'''La Libertad''' one of the 14 departments that form El Salvador. It is one of the largest and most diverse of the country.

Regions

Cities

Well-known areas of this departement include Antiguo Cuscatlan, the richest and most urbanized municipality in the "Metropolitan Area of San Salvador" as well as in the whole country of El Salvador. Santa Tecla, the second largest city in the country which borders on the capital of San Salvador, is also in La Libertad.

  • Huanchaco
  • Other destinations

  • The La Libertad beaches are some of the best surfing beaches in the country as well as in the whole Central American region.
  • El Sunzal Beach, the best surfing beach in El Salvador and one of the best 10 of the world.
  • Puerto de La Libertad, has one of the country's major ports, and is a good area for tourism and surfing, as well as for eating the delicious salvadorian "cocteles" or "seviches".
  • Understand

    Get in

    By car and other local transports.

    Get around

    You can walk and surf in the nearest beaches. Busses from Liberad to other beaches like El Tunco and SunZal cost .25 US and catching a ride in a truck is always an option.

    Do

    Surf, go to local restaurants. A really nice place to stay on weekends.

    Eat

    You can eat the world famous cockteles de camaron (Shrimp Cocktails) and a lot of seafood. Papusas seem to be a staple food for travelers 3 for a dollar is hard to beat. These are sold just about everywhere in Libertad and all along the highway. The local comedors along the Highway and in town also sell large plates of typico for 2-4US, well worth the splurge. The is a selection of higher priced gourmet resturants dotted throughout the area also.

    Drink

    El Tunco has most of the bars frequented by travelers and local surfers. Beer starts at a dollar in most places. Watch for event parties in Libertad on the weekends at the pavilion near the beach.

    Surf

    If you plan to surf understand that these are the local's breaks also. Expect them to drop in on you but if you drop in on them you might they will let you know. There are numerous places to rent boards and many of the hostels outside of Libertad have a decent selection. Most rent per day for 5-6 US and upto 12 US per day at Hospital de Tables(best selection in one place). If you are new to surfing SunZal is an easy point break but can be crowded on weekends. Surf boards are allowed on all busses with no additional cost. enter through the back door where the seats are removed.

    Where to Stay

    There are many options along the coast ranging from 5US to 50US per night. It is also possible to rent townhouse style with Kitchens for about 150US per month/pp right on the beach (El Tunco). <b>El Hostel</b> is a new place in Sunzal with friendly english speaking owners and a good kitchen with large refrigerator. Dm 6-10US One Private double available, big, with shower(more to come). Get to know the locals by talking with the gardener and the friendly neighbors. Also ask about painting/writing just about anything you want on the walls. Or get a foosball tounement going on the full sized table upstairs. Beer/water $1, Soda/Juice $.50 available. '''Surf Inn''' sits just above El Hostel and offers private rooms for about the same price. El Tunco offers many accomidations also, the town is more centered and developed then some others. Just walk around the town for a few minutes and ask a couple places. Long term places are usually the cheapest here.

    Stay safe

    Staying safe in the city is very important. As many other cities in El Salvador La Libertad is highly populated but unlike San Salvador it has a lower crime rate.

    '''The basic rules are:'''

  • Don't wear expensive jewerly.
  • Don't hang out in places where it looks abandoned.
  • If you rent a car don't rent a luxirious car.
  • It's the basics but other than that you will remain safe and will be a great enjoyment to you and whoever you are traveling.

    Get out