Usulután Este

Punta Mango is a legendary beach located in the eastern department of Usulután. Until recently, this beach was known only to a fortunate few. Now it is on the bucket list for any adventurous surfer.

For many years Punta Mango was only accessible by boat, leaving from the beaches of Las Flores or El Cuco. Today, it is accessible by road.

You can also take a motorboat and slice through the breakers and gray ocean water, hoping to spot a graceful pod of dolphins riding alongside, then anchor in calm water for an epic surf session in this legendary spot.

From here, surfers can also explore nearby spots such as El Toro and Bongo, which also boast world-class waves.

Visitors can save this experience for posterity by hiring a local photographer, who for a few dollars will capture this untamed adventure.

The Punta Mango wave is one of the most challenging of the entire Salvadoran coast. For experts only, this rocky right point break fires off powerful, fast, tubular long rides that barrel into a sandy cove.

On an epic day, the wave can tower up to 12 feet (4 meters) with gaping barrels. The water here is dark green, creating an air of mystery. There are also plenty of mellower days, which can give even intermediate surfers the session of their lives.

Punta Mango breaks year-round, but some of the best times for surfing come when the waves are too big at other spots on the coast.

This surf spot was a closely guarded secret for years, and it continues to be a secluded area with a raw, rural, semi-desert landscape. The more-developed beach areas of Las Flores and El Cuco are just 15 kilometers away, with a complete range of options for accommodations, food, provisions, and connectivity.

You can stroll along a deserted beach, enjoy a sunset or cast a line to hook many of the fish species that come close to shore looking for prey in the rocky bottom.

If you're an adventurous surfer, explorer, or thrill-seeker, you shouldn't pass up a chance to ride the waves at Punta Mango.

Getting here from San Salvador is easy: Take the Pan-American highway toward San Vicente, then the El Playón road to the coastal highway. Continue toward San Miguel, at El Delirio take the road to El Cuco, then Las Flores, and continue west on a dirt road until you reach Punta Mango.