Two surf sessions a day still leaves a lot of hours in the day. Some afternoons the tide is wrong, some days your arms are done by lunch, and some weeks you just want to see more of the country than the lineup. Here is what we actually do around Palmarcito when we’re not in the water.
Hike to the Tamanique waterfalls
This is the one everybody talks about after the trip. It’s a guided half-day hike through the jungle down to a string of cascading pools. If you like a thrill, there are rock ledges to jump from into the cool water. If you don’t, float in the pools and let your paddling muscles recover. Wear shoes you don’t mind getting wet. The waterfall trip is included in every retreat.
Tour a coffee farm in the Chiltipan mountains
About 15 minutes’ drive up from the coast, the air cools off and the views open up over the ocean. Our friend Papo runs coffee plantation tours up there, and it’s a good way to see a side of El Salvador most surf trips miss.
Stretch it out with yoga at the villa
Katrin has lived in El Salvador for 10 years and trained in India and at the Kripalu Center. Her sessions at the villa mix flowing vinyasa with long, slow yin holds, which is exactly what tight shoulders and hips need after a few days of paddling. Retreat guests get group yoga during the week.
Book a massage
A local team of masseuses comes to the villa, so you don’t have to go anywhere. Retreat guests get a one-hour massage mid-week, right about when your body starts asking for it.
Watch the other breaks
Even on a rest day it’s worth riding along to see the other spots. Sunzal, K59 and K61, La Bocana and El Zonte are all within 30 minutes, and watching good surfers on a wave you’ll paddle out at tomorrow teaches you a lot. Read about each break here.
End the day with a beach barbecue
On retreat weeks we have one night of dinner on the beach at Tiola’s bar, with a fire, a barbecue and whatever fresh fish, meat and veggies you want. It’s usually the night everyone remembers.
Before you go: a few practical tips
- Getting here. Fly into San Salvador. Retreat guests get airport transfers included. If you’re coming for classes, message Pixie on WhatsApp and she can help arrange a pickup.
- Bring cash. Bitcoin is legal tender and some places take it, but cash is still king in the small surf towns. Keep some on you.
- Phone and data. Some US plans, like AT&T, now cover Central America. Check yours before you fly, or buy a prepaid data SIM at the airport.
- Insurance. Surfing carries real risk, so get travel insurance that includes medical cover.
Ready to plan your trip?
Whether you want a full retreat week or a few coaching sessions around a bigger trip, see the coaching options or check the retreat dates. Questions? Message Pixie on WhatsApp.
