ATV Riding to Malacatiupán Hot Springs: Thermal Waterfall

El Salvador's only thermal waterfall sits at the end of an ATV trail you drive yourself.

ATV riding activity at Malacatiupán Hot Springs in El Salvador where you operate your own four-wheeler on trails from Atiquizaya to a thermal waterfall and natural pool. The 3.5-hour outing includes ATV use, protective gear (helmet, goggles, gloves), water, and a live guide in English or Spanish. A short hike leads to the relaxing thermal waters.

Step-by-step itinerary

ATV ride and thermal waterfall visit

• Drive ATV from Atiquizaya city
• Explore Malacatiupán thermal waterfall
• Relax in thermal waters
• Optional meal at on-site restaurant

The experience

You drive your own ATV from Atiquizaya through the landscape to El Salto de Malacatiupán, a thermal waterfall unique to El Salvador. The guide rides alongside, focused on keeping the experience safe and steady. The trails themselves are the point, not a transfer to somewhere else, and the ride builds toward the waterfall as the destination where you stop.

Once you reach the falls, a short hike takes you to a hidden natural pool fed by thermal water. You can soak in it, warmed by the earth itself, surrounded by the quiet of the place. An on-site restaurant is there if you want a meal, though that's separate from what the activity covers. The whole outing runs 3.5 hours from start to finish.

Protective gear comes with the booking: helmet, goggles, gloves, and a small bottle of water. The guide speaks English or Spanish and stays with the group throughout. Children must have an adult with them, and the activity isn't suitable for travelers with spinal injuries, pregnancy, or cardiovascular concerns, though it works for all fitness levels otherwise.

What’s included

• ATV use, protective equipment (helmet, goggles, gloves).
• a small bottle of water.
• a live guide in English or Spanish.
• access to the thermal waterfall and natural pool.
• a short hike to the hidden pool.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:30 and 14:30

Book up to3h before

AgesAdult (18 to 64 years) · Senior (65 to 75 years) · Youth (6 to 17 years) · Child (3 to 5 years) · Infant (under 1)

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by North Land Sv

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to ride your own ATV rather than watch from a passenger seat, or if you're traveling with a small group and want the guide's attention on safety and route without a crowd around you.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (6 to 17 years); Child (3 to 5 years); Infant (under 1).

How long does the ATV riding take from start to finish?

The full outing is 3.5 hours, which includes the ride to Malacatiupán, time at the thermal waterfall and natural pool, and the short hike to the water.

What protective equipment do I get with the ATV?

The booking includes a helmet, goggles, gloves, and a small bottle of water for comfort during the ride.

Do I drive the ATV myself or does a guide drive it?

You operate your own ATV on the trails. A guide rides alongside throughout to ensure safety and lead the way.

What is Malacatiupán waterfall like when I get there?

El Salto de Malacatiupán is a thermal waterfall unique to El Salvador, fed by naturally warm water. A short hike from the main site leads to a hidden natural pool where you can soak in the thermal waters in a peaceful setting.

Is lunch included in the activity?

Lunch is not included, but an on-site restaurant is available at the waterfall if you want to eat there.