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Dominican Republic365
AdventureNorth Coast

27 Waterfalls of Damajagua

Jump, slide and swim down 27 hidden Dominican cascades

DifficultyModerate
Duration3-4 hours
Price$30-60 USD
Type
Adventure
Difficulty
Moderate
Duration
3-4 hours
Price
$30-60 USD
Min age
8+
Group size
10-15
Best season
Year-round (water levels vary)
Fitness
Moderate
Rating
4.9/5
Physical req.
Moderate physical activity required. The hike uphill to the first waterfall takes 30-45 minutes through jungle terrain. You must be comfortable jumping from heights of 1-8 meters into natural pools and sliding down rock chutes. Three route options: 7 falls (easiest), 12 falls, or all 27 falls (most demanding, 3-4 hours total).
The experience

27 Waterfalls of Damajagua

Jump, slide, and swim through a series of stunning cascading waterfalls hidden in the northern mountains — the DR's top adventure.

The 27 Charcos (waterfalls) of Damajagua are one of the Dominican Republic's most thrilling natural attractions. Located in the lush foothills of the Northern Corridor between Puerto Plata and Santiago, this series of cascading waterfalls connected by natural limestone pools offers an unforgettable adventure of jumping, sliding, and swimming through a tropical river canyon.

Managed as a community-run ecotourism project, the waterfalls were formed over thousands of years as the Damajagua River carved through layers of calcium carbonate limestone, creating smooth natural waterslides and plunge pools ranging from 1 to 8 meters deep. The surrounding forest is rich with native flora, including towering ferns, bromeliads, and mahogany trees.

The adventure begins with a moderate uphill hike of 25-45 minutes through tropical forest to reach the upper falls. From there, you descend the waterfalls one by one, jumping into pools, sliding down natural rock chutes, and swimming through turquoise water:

  • 7 waterfalls route: The most popular option, taking about 1-1.5 hours. Suitable for most fitness levels and includes the most iconic jumps.
  • 12 waterfalls route: A longer adventure (2-2.5 hours) with additional falls and more challenging jumps.
  • 27 waterfalls route: The full experience takes 3-4 hours and includes the most remote and dramatic upper falls. Good fitness required.
  • Jump heights: Vary from gentle slides of 1-2 meters to the highest jump of approximately 8 meters (25 feet). All jumps have a walk-around option for those who prefer not to jump.
  • Water conditions: The pools are freshwater, cool and refreshing (around 20-22°C / 68-72°F). The water is usually clear with a blue-green tint from the limestone.
At a glance

What to know before you go

Good for
✓Families
✓Couples
✓Groups
✓Adventure Seekers
Included
✓Certified bilingual guide
✓Safety helmet and life jacket
✓Water shoe rental (at most operators)
✓Access to all waterfall levels on your chosen route
✓Locker and changing facilities
What to bring
✓Waterproof camera or GoPro with head or chest mount
✓Water shoes with good grip (rentals available on-site)
✓Change of dry clothes
✓Small amount of cash for tips and locker rental
✓Insect repellent for the jungle hike portions
✓A light snack for after the tour
Good to note
✓Minimum age is 8 years old; height restrictions may apply for certain jumps
✓Not recommended for those with heart conditions, back problems, or who are pregnant
✓Flash flooding can occur during heavy rain — guides will cancel if unsafe
✓Rocks can be slippery; always follow your guide's footing instructions
Plan it

Plan this experience

The essentials for booking 27 Waterfalls of Damajagua and getting there.

Best season
Year-round (water levels vary)
Meeting point
Damajagua Visitor Center
Group size
10-15
Minimum age
8+
Get directions →
This activity is in
Puerto Plata →
Good to know

Frequently asked questions

The difficulty is moderate. The initial hike to the first waterfall takes about 30-45 minutes uphill through a forested trail that can be muddy and slippery. Once at the falls, you climb over rocks, jump into pools (some jumps are 2-8 meters high), and slide down natural water chutes. You don't need to do any jump you're uncomfortable with — there are alternative routes around the larger drops. Reasonable fitness and comfort in water are recommended.