Seven Waterfalls in El Salvador: An Unforgettable Hike and What We’d Do Differently Today
El Salvador keeps surprising us especially when it comes to nature.
One of the most memorable experiences we’ve had here was hiking the Seven Waterfalls near Juayúa. We did the hike together with Rodolfo and our friend, just the three of us and a local guide.
No crowds, no noise. Just jungle, waterfalls, and hours of pure immersion in nature.
This experience easily landed in our top three nature adventures of all time.
But it also taught us an important lesson about safety, preparation, and how to book tours in El Salvador...
Why We Chose the Seven Waterfalls Hike?
We wanted to experience Salvadoran nature in a way that felt raw and real. What makes the Seven Waterfalls hike special is that you don’t hike for hours just to see one waterfall. Instead, the waterfalls reveal themselves one by one throughout the entire route. Every section feels rewarding, scenic, and different from the last.
We started early in the morning, which meant we had the trail almost entirely to ourselves. That sense of intimacy just us and the jungle is something we’ll never forget.
The Reality Check: A Stunning but Risky Hike
Here’s the part we didn’t know before booking. At one point during the hike, you actually climb up a waterfall. The only “security” was a single rope. No harnesses. No helmets. No backup system. We’re all physically capable and comfortable with exposure, but one wrong step on wet stone could have had very serious consequences. That moment made us realize how unregulated some locally arranged tours can be, even when the experience itself is extraordinary.
The reward at the top? A breathtaking view opening up over the jungle and a spontaneous mud mask moment that felt straight out of a nature ritual.
The Final Waterfall: Pure Magic
The last stop was unforgettable. A natural pool at the base of the waterfall, where we swam, relaxed, and just took everything in. We had time to fly the drone, admire the scenery, and truly enjoy the moment without being rushed.
This was also when it really hit us how rare this kind of access used to be in El Salvador. For so long, large parts of the country weren’t easily or safely explorable. Experiences like this made us crave even more nature adventures here.
Chorros De La Calera
Practical Details You Should Know Before Going
-
Starting point: Juayúa
-
Total duration: ~4 hours including stops
-
Difficulty: Medium
-
Fitness level: Basic level of sports and balance required
-
Shoes: Your shoes will get wet so proper hiking shoes for wet environments are essential
-
Bring: Water or drinks to enjoy at the final waterfall
This hike absolutely deserves a spot on any El Salvador itinerary, but only when done right.
A facial mask with the mountain mud.
What We’d Do Differently Today (and Why)
While we wouldn’t trade the experience itself for anything, we would 100% book through a proper tour operator next time.
Not because the adventure should be less wild, but because safety, structure, and accountability matter. A good platform means:
-
Verified guides >> check our recommendations here.
-
Clear safety standards
-
Transparent difficulty levels
-
Emergency protocols
-
Reviews from other travelers
Paying a bit more for that peace of mind is worth it.
Better Ways to Book Tours in El Salvador
If you’re planning your trip and want to explore responsibly, we recommend booking through established platforms like Viator or GetYourGuide, where you can compare options, read reviews, and choose what fits your travel style.
Here’s how we’d approach it today:
Views from the Seven Waterfall Hike
Final Thoughts
The Seven Waterfalls hike is powerful, humbling, and deeply connected to nature. It shows a side of El Salvador that many people still don’t know exists.
Do it.
But do it informed, prepared, and safely. Nature is unforgettable and it deserves respect.
