27 Waterfalls of Damajagua: Complete Guide from Cabarete

Ask anyone who's done the 27 Waterfalls of Damajagua what they thought, and you'll almost always get the same answer: it was the best day of the trip. Hike up through mountain rainforest, then work your way back down through a series of natural waterfall pools — jumping, sliding, and swimming through each one. It sounds straightforward. The reality is more spectacular than the description suggests.

From Cabarete, it's about 30 minutes by car. Here's everything you need to know.

Quick Facts

What Are the 27 Waterfalls?

Officially known as the Charcos de Damajagua (the Pools of Damajagua), this is a series of 27 natural pools connected by waterfalls and water slides carved over millennia through limestone rock in the Cordillera Septentrional mountains. The water is crystal clear and cool — a genuine relief on a hot Dominican day.

Despite the name, most visitors don't actually do all 27. The standard tour covers the lower 7 pools, which takes about 3–4 hours and is the perfect introduction. Doing 12 or 27 pools requires a longer hike and significantly more time — it's for experienced hikers who want a full-day commitment.

The Experience — What Actually Happens

You start at the entrance gate where you register, pay, get a life jacket and helmet, and join a guided group. A local guide leads you on a 20–30 minute hike up through dense rainforest to reach the first pool. The trail is well-maintained but involves some scrambling over rocks — wear shoes you don't mind getting wet.

Then the fun starts. At each waterfall, you have options — jump, slide, or climb down via fixed ropes. Some jumps are just a metre or two. Others are 5–6 metres into deep clear pools. The guides brief you at each one and will tell you which jumps are optional and which aren't. Nothing is forced; if you're uncomfortable with a jump, there's always another way down.

The final descent brings you back to the entrance via a trail alongside the river. Cold beer or fresh coconut water at the bottom completes the experience perfectly.

How to Get There from Cabarete

The waterfalls are located near the town of Imbert, about 30 minutes west of Cabarete by car. You have three options:

• Taxi from Cabarete: Negotiate a round-trip fare including waiting time. Expect to pay around $40–60 USD for the day. Ask your driver to wait, or arrange a pickup time.
• Organized tour from Cabarete: Several operators run half-day tours with transport included. They'll pick you up at your accommodation. This is the easiest option and often includes lunch.
• Rental car: If you have a car, the drive is straightforward — head west on Highway 5 towards Puerto Plata and follow signs for Imbert and Damajagua. There's a proper entrance gate and car park.

Your property manager Birgit can recommend trusted local tour operators and drivers who know the route well.

What to Bring

What Does It Cost?

Entrance fees are charged per waterfall level:

• 7 waterfalls: Around 500–600 DOP per person (approximately $9–10 USD)
• 12 waterfalls: Around 700–800 DOP per person
• 27 waterfalls: Higher fee, requires advance booking and is only recommended for experienced hikers

Fees include a guide, helmet, and life jacket. Tip your guide — they work hard and make the experience significantly better. 300–500 DOP is appropriate for a group of 4.

Is It Safe?

Yes, when done properly with official guides. The national park is well managed, guides are trained, and helmets and life jackets are mandatory. Thousands of people do this trip every week without incident.

A few sensible precautions:

• Always jump feet first — never dive, even into the deepest pools
• Wait for the guide's clear signal before jumping or sliding at each pool
• Don't attempt this independently without a guide — the rocks are slippery and the route is not obvious
• Children under 8 are not permitted on the guided tours
• If you're not a strong swimmer, tell your guide — life jackets are always available

Combine It With Something Else

The waterfalls work well as a morning activity combined with an afternoon stop in Puerto Plata — the Fort San Felipe, the cable car to Isabel de Torres, or the Brugal Rum distillery are all on the same route back to Cabarete. Ask Birgit or your driver to help plan the logistics — it's easy to pack a genuinely full day.