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Located just off the highway, west of La Libertad, Playa Conchalio is a mile-long stretch of sandy and rocky peaks. It's a pretty local spot with just a few hotels and hostels around, giving it a more authentic Salvadorian vibe. While it isn’t the most famous surf destination, having a chill, uncrowded environment can be a nice change of pace. The area has known surfing since the 1970s when gringo surfers began to visit nearby spots, so while it can get busy, especially when the waves are good, you’ll be sharing the water with some skilled local surfers.
The waves here can get pretty fun, with sizes ranging from about 3 to 6 feet (1 to 2 meters). When the South Pacific swell hits, you’ll find beach breaks that work on both right and left sides. The best time to surf is generally during the Southern Hemisphere fall into winter when the conditions are cleaner. Light north winds are what you want since they help keep the surf fun. Tides can be all over the place, but this spot can handle low to high, with the waves shaping up nicely at low to mid or mid to high. Just be ready for the occasional closeout, as that can happen with the right swells.
Paddling out here isn’t too bad, making it accessible for beginners, intermediates, and even more experienced surfers looking for a shorter session. Just keep in mind that during the rainy season from spring to autumn, Playa Conchalio can get pretty messy thanks to the onshore winds that kick in daily around noon. If you find yourself in the area on a flat day, it’s still worth checking out, even if wave quality isn’t top-tier compared to other, more renowned spots in El Salvador.