Horseback riding in Puerto Plata: Damajagua waterfalls and trails

Two adventures in one day: waterfalls, then the ride you pick

A full-day tour from Puerto Plata combines a walk to seven Damajagua waterfalls with a choice of horseback riding or buggy driving through the Dominican forest. After a 35-minute forest trek crossing the river to reach the waterfalls, you swim in natural pools and eat a typical Dominican lunch at a cigar factory stop. Then you choose your second activity: a 35-minute horseback ride with views across the landscape, or an hour-and-15-minute buggy run over dirt roads and small hills.

Step-by-step itinerary

Waterfalls and adventure activities

• Walk 35 minutes to Damajagua waterfalls
• Explore 12 waterfalls and swim in pools
• Enjoy typical Dominican lunch in jungle
• Visit craft cigar factory and souvenir shop
• Choose horseback riding or buggy adventure

The experience

The day starts with a walk into the Northern Corridor Mountains to the Damajagua waterfalls. You cross the river for roughly 35 minutes through the Dominican forest to reach the first of seven waterfalls, each one different from the last. At the final waterfall, you swim in a natural pool. After that comes lunch, typical Dominican food with drinks, and a stop at a small craft cigar factory and souvenir shop.

Once you've eaten, you pick your second experience. Horseback riding takes about 35 minutes through natural landscapes where you see the terrain change around you. The buggy option runs longer: an hour and 15 minutes on dirt roads with ups and downs through the hills, passing cattle stables and domestic birds. Both routes stay in the Los Cacaos community near Puerto Plata. The whole day runs approximately seven hours from pickup to drop-off.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included for Puerto Plata, Sosua and Cabarete. Rio San Juan pickups cost US$15 payable to the guide on the day. A professional guide leads in English, Spanish, French, German or other languages. Children from age 8 can do the waterfall walk and both riding options. Younger children can reach only the first waterfall with an adult. If you choose horseback riding, you'll need to be in good physical shape and weigh no more than 250 pounds. Buggy drivers must have a valid license and be at least 18 years old.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off in Puerto Plata, Sosua or Cabarete.
• professional guide in multiple languages.
• helmet and life jacket.
• Dominican lunch with beverages.
• access to all seven Damajagua waterfalls and natural pools.

Before you book

Days and timesTuesday and ThursdayDeparts at 09:30

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (12 to 75 years) · Child (8 to 11 years) · Under 8: can't be booked

GroupUp to 60

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, French, German, Polish and Russian

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by CAMEL SAFARI EXPLORING

Is this one for you?The day involves a 35-minute forest walk to the waterfalls and then your choice of a 35-minute ride or an hour-and-15-minute buggy run, so you need moderate fitness and comfort with water entry and either riding or driving over rough terrain. Children from age 8 are welcome on both the waterfall section and the riding or buggy portion.

Traveler reviews

4.50★★★★★★★★★★

2 verified traveler reviews

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish, French, German, Russian and Polish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (8 to 11 years). Children under 8 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How many waterfalls do you actually reach on the walk to Damajagua?

You walk to seven different waterfalls over roughly 35 minutes through the forest, crossing the river as you go. Each waterfall is distinct, and at the last one you swim in a natural pool before heading back.

What's the difference between the horseback riding and the buggy option?

Horseback riding is a 35-minute ride through the landscape. Buggy driving is an hour and 15 minutes over dirt roads with hills, passing cattle stables and observing birds. Both happen after the waterfall walk and lunch, so you pick one based on what appeals to you.

Is lunch included, and what do you eat?

Yes, a typical Dominican lunch with drinks is included at a stop between the waterfall walk and your chosen second activity. The stop also includes a visit to a small craft cigar factory and souvenir shop.