Chorros de la Calera — Attraction in Departamento de Sonsonate

Don't go there unless you are willing to pay for illegitimate services such as self-proclaimed "guides". I followed the indications to the Chorros in the town of Juayúa with my own car. After a stretch of rotten road (better have a high-clearance vehicle) a bunch of people show you the carpark. Seeing the continuation of the road that is in even worse condition, I thought that this is as far as you can get by car. Some guy advised me that parking would cost US$ 5 (mind you: on a handwritten board it says between 7am and 4pm and it was just past 4pm - no idea what this is supposed to mean, because when I inquired they said that past 4pm it is even more expensive...). The same guy also informed me that I could get an optional guide for US$ 20. When I said that this is much, he lowered it to 15 US$. Asking how far it is to walk and what the guide would do, he answered that it is a 15 minute walk and that the guide would give some explanations. Eventually, I refused gratefully and walked the 15 minutes myself to find that on the one hand, you can actually drive all the way (again: a high clearance vehicle is advisable) and on the other hand a closed gate as shown on some pictures in other reviews. The person behind the gate informed me that access is only given in combination with a guide. So, be aware that this is an organized rip-off by some local gang trying to make money probably without the knowledge of the actual owner (supposedly an energy provider). At least, they would let me go without charging the full amount for the...

This trip is not meant for the faint of heart and certainly not a DIY type adventure. I am an experienced urban explorer but finding this with no directions, aerial views, and navigating the barb wire fences would be next to impossible without an experienced guide. We hired Yessenia (WhatsApp number mentioned in other reviews) who was very helpful in navigating our large group and arranged transport from a central location so we didn't have to drive down the very rough narrow road mentioned in reviews full of spotty looking guides waiting at the least passable part. This is on private property and is fenced in. I doubt it's illegal to enter.

The falls were gorgeous and crystal clean. Water was chilly but perfect for the hike in humid weather.

Warning is that the swim area is a former hydroelectric dam and the drainage structures are active. There is a current at one point that is potentially dangerous for people that are not a strong swimmer and the deepest portion is 2 feet deep. But it was totally worth it once you jump in for how pristine it was. Having a guide again is essential. Again Yessenia was very accommodating and gave us a...

It is currently CLOSED during the weekdays, you can drive to the entrance but the gate will be closed. They are doing construction works in the path after the gate to make it more accessible, however you can visit it during the weekends 9 am to 5 pm, so I really recommend you to go to Juayua during the weekend, otherwise you will be missing the Food Festival as well. In case you still happen to be there on a weekday and don't have time to wait for the weekend you'll normally find locals that will offer you a tour of the other waterfalls in the area, you can bargain the price but I got a tour of 1.5 h for $10, although if you drive there you'll want to pay another guy to look after your car, for $3 to $5. In my opinion this is even better than the long 6h tour of those waterfalls and some other nearby coffee plantations that you may see on internet or get offered in the hotels. If you just don't want to pay anything and are a bit adventurous, you can slide down the slope on the right of the gate at get a view of the main waterfall as you can see in the...