The heart of the Balsamo Coast stretches approximately 25km (16 miles) from La Libertad to just past Playa El Zonte along the winding but well-paved coastal Hwy. CA-2. The region is dotted with small fishing villages, rocky and sandy beaches, and cliff-filled alcoves. La Libertad is the largest city here, with ample grocery stores, ATMs, and a post office. Playa Tunco is the second-most-developed town, with a number of beachfront hotels, restaurants, surf shops, and Internet cafes.
Visitor Information
The region's national tourism office is in Puerto La Libertad (at Km 34.5 Carretera Literal, 90m/295 ft. from the Shell gas station; tel. 503/2346-1898). It's open daily from 8am to 5pm.
Most of the Balsamo Coast's banks, ATMs, and pharmacies are in La Libertad, along 2a Calle Poniente, in the center of town. Since La Libertad can be a bit hectic and has a reputation for high crime, it's better to use the ATM and buy your groceries and gas at the large, modern shopping center 1km (1/2 mile) east of town along the coastal road. The shopping center is a 10-minute walk from the La Libertad pier and includes a grocery store and four ATMs that accept a variety of North America bank cards. A Shell gas station is across the street.
La Libertad's tourist police can be reached at tel. 503/2346-1893, ambulance service can be called at tel. 503/2335-3049, and the fire department number is tel. 503/2243-2054. La Libertad's post office is located along 2a Calle Oriente, directly north of the pier.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.