Salto de Chilasco

The Salto de Chilasco drops around a hundred and thirty metres over a cliff in cloud forest in Baja Verapaz, which puts it among the highest waterfalls in Central America, and the village of Chilasco manages the site and the trail to it. The path runs down through forest from the village to a viewpoint facing the fall across the valley, then continues on steps and switchbacks to the base, where spray fills the basin; the descent takes an hour or so and the climb back is a good deal harder. The forest around is wet and mossy, with orchids and bromeliads, and quetzals are occasionally seen along the trail in the breeding months.

What you actually see

• A hundred and thirty metre fall - among the highest in Central America.
• The viewpoint across the valley - the fall seen in full from the trail.
• The descent to the base - steps and switchbacks into the spray.
• Mossy cloud forest - orchids and bromeliads along the path.

When to go

November to April in the drier months, though flow is heaviest after rain. Half a day. Community guides are arranged in the village and are worth taking.

Honest expectations

The climb back from the base is long and steep and people underestimate it. Trails are muddy and slippery whatever the season. The road in from the highway is rough. Facilities are basic village services.

Nearby

Salama is south-west; the Biotopo del Quetzal lies north.