If you travel to El Salvador and want to take a getaway, do not hesitate to visit one of its most impressive natural wonders. El Escuco Waterfall, where you will get in touch with nature enjoying its cold and refreshing waters in a paradisiacal space surrounded by lush vegetation.
You will be amazed by the imposing fall of its waters from almost 80 meters high, where practicing rope descent is a common sport among hundreds of locals and tourists who come to enjoy it throughout the year.
EL ESCUCO WATERFALLS - Waterfalls of El Salvador. Photo by ElSalvadorTravel.
The cool climate and picturesque scenery of the environment on the path that runs until you reach the meeting point is an experience that invites you to continue the walk with the interest of discovering this splendid scenery that is well worth knowing.
El Escuco Waterfall Data
| Country: | El Salvador |
|---|---|
| Department: | Sonsonate |
| Category: | Waterfalls |
| Municipality: | Santo Domingo de Guzmán |
| Route: | Route of the Flowers |
| Height: | 80 meters |
Location of El Escuco Waterfall
Location and history of El Escuco Waterfall
Salto El Escuco, as this extraordinary waterfall is known, is located in the town of Santo Domingo de Guzman, west of the department of Sonsonate. Far from any vestige of the city, even the nearest town is 10 minutes away, approximately 1km (6 miles).
The fall of its waters comes from the river that bears the same name and is fed by a fork of the primary current, which allows it to extend several kilometers, almost as an independent river.
As it is more or less halfway along its entire length, you can enjoy the river at several less known points than the waterfall itself, making this route a fascinating attraction.
On the route to El Escuco, you can distinguish some rocks that have been regrouped, forming a kind of containment barrier to facilitate the passage of visitors and bathers of the place and, at the same time, serve as a bridge to cross the flow of water.
Also, in some sections of the road, with some small cliffs, there is a wooden handrail, which protects against a possible fall or unexpected slip since the terrain tends to be slippery.
This beautiful enclave is full of legends. One of them speaks of the ceremonies celebrated by the Pipil people on the waterfall’s rocks. The first settlers of this ancestral people. However, the truth is that Nahuat, their native language, is still used by its founders to maintain their roots and contribute to the rescue of the Salvadoran culture.
Climate, Flora and Fauna of El Escuco Waterfall
El Escuco Waterfall is in a tropical climate zone; in the coastal department of Sonsonate, we find a variety of essential beaches, so there is a lot of humidity on the way to the waterfall. Still, upon arrival, the intense cold of its waters transforms the environment, making the atmosphere more relaxed and pleasant.
The vegetation is so dense that you can only walk along the paths already created, and many animals inhabit the area. During the tour, it is possible to see insects, mammals, and birds. Although there is no record of exotic or little-known species in the waterfall area, those that inhabit the place are equally striking and interesting.
Recommendations for your visit
You must remember some recommendations to enjoy your visit to El Escuco Waterfall, anticipating any situation.
- Wear light clothing that will protect you from pests, such as mosquitoes.
- You will need shoes with grip for hiking, avoiding sporty styles and sandals.
- You should bring your food, as there are no restaurants for hundreds of meters around.
- YYou should also bring a bag to throw your garbage in, as there are no containers or maintenance services at the waterfall.
- If you plan to do any sporting activity, you should bring your clothing and equipment, as there are no places to rent them.
- Be cautious because there are no medical services nearby, so it is advisable to bring a first aid kit in case of an accident.
- Avoid going alone; it is better to go in a group, or at least accompanied, although it is best to use the services of a tour guide who knows the place and leads the tour.
- Entrance to El Escuco is free, and there are no set visiting hours.
Activities we can perform
You can drain the stress and adrenaline by practicing the descent with ropes or rappeling since its height is perfect for giving free rein to this extreme sport, taking into account that in the stretch that goes up, you will find slippery protruding rocks and some undergrowth. Hence, it is a descent that requires experience.
Apart from rappelling, no other extreme sports are practiced at El Escuco Waterfall, but you can have a good swim and cool off with the whole family. You can have a picnic or a barbecue at the edge of the pool, enjoying the beautiful scenery and the atmosphere of the place.
As if that were not enough, under the waterfall is the so-called Cerro de Pescado or Tepemichin, a grotto or underwater cave; although much colder, it is ideal for shelter and having a great time.
Although there are more visitors in the vacation seasons, El Escuco is usually empty the rest of the year, so you can camp or spend the whole day there, taking advantage of the tranquility breathed and dedicating yourself to relaxation.
Nearby places to visit
If you want to take advantage of your visit to Sonsonate, you can not only get to El Escuco; there is much more to see without traveling many kilometers. One of the highlights is Los Cóbanos beach, next to Salinitas beach; although you have to make a trip of an hour and a half to get there if you go from the waterfall.
Closer by is another beautiful waterfall, El Salto Tepechapa, about 5 km from the town of Santo Domingo de Guzman. On the way to it, you will find “La Poza Encantada,” two attractive places that the locals advise you to visit.
El Escuco Waterfall has its charm, a magical enclave that treasures and simultaneously make the smallest country in Central America great, bringing together numerous incredible natural monuments that make your trip an unforgettable memory.
