ATV Riding Puerto Plata: Buggy, Waterfalls & Monkeys

You drive the buggy yourself through river crossings and mud.

ATV riding in Puerto Plata combines a 30-minute off-road buggy drive through local villages and countryside with a guided visit to the Damajagua Waterfalls and Monkeyland. You operate a Polaris RZR buggy (single or double seating), cross the river in it, then swim and climb the waterfall cascades before spending time feeding squirrel monkeys in the tropical jungle. The full outing runs 8.5 hours and includes park entry, bottled water, and transport by open-air safari truck to and from your hotel.

The experience

The day starts with a 30-minute buggy ride through local villages and countryside roads leading to the Damajagua Waterfalls. You're behind the wheel of a Polaris RZR turbo (either solo or with a passenger, depending on which buggy option you choose), and you'll navigate river crossings where the water gets deep enough to soak you. The route takes you through mud and wet terrain, so expect to arrive at the waterfall trailhead already covered in it.

Once at Damajagua, you climb and swim the waterfall cascades with your guide. The river crossing in the buggy is the setup for this part: you've already tested the vehicle in water, so the waterfall swimming feels like a natural continuation rather than a separate activity. A guide leads the group through the falls, pointing out the terrain and the best spots to jump and swim.

The final stop is Monkeyland, a 40-minute visit in the tropical jungle where trained staff hand you a plate of fruit to offer to the squirrel monkeys. The monkeys are accustomed to visitors and will eat from your hand. Transport back to Puerto Plata happens by open-air safari truck, which gives you a chance to cool off and take in the countryside from a different vantage point. Bring a valid driver's license, it's required to operate the buggy, and wear clothes you don't mind getting muddy and wet.

What’s included

• Entrance fees for Damajagua Waterfalls and Monkeyland.
• bottled water.
• round-trip transport by open-air safari truck from your hotel.
• a live guide in English, Spanish, Italian, French and additional languages.

Options for this experience

2 options

Single BuggyUp to 1 people · Guide in 6 languages · 07:00Single buggy for 1 driver, with no passengers; pickup is included

Double BuggyUp to 2 people · Guide in 6 languages · 07:00Pickup is included for 2 passengers

You pick the guide language when booking.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesFridayDeparts at 07:00

GroupUp to 40

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

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 24 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

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

Operated by Runners Adventures

Is this one for you?Choose the single buggy if you want to drive solo and feel the full control of the vehicle through the river crossings. Pick the double buggy if you'd rather share the experience with a travel companion or prefer to ride as a passenger for part of the day. Either way, you're operating the buggy yourself. This is not a guided tour where someone else drives.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

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

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.

Do I need off-road driving experience to ride the buggy?

No prior experience is required. The buggy ride lasts 30 minutes and follows a set route through villages and countryside. Your guide leads the way and the terrain is manageable for drivers aged 8 and up with a valid license. A moderate level of physical fitness is recommended because of the full day's activities, including the waterfall climbing.

What happens at the Damajagua Waterfalls?

Damajagua Waterfalls is a series of cascades in the river where you swim between the falls and climb up the rocks to jump into pools. Your guide leads the group through the water and shows you the safe spots. You'll be wet and muddy from the buggy ride already, so the swimming is a natural part of the day.

Can I choose between a single buggy and a double buggy?

Yes. You pick either a single-seat buggy or a double-seat buggy at checkout. Both are Polaris RZR turbos and follow the same route. The double option lets you share the driving or have a passenger ride along.

What's included in the price?

Entry to both Damajagua Waterfalls and Monkeyland, bottled water throughout the day, and round-trip transport by open-air safari truck from your Puerto Plata hotel are all included. Gratuities for the guide are not included.

How long is the whole experience?

The full outing is 8.5 hours from pickup to drop-off. The buggy ride itself is 30 minutes, the waterfall visit takes up the middle of the day, and Monkeyland is a 40-minute stop at the end.

Are there any health restrictions I should know about?

The activity is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, pregnant travelers, or those with poor cardiovascular health. You'll be riding in a buggy over rough terrain, climbing and swimming at the waterfalls, and walking through the jungle, so a moderate fitness level is needed.