Visit the Akchour Waterfalls
Two waterfalls deep in the Rif mountains — and the turquoise pools you'll never want to leave.
- Where:Rif mountains, near Chefchaouen
- Hike:Small (3 km) or Big (8 km)
- Park fee:Free entry
- Plan:Half-day or full-day
Rif mountains, near Chefchaouen
Where
Small (3 km) or Big (8 km)
Hike
Free entry
Park fee
Half-day or full-day
Plan
The story
History
Akchour Waterfalls sit inside Talassemtane National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve covering 580 square kilometres of Rif mountain forest north of Chefchaouen. The Farda river carved the two falls and the chain of turquoise pools over millennia; the rock is Triassic limestone streaked with iron and quartz that turns the water its characteristic teal. Berber communities have used the valley for centuries as a seasonal grazing corridor and water source. The trail system was formalised in the early 2000s when the park administration built the stepping-stone crossings and waymarkers; before that, local shepherds' paths were the only routes. Today the waterfalls are among the most visited natural sites in northern Morocco, drawing hikers from Chefchaouen, Tetouan, and Tangier.
Getting there
Getting there
Akchour village is 28 km northeast of Chefchaouen. The standard approach is a shared grand taxi from Chefchaouen's main taxi rank near the bus station: 25–30 MAD per person, about 45 minutes. Taxis fill to six passengers; early morning (before 08:00) sees the most regular departures. Private taxis cost 150–200 MAD each way and can be booked through any guesthouse in the Medina. There is no public bus. The last taxis back to Chefchaouen leave Akchour around 17:00–18:00 in summer; confirm the return time with your driver before you set off. If you are driving, the road is paved until the last 3 km which is rough piste — a standard car manages it in dry conditions.
Best time to visit
Best time to visit
April to June is the sweet spot: the snowmelt keeps the falls full and the air temperature sits between 18 and 25°C, warm enough to swim but not oppressive. The pool colours are most vivid when the water level is high. September and October offer similar conditions with shorter daylight hours and fewer visitors. July and August are hot (35°C+ on the trail) but the turquoise pools are at their most refreshing — arrive before 09:00 to beat the day-trippers. November to March brings colder water, slippery rocks, and the risk of flash floods after rain; the park can close the Big Waterfall trail after heavy precipitation. Avoid the site entirely on public holidays, when thousands of Moroccan day-trippers crowd the pools.
Tickets & hours
Tickets & hours
No ticket is required. Talassemtane National Park charges no entry fee. The site is open all day, every day; there is no gate or closing time. The only costs on the trail are optional: a guide hired at the trailhead (100–150 MAD for the Small Waterfall, 200–250 MAD for the Big Waterfall), food at the basic tagine stalls near the parking area, and drinks from the small vendors at the first pools. Water is sold cold by a family with a fridge near the Small Waterfall pools — buy here rather than lugging bottles from Chefchaouen. No toilets on the trail beyond the parking area.
What to bring
What to bring
- Trail shoes or grip sandals — the stepping stones and wet limestone are slippery in trainers - A swimsuit and towel if you plan to swim in the pools - Dry bag or waterproof phone case for stream crossings - 1.5 litres of water per person (refill opportunities are limited on the Big Waterfall trail) - Sunscreen and a hat — shade is sparse on the exposed upper sections - Snacks or a packed lunch if heading to the Big Waterfall (no food available beyond the first pools) - Light rain jacket in spring — afternoon showers in the Rif mountains are quick and sharp
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Akchour Waterfalls · pay on arrival · verified guides