Costa Rica Travel - Millipedes in the Monteverde Cloud Forest

Can you help us identify what kind of millipede this is? We found it while walking through the Monteverde Cloud Forest in Costa Rica. We do our best to label our travel photos correctly.

Heron Bird Flying on Beach in Colombia

In Tayrona National Park, an hour outside Santa Marta, Colombia, Jason and I were hiking to Cabo Beach. We both had camera in hand capturing all the beauty of these beaches during our Colombia travel.  I spotted a heron at the back of the beach near the woods.  I got my camera ready to take a picture. It started to fly and I just followed it with my lens and snapped. I didn’t even think about what setting I was on.  Sometimes you get very, very lucky, and this time I did.

Colombia Travel: Fortress of San Felipe de Barajas in Cartagena Colombia

During the seventeenth century, the Spanish paid for prominent European military engineers to build the fortresses which are today Cartagena’s most significant identifying features. Engineering works took well over 208 years and ended with some eleven kilometers of walls surrounding the city, including the Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas shown below. In 1984, Cartagena’s colonial walled city and fortress were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  Read more from Colombia travel.

Basilica de Quito

Top List of Things To Do in Quito, Ecuador

Potosi Bolivia Panorama

Read more… Ethics of Tourism: Mines of Potosi Bolivia

My brother has lived in Miami for about 8 years; he is a big Miami Heat fan but has never been to a game… until now.

2011 NBA Finals

We watched Miami play the Chicago Bulls on TV and although Game 7 was in Chicago, the sport networks showed images of thousands of people outside the American Airlines Arena (Heat’s home court) eagerly watching the life size screen. After the game wining shot of Game 7 which secured the Heat’s spot in the NBA Finals, the crowd erupted into a roar. I knew then I wanted to take my brother to watch a championship game.

Miami Heat vs Dallas Mavericks

If you want to feel the energy of a city, go see a sporting event.

The energy of the crowd is electrifying, an unforgettable experience that I am sure he will remember for years to come.

Priceless Experiences

I remember while in Argentina we met some fellow travelers that went to watch a Bocca match. All they could say about the their experience was, “You have to experience it.”  Unfortunately during our visit to Buenos Aires Boca Juniors were playing away.  Now I have a sense of what they were talking about. Definitely a priceless experience to be had.

Watch More Adventure Travel Videos

Take a wild volcano boarding ride through an HD adventure travel video from 2 Backpackers, Jason and Aracely Castellani, while visiting León, Nicaragua.  In travel video episode #15, we put our adventure face on and surf down the black gravel rocks of Cerro Negro, maybe not the best idea. Enjoy the show!

After crossing 2 borders to get across Honduras, we entered Nicaragua for the first time and traveled to the city of León, Nicaragua. There is a lot of outdoor adventure to be had in León, especially the adrenaline rush of volcano boarding down Cerro Negro, the black volcanic hill. You can book this adventure tour through 2 outfits in town: Bigfoot Hostel and Quetzaltrekkers.

A Volcano Boarding Race

It had been a long travel day for us; we spent 9 hours on the road on six different buses and crossed two land borders.  Jason and I were relaxing over drinks at Big Foot Hostel Bar in León, Nicaragua when we noticed a sign that read, “Volcano Boarding Top Speeds.”  It had two lists of names.  One list of females and the other for men.  Each list had a speed associated with the name.  We asked our friendly bar tender and hostel attendant, Alberto, “What’s Volcano Boarding?”  He smiled and pointed to some pictures on the wall of people wearing orange jumpsuits, goggles and each were holding what looked like laminated wooden boards.  “Why don’t you guys sign up and find out,” he said, “You’ll love it.”  So we did.

Volcano Boarding on Cerro Negro with Bigfoot Hostel

For $25 per person Big Foot Hostel offers Volcano Boarding trips any day of the week when they can get enough people to sign up.  The group got picked up at 9:00am in the morning and everyone piled into the back of a pickup truck for a bumpy 45 minute ride to the base of Volcano Cerro Negro.  Along the drive we passed several settlements and waved to the workers leading their cattle to the farms.

Climbing Volcano Cerro Negro

We arrived to a small ranch styled building where each person paid another $100 Cordobas or $5 US dollars entrance fee to the volcano park.  Everyone was then handed an orange bag and a wooden board with a laminated piece on the bottom for speed.  The board was large and a bit awkward to carry so I gave mine to Jason and I offered to carry his light orange bag and our daypack.  Our guide, Danny from England, led us up a rocky path to the top of the volcano’s crater.  As we walked he educated us on Cerro Negro and about Nicaragua’s volcanic chain which we could see in the distance.  Once we reached the top, he instructed us to put on the jumpsuits and goggles.  After taking some group pictures in our silly outfits, he gathered us around for further instructions on how to make it down the mountain fast or safely.

Crater of Volcano Cerro Negro

Jason Surfing in the Wind

“There are two sections to this slope,” he began.  “You will start off at a slower speed and then half way down you hit a 45 degree angle where you will pick up a lot of speed.  You won’t see it approaching, but you will feel it.  To keep from being thrown off your board, you must keep it straight by taping your heels on the gravel one at a time.  Once you hit the 45 degree angle, if you want to go for gold, just hold your legs up and hope for the best. If you want to slow down, continue to tap your heels on the ground in an alternating rhythm.”  He also reminded us the top speeds were around 75km/h for females and 85km/h for males.  We were all a bit nervous, some more than others.  In groups of two we began to volcano board down the black volcanic gravel.

Discover San Juan del Sur Beach Nicaragua

Trip Budgeting for Central America

Photo of Church of Guadalupe in Granada, Nicaragua

Photo of Sunset Over Los Maribios Volcano Chain

Amy, a traveler from New Zealand, and I were ready to go.  My heart was racing.  When I heard Danny say, “Go!”  I gave myself a push by forcing my body forward and I began to tap my heels: left right, left right, left right.  Tiny bits of rock were pelting my face.  The sound of the board sliding against the gravel increased as I gained speed and descended further down the desolate volcano.  The board began to turn and gravel started to burry it.  I tried to remember Danny’s instructions and lifted one leg up to straighten my board, but there was no fixing it; I flew off.

Aracely in Her Big Orange Jumpsuit

I can’t really describe what happened, I was completely disoriented.  I told myself, “Look for the board, get back on and keep moving.”  Once I found it I mounted the wooden plank and continued to slide down the volcano: left right, left right, left right. I felt myself picking up speed again.  I picked up my feet and began to feel the tiny rocks hitting my face quicker this time; my heart was racing even faster.  Again, gravel took over and pushed me sideways and off again I went!  This time I hit the ground a bit harder.  Completely disoriented I looked for my board and mounted it once again.  I made it all the way down the volcano.  I picked myself up and took a look around; I began to feel a sting on my leg.  I looked down and saw I had a descent size bloody scrape with gravel still in it.  I ignored it and began to watch the others fly down the mountain.  Amy had not made it down yet.  I could see her still on the slope trying to make her way to the bottom.  Two by two, the groups began to descend.  I watched everyone flip, tumble and crash.  Everyone had either scratches or bruises when they made it to the bottom, except for the super flier, Andreas from Germany.  He was 1km/h shy of making the fastest male list.

Our Volcano Boarding Crew

A second tour operator stood at the bottom of the volcano operating a speed gun.  Everyone was eager to find out their speed.  My speed was 36km/h, the fastest girl of the day by a long shot and the girl with the biggest scrape too.  Still, I felt a little proud of that.

Volcano boarding is probably not for everyone, but it is definitely an adrenaline rush.  If you decide to go boarding down Cerro Negro, remember that not everyone enjoys it and you will end up with some scrapes and burns to show for it.  Regardless, you’ll have an exciting story to tell.

Travel Photo - Crossing the Border between Costa Rica into Panama

Check out Costa Rica Caribbean Beaches.

This photo was taken during our land border crossing during Costa Rica travel to Panama on our way to Bocas del Toro. It was a long day of long boat rides and crowded vans. This bridge ill structured bridge separated the two countries. We looked down through the planks of wood as we walked across the river. To our amazement, a 16 wheel tractor trailer crossed over the bridge also. We never could have imagined that vehicles drove over this thing.

The most popular multi-day tour available for visiting the Uyuni Salt Flats is driving a 4×4 between Tupiza and Uyuni, Bolivia.  This photo essay will take you through our 4-day tour beginning in Southwest Bolivia and ending with a sunrise over the Salar de Uyuni, the largest salt flats in the world.

Tupiza to Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia Tour: Day 1

We booked our tour through Tupiza Tours, the oldest, highly recommended agency out of Tupiza. Tours from San Pedro de Atacama, Chile and La Paz, Bolivia are also availabe.  With our fuel, food, and backpacks secured on top of the Toyota Land Cruisers, we began our tour.

Toyota Land Cruiser 4x4 Tour Vehicles

Tupiza, Bolivia

Leaving Tupiza, Bolivia in our 4x4 Toyota Land Cruiser

Lunch on a Llama Farm, Day 1 of our Tupiza to Salar de Uyuni Tour

All meals are served everyday by a personal cook that accompanies the tour group. They will meet vegetarian needs.

Driving Through Adobe Villages in the Bolivia Highlands

Be conscious of Bolivia’s indigenous and their absolute desire to not have their pictures taken.

In the Direction Where Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid Were Allegedly Killed

Bolivia's Highlands

Tupiza to Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia Tour: Day 2

We continue to climb in altitude reaching Bolivia’s unique and varying highlands.  The majority of these tours is spent driving in the 4×4 vehicles.  Consider yourself lucky if you drive with people you get along with.  Each night we arrived to our destination just before dark, so the schedule is tight.  Remember you are in the highlands and night time can be extremely cold.  All accommodations will provide the bare minimum with no amenities.

Early Morning at the San Antonio Ruins

Laguna Morejon in Bolivia

The View of Bolivia's Mountains from our Tour Vehicle

Rock Formations in Bolivia's Highlands

Eduardo Avaroa National Reserve of Andean Fauna, Potosi Department, Bolivia

Getting Muddy in our 4x4 at Eduardo Avaroa National Reserve of Andean Fauna

Eduardo Avaroa National Reserve of Andean Fauna, Potosi Department, Bolivia

Laguna Kollpa in Bolivia

Laguna Kollpa in Bolivia

Salar de Chalviri in Bolivia

Aguas Calientes (Hot Springs) Near the Salar de Chalviri in Bolivia

A hot spring in the middle of the Bolivia highlands was an incredible surprise. Bring your bathing suit and hop in the hot water and enjoy one of the best bath views in the world.  During day 2 the varying landscapes are exposed.  Strange deserts, salt flats, snow capped mountains, unique rock formations and geothermal fields.

Desierto de Dali / Dali Desert in Bolivia

Mountains Near Desierto de Dali / Dali Desert in Bolivia

Laguna Verde and Volcano Licancabur

If the weather cooperates, a blue sky can make the scenery captivating.  We were lucky to have cloud formations that resembled alien spaceships.

Bolivia Mountains and Cool Cloud Formations

Sol de Manana Geysers / Geothermal Field in Bolivia

Smell the humid air of the Sol de Manana Geysers. Get as close as possible without gagging or falling into the steaming pits.

Sol de Manana Geysers / Geothermal Field

Bolivia Mountains and Cool Cloud Formations

Bolivia Desert and Cool Cloud Formations

Tupiza to Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia Tour: Day 3

During day 3 of the tour we became immune to the excitement surrounding colorful lagoons. After getting out of the truck for 6 different lakes, you can get a little bored, especially if it’s windy and cool out. Our weather was not ideal for glowing lake pictures.  Expect a few vehicle breakdowns during your off-road tour.  We experienced 2 flat tires and a failed fuel pump, which the tour guides were able to fix, evidence of their mechanical skills.

Laguna Colorada in Bolivia's Altiplano

Flamingos in the Laguna Colorada in Bolivia's Altiplano

Flamingos in the Laguna Colorada in Bolivia's Altiplano

Reflections in Laguna Colorada in Bolivia's Altiplano

Arbol de Piedra en Desierto de Siloli / Rock Tree in the Siloli Desert

Rock Formations in the Siloli Desert / Desierto de Siloli

Driving Across the Siloli Desert / Desierto de Siloli

Laguna Ramaditas, Potosi Department, Bolivia

Flamingos in Laguna Ramaditas, Potosi Department, Bolivia

Volcanic Rock Formations in the Desert

Train Tracks Over Salar de Chiguana

Driving Over the Salar de Chiguana in Bolivia

Just as the sun was setting over the Salar de Uyuni, we arrive to our Salt accommodations.  It was a hostel made completely of salt, including the furniture.

Salt Hotel / Hostel on the Salar de Uyuni

Salt Hotel / Hostel on the Salar de Uyuni

Tupiza to Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia Tour: Day 4

We awoke before sunrise and drove out to the center of the Uyuni Salt flats for the first time to enjoy the spectacular Uyuni de Salar sunrise.  This is a sunrise like nothing else you have seen before.

Sunrise on the Bolivia Salt Flats

Sunrise on the Bolivia Salt Flats

Fun Perspective Photos on Salar de Uyuni

Much of the time on the salt flats is spent taking fun pictures. Each guide will have their own creative poses for you to try. The all white background of the salt flats provide the unique opportunity to take photos that create illusions, or fool the human eye.

All tours eventually make a stop on the unique Incahuasi Island. This island is easily identified as a reef and you can climb up through the ancient cacti for incredible panoramic views of the salt flats. We ate our last lunch here.

Incahuasi Island / Cactus Island in the center of Salar de Uyuni

At the end of the tour, just like the end of a ride at an amusement park, we are courted through an area where salt souvenirs are being sold.

Salar de Uyuni Souvenir Shopping

Iguazu Falls is nestled between the Northeast corner of Argentina and Southwest Brazil.  People often say that a picture is worth a thousand words, but no photo or Photo Essay (even one from yours truly) can do this magical place justice. These waterfalls must be experienced.

Waterfall Views

National Park Iguazu, Argentina has many walkways that take you into an enhanced journey of beautiful waterfall views.  The Argentina side of the falls is much more tourist friendly, providing incredible views and trails for miles.

Get Wet!

You can get yourself very wet on this famous walkway.  They sell ponchos just before the lookout deck.  If the waterfalls are low, you can get close without getting drenched.  It all depends on the season.

Largest Waterfalls in the World

Iguacu or Iguazu Falls are one of the largest waterfalls in the world.  It all depends on how you measure that.  The waterfall system consists of 275 falls along 2.7 kilometers (1.7 mi) of the Iguazu River. Some of the individual falls are up to 82 meters (269 ft) in height, though the majority are about 64 meters (210 ft).

For those who don’t mind getting soaked or pounded by the force of water rushing down from one of the “weaker” waterfalls, there are boat tours that take you up close and personal to the water action.

The Roar of Devil’s Throat Waterfall

The star of the show is “Devil’s Throat” a U-shaped, 82-meter-high, 150-meter-wide and 700-meter-long waterfall. At National Park Iguazu, Argentina you have back stage VIP access. Get your ears ready to hear The Devil scream.

Depending on the time of year you visit the waterfalls, the water level and volume can change dramatically.  We have visited both the Brazil and Argentina side during different seasons and have seen varying results.

Colombia Travel - Plaza Cisneros in Medellin

Learn more about Colombia travel, is it for you?

In the travel photo, we share Plaza Cisneros, which is located in central Medellin. It is a jungle of light posts 24 meters in height; there are 300 reflection mirrors (7 per each tower) and 170 grounded lights. These elements are mixed with bamboo and water fountains. It is considered an artificial jungle around bright space.

Medellín, is the second largest city in Colombia and has a population of 2.4 million.

The Green Iguana or Common Iguana on a Reef in Key West, Florida

We found this large iguana on the rocks surrounding the island of Key West. Although it looks like it belongs there, Iguanas are non-native to the area and have become an invasive species.

The Green Iguana or Common Iguana (Iguana iguana) is a large, arboreal herbivorous species of lizard of the genus Iguana native to Central and South America. The green iguana ranges over a large geographic area, from southern Brazil and Paraguay to as far north as Mexico and the Caribbean Islands; and in the United States as feral populations in South Florida (including the Florida Keys), Hawaii, and the Rio Grande Valley of Texas. – Wikipedia

Culture and art is best represented in Central America by the old American school buses that have customized and painted in glaring colors. The art on these buses is taken seriously and those details are captured well in this short Travel Video from Jason and Aracely of 2Backpackers.com. Enjoy the show!

Photo Contributors: @travelvice & @ImPedrovski

Old American School Bus

Front Grill of Old American BlueBird School Bus from Antigua, Guatemala

As a kid growing up in the USA, I, like the majority of the student population, rode a big yellow bus to school every morning.  Back then, never did I imagine that later in life I would be making my way down Central America in that same type of transportation.  Only this time, the colors and creative modifications of the bus are kaleidoscopical.

Old American school buses, affectionately referred to as “Chicken Buses,” are the primary mode of transportation throughout all of Central America.  Depending on what kind of traveler you are, you either avoid them or take advantage of them whenever possible.  In our case, Jason and I have a love hate relationship with the chicken buses.  We love them because they are cheap, just as uncomfortable as a tourist shuttle, safe and we get to experience the culture of a country up close and personal.

Cheap Local Transportation

First, let’s talk numbers.  As a concrete example, we spent $33.70 between the two of us on transportation from the entrance of the Salvadorian boarder to the entrance of the Honduran border, which is approximately 228 miles.  In comparison, while in Guatemala, we often traveled in tourist shuttles, with the exception of getting from Monterrico Beach to the boarder of El Salvador.  Only focusing on our trip from Antigua to Panajachel to Semuc Champey, which is about 164 miles, we spent $69.22 in total.  That’s a $35.52 savings and an additional 64 miles distance for riding the local buses.  That’s the value of two nights in a hostel and a meal.  This is what budget travel is about, finding the cheapest alternative.

Little Comfort

A Crowded Bus in Colon, Panama

Second, each time we hopped in a tourist shuttle we were just as cramped, if not more than on a chicken bus.   These transportation companies are definitely not concerned with the comfort level of their passengers.  They will squeeze 5 of us into a 3 seat row bench and most either don’t have or don’t use air conditioner during the 8 hour journey.  Furthermore, if the road conditions are bad, unless you’re in a Mercedes-Benz S-class, your ride will be bumpy on both a chicken bus and a shuttle.

Safety on Buses

Backpacks Stored on a Bus in Central America

Then there is safety.  I have read many chicken bus theft stories on multiple web forums and I am grateful that Jason and I have yet to experience anything like that.  But, I must say that thus far, we have felt extremely safe on the road.  We even prefer the buses over taxis; I guess we just feel more safe in numbers.  Our bags are usually right next to us, near us or in plain view of us.  We do practice precaution and try to be aware of our belongings and surroundings and we carry a money belt for cash, passports and credit cards.  I know that we can’t control every situation and the possibility exists of getting our things stolen, but if we allowed negative possibilities to dictate our life we wouldn’t be traveling in these foreign countries in the first place.

Local Culture on Buses

Finally, riding on a chicken bus is a unique way to experience the true culture.  As I mentioned, this is the primary and daily mode of transportation for locals.  These buses stop everywhere, and frequently, which adds additional time to your journey.  The system acts like veins in a body, connecting the tiniest isolated town to the rest of the country.  To get from one location to the next, depending on how far you want to go, you may have to make several transfers, but it could potentially be the same story with the tourist shuttles.  Everyone rides them including school children, farm workers, teachers, market and street vendors, all making their way to the populous cities.  From what I’ve seen, people transport just about everything on the buses, and I’m convinced they are essential to the economy of these countries. Without these old American school buses, I am guessing 90% of the population wouldn’t go anywhere, since owning a vehicle is a luxury only the wealthy enjoy.

Entertainment on Buses

There is also an entertainment value to the whole experience to be quite frank.  In each bus there is usually a driver and a conductor.  The conductor collects the fares,  helps passengers with their carry on baggage, and hangs off the side of the bus yelling the bus route to everyone passing by.  He also skillfully gets on and off at each stop while the bus is still in motion to help anyone that may need it.   The baggage brought on the buses is anything from a sack of coffee, fruits and vegetables, chickens and anything else that can be sold at a market.  Chicken buses are also habitually visited by street vendors who will ride the bus to the next stop or town while they push their merchandise onto a captive audience.  They are selling everything from beauty product to snacks and cold drinks, and even entire meals consisting of rice, chicken and tortillas, all of which are served in a small plastic bags. The vendors are of all ages from very young children to elder men and women; all are very persistent and persuasive.  When the bus is crammed with people standing in the aisle, the vendors will artfully weave their way down the aisle to offer their products to every person on board.

Love Them & Hate Them

As you might have guessed, I’m an advocate for the chicken buses, but I did mention that Jason and I have a love hate relationship with them.  Hate, because it can be hard work lugging our heavy bags on and off at each connection point.  It’s tiring, hot, uncomfortable and you will definitely feel a sense of culture shock. That said, be forewarned, it’s definitely not for everyone.  If you can spare the cash, you may opt for the tourist shuttles, but don’t expect space or comfort.  If you can spare a little more time, all you need is a little patience and an open mind and you will be guaranteed an adventure on every chicken bus ride.

St. Francis Church in Panajachel Guatemala at Lake Atitlan

Watch our HD Adventure Travel Video of Climbing Volcano San Pedro at Lake Atitlan in Guatemala
Panajachel is the largest town surrounding Lake Atitlan in Guatemala’s highlands and serves as the base for tourists visiting the area. Lake Atitlan is one of the highlights when visiting Guatemala and many tour bus companies will shuttle you from Antigua for a visit. Enjoy the beautiful landscapes of volcanoes surrounding Lake Atitlan, but don’t go swimming in the water.

Celebration of the Virgen de la Candelaria Festival & Basilica in Copacabana, Bolivia

Copacabana is the main Bolivian town on the shore of Lake Titicaca, from where boats leave for Isla del Sol, the sacred Inca island. The town has a large 16th-century shrine, the Basilica of Our Lady of Copacabana. Our Lady of Copacabana is the patron saint of Bolivia.

The town is a destination for tourism in Bolivia. The town is also known for its famous Basilica, home of the Virgin of Copacabana, its trout, and its quaint atmosphere. Built between Mount Calvario and Mount Niño Calvario, the town has approximately 6,000 inhabitants. Copacabana’s religious celebrations, cultural patrimony, and traditional festivals are well known throughout Bolivia. – Wikipedia

Watch More Adventure Travel Videos

Enjoy hiking in the El Salvador jungle, through an HD adventure travel video from 2 Backpackers, Jason and Aracely Castellani, while visiting Juayúa, El Salvador.  In travel video episode #11, we trek through muddy, wet slopes just outside of Juayúa to enjoy lunch, waterfalls and crazy cliff diving. Enjoy the show!

Travel El Salvador

When we decided to begin our journey in Central America, El Salvador was the country we decided to avoid. The decision was not based on any specific reason, we simply preferred a more direct route south and planned to travel from Guatemala to Honduras to Nicaragua and onwards. However, with Honduras’ political instability, which was causing some border issues, we decided to take a detour through El Salvador instead.

Juayúa, El Salvador

Small towns and villages in El Salvador surprised us with their cleanliness, friendly people and active community events. Juayúa was the highlight with its weekend food festival, colorful street buildings and amazing surrounding landscapes and towns. If you enjoy coffee plantations, Juayúa is a great base to visit nearby towns to tour and taste coffee beans.

Hostels in Juayúa

Our style of travel thus far has been extremely spontaneous; we do the research of where we are going the day before we get there. It has worked out well so far. As usual, we consulted our twitter followers and fellow travelers for their suggestions in El Salvador and they brought us to Hotel Anáhuac in Juayúa (don’t worry I still have some trouble pronouncing that myself). Once again, we’ve found a gem in an unexpected place.

Hotel Anáhuac in Juayua, El Salvador

Juayúa is located two and half hours from the west coastal Guatemalan border. It’s a small town in the Routa de las Flores (a compilation of picturesque towns) with much local charm and is most widely known for their weekend food fair. The hotel is perfect: it’s very clean, has a gorgeous open courtyard filled with tropical plants, and the walls of the room display varying local art. Anáhuac also provides walking and adventure tours to neighboring natural attractions, one of them was the 7 Waterfalls, which we eagerly signed up for.

Iglesia Juayúa, El Salvador / Juayua Church

7 Waterfalls Tour

Our guide, Mario, met us at Hotel Anáhuac at eight in the morning. He led us through the empty Spanish streets of town towards its outskirts where we would begin to find our way into the thick forest. Before the hike began we stopped at Mario’s house which was at the foot of our hike. Mario and his family live in a small structure built with metal roofing and wooden logs. His brother and five dogs accompanied us on our trek.

7 Waterfalls Tour in Juayua, El Salvador

Coffee Plantations

As we made our way up the path to 7 Waterfalls Mario explained the different plants and vegetation. During our hike we encountered large El Salvador coffee plantations where we learned about cultivating coffee and how elevation increases a coffee’s grade. Mario told us that most of El Salvador’s high quality coffee is exported elsewhere in the world. Only the lowest grade of coffee stays in the country.
Previous hikes have had at a minimum wooden steps or rock laid into steps to reduce difficulty and risks. On this hike not one single portion of the trail is built up and it’s not well maintained. There are large branches to climb over, thorn filled trees to duck under, rivers to cross, rocks to hop over, and waterfalls to repel down from. The reward was majestic views of nature in its purest form.

Waterfall Nature Pictures

Once we arrived at the top of the mountain there was yet another large wall of waterfalls that fed a pool of fresh water where we swam. This area was popular for the locals to picnic, however we never passed any along our hike. We assume they take a different trek. Unfortunately, there was quite a bit of trash around the swimming area. Mario explained the cultural challenge of changing this problematic behavior. Of course, since Mario benefits from tourism in El Salvador directly, he is able to see the benefit of a cleaner environment. We all enjoyed fresh sandwiches filled with tomatoes, onions, avocado, eggs and salt and pepper. They were probably some of the most refreshing simple subs we have ever had.

Chorros de Calera - 7 Waterfalls Tour in Juayua, El Salvador

Ultimate Adventure Tour

As we ate, the local families were jumping from rocky cliffs into the water. Jason eyed the possibility of jumping from the waterfall. Mario escorted him up to a rock that stood out slightly from the wall. He jumped and softly hit the sand in the bottom of the pool. It was only about 9-10ft deep and the area that was safe to jump in was considerably small. Next, Mario climbed another 2.5 meters up the wall and dove head first into the shallow pool. As he entered the water he curled his body immediately to avoid being paralyzed. It was very impressive.

Stick Insect up Close

Water Channel Tunnels

Along the hike Mario also explained to us that there were tunnels or caves we could explore. Once at the pools we realized they were man made tunnels bored for sending the water to a hydro station. At first I was up for it, but when we got to the opening of the tunnel and I watched Mario go in first, I decided to back out. It was very dark, the water came to his shoulders and there was hardly any head room. I knew Jason wanted to do it; I told him I would wait for them at the opening. After they returned and heard about their adventure, I was jealous.

Mario Taking Our Portrait at the Largest Waterfall in Juayua, El Salvador

Just as we began to pack up for our return, clouds rushed into the valley at our elevation and suddenly we were engulfed in clouds full of mist. The scene of the clouds squeezing into the valley seemed very Jurasic Park. It wasn’t a slow process, the clouds came in fast at five miles per hour. I still carry this scene in my mind. We could hear heavy rain hitting the leaves of all the trees in the valley, but we didn’t see or feel any on us. I can only assume it was raining below. We arrived back at Mario’s home where he changed again into jeans and a clean shirt to walk us back through town to our hostel. You won’t find any locals wearing shorts in the streets of El Salvador. The rain did catch up to us during our walk back through town, but it felt simply refreshing.

A Challenging Hike

Although we’ve already been on a few hikes during this trip, the hike to the 7 Waterfalls in Juayua was still unique due to its primitive trails, abundance of rivers and waterfalls and varying terrain. The trek was not difficult from an endurance perspective, but it was a hike that required a lot of focus and caution. It’s muddy, wet, slippery, itchy and wonderfully adventurous. Juayua is a must see in El Salvador, and the 7 Waterfalls hike is their hidden gem.

Weekend Festival in Juayua, El Salvador

How Can You Help?

When Mario isn’t conducting tours to the Seven Waterfalls he is looking for work doing odd jobs in construction, harvesting and anything else he can find. We kept him busy over the next few days, since we highly recommended the tour to every traveler that wandered into the hostel. We booked the tour through the hostel, but you can book the 7 waterfalls tour by contacting Mario’s family directly, providing his family greater income. If you plan to book directly, then please send an email well in advance (doesn’t have access to a computer daily) to douglas.martinez1203(at)gmail.com. I set up an email account for them and taught them how to access their mail. Mario and his brothers William and Douglas were the kindest of people and we encourage you to enjoy their tours and friendship. They speak Spanish only, so please email in Spanish as well.

Elderly Woman Resting in the Square of Juayua, El Salvador

The town of Juayua, El Salvador organizes a food festival every weekend. It’s a large production and after experiencing it, we were very impressed with how much work goes into this on a weekly basis. This photos was taken while walking around the town. We noticed an elderly woman sitting on a park just people watching.