Tamanique Waterfalls: Day Trip from El Tunco with Pickup

4.97

(147 reviews)

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the drive from El Tunco to Tamanique to be so quick—one minute we were dodging surfers with their boards, and then suddenly the air shifted. It got cooler, almost sweet-smelling, like wet leaves after rain. Our guide, Carlos, kept pointing out these painted walls in town—bright blues and pinks that looked like someone had just finished them that morning. He laughed when I tried to say “Tamanique” right (I probably butchered it).

The hike down started easy enough but got steeper fast. I was sweating by the time we heard the first waterfall. It’s not loud at first—just this steady hush under the trees. The rocks were slippery (I nearly lost a sandal), but Carlos knew every step. When we reached the water, some locals were already jumping in, shouting to each other in Spanish. I hesitated before jumping—my heart was racing—but honestly, that cold splash felt like waking up twice.

We swam for a while and then just sat on the rocks, letting our feet dangle in the water. The sun came through in patches and everything smelled green—if that makes sense. There was this moment where everyone went quiet except for one kid laughing somewhere upstream. I still think about that view looking back up at the cliffs, half-wishing I could freeze it for later.