To Catch a Wave
The Rolling, Steady Pacific Sets the Pace in El Zonte

By Yousra Benkirane
The mornings in El Zonte begin with the sound of wave – not crashing, but curling in with that slow, steady Pacific rhythm surfers chase around the world. From my balcony at Wave House, I sip tea and watch early risers paddle into the glassy lineup. There’s no need for an alarm clock in this part of El Salvador. The ocean keeps its own time.

El Zonte wasn’t on my radar until recently, but within hours of arriving, it felt like one of those places you stumble into and immediately want to stay longer. It’s the kind of place that quietly works its way into you. The energy is calm, the streets are still partly unpaved, and dogs nap in the shade outside surf shops, smoothie stands, and along the beach. But don’t let its size or simplicity fool you – this tiny town has become a magnet for surfers, travelers, and those seeking something a little slower and more grounded. It’s also home to a compelling boutique hotel: Wave House El Zonte.
Wave House is a 19-unit condo-hotel built into the cliffs above one of El Zonte’s most consistent point breaks. It was founded by Pedro Querejeta, a Miami developer and lifelong surfer who first came to El Zonte in the early ‘90s. Back then, the beach was quiet, the roads were dirt, and the waves were empty. Over two decades later, Pedro returned with a vision – and a little Miami flair.
Today, that influence is easy to spot. There’s a rooftop cocktail bar developed in partnership with MiniBar Miami, a lounge area with design-forward furnishings by Miami-based TUUCI, and a hospitality model that feels polished yet personal.
The Surf Scene: Welcoming, World-Class
The surf here isn’t just good – it’s consistent. A right-hand point break rolls in just in front of Wave House, offering long, smooth rides that draw both beginners and more advanced surfers. When I finally waded into the water for my first-ever lesson with Puro Surf Academy, I was a mix of nerves and excitement. The instructors were relaxed and encouraging, and even though I wiped out more than I stood up, I left the water completely hooked.
One of the things to appreciate about El Zonte is how accessible the surf is. There’s no gatekeeping here. Locals, tourists, and remote-working nomads share the waves. People cheer each other on, help each other carry boards back to the beach, and trade surf stories over beers at the end of the day. It’s a real community, built around surf.
If you prefer to stay dry, sunning by the infinity pool at Wave House gives you a perfect front-row seat. I spent more than one afternoon lounging by the pool, watching as guests trickled in from the beach with boards under arms.




Wave House Offers Rooms That Are Spacious, with Floor-to-Ceiling Windows and Custom Wood Furniture. Amenities Include a Cold Plunge Pool and Jacuzzi, a Rooftop Cocktail Bar, and More
Wave House is designed for people who want to live the surf lifestyle without compromising on comfort. The rooms are spacious (mine had a full kitchen), with floor-to-ceiling windows and custom wood furniture. There’s a gym that focuses on biomechanics, a rooftop cold plunge and jacuzzi, and a rotating schedule of wellness offerings. But the surf is always the main event. Staff are quick to help organize lessons, link you with a local board shaper, and tell you when the tide’s best for your skill level.
The crowd here is an interesting mix – Miami creatives, remote workers from Europe, Salvadoran expats reconnecting with their country, and even a few Bitcoin enthusiasts, drawn in by El Zonte’s earlier nickname “Bitcoin Beach.” But while the economy of the town may be shifting, the vibe hasn’t lost its casual charm.
When I wasn’t surfing (or recovering from surfing), I explored the culinary scene in town. Dinner at Covana Kitchen was a standout: open-air seating, cold drinks, and an emphasis on locally sourced ingredients. Another night, we ate at a pupusería tucked down a side street – plastic chairs, sizzling griddles, and pupusas (a thick griddle cake) oozing with cheese and loroco; no frills, all flavor. Another favorite was Beto’s, a cliffside restaurant with sweeping views and grilled seafood.
On my last day, I woke up early for one final rooftop smoothie. The ocean was glassy, a few surfers already in the water. I thought about joining them, but instead just watched – grateful to have experienced El Zonte from both the shore and the surf.
Wave House
El Zonte, El Salvador
mywavehouse.com