make a peace pact. He made a new mega prison for the gangs, which is exponentially better than the place where they were before. Also, to get the stragglers from this pact, he imprisoned 2% of the population (the most in the entire world). 70,000 in a couple of years. And, as such they imprisoned (and tortured and sometimes killed) thousands of innocents at the same time. As there are no "rights", an anonymous call from a disgruntled neighbour was the only thing that it took to bring you to prison. But they say you will get out if innocent... but there are not enough lawyers and investigative personnel... so, it might be 2 years or more before you are freed because you were innocent (if you didn't die in the process). And your family had to pay for your maintenance in prison - money that went to the mother of the prison director (Osiris Luna). Corruption is rampant, so the country is broke. I think Bukele will eventually flee the country when the reality hits of no more money to sustain the illusion. About no homeless people: they were simply sweep under the rug: 250,000 new extreme poor. But they are chased down in the "gentrified" places. Poor street vendors expelled from where they were selling for years.

[@connorisawsome8440]

El Salvador is an inspiration. Who would've thought this place could be the next popular destination? Looks like they're really pushing hard to improve these beach towns. 2 years ago hardly anyone ever considered visiting this place. Bravo El Salvador, things are looking up!

[@oseasdiaz2691]

Thanks for your very encouraged words toward my country El Salvador 🇸🇻 is being restored from the past but we already know we're in the right direction everything has a beginning and we're going to make it through!!! Greetings!

[@armandosalazar2231]

There were already Americans here in El Salvador and they own ranches on the beach and they kept it a secret. They don't like to advertise where they live.

[@javiermartinez9629]

​@@armandosalazar2231mexico or hawai two😢

[@Tom_Roberts]

It takes time to correct years of neglect , but they seem to be a hard working people and a government that is trying to make things better. That's a recipe for success, and there's loads of potential there - give it a few years.

[@oseasdiaz2691]

Amen to that!!! Let's keep doing the good job and we will see El Salvador 🇸🇻 getting through.

[@ChoppyJames]

It doesn’t need a few years the country is already beginning to thrive!

[@gatolatinol.p2792]

El Salvador is beautiful and has everything: beaches, rivers, lakes, hills, volcanoes and a lot of vegetation, everything looks green and the most important thing is that it is the safest country in the world right now

[@s125ish]

Safer than Iceland?

[@Jaime-he2ne]

@@s125ishyes now it is.

[@ericdiekmann2308]

​@s125ish not even.close

[@Deadfoot-Dan]

Beautiful beach, a clear sign it is not overrun with tourists. Surf City is a definite destination visit if one was in the area, most Americans keep going south to Costa Rica and Panama.

[@Svarthod1]

you are a legend. love watching your videos

[@trivet1970]

he really is

[@user-qm2sz4ix1v]

El Salvador is a piece of heaven on earth 🌎 and a little paradise 💐 God bless El Salvador and all his people and visitors too.

[@wowl-o9i]

Your adventures educate all of us. 😊

[@stevenpentz5188]

CONGRADULATIONS GABRIEL

Hola Gabe: 1. Buenos dias= Good Morning 2. Buenas tardes= Good Afternoon 3. Buenas noches: Good Night/ Good Evening

[@waltersorto2248]

Finally you made to el tunco...now you will see a lots of gringos 😂😂..thanks for visiting our country...have fun ...but I still recommend to go at night to el tunco...

[@jacobs.7659]

It was very nice of you trying to pitch in for the music. In my own opinion, it is rare to see that. Thank you for visiting my country! 👍

[@dianach-fl7fw]

You are really enjoy amazing experience of the journey

[@GabrielTravelerVideos]

Totally. 😎

[@Travelhiker520]

I love how the country has fully embraced Bitcoin!

[@queenazteca998]

Im so glad your showing us El Salvador my family is from there and I always wanted to go visit and perhaps live there one day 😊

[@dangrimes5078]

I'm married to a Salvadorian lady. I ask her about her country all the time. She never has one good word to say about it.

[@respectedpath]

I'm in El Tunco now, also. I'm traveling for all of 2024 and you were a major inspiration for me to do this. If you're still around, I'd love to get you a beer.

[@GabrielTravelerVideos]

Very cool. Feel free to send me a message on instagram. I'll have to see how things go in the next few days.

[@carlossaade3664]

@@GabrielTravelerVideos hi Gabriel me llamo Carlos i live in ES and wanted to let you know that a nice sandy beach is La Costa del Sol and Barra de Santiago. Anyway, i have only seen 2 videos so i dont know if you visited more beaches but those two i mentioned are beautiful sunsets and no rocks

[@GabrielTravelerVideos]

@@carlossaade3664 Great, thanks for the info.

[@elturko1128]

U made it to tunco!! Stoked u made it there. Too bad the waves weren’t pumping. You woulda have seen world class surfers. And a Cuban mojito I think they stir the sugar in different. And bro Cuba libre most popular drink maybe in Central America

[@johndoherty8198]

Congratulations Gabriel on hitting the 600k subscribers mark! Love the let’s just be real vibe! Being a similar age I love your adventures. All the best from Kingston 🇨🇦

[@rollwiththepunches5932]

great video mate, im Australian but live in El Salvador for 3 months every year in Mejicanos over Christmas, my favorite places are Playa Amatecampo because no ones on the beach, Caluco for hen soup, cierro verde nacional park, lago coatepeque y suchitoto.

[@ingemec83]

Welcome...you were at Sunzal beach ( next to El Tunco) ...excellent surfing spot

[@Johnny-Michael]

Those waves hitting sound incredible !

[@manuelcalderon2748]

The best beach in El Salvador is Los Cobanos (close to the Cameron hotel) the sand has a beautiful golden color and there are a lot of ranch’s and restaurants as well, I use to go with my family when I was little.

[@GabrielTravelerVideos]

Good tip, thanks.

[@pedrocruz910]

@@GabrielTravelerVideoses muybuen bideo sera biral

[@dylanx9327]

20:30 ... wow.... more expensive than Cape Cod, MA

[@mamapena75]

Go there at night.! El Tunco has tons of people and tourists dancing and sitting and having fun 😊 Thanks for visiting

[@bighand1530]

👍

[@DeputyDog-mh1yo]

Do you like to dance mama?

[@genovevapadilla3038]

Greetings from Canadá: Welcome to El Salvador and thanks for promoting tourism and for telling to the world that our country is a safe place to travel

[@DeputyDog-mh1yo]

You're in Canada. You can't welcome him

[@oseasdiaz2691]

Gabriel thanks for sharing our beaches and specially thinking and believing that there's a hope for El Salvador 🇸🇻 and let's keep doing the good job and we will see El Salvador 🇸🇻 getting through.

[@mel7305]

We saw the most incredible sunsets of our whole year travelling on that beach in El Tunco. Nice to see it all again!

[@DiseasedKodak]

That rock you see around 11:35 the say looks like a pig, I couldn't really see it when I was there but that's why the beach is called el tunco which means the pig if you didn't know

[@DiseasedKodak]

13:38 as well

[@GabrielTravelerVideos]

I see, good to know.

[@DiseasedKodak]

@@GabrielTravelerVideos No doubt bro, salvadorian's are kind people! I went there 2 years ago, my gf has family there. Love it and awesome to see your adventure there!!

[@DiseasedKodak]

@DrMindbender-wi1gq I tried to look at it every way possible 😆

[@nurialopez1671]

You have to comeback at night to El Tunco

[@jmonic]

Everything happens at evening time at sunset, el tunco is more night life kind of thing

[@sonicteal8723]

O.K. I have to go now! Maybe around June? Greetings Gabe from Providence, Rhode Island

Just keep in mind that winter and heavy rains starts in may or in june..

[@LaVerdadJournal]

I also always had these two cocktails in Mexico..

[@tjegan1417]

I really like the way you travel!!!

[@lestheracevedo4218]

Nicaragua is great Surfing. Many many sites to see

[@user-fj5jp8zu8f]

Legend gabriel❤

[@michellesteinbeiss-bryan7366]

I really enjoyed the music and video for this intro. Cool little beach town! Nothing like the feeling of walking on wet sand. Those tacos looked delicious and so did the pina colada!!! Nice little travel video, it had a touch of everything: Sun, sand, waves, cool music, cocktails and good food!!! El Salvador has turned out to be a pleasant surprise. ❤️👏☀️🍹

[@ovlogs_]

Thank you for sharing this great video, I was there at La Libertad last November and had a really nice experience. I like how you well detailed and explain your video 👍👍🇸🇻

[@elturko1128]

Wow El Salvador got like Costa Rica with prices. I know medium wages low but those are euro prices almost. Costa Rica 30 years ago was cheap. Now more than usa and looks like El Salvador gonna be soon too.

[@saratemp790]

Yes very expensive there.

[@andraskleistenes8586]

Why is El Salvador so expensive ? I think as expensive as in Western Europe...

[@MARC-FENIX]

@DrMindbender-wi1gqGentrification is a huge problem. Thats also why some hispanics are swarming the borders to more wealthier countries. The creation of middle classes in their countries is the solution. Reasonable protectionism of their market to a certain extend would be necessary and avoiding intrusions of those countries that say free- market should be universal while not permiting it to others on own soil.

[@elturko1128]

@@andraskleistenes8586 he was at most or one of most touristy spots in El Salvador. Also during the end of their “peak” dry season. So prices always a little higher during this period. Also the things people in comments said. Main main factor is once a place gets touristy prices go high. Especially when considering local wages it’s very sad. What happened to Costa Rica big time. And many others unfortunately.

[@sophmaster200]

El tunco has tourist prices. Other places are more reasonable. Beach property prices are rising fast.

[@guima838]

You deserve way more views dude🙏

[@user-qm2sz4ix1v]

What a beautiful picture of the video without extortion or dangerous people estamos alegres pues El Salvador is another country.❤it

[@svca12218]

Just this week March 11, 2024, the Salvadorean legislation approved to exempt from 30% tax, all capital brought to the country from investors and expats who, like me, have been waiting for the economic situation to improve. In about one month (when the legislation goes into effect) if I sell my house in the US and take profits to El Salvador; I will pay ZERO taxes for taking those funds. They had already approved for expats to exclude from import tax $70,000 USD worth of household items for your house, if you are returning to live in ES, and also exclude from import taxes up to two vehicles. 23 years working my butt off in USA; I am 44 y/o now; time for me to return to my land.

[@makeamericagreenagain8511]

What’s a credible way to make that transfer once you've collected from the sale of the house - or will you be keeping it for producing income in the US? AND, how wll you ship the vehicles? Or, will you have to return for retrieving them? My friends shipped a vehicle from PHL to Hawaii pretty reasonably, I thought. Just curious where a vehicle might arrive if shipped to El Salvador. Thanks ☆

[@svca12218]

@@makeamericagreenagain8511 I am building a master suite with kitchen as addition to each house to be rented separately. Collecting income free of tax (see depreciation of rentals) One house is owned outright. I am pulling equity out of each up to 80%; and letting the renters pay it off. But waiting to see if Daddy Powell will lower interest rates in 2024-2025. If he does; fireworks. There are groups in Facebook of people who drive in caravans to El Salvador once per year to take their vehicles; but there are transportation companies that charge around $2k to $3k to send the vehicle inside a container by land. Takes 7 days to reach ES from US. If sent by ship; they land in Guatemala's port and taken by freight to El Salvador. I believe is about two weeks for Salvadoran customs to release the vehicle inside the country once permits/registration are completed. Cheers.

[@delmypennington4450]

El tunco is the only Rocky Beach, it is good for surfing, people go to nice sand beaches, try to go to the Port de la libertad or el tamarindo they have better beaches. Acajutla ,sonsonate sanilitas etc etc,.El tunco is for people who like to drink and have fun dancing. Weekend and holidays are very busy.

[@danielitokun]

Just the fact that you were able to walk around the markets with your camera out and you didn't feel uncomfortable is mind blowing to me and I'm salvadoran lol. I would've have not done that a couple of years ago.

[@TheSwede70]

Your comment about Bukele is spot on. It equals what I would say about it after talking to many locals too. There will always be a flipside too with such a dramatic change. But with the situation that existed prior to Bukele what was the choice when most other things were tried out already? Like you said. Our "western recipes"" to how El Salvador should deal with all these problems were also a failure. 🙂

[@djallen16]

La Bocana is my favorite restaurant in El Salvador.its right in front of the big rock that’s in the ocean.the food and drinks are OUTSTANDING

[@keithfry4908]

When you compare these beaches to those in Australia and other parts of the world it certainly would not be the beach that would attract one to El Tunco. Not everyone has the luxury of pristine white sand beaches at their doorstep to visit. However for one to travel to El Salvador it would have to show the world it has something sensational to offer the discerning traveler. One is always enjoying the experience with you. Cheers 🍺🇦🇺

[@roca7108]

The only rocky beaches in El Salvador are in La Libertad and it is only the stretch between Sunzal ( next to el Tunco) and Punta Roca. Los Cobanos is the other rocky beach and it is in Sonsonate. The rest are sandy and get bigger and wider the more you drive either towards Guatemala or to the Gulf of Fonseca in La Unión. Great vids Gabriel, as usual.

[@katleenmstut4622]

I get the feeling El Salvador is a fairly poor country. Not a lot of road, street or building maintenence. However the people are making an interesting difference with the colourful illustrations on the walls. Interesting country, thankyou Gabriel.

[@tierranuestra7776]

The nearest mayan ruins are Joya del Ceren and Ruinas de San Andres but better to visit over the weekend is less traffic to get there.

[@travelvideos]

28:10 Gi me Dat dolla!

[@russellspaddy9065]

Yes, the nightlife is amazing on the weekends in El Tunco. You'll love it.

[@alexanderalvarez1780]

Good video...

[@anibaleve1424]

Congratulations That is one of the popular spots for surfer They have a worlds longboard competition going on these days on that beach. Looks beautiful

[@yenalava7472]

Very Nice! Seems like El Salvador is still a work in progress and growing. But may be for now that's its beauty and not all commercialized and people cramped like other destinations. Above all it seems to be still very affordable... grretings from Texas! Stay Safe!

[@RuthRamirez-xh4qp]

beautiful place God bless EL Salvador

[@partyplaceelsalvador5315]

U shold to visit the tunco at night, is other tunco, u will get fun

[@bellezaynaturaleza4495]

Thank you for showing this beautiful country. El Salvador is a true gem. I love your videos Gabriel.

[@apostolia2124]

Amazing street art !! their president seems a man of values. Gabe, i like your attitude with people, a lot.✌🙏✨

[@johnnymontana8927]

Yeah, he has some values alright. Good enough to kill his childhood friend, alejandro muyshondt. Honestly, dont talk unless you know the truth.

[@user-cq1zb7cs7n]

There are many sandy beaches in El Salvador, you just have to look for them👍

[@mr.sts.p]

Very beatiful place Gabriel and good food and drinks ❤😊👍

[@makeamericagreenagain8511]

👍

[@marcialgarcia9153]

Thanks for you video and for visit El salvador

[@mygoldteef]

It is starting to look like time to vacation in el salvador

[@JennyGunner-ge3lz]

This beach has a lot more character and the food at the restaurant looked delicious. I am really enjoying your videos on El Salvador, it’s a great way to start the day! Thank you 😊❤️

[@pasqualeabarno]

👍👍👍

[@fechato9343]

Gabriel l just star whaching you .l like how you make the videos and show my beautiful county.l what you from virginia 🇺🇸. I HOPE YOU ENJOY EL SALVADOR.GOD BLESS YOU.BYE.

[@NCarraway210]

The beaches that get good waves for surfing also get rocks brought in from the waves.

[@dorrielove]

Great Video Gabriel 🎉

[@GabrielTravelerVideos]

Thanks. ✌️

[@nurialopez1671]

I feel bad that no one give you some kind of explanation about those places 🙏🙏🙏You need to go at night to el Tunco beach

[@VIBORARockbandES]

Ha ha I liked when you look up Mojito sabor on your Phone 😂

[@ageoflove1980]

Again, looks "ok". Wouldn't mind spending a couple of days there to hang out at the beach. Wouldn't really go out of my way to do so either. Perhaps when you can get some lucky deal with a flight its fine.

[@fanstream]

Groovy beach town, but my fave beach town in Central America is Zihua in Mex-i-co! Some sweet waves at Ei Tunco. Mojitos cubanos y comida deliciosa. Todo bien. Looks like a great town to write a novel and chill and swim and connect with the locals.

[@explorewithbaruah]

So nice place El Tunco of El Salvador display so clearly the place is. Just like town Assam India Brother display so nicely so. Clearly

[@hectortrinidad2003]

Nice surfing place!! 👌

[@ChoppyJames]

I live in florida and it only costs me $123 to fly direct round trip from Fort Lauderdale airport. I’ve been planning to visit playa el tunco for a while now and just spend a few nights at a resort. Perfect budget trip yet exotic!

[@elsalvadorbyteresa5666]

Surf City is not a city. It is a collection of surfing beaches and towns. Best wishes!

[@ttown963]

Are you going to visit Bitcoin Beach or talk about bitcoin adoption in El Salvador? :-)

[@GabrielTravelerVideos]

Yes.

[@DanielSmith-sl3pv]

Congrats on 600K! Cheers

[@wilfredotorres6628]

Hi Gabriel, this is a much more a tourist spot and there is much more to do in Tunco. Yeah, I could see in several years there will be more tourism once they invest more into hospitality and infrastructure.

[@RealNewsChannel]

President Nayib Armando Bukele cleaned up El Salvador. It's now safer than any big blue city in America. The results speak for themselves. El Salvador can now rebuild and become great again.

[@joetheplummer8128]

Should visit the best Beaches in that country, which are on the other side of that country. This place isn't bad

[@pedrocruz910]

Aqui tiene personas norte americanos sirviendo como youtuber en el tunco el salbador esta es la Realida esta es la berdadera noticia tratan de ablar español

[@EivinSukoi]

The civil war forced my family to send me out of El Salvador in 1980 , I left El Salvador very young , but now 43 years later I am moving back , I am building a house 5 minutes from El Tunco , I just don’t like busy areas , but from my property I can see water .

[@dhananjaymalhotra7854]

Congratulations on completing 600k subscribers. Well deserved 🎉

[@worldtravelimagesnet]

Have been to La Libertad, several years ago. It was nice like the rest of the country, but felt it was difficult for tourists, but was luckily guided by locals, and know many upgrades have already been made.

[@roberth7894]

It's curious to see how a large number of the US $1 coins are in wide circulation in El Salvador. Makes sense because American's are just more used to electronic money, and over there a coin is a good portable storehouse of value.

[@martynaweronika1330]

Lovely town! Thank you for sharing 🙂

[@everbran503]

22:14 BLOW JOB - $6.50 😂😂😅

[@Deadfoot-Dan]

How exactly do you order that? And if she says yes, do you say "are you talking about the drink?"

[@Deadfoot-Dan]

@DrMindbender-wi1gq It's a joke, dummy.

[@TRICK-OR-TREAT236]

THE ALSO HAVE A "BRO JOB" FOR 5 BUCKS IF YOU'RE GAY ! 😂 🤣 😂

[@carlosrivera4660]

You should go to la playa cuco. The Best Beach in El Salvador 🇸🇻.surf city number 2 Right next to la playa el cuco. Really cool spot. I have a house around there.

[@partyplaceelsalvador5315]

Yoi have to come back at night

[@LaVerdadJournal]

Please compare it to Nicaragua. Thanks mate..

[@irissegovia6720]

Bienvenido Gringito a mi pais. Saludes 😊😊😊😊

[@rolandojose6949]

Thank you for the video Gabriel, hope you find something there that you enjoy. It looks like you prefer to be alone, maybe it is safer. Some things you say make me laugh, like the pina colada there, it is more like a milkshake. Good assessment of the situation there, there was no other way. Regards.

[@benmcguire4014]

Interesting place. But you seem underwhelmed or bored ?

[@pedrocruz910]

Unsaludo desde los angeles califonia atodo el tunco playa

[@DeputyDog-mh1yo]

Wassup esay?

[@djallen16]

Great video thanks for sharing.i might retire in El Salvador?

[@itravelwisely]

El Tunco looks like a beautiful area! Lots of interesting boulders along the beach. Have to add this to my places to visit! I wonder if there is good scuba diving around those parts.

[@manuelalvares3334]

Wow great video from El Salvador central America ispano

[@waltermontes2740]

Gabriel I like your opinion I agree with you

[@saratemp790]

The leader should put the prisoners to work in construction. With all labor protections and some pay.

[@MARC-FENIX]

The interesting thing is (and again I dont have the slightest idea if this is true) that the encarcerated criminals have to pay for everything during their stay in prison with their own money (most probably stolen). ........... So forget about the pay. We are talking about people who disrespected the creation of god and took other peoples life. Destroying families and childrens innocence. ................. Sure there could be a softdebate how the extreme situation was asking for extreme measures in this country, and how a state could easily turn into a giant criminal if stolen goods are not returned to the victims. Judges and judicial processes do exist, but I dont know if this is the case in San Salvador.

[@sophmaster200]

I’ve seen Some of the non violent prisoners cleaning the beaches.