La Libertad is a coastal city in El Salvador known for its working port, fishing traditions, beaches, and strong connection to the Pacific Ocean. Located within easy reach of San Salvador, the city serves as a gateway to the country's Surf City coastline. Its waterfront combines a fishing dock, seafood market, restaurants, beaches, and public spaces.
Framed by an array of tropical flowers, "miniature" houses painted in a pastel palette will enchant you. But, a splash of watercolors is all you'll see as you zip by on a moped. It won't be long before you find the perfect spot for a beach picnic and afternoon of snorkeling.
Santa Tecla is a city in the department of La Libertad, located west of San Salvador at the foot of the San Salvador Volcano. It combines a historic urban center with green hills, cafés, restaurants, and residential districts extending toward the slopes of El Boquerón. The city is known for its walkable streets and older buildings, many of which now house shops, restaurants, and cultural spaces.
Anuradhapura, located in Sri Lanka’s North Central Province, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. It served as the island’s capital for more than a millennium, beginning in the 4th century BCE. Today, its vast archaeological complex spans several square kilometers and includes some of South Asia’s most significant Buddhist monuments.
Puerto Blest is a remote destination within Nahuel Huapi National Park in Argentina’s Río Negro Province, set at the western end of Lago Nahuel Huapi near the border with Chile. Surrounded by dense Andean-Patagonian forest, steep mountains, and clear waterways, it has a more secluded character than the resort city of Bariloche. Puerto Blest is most commonly reached by boat across Lago Nahuel Huapi, making the journey itself an important part of the experience.
Photo Credit: Photo by David Stanley from Wikimedia
Besides being one of the largest and most remote of the Galapagos Islands, Fernandina Island is home to the area's most active volcano. It also boasts the most pristine ecosystem; unlike other islands in the Galapagos, Fernandina has thus far avoided the introduction of any non-native mammal species.
Relatively little vegetation is found here, thanks to the volcanic activity, but endemic wildlife is abundant. Large populations of marine iguanas and flightless cormorants inhabit the island, as well as sea lions, penguins, pelicans, and more.
Visitors to Fernandina Island have just two destinations to choose from: Punta Espinoza and Punta Mangle. The former is more popular, offering fascinating tidal pools and a short hike ideal for viewing mangroves and lava formations, while the latter is an excellent site for snorkeling or diving.
Other Popular Destinations in Ecuador
Galapagos Islands
Off the coast of Ecuador, the iconic and biodiverse Galápagos Islands, made famous by Charles Darwin’s nineteenth-century research expeditions on HMS Beagle, beckon you. This glittering archipelago, surrounded by vivid turquoise waves, abounds with stunning beaches and spectacular wildlife, perfect for the adventurous traveler.
Guayaquil
Guayaquil, Ecuador, is a vibrant port city and a frequent starting point for cruises to the Galapagos Islands.