Palo Verde is more than just a beach hotel; it’s a unique project that’s working to incorporate sustainability and social responsibility into our boutique hotel experience. We hire and train local workers and support local artisans and entrepreneurs, creating a sustainable business model that strives to be an example of responsible economic development for the local community and for El Salvador. You’ll experience our attention to detail throughout the hotel, from your room to our friendly and helpful staff, knowing that you’re supporting a business that cares about its guests, the environment, and the community

Coastal El Salvador has two distinct seasons: dry season and rainy season. Depending on what you’re looking for, you can visit any time. The climate and beaches are best during the dry season which runs from late November until late April, bringing sandy beaches and dry sunny days. This is the small wave season and great for beginner and intermediate surfers. Rainfall and bigger waves start at the end of April and continue until early November, making it a great time for more advanced surfers to visit. The beach becomes rocky and the river is higher and more difficult to cross by foot during the rainy season.

The American Dollar is the only currency used in El Salvador. Make sure to bring lots of small bills as it is sometimes difficult to make change here at the beach. Most businesses will not accept denominations over $50.

Palo Verde accepts credit cards, but most El Zonte businesses only accept cash. The closest ATM’s are in El Tunco, about 10 minutes away by car.  

Public clinics and a private hospital are located in La Libertad, 20km east of El Zonte. The city of San Salvador has more public and private hospitals and clinics of all kinds.

• Children under 5 years of age stay for free, breakfast not included.
• Additional bed for a child under 5 is $35/night and includes menu breakfast.
• There is a play area for kids by the pool.

There are many pupuserias and local restaurants around town, mostly on the main street and on the beach highway. They are generally open daily. For more suggestions, ask at the front desk.

• Olor de Mar – Palo Verde’s onsite restaurant.
• Esencia Nativa – Restaurant and hotel. Open daily.
• Covana Kitchen – PuroSurf hotel and surf school’s onsite restaurant. Open daily.
• El Vikingo – Restaurant. Open for dinner 5-8pm. Closed Mondays.
• Jeisy – Local restaurant with pupusas.

For surf lessons, we work with Surfero’s Surf School which is run by Alex Novoa, the best surf teacher in town. They provide great one-on-one surf classes for beginners and intermediates. You can book classes or rent surfboards at our front desk.

Drop-in yoga classes are offered Monday – Friday at 8:30am at one of two hotels in town. Mondays and Friday classes are at Esencia Nativa, Tuesday through Thursday classes are at Zonset/Olas Permanentes. Ask at the front desk to book your own private or small group class.

We offer an expert massage in our breezy poolside massage palapa.

Palo Verde is just steps from the beach and, in the dry season (late November to late April), El Zonte has plenty of beach to enjoy. You can walk east and explore the caves, or cross the river to the west and walk the longest beach in town. Here you can check out the surf at the beach break and watch the sun set over the water.

Enjoy world-class coffee in our colonial mountain towns, hike perfect volcanos, explore Mayan ruins, dive into chilly freshwater lakes, or kayak through mangrove forests. Contact us for more information.

• You can buy snacks, drinks and a few basics at several local “tiendas” around town. They generally open early and close around 8:00pm. Sunscreen is available at Tienda Zontena or Esencia Nativa Hotel.

  • Boutique El Taller – Bikinis, beach clothing, local honey, handmade jewelry, local art.
  • El Chango surf shop – Used boards, board wax, fins, leashes.

We are happy to arrange transport from El Salvador International Airport San Óscar Arnulfo Romero y Galdámez (SAL) to Palo Verde. Please contact us for more information or to arrange a pickup.

El Zonte is small enough that walking best to get around town, but the neighboring towns are too far to go to on foot. To get to nearby towns and surf breaks, you can take the local buses which run fairly regularly during the day, but are scarce after nightfall and there are no buses after 7pm. For more information on bus travel in El Salvador, check out www.centrocoasting.com.

Ask at the front desk or contact us ahead of time if you’d like to rent a car or organize a taxi. There are a few local taxi drivers who are available for single trips or for full days.