By Kirsten Hubbard
Central America Travel Expert, about.com, about.com
La Libertad travel guide: Also known as Puerto de la Libertad, the dynamic port town of La Libertad, located in the coastal crease of La Libertad state in El Salvador, is emerging as one of Central America’s best surfing destinations for international travelers.
- Take a look at the photos in our La Libertad Photo Gallery
- Discover more El Salvador Beaches
- Compare rates on El Salvador flights
Overview
Only half an hour from San Salvador,
La Libertad’s surf breaks are the most popular of all the El Salvador
beaches, though its crowds are still mainly composed of locals and
backpackers.
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Because of El Salvador’s lingering notoriety and its
lack of a solid tourism infrastructure, you’ll discover fewer tourists
on La Libertad compared to other Central America beaches. While that also means fewer luxury resorts than you’ll find in, say, Jaco Beach in Costa Rica. But instead, visitors enjoy a far more authentically Central American experience.
What to Do:
On land, La Libertad’s traveler’s scene is all about la vie boheme—reggae
music, bare feet, cold beers, and sun-warmed hammocks. However, the
real party in La Libertad is out at sea. Many surfers choose to book a
guided surf tour through a company like Punta Mango,
which offers customized packages and “surfaris” to La Libertad’s surf
breaks, as well as extended trips to El Salvador’s Wild East. They also
offer surf lessons for beginning surfers. The city of La Libertad offers
a full range of accommodations, but it also has a grungy feel that
isn't too appealing. Many choose to stay at nearby beaches, which are
worth a visit (and a jaunt in the waves) no matter what.
- Some of the best:
- El Zunzal (or Sunzal): Named after the village of El Zunzal, this break is a favorite of surfing newbies.
- El Tunco: At the other end of the beach from El Sunzal, El Tunco is a favorite hangout for liberal types wishing to escape the bustle of La Libertad.
- El Zonte: Just north of La Libertad, El Zonte is far more tidy, quiet and secure, yet its waves are just as challenging for surfers.
Other
popular surf breaks near La Libertad are Punta Roca, La Bocana, and La
Paz—as well as a whole host of others you’ll have to cajole out of
locals experts! The best sunbathing sands are on Playa San Diego, to the
east.
When to Go:
The rainy season on El Salvador’s
coast is between May and November. During the dry season, it’s best to
visit the beach during the week—La Libertad can be packed with visitors
from San Salvador on weekends.
Getting There and Around:
Because
of its proximity to San Salvador, La Libertad is easy to get to. Buses
leave for the city frequently for about fifty cents, though be aware
that bus companies often condense its name to “El Puerto”.
Tips and Practicalities:
Despite the gradual rejuvenation of La Libertad and surrounding beaches, robberies still occur. Use caution at night.
Help clean up La Libertad! The extensively named Comite de Mantenimiento y Limpieza de la Playa El Tunco (Committee for Maintenance and Cleaning of Playa El Tunco) hosts beach cleanups and other community maintenance events.
