Damajagua: Puerto Plata’s Natural Water Park, Where Adventure Begins Instantly

Although it may seem that the world has already been explored from end to end and that maps from well-known search engines let us view any point on the planet, nature still has a way of surprising us.

One such surprise was discovered in the Dominican Republic in 1994, helping to boost visitor numbers considerably. Once this place was found, it came to be known as the jewel of Puerto Plata—and of the country itself. Hidden among jungle-covered hills like a shining treasure inside a shell, Damajagua waited for its moment. Today, thousands of people can put themselves to the test by setting off on an adventure through the 27 waterfalls.

So, what awaits you when you encounter this natural wonder?

It is worth saying straight away that exploring the waterfalls requires a good level of fitness. Even if you decide not to jump and walk the entire route, the distance—combined with constant climbs, descents and balancing on wet stair steps—requires stamina and agility. Have you got what it takes and are ready for more? Then choose a route to suit your abilities. Routes are divided by length and difficulty level. Some visitors bring children, but given the long journey and adventurous nature of the experience, it is better suited to adults. You can choose a route with seven, twelve or twenty-seven waterfalls. The last option is the most difficult and time-consuming. It is for those who specifically want to visit Damajagua and know what they are getting into. The waterfalls vary in height, from around fourteen metres to much smaller drops. Some pools are up to seven metres deep. Depending on the season, the river's water level can be unpredictable. At most, you may need to descend twenty-two times. Everyone is provided with protective equipment: a life jacket and helmet. It is much more comfortable to carry them by hand until the descents begin. The walk there takes half an hour and is mostly uphill. In hot weather, completing it in full gear can be more challenging. Fortunately, benches are installed all along the ascent for resting. There are always plenty of life jackets and helmets readily available at the starting area, where tour buses and jeeps usually arrive.

You can also rent special rubber water shoes. Your own footwear is allowed too, as long as it will not slip off at the wrong moment.

Most travellers try to save money while travelling, and that is certainly possible here. So where can you spend less on a visit to the «27 Waterfall»?

First of all, the biggest saving depends on where you are travelling from and how you get to the waterfalls. An organised hotel excursion, or one booked in advance, costs around $135, give or take $10 depending on the operator. These were late-2019 prices, so check current rates before travelling. With this type of tour, you do not need to worry about anything except packing recommended items such as a towel, hat, spare socks, and waterproof cases for your camera or phone. You can buy a case on site, but the quality does not always justify the price. Water is usually provided, though bringing your own bottle is still a good idea.

With an organised tour, the risks are minimal. An extended version with swimming near a coral reef is often available as well. Would you like to book through your hotel but find the price too high? Choose a half-day option instead. It is usually twice as cheap. If you speak at least some English, you can take a full-day trip with a local tour company for around $40. In this case, the journey may take longer, and there can occasionally be scams, so consider the option carefully. At the same time, many visitors travel with local operators and are delighted with the experience. The cheapest option is to buy tickets directly at the waterfalls, but this only makes sense if you have already arranged transport. Then you can visit this natural attraction for $7.50 to $13. Of course, you will need to organise your own meals and itinerary, but you will not be dependent on anyone else and can manage your time as you wish. Visitors spend an average of three hours in the park. Keep in mind that when many groups arrive at once, guides may hurry you along. They accompany every visitor from the moment they enter the park, for safety reasons. After all, this is not a man-made amusement park. While the area has been equipped to make the route easier to follow, its foundation is a network of paths carved by the river into solid mountain rock.

There is a café in the park, where visitors usually stop after completing the route. So even if you travel independently, you will not go hungry.

People travel to this Dominican treasure from cities across the country. However, if your hotel is far from Puerto Plata and the journey would take up a significant part of the excursion day, assess your energy realistically. Natural beauty should be enjoyable, and physical exertion after three or four hours—or sometimes even longer—sitting on a bus can greatly reduce the pleasure of the experience. This is probably less of a concern for independent travellers accustomed to such journeys, but it is still worth planning your route carefully. A good road to the waterfalls runs from the town of Imbert.

Of course, it is the element of adventure that draws people here; challenging the elements is a passion many people share. Yet the true highlight of the 27 Waterfalls is the extraordinary beauty of the Dominican Republic's wild nature: the clear river water, magnificent views from the hill, fantastical patterns in the surrounding rocks, and the winding trail that rises and falls among the trees. These are the moments worth remembering—pausing amid the pursuit of thrills to take them in. Perhaps then the small inconveniences that always arise will fade into the background, leaving you with vivid, joyful memories to cherish.