My guide on this tour took 63 photos and 10 videos so I think his hard work deserves a post of its own…

One of the main toursity things to do in El Salvador is the Ruta de las Flores. It’s a scooter route that takes you through 7 small towns in the West of the country, which is meant to be bursting with flowers if done at the right time, (late November to February). One of the bigger towns on that route is Juayua. I did a day trip here when I first stayed in Santa Ana to have a general wander around and visit their weekly weekend food fair. By this point in the trip, I had categorically decided that I didn’t like hiking but after how much I enjoyed the Santa Ana Volcano hike, (even though I ended up seeing jack shit), and from what I had seen online of the Siete Cascadas Hike, this looked way more my speed, as a slightly more difficult walk with fun things to see along the way. I figured, when am I going to be in El Salvador again, I may aswell do it, so I doubled back on myself.

My day started with a short tuk-tuk ride to the start of the trail with my guide. It turned out it was just me so it ended up being a private tour situation. You can probably tell by the name but the Siete Cascadas Hike includes seeing/visiting 7 waterfalls, (crazy right!), and some of this includes hiking straight through the waterfall. I’m talking, walking right up into the stream with a rope and a prayer. The waterfalls are actually used for hydroelectricity for some of the towns in the area so are connected to some industrial looking infrastructure but it doesn’t take away from the beauty of them. Some are smaller than others and the final fall is the most stunning. Chorros de la Calera is literally a natural infinity pool and this was where we spent the most time, swimming and frolicking. There are tunnels underneath which my guide took me into. Getting in is tough as you’re going against the current and it’s pitch black, (so defo not ideal if you’re claustrophobic Darren), but once you turn around and lie back, the water just carries you like a babe in arms right back out into the light of day and the stunning natural pool.

Like I said, I really enjoyed this as someone who doesn’t like hiking. You have to do it with a guide, it’s not a marked trail and requires rope work to cross some of the waterfalls. I booked it through Gaviotita Tours Aventuras via whatsapp and it only cost me $10. If you’re a solo traveller who is looking to get on a tour to meet people, then defo ask when booking how many people are confirmed but if you don’t mind, you could end up on a wholly private tour like I did. My guide was lovely, super helpful and kept me safe and sound whilst getting allllll the pics and vids a girliepop could want for the mems. Make sure to take something to swim in, a towel and a pair of shoes that can comfortably get wet.

Even if you don’t do the Ruta de las Flores, I think Juayua is a perfect place for a day trip. I would recommend to start your day at Bloom Coffee for a caffeine hit and sweet treat, head on the 7 Cascadads Hike then come back and eat your weight in pupusas at Comedor y Pupuseria El Comal, (I think it’s actually called La Ruta del Sabor, but use the other name for Google Maps). If you need to stay the night Que Ondas Hostel is a great option.

I spent another night in Juayua before heading back to Santa Ana when I stayed the night at my fave hostel there again. I say ‘the night’ but it was really and truly only a few hours – I had a transfer booked for 3am. It was time to say goodbye to El Salvador, and ‘hello again’ to Guatemala.