10 Stunning Waterfalls in El Salvador that You Must See (2024)

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From the Santa Ana volcano to Lake Coatepeque and some of the best surfing in the world, El Salvador offers something for everyone – and the beautiful waterfalls of El Salvador shouldn’t be missed.

El Salvador’s waterfalls (called “cascadas” in Spanish) are one of the most breathtaking elements of this country! With more falls throughout the region than any tourist could ever visit, you can enjoy a truly unique experience as you explore some of nature’s greatest creations.

Whether it’s Chorros de la Calera or the Tamanique Waterfalls, each El Salvador waterfall has its own special charm that will leave you speechless.

I honestly had no idea that I would like El Salvador as much as I did – and after several weeks of solo traveling in this underrated country, I would rank El Salvador as my favorite place to visit in Central America! Visiting the waterfalls was one of the highlights of my trip.

So if you’re looking for an unforgettable adventure and want to discover the beauty of El Salvador’s natural wonders, then these 8 must-see waterfalls in El Salvador are definitely worth checking out!

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Seven Waterfalls Hike of Juayua

Are you looking for a thrilling trek with an incredible reward? Look no further than the Seven Waterfalls Hike of Juayua in El Salvador!

This challenging and adventurous hike will take you through coffee fields, jungle and some of nature’s most beautiful creations – seven stunning El Salvador waterfalls. I’m listing it first because it was one of the most interesting day hikes I’ve ever done!

From light repelling down the trail to free climbing up one of the waterfalls, this is one adventure that should not be missed! But it’s not for everyone, because it was extremely technically challenging.

Chances are, you’ll be spending some time exploring the Ruta de las Flores in El Salvador. This hike can be completed in half a day during your visit to the pueblo of Juayua, which is a popular stop along the route.

You absolutely need a guide for the Seven Waterfalls Hike (aka Siete Cascadas in Spanish) – without one, you likely won’t find more than a couple of waterfalls. Plus, the guide will show you the safest way to free climb up one of the waterfalls, and they’ll help you rappel down the trail with their ropes. It’s not just a walk in the park.

I’m still impressed that I completed this hike, considering I’m very uncomfortable with heights!

I’ll be honest – I struggled through this 4.6 km hike that took several hours. It wasn’t so much the difficulty level that was challenging for me, but my fear of slipping and fear of heights! I went the day after a hurricane, and the trail was extra muddy – so take your time during the rainy season.

There were a couple of points along the trail that had a steep drop that freaked me out, and free climbing up one of the waterfalls was both exhilarating and terrifying. I couldn’t have done it without my guide and her assistant guide who literally held my hand a couple of times, and were patient with me as I was slower than the rest of the group.

I can personally recommend this local guide for the Seven Waterfall Hike of Juayua:

Elizabeth Hernández – Whatsapp +503 6113 7277 or via  Facebook and Instagram

She charges $15-$20 USD per person depending on the size of your group

The Seven Waterfall Hike in El Salvador is truly an unforgettable adventure for thrill-seekers, and certainly not for the faint of heart!

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Chorros de la Calera – One of the Most Visited Waterfalls in El Salvador

Located in Juayua, this waterfall is one of the most visited waterfalls in El Salvador, since its formation after the 2001 earthquake.

With its great wall of rocks and endless streams of crystalline water, it’s easy to see why so many people flock here. Whether you’re seeking an adrenaline rush or just want to relax and take a refreshing dip in the cement-enclosed pool, you’ll find something special at Chorros de la Calera. Plus, it’s family-friendly!

One reason why this El Salvador waterfall is so popular is that you can easily walk to it from Juayua, one of the pueblos along the Ruta de las Flores and the same pueblo where you can complete the Seven Waterfalls hike detailed above.

As with most of the trails in El Salvador, the trails get more challenging and muddy during the rainy season, so it’s a good idea to check with a local about the conditions before heading out.

It is usually safe for tourists to walk to the waterfall on their own and on the weekends it’s monitored by police, but I recommend you check with your hotel before heading out, as they’ll know if there have been any recent problems (like there have been in the past).

Although El Salvador is a lot safer for locals and tourists alike than it has been in the past, it’s always better to check. And if you’re nervous or if the hotel advises it, local guides are very cheap to hire.

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Tamanique Waterfalls in El Salvador

Are you looking for an exciting adventure in El Salvador? If so, then the Tamanique Waterfalls are a must-see! Located close to La Libertad in the town of Tamanique, these Salvadorean falls are perfect for thrill seekers and nature lovers alike.

Tamanique is a good stopover between San Salvador and the beach or makes for a great day trip from the beach. But be warned – it’s not the easiest El Salvador waterfall to get to, and is best done with a guide. So if you’re up for some challenge, read on to find out more about this incredible destination!

The hike to the Tamanique Waterfalls is 2.7 km long and usually takes around 2–3 hours, depending on your fitness level, and how much time you spend at each of the waterfalls.

The entrance fee is only $ 2.50 USD per person, but keep in mind that this hike isn’t for the faint-hearted – it’s a challenging and steep hike with a lot of uphill and downhill sections, which can be slippery and muddy during the rainy season.

I highly recommend you get a guide for this hike – it’s not very expensive, and they’ll help you navigate the trail and tell you more about your surroundings. They’re also great safety nets as they can let you know where it’s safe to jump into the pools, and will have a good understanding of the conditions of the trail.

For an even better experience, go early in the morning as it’s usually cooler, and don’t forget to bring plenty of snacks (like fresh Salvadoran fruit) and water! Once you’re there, take your time to enjoy the waterfalls and relax in the crystal-clear pools.

And if you’re lucky, you may even have the whole place to yourselves! These falls are still very much off-the-beaten-track and even those who do visit often don’t make it to the third and fourth waterfalls.

The fourth Tamanique waterfall is the highest and most spectacular of all, measuring an impressive 50 meters from top to bottom, and featuring a powerful rush of cascading water that makes it an unforgettable experience for thrill-seekers. Its sheer size and beauty is sure to take your breath away, as you can look out over the stunning landscape and take in the beauty of El Salvador’s nature.

So if you’re looking for a unique and exciting adventure, make sure to add Tamanique Waterfalls to your list! You won’t regret it!

Don Juan Waterfall in Ahuachapán

Are you looking for an easy and accessible way to experience the beauty of El Salvador’s waterfalls? Then look no further than Don Juan Waterfall in Ahuachapán!

Located just 6.5 kilometers from the road that leads to Ataco, this family-friendly waterfall is one of the most recognized in El Salvador and offers a unique opportunity to explore nature while enjoying some fun activities!

Take a few minutes detour from the Ruta de las Flores for an unforgettable experience. Once you pay the $3 parking fee, it’s an easy 5-minute walk from the lot to reach the waterfall. The path is well-marked and surrounded by lush forest, adding to its charm.

Don Juan Waterfall consists of two twin waterfalls surrounded by lush foliage, butterflies, and a wealth of tropical flowers. You’re sure to be captivated by its beauty! The falls are well-maintained, making them safe for swimming in the pool at the bottom.

Keep in mind, however, that the terrain is slippery and rocky, so make sure to wear sneakers or water shoes. Bring bug spray too – the mosquitoes can get quite pesky.

For a fun day out with family and friends, Don Juan Waterfall is ideal! Be sure to check if the restaurant in the area is open on weekends for some delicious Salvadorean food after your hike.

Salto de Malacatiupan aka the Hot Waterfalls of El Salvador

If you’re looking for a truly unique and unforgettable experience, then consider visiting the hot waterfalls of El Salvador!

Yes, you heard that right – this is a hot waterfall, with water at about 36 Celsius/97 Fahrenheit! We have the region’s volcanic activity to thank for this special phenomenon, which I never even knew existed before my visit to El Salvador.

Located just outside Santa Ana and close to the towns of Atiquizaya and Ahuachapan, the Salto de Malacatiupan thermal falls are sure to be memorable and relaxing.

With a series of warm cascading waterfalls that fall into pools perfect for soaking in (like a natural hot tub!), these healing waters provide an amazing opportunity to relax and make for a great stop after a hike up nearby Santa Ana volcano.

Not only can you enjoy the tranquility that comes from being surrounded by lush forest and fresh air, but you’ll also get to soak in the healing hot springs – with some cold pools nearby too!

The easiest way to get to Salto de Malacatiupan falls is via car – either your rental car or by hiring a driver. It’s just a 20-minute drive down a dirt road to the river bank. To get there by bus, you’ll need to take the 210 or 214 from Santa Ana to the town of Atiquizaya, around 45 minutes away. Then you’ll need to hire a tuk-tuk from town to take you to the falls – don’t forget to arrange a pick-up time with your driver before they leave!

The main Malacatiupan waterfall is around 10m (33 feet) high, so it’s perfect for cliff jumping! After that, it’s time to relax in the natural hot spring pools. Just note that you can not visit the waterfall during the wet season as the flow is too strong and it’s too dangerous, and the area is at risk of flash floods.

Don’t forget to bring water, snacks, bug spray, and a towel, and keep in mind that it can get really hot during the day, so the best time to visit and soak in the waterfall is either early morning or late afternoon. Also, getting out requires scrambling up slippery rocks, so flip-flops are not enough – you need shoes!

El Escuco Waterfall

Located in the national park of Parque Aquatico El Escuco, the El Escuco Waterfall is an amazing place to explore nature and enjoy some fun activities.

A short drive from Santa Domingo and a half-kilometer hike off the road will lead you to this beautiful 30-foot waterfall.

You can swim in pools beneath it which range in depth from one to five meters, or even take on the challenge of hiking up to the top and repelling down for an adrenaline rush (this activity is only offered on the weekends)!

The Parque Aquatico El Escuco also has other trails that may be worth exploring, so you may want to do some hiking beforehand, and then cool off in the cool waterfall.

Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for monkeys!

Los Tercios Waterfall

Los Tercios Waterfall is one of the most stunning and memorable sights in El Salvador – more so because of the interesting rock formations than the waterfall itself!

Situated in the central highlands of El Salvador, this waterfall is just a few hours north of San Salvador and close to the town of Suchitoto.

Los Tercios Waterfall is framed by lush rainforest, making it an ideal spot for a romantic picnic or an adventurous day out with friends.

The short trail leading to this El Salvador waterfall is a bit tricky, so good shoes are a must if you plan on visiting. The hike is worth it though – you’ll be rewarded with incredibly stunning scenery and some amazing photo opportunities!

You don’t need too much time to find and enjoy this waterfall, so it makes a good stop while you’re in Suchitoto. And you’ll need to pay a dollar or two to the family who owns the car park, but it’s worth it! I even loved the view from the parking lot when I visited, and enjoyed chatting with the owner and playing with their pets.

Salto El Cubo

Salto El Cubo Waterfall is located near the town of Suchitoto in El Salvador, and it’s a great choice for those looking to get off the beaten path and kill some time.

It takes around 30 minutes to walk from town to this somewhat unimpressive waterfall. Unimpressive mainly because it dries up rather frequently – not a great characteristic for a waterfall.

The trail leading up to Salto El Cubo waterfall isn’t the most well-kept, but if you’re looking for an easy waterfall to find and explore near Suchitoto, one that not many people know about, then Salto El Cubo is definitely worth a quick visit!

El Perol Waterfall

El Perol Waterfall in El Salvador is a great spot for travelers looking to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature.

Located in the Morazán district, this 35-foot waterfall is surrounded by lush woodlands that make it an incredibly peaceful place to visit.

Whether you’re taking a dip in the pool below or just enjoying the view, El Perol Waterfall offers plenty of opportunities for relaxation and reflection.

Cascadas Rio Huiza

The Rio Huiza Waterfalls near the coastal town of La Libertad in El Salvador is a great destination for those looking to explore nature and take a break from the rough beach life.

This lesser-visited El Salvador waterfall is surrounded by lush rainforests, making it an ideal spot for a romantic picnic or an adventurous day out with friends.

Los Tercios waterfalls, and Salto El Cubo waterfalls in Suchitoto

What to Bring When Chasing the Waterfalls in El Salvador

When visiting the beautiful waterfalls of El Salvador, it’s important for travelers to remember to bring some essential items.

From comfortable clothes that can get wet (especially for the Seven Waterfalls hike), to snacks and plenty of water, there are a few things visitors will need in order to make the most out of their waterfall-chasing experience.

Bringing sturdy shoes that can handle getting wet is essential as flip-flops won’t be enough for the more serious waterfall hikes.

For those with electronics, a waterproof bag or plastic bag should also be included in your packing list.

With these items packed and ready to go, you’ll be sure to have an amazing time exploring the best waterfalls El Salvador has to offer!

FAQs About the Waterfalls in El Salvador

Conclusion: Best El Salvador Waterfalls

El Salvador is full of natural beauty and wonders, with some of the most spectacular waterfalls in Central America.

From cascading falls to thunderous plunges, El Salvador’s waterfalls offer travelers a chance to experience nature at its finest. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful retreat or an adrenaline-packed adventure, these ten best waterfalls in El Salvador are sure to provide something special during your visit.

With lush jungles surrounding each one, they make for perfect spots to explore and take in the breathtaking views that El Salvador has to offer.

So get ready for an unforgettable journey as we take you on a tour of the 10 best waterfalls in El Salvador that you can’t miss!