27 Waterfalls of Damajagua

The Damajagua river has carved a narrow limestone canyon into a staircase of chutes, slides and green pools, and the local guide association turned it into one of the Caribbean's great half-days: you hike and climb up through the canyon with helmet and life vest, then come back down the fast way - sliding the water-worn rock chutes and jumping from ledges into the pools below. Visitors choose how far up to go, commonly seven or twelve falls, with the full twenty-seven for those with time and nerve. The project is community-run, and the guides grew up in the villages around the river.

What you actually see

• The chute slides - polished limestone waterslides carved by the river.
• The jump ledges - drops of varying height into deep pools.
• The canyon walk - climbing through the narrow green gorge.
• The community guides - locally run operation with proper safety gear.

When to go

Water flows year round; the drier winter months make for the most comfortable conditions and clearest pools. After heavy rain the river runs high and brown and the falls close for safety - that call is non-negotiable and correct. Mornings avoid both crowds and afternoon showers.

Honest expectations

This is physical: expect climbing, wading, swimming and repeated jumps, all in wet rock conditions. Jumps are optional but the slides largely are not once you commit to the route. Weak swimmers and anyone with knee, shoulder or back problems should think carefully. Go through the official association at the main entrance rather than roadside touts, and bring nothing you cannot get wet - lockers are available.

Nearby

Puerto Plata's cable car and old town, and the north-coast beaches of Sosua and Cabarete.