Saut-Mathurine

Saut-Mathurine sits on the Rivière Cavaillon in the hills north of Camp-Perrin, and while it is not the tallest fall in the country it carries by far the most water: a broad curtain of maybe thirty metres dropping into a deep round pool with a beach of river stones at one side. The pool is swimmable and is used as such by everyone who comes. Forested slopes close in around it and the noise is considerable when the river is up.

What you actually see

• The main fall - a broad curtain of water, the heaviest flow of any fall in Haiti.
• The plunge pool - a deep green basin below it, swum in by visitors and locals alike.
• The stone beach - the shingle bank along one side of the pool.
• The gorge - forested slopes closing in around the river below the fall.

When to go

The fall runs all year, unlike most in the country. May to November gives the strongest flow but muddier water. December to March is clearer and easier for the road. Weekends bring local families.

Honest expectations

The pool is deep and the water under the fall is turbulent; people do get into difficulty there. The road in from Camp-Perrin is rough. There are no facilities beyond a couple of stalls, and the site can be crowded on a Sunday.

Nearby

Camp-Perrin is the nearest town, Les Cayes is on the coast, and Pic Macaya rises to the north.