Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. I will earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking on the link at no extra cost to you.

There was something fishy about La Libertad. This small coastal town bore a dreamy name, Freedom, but what made it so appealing was anything but.

The air was hot and heavy and clung stubbornly to my clothes. My nose twitched as the warm wind carried a plethora of indistinguishable odours. I walked with a determined step towards the pier where a crowd of animated people gathered. Out of nowhere I was hit by a sharp blow straight to my nose, my eyes started to sting, slowly tearing up.

I realized that what hit me so violently was the distinct smell of fish.

At first sight, La Libertad doesn't look like it has much to offer visitors but its fish market begs to differ. From the early morning hours fish mongers display the fresh catch of the day while sun-burned fishermen haul in loads of fish and crustaceans; curly shrimps, crusty crabs, slimy stingrays and scaly fish holding on to their last breath are haphazardly tossed into fast-melting ice buckets.

The small fishing boats are lifted from the water using a crane to then be lowered onto the pier where they're permanently docked. A slew of eager buyers waited patiently to pick among the freshest fish in the country while hungry seagulls gawked from high above. And, then there was me, wide-eyed and camera in hand, trying to capture every fleeting moment of this camaraderie of sorts.

Markets often give an insight into local life in its simplest, truest form. Throughout my travels, I've noticed that a contagious joyfulness permeates the air in markets. Most markets can be hectic and chaotic but  vendors are always happy to flash a smile or say hello. The conviviality at markets is so wonderful and genuine!

After my visit at La Libertad Fish Market, I learned that not all that is fishy should be avoided.

READ MORE ON EL SALVADOR

• A Tour of the Cultural Towns of El Salvador
• Accolades for the Royal Decameron Salinitas Resort
• Volcanoes of El Salvador

TRAVEL RESOURCES

• Verify visa requirements for El Salvador on the official website
• Book flights to El Salvador via Skyscanner
• Compare hotel prices in El Salvador on Booking.com & Agoda
• Check hostel prices on HostelWorld
• Stay connected using an Airalo E-sim for El Salvador
• Search for tours & excursions in El Salvador
• Shop for affordable travel insurance with SafetWing
• Save on conversion fees while traveling with Wise

PIN THIS POST!

Lydia

I’m the founder and creator of Life Untraveled. I quit my corporate job, sold everything I owned and have been traveling full-time since 2018. I hope to inspire you to travel differently on a budget.

More about me here.