How to Plan Your Santa Cruz: Hidden Waterfalls & Secret Paradise Hike Tour

If you’re looking for an adventurous day trip in Santa Cruz La Laguna, you won’t want to miss the Hidden Waterfalls & Secret Paradise Hike tour. This tour takes you through a series of hidden waterfalls, narrow canyons, and lush forests that are off the tourist trail and not found in any guidebooks. Here’s everything you need to know to plan your day trip on this exciting tour.

Experience

The tour is run by a third-party company that specializes in off-the-beaten-path hikes in Guatemala. On this tour, you’ll explore a series of hidden waterfalls, and the canyon gets steeper and the waterfalls are bigger the higher you go. You’ll also experience two different ecosystems as you walk into the narrow canyon.

The trail is used by the local Kachekil Mayan for working their crops, so you’ll have a chance to see villagers and learn how they live. You’ll enjoy a picnic lunch on the banks of the river, and take a swim if you desire. This unique experience shows you the Hidden Guatemala that is not included in any guidebook.

Highlights

The tour’s highlights include:

– Exploring hidden waterfalls
– Seeing villagers and learning how they live
– Two different ecosystems in the narrow canyon
– Picnic lunch on the banks of the river
– Swimming in the river (if you desire)

Full Description

The day begins in Santa Cruz La Laguna, on the rugged north shore of Lake Atitlan. The north shore of Lake Atitlan has no true road access, so you’ll be hiking along ancient paths that have been used by the Kachekel Maya for centuries. You will view villagers going about their daily life, encounter farmers tending their maize and coffee fields, and see some of the most magnificent scenery in the world. This rugged and remote section of Lake Atitlan has barely been touched by tourism.

As you hike higher into the mountains, you’ll pass through lush forests that are home to exotic plant and animal species. You’ll see waterfalls cascading down the cliffs, and hear the sound of rushing water echoing through the canyon. Eventually, you’ll reach the top of the canyon, where you’ll enjoy a picnic lunch on the banks of the river.

After lunch, you’ll have the opportunity to take a refreshing swim in the river, or simply relax and enjoy the scenery. Then, it’s time to hike back down the mountain, taking in the sights and sounds of the canyon once more.

Booking Information

Ready to book your Hidden Waterfalls & Secret Paradise Hike tour? Visit this website to book your tour.

The Insider’s Guide to Exploring Santa Cruz

Located on the central coast of California, Santa Cruz is a quaint beach town that offers an array of outdoor activities, cultural experiences, and delicious culinary delights. This insider’s guide will take you through some of the best local attractions, dining spots, cultural experiences, local history, and off-the-beaten-path suggestions to make the most out of your Santa Cruz trip.

Local Attractions

1. Mystery Spot: Take a trip to this mind-bending attraction that defies the laws of gravity, as balls roll uphill, and people appear to be leaning forward while standing upright.
2. Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk: Hit the historic amusement park that boasts various rides, including the famous Giant Dipper roller coaster.
3. Natural Bridges State Beach: This beautiful beach features natural rock bridges and tidepools, where you can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and beachcombing.
4. Roaring Camp Railroads: Take a steam train on this historic 19th-century railroad that winds through the towering redwoods of the Santa Cruz Mountains.
5. Seymour Marine Discovery Center: Explore the marine life of the Monterey Bay and stop by the touch pool to get up close with some sea stars and sea urchins.

Local Dining Spots

1. The Picnic Basket: This beachside eatery offers sandwiches, salads, and creative ice cream flavors to enjoy while taking in the gorgeous view of the ocean.
2. Laili Restaurant: A Mediterranean-inspired restaurant that offers flavorful and healthy dishes made with fresh and locally sourced ingredients.
3. Soif Wine Bar & Merchants: A wine bar that features an extensive wine list, local craft beers, and delicious bites made with seasonal ingredients sourced from local farmers.
4. Verve Coffee Roasters: A specialty coffee shop that sources high-quality coffee beans from all over the world and offers a diverse range of espresso drinks and pour-over coffee.
5. The Penny Ice Creamery: A small-batch ice cream shop that offers unique seasonal flavors using organic and locally sourced ingredients.

Cultural Experiences

1. Santa Cruz Wharf: Enjoy the view of the ocean and the sea lions that bask on the docks of this historic wharf that is also home to various dining and shopping options.
2. Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History: Take a stroll through the exhibits that showcase the history and culture of Santa Cruz County and the Monterey Bay.
3. The Santa Cruz Farmers Market: Check out the local farmers’ market that takes place every Wednesday and Sunday in Downtown Santa Cruz and offers an array of fresh produce, artisanal goods, and live music.
4. Rio Theatre: Watch a concert, a movie, or a stand-up comedy show at this historic theater that has been a cultural hub for Santa Cruz since 1949.
5. Pacific Arts Complex: Take a dance or martial arts class at this community center that fosters creativity, self-expression, and cultural diversity.

Local History

1. Mission Santa Cruz: Visit the site where the Spanish established the fifth California mission in 1791 and learn about the indigenous Ohlone people who inhabited the land before the arrival of the Europeans.
2. Santa Cruz Surfing Museum: Explore the history of surfing in Santa Cruz and discover how it became one of the most significant surfing destinations in the world.
3. Wilder Ranch State Park: A former dairy ranch that offers various hiking trails, historic buildings, and demonstrations of early California ranch life.
4. Big Basin Redwoods State Park: Walk through the Giant Sequoias, the largest trees in the world, and learn about the natural history of the Santa Cruz Mountains.
5. Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center: Learn about the diverse marine life that thrives in the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary and the efforts to preserve it for future generations.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions

1. Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park: Hike through the towering redwoods and across the swinging bridge that overlooks the San Lorenzo River.
2. Davenport Beach: Enjoy the beautiful view of the coastline and the historic pier while sipping on a locally brewed beer at the Highway 1 Brewing Company.
3. Santa Cruz Mountain Vineyard: Explore the unique wines of Santa Cruz County, which produces a diverse range of grapes that thrive in the mountainous terrain.
4. Natural History Museum of Santa Cruz County: Discover the natural history and biodiversity of the Santa Cruz County, including its flora and fauna, fossils, and geology.
5. The Abbey Coffee Lounge: Located in a converted church, this coffee shop offers a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere to enjoy a delicious cup of coffee while admiring the stained-glass windows and the beautiful architecture.

In conclusion, Santa Cruz is a charming and picturesque destination that has something to offer for everyone. Whether you are interested in outdoor activities, cultural experiences, local history, or off-the-beaten-path suggestions, this insider’s guide has you covered. So plan your trip to Santa Cruz today and make unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime!