La Tierra Del Surf

Once labeled the most dangerous country in the world, El Salvador is now a global surf destination. La Tierra Del Surf examines how surfing endured years of violence, instability, and recovery—helping fuel tourism, create jobs, and reshape the country’s global image.

How Surfing Changed El Salvador

Introduced by travelers and journalists along the coast of La Libertad in the 1960s, surfing took root in El Salvador long before the civil war. Even during years of violence, surf communities remained connected to the outside world—preserving access, visibility, and culture.

La Tierra Del Surf examines how those long-standing surf networks helped translate natural resources into economic opportunity, international recognition, and new pathways forward for coastal communities.

  • young girl sitting on surf shack
  • young man riding a wave
  • under dock with snacks for sale
  • group of surfer posing
  • man speaking in museum
  • man surfing with arms up
  • El Salvador streets with woman sitting on ground
  • military walking through Salvadoran streets

  • “When I think about El Salvador, the first image that comes to mind is those rich, earth-toned colors. You know, the deep green jungles, the black sandy beaches, the rock colors, it had a very primordial look to it. In photographs, it was just gorgeous; it was like the landscape would just seep through the film when I was taking pictures."

    —Craig Peterson, Photo Journalist 1970's

  • "El Salvador ha tenido esa imagen de olas buenas y la imagen que durante los años siempre siempre estuvo, pero la gente como no venía por el miedo, y yo veo hoy gente que viene que tenía años de venir y los veo reunidos con su familia."

    —Bryan Perez-,Surfista Profesional