Punta Cana: Los Haitises, Yanigua Waterfall & Montaña Day Trip

Summary

From swinging high on Montaña Redonda to swimming at Yanigua Waterfall

You’ll swing high above Montaña Redonda’s hills, glide by boat through Los Haitises’ silent mangroves, and swim beneath Yanigua Waterfall’s cool spray—all with local guides who know every turn and story. Taste fresh coconut bread at lunch and let yourself get muddy at the clay spa before heading back to Punta Cana with new stories to tell.

What’s the experience like?

We were bouncing along in this safari-style truck just after sunrise, windows down because the air felt too good to waste on AC. The road from Punta Cana was longer than I expected—maybe an hour or two?—but watching the countryside change was half the fun. Our guide, Luis, kept pointing out little things: a fisherman’s boat bobbing near Miches, kids waving from a roadside fruit stand. When we finally started winding up Montaña Redonda, I could smell wet grass and something sweet—maybe wildflowers? The swings at the top looked way scarier than they do in photos. I tried one (nerves all over) and honestly, it did feel like flying for a second. Not sure my legs stopped shaking until we got back in the truck.

After that came Los Haitises—this part almost didn’t feel real. We boarded a small boat and drifted into these mangrove tunnels where everything went quiet except for birds calling overhead. Luis told us about the Ridgway’s Hawk (I’d never heard of it), and someone spotted one perched above us. The caves were cool inside—literally—and covered in old Taíno drawings that made me wish I’d paid more attention in history class. There was this earthy smell mixed with saltwater and limestone dust; I still think about that when I smell wet stone now.

Lunch was at Rancho Salto Yanigua—a buffet spread under palm trees with rice, beans, roasted chicken, and this coconut bread they bake over wood fire (I ate three pieces; no regrets). Everyone got messy with natural clay from the riverbank—supposedly good for your skin—and then we just slipped into the waterfall pool. Cold shock at first but worth it for how clear the water is. Some folks climbed up to Tarzan’s Treehouse for photos; I just floated and watched sunlight flicker through leaves overhead. The ride back was quieter—maybe tired or maybe just letting it all sink in.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Los Haitises, Waterfall, and Montaña

• Visit Los Haitises National Park
• Explore mangroves and caves
• See Taíno pictographs in caves
• Spot rare birds and wildlife
• Travel to Rancho Salto Yanigua Waterfall SPA
• Swim under private waterfall
• Enjoy natural clay spa
• Taste Dominican cocoa and coffee
• Eat Dominican buffet and coconut bread
• Climb Tarzan’s Treehouse lookout
• Optional buggy adventure
• Travel to Montaña Redonda viewpoint
• Ride safari truck to summit
• Take photos on giant swings
• Admire 360° panoramic views
• Return from Montaña Redonda

Top questions

How long does the Punta Cana 3in1 adventure take?

The full-day tour includes transportation time; expect to spend most of your day on this trip.

Is hotel pickup included for this day trip?

Yes, round-trip transportation from Punta Cana and nearby areas is included.

Can you swim at Yanigua Waterfall?

Yes, there’s time set aside for swimming beneath the waterfall during the tour.

Are meals provided on this excursion?

An all-you-can-eat Dominican buffet lunch is included at Rancho Salto Yanigua.

What should I bring on the Los Haitises & Montaña Redonda tour?

Bring towels, swimwear, comfortable clothes/shoes, and have breakfast before leaving your hotel.

Is this tour suitable for children?

The tour is suitable for families; seats are available for children but infants must sit on an adult’s lap.

Are there any health restrictions?

This tour isn’t recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health, or pregnancy over 7 months.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from your hotel in Punta Cana or nearby areas, all entry fees covered upfront so you don’t have to worry about cash on hand, bottled water throughout (trust me you’ll want it), air-conditioned vehicle rides between stops—even if you prefer windows down—and a big Dominican buffet lunch with open bar (sodas always flowing). Local guides lead each part of the journey before dropping you back at your door by evening.