What is the real difficulty of the trek to Salto del Tabaquillo?

It is of medium-high/high difficulty. It is not a conventional walk; it involves climbing rocks and crossing the stream repeatedly. It is recommended for people in good physical condition and with appropriate footwear.

Can the waterfall be visited on your own in 2026?

It is not recommended, and there are regulations that require an authorized guide due to the risk of the terrain and the lack of signage. Safety is a priority in Merlo.

What equipment is mandatory to carry?

Trekking shoes with grip, 2 liters of water, sunscreen, and layered clothing. Ascending in urban shoes or sandals is not permitted.

Where can I get official information before going up?

At the Central Tourism Office (Cnel. Mercau 605) from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM or at the Rincón del Este office. It is fundamental to check the weather forecast before heading out.

What is the best time to start the hike?

Ideally, start between 8:00 and 9:00 AM to avoid the intense midday heat and ensure a safe return before the sunlight fades.

Complete Guide to Salto del Tabaquillo in Merlo: The Must-Do Trek of 2026

For any nature lover visiting the Sierras de los Comechingones, there is a challenge that resonates deeply: reaching the imposing 18-meter waterfall hidden in the heart of the mountain. In Villa de Merlo, the microclimate and stone paths invite us to disconnect from urban noise to reconnect with the essential, and there is no better way to achieve this than by putting on your boots to explore our most iconic spots.

We know that planning a hike through mountain terrain raises questions about difficulty, timing, or necessary equipment. At Solar de los Pájaros, we welcome adventurers during all seasons and always remind them that the success of the journey lies in the prior preparation. That is why we have designed this Complete Guide to Salto del Tabaquillo, based on our knowledge of the terrain and the firsthand recommendations we regularly share with our guests.

Below, we provide all the details on routes, exigency levels, and safety tips so that your ascent is smooth and rewarding. Keep reading to discover the secrets of this trail and, at the end, we reveal the secret to enjoying the most restorative rest facing the mountains upon returning from your adventure.

Step 1: Choosing the ideal time for the adventure

Before putting on your boots, it is essential to understand that Merlo's microclimate dictates the rules of the game. Although Salto del Tabaquillo can be visited throughout the year, the experience changes drastically depending on the season. In 2026, planning is 50% of the excursion's success due to the marked thermal amplitude and the monsoon rainfall regime.

Season	Weather	State of the Waterfall	Recommendation
Spring (Sep-Nov)	Mild (15°C - 25°C)	Moderate flow	The best time. Ideal weather for walking without getting overheated.
Summer (Dec-Feb)	Warm (20°C - 32°C)	Maximum flow	Ideal for cooling off; caution due to 80% of annual rainfall occurring in this stage.
Fall (Mar-May)	Cool (10°C - 22°C)	Low/medium flow	Incredible landscape due to the colors of the mountains. Ideal mid/low season for peace.
Winter (Jun-Aug)	Cold (2°C - 15°C)	Low flow	For experts only; dry season but stones can have ice.

Local Tip: If you go in summer, try to leave as early as possible (8:00 AM). The afternoon sun in the San Luis mountains is unforgiving, and the physical exertion is much higher.
Fun Fact: During the fall, the tabaquillo forest surrounding the waterfall turns an intense cinnamon color, ideal for photography enthusiasts.

Step 2: Preparing the necessary equipment and footwear

Do not underestimate the mountains. Salto del Tabaquillo is not a walk in the park; it is a mountain trek over technical terrain. The choice of footwear and water is what will determine whether you enjoy the landscape or suffer every meter.

Footwear: It is mandatory to use trekking shoes with good soles or mountain boots that protect the ankle. The stones in the stream bed are often wet. Avoid canvas sneakers, as the risk of slipping is extremely high.
Hydration: Carry at least 2 liters of water per person. In 2026, remember to bring your reusable bottle; Merlo actively promotes sustainability and the environmental exchange plan.
Sun protection: Hat, sunglasses, and SPF 50+ sunscreen. At the altitude of Villa de Merlo, the radiation is stronger than it seems.
Clothing: The "layering" system works best. A technical t-shirt, a light jacket, and a windbreaker.

Step 3: Meeting point and logistics in Rincón del Este

The logistical starting point for this adventure is located in the high area of Rincón del Este (Piedemonte Este). To reach this area, it is necessary to have your own vehicle or hire a transfer.

Important: Before starting the ascent, it is vital to register as a visitor at the authorized Tourism Offices (such as the one in the Green zone at Arroyo El Molino or the one at Mirador del Tala) or inform your authorized guide. Mountain safety depends on authorities knowing who is on the trails.

Step 4: Hiring an Authorized Tour Guide

This is the most important point of this complete guide to Salto del Tabaquillo. Access to the waterfall involves crossing protected reserve areas where the trail is not marked and the terrain is steep.

Why is it fundamental to hire a guide?

Safety and Legality: By municipal regulation, the ascent to Salto del Tabaquillo requires the accompaniment of an authorized guide due to the risk of the terrain.
Technique: The route has sections of "simple climbing" between rock blocks where professional assistance is key.
Knowledge: The guide will teach you to identify the Tabaquillo (Polylepis australis), an emblematic tree of our mountains whose bark peels off in thin layers.

You can consult the list of providers at the Secretary of Tourism (Cnel. Mercau 605). The cost of the guided service for 2026 is to be agreed upon with the provider; always remember to verify that they have the corresponding authorization. Do not attempt to go on your own; Salto del Tabaquillo is not a self-guided trail.

Step 5: Understanding the Trekking Difficulty Level

The trek to Salto del Tabaquillo is classified as High Difficulty (or medium-high for people with previous experience). It is not suitable for people with mobility problems or very young children.

Duration: The total journey usually takes between 3 and 5 hours.
The terrain: It is done by following the bed of the El Molino stream. This means jumping from rock to rock and climbing granite blocks.
Elevation gain: You ascend from 1,200 meters above sea level to approximately 1,500 meters. The cardiovascular effort is notable.

Editor's Tip: The mountain sets the pace. The secret of the Tabaquillo is to go slow, breathing in the scent of peperina and poleo (local herbs) that grow by the water.

Salto del Tabaquillo waterfall of 18 meters in the Villa de Merlo Reserve, San Luis

Step 6: Arrival at the Waterfall and flora and fauna spotting

Once the last stretch of rocks is overcome, the canyon opens up to the imposing Salto del Tabaquillo, a crystalline waterfall 18 meters high.

What to do upon arrival: You can dip your feet in the natural pool (the water is ice-cold even in January) and enjoy a light snack.
Biodiversity: Pay attention to the side walls of the falls. It is very common to see Andean Condors soaring over the high peaks. The Tabaquillo trees you will see here are protected; please do not touch their bark.

If you are passionate about hiking, Merlo offers other lower-risk self-guided alternatives such as the Mogote Bayo Reserve (free, in the Piedemonte Este) or the Mirador del Águila Trail.

Step 7: The descent and final recommendations

The return is made via the same path. Remember that accumulated fatigue makes the descent the time for the greatest care.

Schedules: Start the return journey in full sunlight. Visibility in the narrow stream bed drops quickly, and the temperature drops sharply at sunset.
Waste: Everything you take in comes back with you. Merlo applies strict waste separation; you can use the collection points in the city upon your return.
Costs: Check with your guide if the service includes mandatory insurance and access fees for protected areas.

Preparing for this visit to Salto del Tabaquillo requires awareness, but the reward of standing before one of San Luis's natural wonders is something you will keep forever.

The perfect rest for your Salto del Tabaquillo adventure

Reaching the summit at the Salto is an intense experience that demands a lot from the body, but the secret to an unforgettable getaway lies in what happens after coming down from the mountain.

To make your experience complete, Solar de los Pájaros awaits you with the ideal refuge in the high zone of Merlo:

Strategic location: In the heart of the Piedemonte, close to the main trails but with the necessary silence for real rest.
Your own natural refuge: A 6,000 m² private park to continue feeling the freedom of the mountains.
Post-trekking relaxation: A swimming pool and spacious areas designed to recover energy after the hike.
Comfort and warmth: An exclusive country house for groups or families, with an equipped kitchen and unparalleled views of the Comechingones.

Come experience Merlo with the peace that only our mountains can give you. Check availability and rates via WhatsApp: by booking directly with us, you avoid commissions from external platforms.