La Reforma Waterfalls
Discover the refreshing beauty of La Reforma Waterfalls, a hidden gem offering stunning cascades and breathtaking mountain vistas.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light
La Reforma Waterfalls
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover the refreshing beauty of La Reforma Waterfalls, a hidden gem offering stunning cascades and breathtaking mountain vistas.
"The journey is challenging but the waterfall is beautiful and worth the effort for nature lovers. "
🚗 Tough Roads Ahead
Expect bumpy, uneven dirt roads. An SUV or dirt bike is recommended. Allow extra travel time!
⏰ Beat the Crowds
Arrive early for a peaceful experience and to enjoy the waterfall's serenity.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
La Reforma Waterfall
San Marcos, Guatemala
A stunning cascade offering a refreshing dip and incredible natural beauty. Best enjoyed in solitude.
+1
Scenic Mountain Vistas
En route to the waterfall
Breathtaking panoramic views of the mountains accompany the adventurous drive.
La Chocoyera
San Marcos, Guatemala
Another beautiful waterfall in the vicinity, perfect for extending your nature exploration.
+1Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Road Conditions & Timing
Embrace the Serenity
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Tough Roads Ahead
Expect bumpy, uneven dirt roads. An SUV or dirt bike is recommended. Allow extra travel time! +1
⏰ Beat the Crowds
Arrive early for a peaceful experience and to enjoy the waterfall's serenity. +1
☀️ Daylight Driving
Plan your trip to finish before dark for safer navigation of the challenging roads.
💧 Rainy Day Caution
Roads become very slippery and muddy after rain, making the journey more difficult.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Tough Roads Ahead
Expect bumpy, uneven dirt roads. An SUV or dirt bike is recommended. Allow extra travel time! +1
⏰ Beat the Crowds
Arrive early for a peaceful experience and to enjoy the waterfall's serenity. +1
☀️ Daylight Driving
Plan your trip to finish before dark for safer navigation of the challenging roads.
💧 Rainy Day Caution
Roads become very slippery and muddy after rain, making the journey more difficult.
💰 Small Entrance Fee
A small fee is typically charged by the local attendant.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
La Reforma Waterfalls is a beautiful natural spot, praised for its refreshing waters and stunning surrounding mountain vistas. Visitors often enjoy the serenity of having the waterfall to themselves. However, the journey is frequently described as challenging due to extremely rough, unpaved roads that can be difficult even for SUVs and experienced dirt bike riders, especially after rain. +2
"The rating is not only for the waterfall, which is fairly small but still amazing to experience, specially if you get there when no-one else is there. The rating is also for the vistas you see when travelling to the waterfall, which are incredible in the mountains.
Do note, to get there, you can go by taxi, and I would assume some kind of collectivo, or by motorcycle - which I did. It takes 2h from Puerto Escondido, and much of the mountain roads are uneven dirt roads. If you are not a confident biker, I would not recommend driving by yourself, but it can of course be done, it just takes some more time.
If you have the time and want to explore outside of the beaches of Puerto, love nature and the stillness of it, then I recommend this day tour."
Daniel Hofvander
"Look the place itself is beautiful on a non rainy day. Because it had rained the water was so ugly . I couldn’t let my kids get in. You have to cross rushing water to get to steps on other side. I came many year ago and it was great. The roads to get there now are really really bad. It takes a while because of how bad the roads are. There is barely ever a smooth spot. It is bumpy , areas where the road near the edge has broken off, deep deep holes etc. I drove a SUV with all wheel drive, I would never want to put her through that drive again. We had to get some work done afterwards to get her feeling right again. I wouldn’t go on a bike, my husband said he could see why people might try , ha ha I wouldn’t . . If you got a tough ride ( suv / truck ) you could probably make the trip. They have cabins but do close up at night. Basically you would be alone out there. The gentleman taking 20 pesos I believe it was, was very nice ."
Ashley RM
"Did this with a scooter and we were absolutely fine! Fun, adventurous roads with many donkeys, cows & horses on the way. The waterfall was beautiful and we had it all to ourselves! Would recommend :) We left Puerto at 12.30 and felt a little rushed as we didn't want to return in the dark, so if you want more time at the waterfall, leave a little earlier!"
Mascha van Heeswijk
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The journey from Puerto Escondido to La Reforma Waterfalls takes approximately 2 hours by motorcycle or SUV. The roads are largely unpaved and can be very rough, especially after rain. Many travelers recommend a sturdy SUV or a dirt bike for this route. +1
While taxis are an option, they can be expensive. Some travelers mention the possibility of collectivos, but it's advisable to confirm availability locally. Driving yourself, especially with a confident rider on a motorcycle or in an SUV, offers more flexibility.
The roads are notoriously bad, described as uneven dirt roads with deep holes and washed-out cliff-side paths. They can become very slippery and muddy after rain, making them challenging even for experienced riders. +1
While GPS can provide a general route, it's crucial to add extra time to your estimated travel duration. The road conditions mean you'll likely travel slower than anticipated.
Yes, the area around La Reforma also features other beautiful spots like La Chocoyera and San Marcos, offering more opportunities for nature exploration.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, there is a small entrance fee, typically around 20 pesos, collected by a local attendant who manages the site.
There are no official operating hours posted, but it's strongly advised to visit during daylight hours due to the challenging road conditions and to avoid returning in the dark.
While not explicitly mentioned, local tour operators in Puerto Escondido might offer guided trips. However, many visitors opt for self-guided adventures.
Yes, the water is described as nice and cool, making it suitable for swimming. However, water conditions can be affected by recent rainfall.
Some sources mention the presence of cabins, though they may close at night. Basic facilities might be limited, so it's best to come prepared.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
La Reforma Waterfall is described as beautiful and amazing, though some note it's fairly small. Its beauty is enhanced when visited without crowds.
Wear comfortable clothing and sturdy footwear suitable for hiking and potentially wet conditions. Water shoes are a good idea if you plan to swim.
While beautiful, the challenging roads and potentially strong currents in the water might make it less ideal for very young children, especially after rain. Parents should exercise caution.
Expect lush mountain scenery, diverse wildlife like donkeys, cows, and horses along the way, and the refreshing cascade of the waterfall itself.
It's advisable to bring your own snacks and water, as facilities might be limited. Enjoying a picnic amidst nature can be a great experience.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider the overall travel time and the potential for discomfort on the journey. For families seeking a more accessible nature experience, exploring other attractions closer to Puerto Escondido might be a better option. However, for adventurous families with older children who can handle the journey, the natural beauty and the chance to have the waterfall to themselves can be a rewarding experience.
🏍️ Adventure Seekers & Motorcyclists
Experienced riders will find the journey engaging, but even skilled individuals should exercise caution. It's recommended to add significant buffer time to your travel plans and aim to complete the journey before dusk.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Journey: Road Conditions and Vehicle Choice
Adding extra time to your GPS estimates is crucial. What might appear as a 1.5-hour drive on a map can easily turn into 2 or even 3 hours due to the terrain.
For those who are not confident drivers or riders, consider arranging transport with a local who is familiar with the route. While taxis are available, they can be costly. The adventurous nature of the journey is part of the experience for many, but it's essential to be well-prepared and prioritize safety above all else.
Experiencing the Waterfall: Serenity and Scenery
Beyond the waterfall itself, the journey to reach it is punctuated by breathtaking mountain vistas.
+1To truly appreciate the peaceful ambiance, aim for an early morning visit or consider going during the week when tourist numbers are typically lower. This will allow you to connect more deeply with the natural surroundings and enjoy the powerful, serene energy of the waterfalls.
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