Salto de La Jalda hike: 7 km Caribbean highest waterfall

The Magua River crossing eight times on the way to the Caribbean's tallest waterfall.

A full-day private hike through Salto de La Jalda National Park in the Dominican Republic covers 7 kilometers of mostly shaded forest trail, crossing the Magua River about eight times before reaching a 120-meter waterfall where you can swim and rest. The route passes through cocoa, coconut and coffee plantations, includes a break at the park ranger station, and ends with a swim at the falls. A guide in English, Spanish or Italian leads the group, and lunch, drinks and water are provided. Children from age 12 are welcome, though the hike requires moderate fitness and is not suitable for travelers with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health or pregnancy.

The experience

Seven kilometers sounds manageable until you cross the Magua River eight times. The trail stays mostly shaded under a canopy of cocoa forest planted before the park was established, so the heat is not the challenge, the terrain is. You'll pass through working plantations of cocoa, coconut and coffee, listening to bird calls and the sound of water moving through the forest. The path is mostly flat, which means the river crossings are the main physical demand, not steep climbs.

Near the end of the hike, you reach the park ranger station, a natural stopping point where the view opens up and you can see the waterfall ahead. From there, the final stretch leads to Salto de La Jalda itself: a 120-meter drop that holds the title of the Caribbean's highest waterfall. You'll have time to swim in the pool below, rest, or photograph the falls before heading back along the same route. The return journey retraces your steps, so you know what to expect on the way out.

A guide leads the group in your choice of English, Spanish or Italian. Pickup is included, and the operator provides a sandwich to eat once you reach the waterfall, along with bottled water and a craft wine drink made by the La Loma community. The full day takes about eight hours from start to finish.

What’s included

• Pickup from your location.
• a guide in English, Spanish or Italian.
• a sandwich lunch eaten at the waterfall.
• bottled water and craft wine drink produced by the La Loma community.
• access to the Salto de La Jalda waterfall and swimming area.

Before you book

Days and timesTuesday to Friday

AgesAdult (18 to 60 years) · Youth (12 to 17 years) · Under 12: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, Spanish and Italian

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 5 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. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 12 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Montando & Monteando M&M SRL

Is this one for you?This is a private hike, so you travel with your own group rather than joining strangers, and the pace stays steady across the full eight hours: best for hikers comfortable with moderate effort and multiple river crossings who want the waterfall without a crowd.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish and Italian.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (12 to 17 years). Children under 12 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 times do you cross the Magua River on this hike?

The Magua River crossing happens about eight times along the 7-kilometer trail, so water shoes or sandals that dry quickly are practical to bring.

What is Salto de La Jalda's waterfall height?

Salto de La Jalda stands at 120 meters, making it the highest waterfall in the Caribbean.

Is lunch provided on the hike?

Yes, a sandwich is included and you eat it once you arrive at the waterfall. Bottled water and a craft wine drink made locally are also provided throughout the day.