Los Tercios Waterfall
Los Tercios Waterfall
Los Tercios Waterfall
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4.0
59 reviews
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25
Very good
24
Average
7
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3
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Thecatsmum4
Kettering, UK2,616 contributions
Feb 2024 • Friends
We visited when the waterfall was dry in February, but still worth it to see the basalt columns. In order to get right up to these there is quite a tricky climb down, we opted to go to the viewpoint overlooking the lake and could see the columns from here. This was the easy option with seating to wait for the more adventurous of the group who climbed down.
Written 27 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kathleen D
2 contributions
Mar 2024 • Friends
My friend and I knew there would be no water at this time of year, but still wanted to see basalt column rocks. We caught a taxi in Copán for $10, and the driver would stay the hour we were at the falls. It cost $1 each to get in the park, and $1 for parking for the cab. The first part of the hike to the top of the falls was not hard, and there were a couple good viewpoints of the lake. To get to the really neat views was a scramble down rocks, so this part not advised for mobility issues. We were there around 10:30 am, and lighting was good on rocks.
Written 15 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
carly f
London, UK109 contributions
Oct 2013 • Couples
We went with a police escort - no charge, but we thought it would be nice to offer a drink or ice-cream at the end as they get pretty hot in their full police gear...
We were advised to go to the police station the day before to let them know we wanted to go to the waterfalls. They told us to come back the next day at 2pm and we would get an escort. We did it on a Tuesday - the policemen said that it is busiest during the weekend - we were the only ones the day we did it. There might be more flexibility on timings at the weekend when there are more people wanting to go, but understandably during the week the police try to get everyone to go together at 2pm.
There wasn't a vehicle available when we arrived so we started to walk, but the police soon hailed down a truck and gave us a lift. We saw a couple of tourists walking back from the falls when we were driving up. The policeman said that it was a bit dangerous - apparently the last incident was in 2011 when someone was robbed at gunpoint for their camera. It was 2 years ago, but given that there is a free escort service we thought it was better to be safe than sorry (and it was quite an experience with some good local knowledge thrown in).
We climbed down to the waterfall. The ground is slippery and uneven but fine if you take your time. The waterfall itself is very impressive - never seen anything like it before (we were told it was one of three such rock formations along with the Giant's Causeway in Northern Ireland and another site in California).
The police then took us to a mirador of Lake Suchitlan just round the back of the waterfall - fantastic view of the lake from here - better than up close or from the mirador in Suchitoto.
We started to walk back and again managed to hitch a lift with a truck. The road is VERY bumpy but their building the road at the moment, so should be pretty good soon.
I would definitely recommend doing this - we left Suchitoto at 2.15pm and were back by 3.25pm. Unless you don't manage to hitch a ride there isn't much walking involved (if you do walk it's about 3k and there is very little shade and it is not sign-posted, although there is a sign when you get to the waterfall - so you know you're there).
We were advised to go to the police station the day before to let them know we wanted to go to the waterfalls. They told us to come back the next day at 2pm and we would get an escort. We did it on a Tuesday - the policemen said that it is busiest during the weekend - we were the only ones the day we did it. There might be more flexibility on timings at the weekend when there are more people wanting to go, but understandably during the week the police try to get everyone to go together at 2pm.
There wasn't a vehicle available when we arrived so we started to walk, but the police soon hailed down a truck and gave us a lift. We saw a couple of tourists walking back from the falls when we were driving up. The policeman said that it was a bit dangerous - apparently the last incident was in 2011 when someone was robbed at gunpoint for their camera. It was 2 years ago, but given that there is a free escort service we thought it was better to be safe than sorry (and it was quite an experience with some good local knowledge thrown in).
We climbed down to the waterfall. The ground is slippery and uneven but fine if you take your time. The waterfall itself is very impressive - never seen anything like it before (we were told it was one of three such rock formations along with the Giant's Causeway in Northern Ireland and another site in California).
The police then took us to a mirador of Lake Suchitlan just round the back of the waterfall - fantastic view of the lake from here - better than up close or from the mirador in Suchitoto.
We started to walk back and again managed to hitch a lift with a truck. The road is VERY bumpy but their building the road at the moment, so should be pretty good soon.
I would definitely recommend doing this - we left Suchitoto at 2.15pm and were back by 3.25pm. Unless you don't manage to hitch a ride there isn't much walking involved (if you do walk it's about 3k and there is very little shade and it is not sign-posted, although there is a sign when you get to the waterfall - so you know you're there).
Written 18 October 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
traveller2148
West Midlands458 contributions
May 2014 • Couples
Visited this recently when it was dry. Amazing place with hexagonal rock formations- like Giant's Causeway in Ireland (but smaller). One thing I would say to note is that its quite a scramble both down and up again to the base of the rocks where you get the best views. Also nice views along the path at the top overlooking lake.
Written 14 May 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
International_Mel
Leon, Nicaragua68 contributions
Dec 2013 • Friends
This won't take much time and is worth an hour and a half of your time. I went when the water wasn't running but it was still cool. The rock formations are interesting and different. The hike down is short but a bit treacherous - you need to walk on big rock piles. Like I said though it is a short trip down so not exhausting. There is also a neat lookout point at the top - great for photos. I highly recommend this trip and definitely don't pay anyone to take you. The tourist police do a fine job and it's fun to get a photo with them at the end.
Written 29 December 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
marcodeluxe
Orlando,Florida79 contributions
Nov 2019
If you are in Suchitoto you definitely should make an effort to see these falls. The tourist office in town has a daily guided excursion there and its free of charge. Its a wonder of nature that can be enjoyed in its natural beauty.
Written 18 November 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Neal R
Hackensack, NJ308 contributions
Dec 2014 • Solo
1. The waterfall is dry for half the year, but is still worth seeing despite this.
2. There are other great views other than the actual waterfall.
3. The area of the waterfall is very safe and tranquil, but there's a barrio you need to pass through to get there if you plan to walk from town. This is a dangerous place, so unless you are being escorted by a guide or a police officer, you will likely get robbed.
4. You can get a local bus from the town's intersection by the gas station. It's a 3-4 minute ride, and the driver will drop you right at the spot. If you do this, you can easily do without a guide. Same for getting back. Just flag down a passing bus. If no buses come by, just flag down any pick-up or truck, and they will let you hop on. Just give the driver what you would have paid in bus fare.
5. If you want to go with a police officer, go to the police station and ask. They have an informally-based system where they operate a tour once a day. Typically around 3pm. However, understand that they are never too enthusiastic about doing it, and they do NOT like to walk anywhere. They will likely go there and back by bus, for which you are expected to pay your own bus fare. They ride for free. Upon return to town, offer to buy your cop a drink from the bodega.
2. There are other great views other than the actual waterfall.
3. The area of the waterfall is very safe and tranquil, but there's a barrio you need to pass through to get there if you plan to walk from town. This is a dangerous place, so unless you are being escorted by a guide or a police officer, you will likely get robbed.
4. You can get a local bus from the town's intersection by the gas station. It's a 3-4 minute ride, and the driver will drop you right at the spot. If you do this, you can easily do without a guide. Same for getting back. Just flag down a passing bus. If no buses come by, just flag down any pick-up or truck, and they will let you hop on. Just give the driver what you would have paid in bus fare.
5. If you want to go with a police officer, go to the police station and ask. They have an informally-based system where they operate a tour once a day. Typically around 3pm. However, understand that they are never too enthusiastic about doing it, and they do NOT like to walk anywhere. They will likely go there and back by bus, for which you are expected to pay your own bus fare. They ride for free. Upon return to town, offer to buy your cop a drink from the bodega.
Written 15 December 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
t3quil4
Montreal, Canada111 contributions
Oct 2014 • Solo
This is really impressive. I went in the rainy season, so the water was strong. At first the lady from the tourist center told me I couldnt go down and i could just see it from the top... but when I got there the police help me going down so I can take picture and he even took a picture of me. Yes the police, you have to go there escorted, and actually its easier and safer because its really slippery and they are very friendly. They leave from the tourist office every day at 3pm. The 2 police that went with me were really nice and even chase the bus on the way back so I could catch the direct bus back to San Salvador. Thanks to Alex and Miguel
Written 12 November 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Janet G
Spruce Grove, Canada62 contributions
Mar 2014 • Family
We (Husband, myself and our 10 year old daughter) went in March, at the end of the dry season so there was no water flowing at the waterfall. We arranged to go with the Tourist Police. They are a free service that act as guides and protection for tourists (book them at the Police Station). Since their vehicle was out we walked the few kilometres to the falls. It wasn't a difficult walk, but it was very hot out (34 Degrees Celsius) so pack some water and wear a hat and some sunscreen.
It is a scramble to get down to the bottom of the falls so wear good shoes. Even without the water it is a great site with spectacular rock formations, there is also a great view of the lake from the picnic area at the top. We were fortunate to get a ride in the police truck back as they happened to arrive at the falls while we were there. Once back in Suchitoto, we bought them ice creams from a little ice cream store on the main square.
It is a scramble to get down to the bottom of the falls so wear good shoes. Even without the water it is a great site with spectacular rock formations, there is also a great view of the lake from the picnic area at the top. We were fortunate to get a ride in the police truck back as they happened to arrive at the falls while we were there. Once back in Suchitoto, we bought them ice creams from a little ice cream store on the main square.
Written 2 July 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NatalyAz_Usa
AZ, USA62 contributions
Jan 2014 • Friends
Los Tercios Waterfall is an absolutely gorgeous geological wonder. The rock formation is incredible. I went during the dry season, so there was not water in the falls, but the basalt formation was awesome. The climb down to the bottom is a bit much. I only went halfway, but could see the rocks. The climb is short, but very very steep. From the bottom, the photos were fantastic. Ask for a police escort to the falls....they will take you there and help you climb down also. In addition, they will keep you safe. Awesome trip.
Written 11 January 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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