Dirt Biking in El Salvador: My Ride Through the Mountains from El Zonte

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I didn’t go to El Salvador to ride. I went to surf. Dirt biking wasn’t anywhere on the plan — but a few days into the trip, I couldn’t stop wondering what the country looked like from the seat of a bike instead of a surfboard.

So I started digging around, and that little bit of curiosity turned into one of my favorite rides I’ve ever done. Here’s how I found a dirt bike tour in El Salvador, what the ride was actually like (rain and all), and everything you need to know to book the same one.

How I found a dirt bike tour in El Salvador

Most of my searching happened on Instagram, which is where I found El Zonte School. The more I scrolled, the more it felt right. And then it got even better: the friends I was traveling with — who go down to El Salvador all the time — turned out to be friends with the owner, Luis. Knowing someone I trusted could vouch for him made it a much easier yes.

But honestly, the thing that sealed it was seeing other women riding on their account. When you’re a woman thinking about riding in a new country, especially on your own, seeing other girls out there on bikes changes everything. It told me this was a place where I’d be taken seriously and looked after — and I was.

Booking with Luis

I sent Luis a message on Instagram, and he took care of me right away. We worked out a time, and before anything else, he asked about my riding experience so he could plan a ride that fit my skill level. That one question told me a lot about how he runs things.

On the day of the ride, he even picked me up. I was staying right in El Zonte, so it wasn’t far, but it was a nice touch and made the whole thing easy.

Cost and length: rides are $150 and usually run two to three hours, and Luis is flexible — it depends on what you want to do, so tell him what you’re hoping for when you reach out.

The bike and the gear

My bike for the day was a 2023 250F, and it was in great shape — clean, well maintained and ready to go. That matters a lot when you’re riding somewhere you don’t know.

The one catch was gear. Luis didn’t have women’s riding gear, so I suited up in men’s gear that was a little big on me. It wasn’t perfect, but we made it work, and it didn’t stop me from having an amazing ride.

I didn’t have any of my own gear with me, since I had no idea I’d end up riding on this trip. Knowing what I know now, here’s what I’d try to pack:

• Boots, if I could somehow fit them in my bag. Riding in boots that are too big is just annoying. Mine are the Alpinestars Stella Tech 3.
• A jersey. It’s small and lightweight, so there’s no reason not to bring one. I wear the Alpinestars Stella Techstar Melt jersey.
• Gloves and goggles. They take up almost no space and make a big difference. I ride in Scott Prospect goggles.
• Pants, if I can get them to fit in the bag. Mine are the matching Stella Techstar Melt pants.

Even if you only bring the small stuff, gear that actually fits makes a real difference in comfort and confidence on the bike.

Where we rode

Luis took me on roads that are around 100 years old, winding up into the mountains and past coffee farms, with views that kept stopping me in my tracks.

It didn’t feel like a tour. It felt like being let in on a side of El Salvador that most visitors never get to see — far from the surf towns, up where the country gets quiet and green.

Then the sky opened up

Partway through the ride, it started to pour. Not a light tropical shower — a full downpour, the kind where it’s hard to see more than a few feet ahead. I’ll be honest: it was a little scary. The trails turned extremely slippery almost instantly.

Luis made sure I felt safe and comfortable the whole time, talked me through every slick section, and helped me work out how to handle the bike in conditions I’d never ridden in before. I came away from that rain with new skills — and a lot more confidence than I started with.

I went in September 2025, which is rainy season in El Salvador, so a downpour like that isn’t unusual. If you’re riding that time of year, plan for it.

More than dirt bikes

If riding isn’t your thing — or you want to fill another flat day between surf sessions — El Zonte School does a lot more than moto tours:

• Adventure tours, including ATV tours
• Horseback rides and an equestrian school
• Specialty coffee experiences
• Spanish lessons

Where I stayed in El Zonte

I stayed at Wave House, and I’d happily stay there again. (Transparency: my stay was part of a social media collab, so I can’t speak to current prices.)

What I loved most was the location. It’s right in the middle of everything in El Zonte, so I could walk pretty much anywhere, including to grab a surfboard rental. And on the days I didn’t feel like going anywhere, I could just order food straight from the hotel.

Before you go

• Check your travel insurance. Make sure it covers riding a motorbike before you get on one abroad.
• Be honest about your skill level when you book, so your ride is challenging in a good way — not a scary way.
• Bring your own gear if you can, especially in women’s sizes — even just gloves, goggles and a jersey.
• Pack a rain layer. Mountain weather can turn fast, and you’ll be glad you have it.

Would I recommend it?

Without a doubt. I’m so grateful for this experience, and so glad I followed my curiosity instead of talking myself out of it. If you’re ever in El Salvador around El Zonte — whether you ride all the time or you’re just a little curious like I was — go ride with Luis at El Zonte School. You won’t regret it.