Tamanique Waterfalls: Cliffjumping, Rock Climbing & Hiking

Four to five waterfalls, multiple jumps, a natural waterslide and a steep return hike through the river valley

Tamanique Waterfalls is an activity near El Tunco beach in southern El Salvador where you jump from natural cliffs into pools, swim under waterfalls and rock climb in the river. Starting from the town of Tamanique, you walk roughly 40 minutes to the first jumping area, then move between 4-5 waterfalls over the course of the day, with an intense uphill return hike. A local Spanish-speaking guide leads the group and hotel pickup is included.

The experience

The day starts in the town of Tamanique, where bathrooms and a convenience store let you grab water and snacks before the hike begins. You walk about 40 minutes to reach the first river area, where natural cliffs rise 3 to 8 meters high and jumping is completely optional: jump as many times as you want or skip it entirely. A natural waterslide runs here when the current is strong enough. From there, you walk another 10 to 20 minutes to a beautiful waterfall where you can swim directly under the falling water.

If energy and time allow, the group moves to the tallest waterfall in the area, roughly 50 meters high, where swimming under it is possible. Rock climbing happens at several of the pools where you jump, turning the pools into climbing spots as well as jump sites. The return to town is steep and takes about an hour. You'll use your hands to climb in places. Bring at least 2 liters of water and a snack. The hike is hot and humid. The guide speaks Spanish and very little English, so communication happens mainly through demonstration and gesture.

What’s included

• National Park fees.
• local guide who speaks Spanish.
• hotel pickup.
• access to 4-5 waterfalls with multiple jump sites, swimming areas and rock climbing spots.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

Book up to2d before

AgesAdult (18 to 70 years) · Under 18: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideSpanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

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

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Physically demandingNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Pure Travel El Salvador

Is this one for you?This activity demands a high level of physical fitness and suits travelers ready for a steep, hour-long return climb using hands and legs. The Spanish-speaking guide and group format work best for people comfortable with non-verbal instruction and hiking with others in hot, humid conditions.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

6 verified traveler reviews

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

How high are the cliffs you jump from at Tamanique?

Jumps range from 3 to 8 meters at the first area, and the operator mentions jumps available from 10 to 30 feet high across the different waterfalls. Jumping is completely optional at every spot.

What is the return hike like?

The way back to town is very steep and takes approximately one hour. You'll need to use your hands to climb in several places, which is why the operator warns of an extremely intense uphill hike and recommends a high level of physical fitness.

Does the guide speak English?

The guide speaks Spanish and very little English, so the activity relies on demonstration, gesture and visual instruction rather than detailed verbal explanation.

What happens if I don't want to jump?

Jumping is completely optional at every waterfall. You can swim, rock climb, use the natural waterslide or simply hike and observe while others jump.

Is there a natural waterslide?

Yes, there is a natural waterslide at the first jumping area. You can use it if the water current is strong enough on the day you visit.