El Salvador

A peaceful entry into El Salvador had us cruising along the coastal roads in no time. The dry deforested landscape melted into the bright blue waters of the pacific as locals waved and whistled our way. Playa Sunzal beckoned us to stay with its laid back beach vibe and the only dangers being falling mangos and runaway sugar cane trucks. We met the energetic owner of “El Hostel” and struck up a deal to work off our lodging. A seasonal firefighter from California who loved to work hard, surf and brew beer. Cody was creating his dream and it was exciting helping him shape his visions for El Hostel. Dan and I passed the days with early morning surf sessions, with the best point break in the country a meer 200m down the vine littered path where the sun sparkled through the foliage creating a mystical entrance to the perfect waves that awaited. Afternoons were spent painting, digging, building shelves, lying in hammocks and enjoying Latin tunes. Los noches came with slack lining, beach bouldering, sunset surf, and family dinners. We were reunited with Abe & Vic after a week in Sunzal and the buena onda del lugar had us staying for a few more days enjoying the beach. Day treks to waterfalls, plaza relaxation, highline antics, and grander dinners all came with the traveling group growing, while laughter echoed through the hallway and competitive foosball games brought cheers! Leaving Playa Sunzal we knew we would be back to see Cody’s dream hostel finito and explore the hidden caves along the coast where the enojado ocean had denied our entrance.

Leaving the beach we traveled up north to the quaint mountain village of Suchitoto. We spent the next couple of days eating fresh bread, enjoying the peaceful lake views offered by our hospedaje, exploring the quiet colonial streets as locals greeted us with kind smiles and open arms. The pace of life seemed to be frozen in a state of tranquilidad with the revolutionary history of the area having a nubloso effect on the townsfolk, and hope for a peaceful future provided smiles that helped clear the countries darker past. The state of delirium was broken when we left for San Salvador and said our good byes to Dan and our new El Salvador traveling amigo, Chris from Montana. They were heading north back to Guatemala while we drove south to re-coger Abe and head towards Nicaragua via Honduras.

The most feared, corrupt and loco border crossing awaited us at El Amatillo. Leaving the El Salvador section wasn’t too bad but the amazingly coordinated Mafioso-like entrance into El Honduras proved to be muy caro. Cabrones!!! After much hassle, fast talking, running around in circles, and finally giving in to the realization that everyone was “in on it” we paid the fees and crossed into Honduras. The southern tip of Honduras allowed us to see very little of the country in under 2 hours before crossing into Nicaragua. During that time through Honduras we reflected back on the amazing time we spent exploring El Salvador with its friendly villagers, greasy pupusas, epic surf, family dinners, afternoon hammock meditations, sense of purpose and overall good times. With little knowledge about the country and its pasaje we entered Nicaragua open-minded and in need of a good rest after driving from central El Salvador.