Saltos de Damajagua (27 Waterfalls)

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 project employs over 80 local guides and reinvests tourism revenue into the surrounding community of Imbert — a model of sustainable ecotourism that has won international recognition.

The adventure begins with a moderate uphill hike of 25-45 minutes through tropical forest to reach the upper falls. Three route options are available:

• 7 waterfalls (most popular): About 1-1.5 hours. Includes the most iconic jumps and slides. Suitable for most fitness levels and families with children over 8. Perfect for first-timers.
• 12 waterfalls: About 2-2.5 hours. Adds several beautiful cascades with more varied terrain. Moderate fitness needed.
• All 27 waterfalls: 3-4 hours. The full experience includes the most remote and dramatic upper falls with fewer crowds. Good fitness and confidence in water required.

At each waterfall, you can choose to jump (heights from 1 to 8 meters), slide down natural rock chutes, or take a walking path around. Your bilingual guide leads the way, showing the safest entry points and helping less confident swimmers. Helmets and life jackets are mandatory and provided.