Costa Ricans traveled to El Salvador to support Central Americans and learn a little more about this neighboring country.

An event that will undoubtedly remain in the memory of many for a long time, perhaps even a lifetime. The first time a CT event visited Central America, an event that couldn't be missed, offering the chance to watch the best surfers in the world surf just meters away and, of course, to support Costa Ricans Brisa Hennessy and Carlos Muñoz, and Salvadoran Bryan Pérez.

A large contingent of Costa Ricans cheered from the stands set up by Surf City for the event, and some even climbed down to the rocks at Punta Roca to shout closer. All these visitors enjoyed a very natural, safe, and culturally vibrant side of El Salvador, showcasing its traditional customs.

No matter where the Costa Ricans came from, they all had the same mission in El Salvador: to enjoy themselves to the fullest and support the competitors they had always wanted to see surfing on a CT.

We interviewed several of the Costa Rican visitors and they gave us some statements about their experience in this beautiful Central American country.

Jonathan Saurez (Herradura): I think the organization is excellent. We came hoping to greet and meet Brisa Hennessy. The stands were great; I can imagine this in Costa Rica, in Pavones for example. You don't need so much infrastructure, just to do things well. Security was very good, and congratulations to El Salvador for doing a fantastic job.

María Eugenia Garre (Nosara): I'm Argentinian, but I've been living in Costa Rica for several years now, and we wanted to visit El Salvador. We stayed near Punta Roca, next to Kolohe Andino, and we were able to watch him surf every morning, which was a wonderful experience. I was a little scared seeing so many police officers, but it was actually a very safe experience. The people were very friendly and shared a lot about their culture with us. I'd love to come back and surf all the waves there, since we went to watch the tournament, but I definitely want to return soon.

Manuel Oviedo (Ciudad Colón): I went a few days early so I could surf in El Salvador and then watch the tournament and support the Costa Ricans and the Salvadoran. Seeing the best surfers in the world surf was incredible. I stayed in El Sunzal, but Punta Roca is even more beautiful. El Salvador, in general, is a place with a lot of potential. The food was delicious. I tried to get used to pupusas back in Costa Rica, but in El Salvador I tried so many more kinds, and it was amazing. I would definitely go back for many reasons.

Álvaro Paniagua (Herradura) : We planned this trip about two months ago. We were really excited to have a CT stop near Costa Rica, so we took the opportunity to come. I really enjoyed going. It's a bit like our country, better in some ways, and I think some things could be improved, but that's normal when you're constantly developing. We saw some great athletes, and it was a fantastic experience. The food was delicious, and overall, we were treated very well. There's a lot of friendliness, and the prices are very reasonable. El Salvador is very close to Costa Rica and is a great option to visit.

José Soto (Tamarindo) : I went to experience being at a Championship Tour event; this has always been my dream, and of course, to support the Costa Ricans and surf some Salvadoran waves. I stayed for a week and we saw incredible waves, including the wave at Punta Roca. With a good swell and no wind in the afternoons, it was magical. The general safety concerns initially made me a little nervous, but I felt very safe and I would definitely go back.

Manuel Céspedes (Santa Teresa): We traveled to El Salvador because we saw that "Cali" was going to be there and would be surfing against Kelly Slater in Latin America, and it was something we couldn't miss. Then the Kelly Slater thing didn't happen, but the idea was still to support the Costa Ricans. Unfortunately, we didn't get the results we had hoped for from the Costa Ricans, but that's part of the game. The CT is the highest level there is, and we came to enjoy ourselves. It's not my first time in El Salvador, and I always leave happy.

Andy Pérez (Barranca): I thought it was an incredible experience. The organization was outstanding; everything was well-organized, and we were treated very well. We went to support the Costa Ricans, and we are very grateful to have had the opportunity. The food was spectacular; I loved everything I tried.

Damián Boza (Jacó): I found the place very touristy. I had visited El Salvador before and I think it's excellent because there are different types of waves within very short distances. Given El Salvador's reputation a few years ago, one might think it's dangerous, but on the contrary, it's very safe now. There are different police forces, and we felt very comfortable. I tried all the pupusas, and they were all delicious.

Paula Soto (San José): This was my second time in El Salvador. I had previously been to San Salvador, but Punta Roca and Surf City were my first times, and I thought the waves were fantastic. In terms of price, I think it's competitively better than Costa Rica, and it's definitely a great option to visit.

Arturo Enriquez (Salvadoran living in Costa Rica): I've been living in Costa Rica for eight years. I moved here because it's the land of Pura Vida, a powerful phrase that encapsulates everything you experience in Costa Rica. In Costa Rica, I make pupusas, but they always end up a bit square, whereas in El Salvador, we really enjoy them. Returning to El Salvador was wonderful. The strategies that President Bukele has implemented with the various ministers, especially the tourism minister, have been fantastic. They've focused on highlighting the country's beauty, and what better way to do so than with a CT (Centro de Turismo). My dream was always to attend an event like this, and I thought I would do it someday, perhaps in Europe or the United States. But I never imagined it would happen in El Salvador, and it just did. I'm so happy to have achieved this in the land where I was born. As a Salvadoran, I feel very proud, and I hope everyone who traveled enjoyed it.

Written by: Enrique Hernández