Salto de Malacatiupán

Malacatiupán is where two rivers meet near Atiquizaya in western El Salvador: the Agua Caliente, heated by geothermal activity upstream, and the cooler San Antonio. Where they join, the water tumbles over rock ledges into pools at about 35 to 37 C, making a natural hot waterfall you can sit under. Visitors disagree on the heat; some find it barely warm, others too hot, which likely depends on rainfall and where you sit.

There is no ticket office. A caretaker walks over and collects about 1 to 1.50 USD per person, plus a small parking fee, and toilets are included. To get there by bus, ride from Santa Ana toward Ahuachapán, get off at Parque San Juan in Atiquizaya and take a tuk-tuk for about 15 minutes, agreeing the price first.

If driving, approach from Atiquizaya rather than the small back road from Turín. Wear water shoes on the slick rocks and drink plenty of water, as the air can be nearly as hot as the falls. The honest downside: facilities are minimal and it can be crowded with local families at weekends.