Here’s What You Get
Are you looking for THAT unique experience on your trip to Punta Cana?
How about an unforgettable hike to the tallest waterfall in the Dominican Republic? A waterfall located less than a 2-hour drive from Punta Cana, but a complete universe away from Punta Cana’s mega resorts.
If you’re interested in THIS experience read on and let us introduce you to Salto La Jalda (La Jalda Waterfall).
Ride to the countryside…
Found just outside the town of Magua, in the up and coming eco-destination of Miches, we’ll take a new two-lane highway into the Dominican Republic’s Oriental Mountain Range. Meandering between coast and mountains, the Miches-Punta Cana highway is a beautiful drive amidst an unforgettable tropical setting. Arriving at the jump off point you can choose to hike or horseback the 8-mile round trip trail.
Hike to the falls…
La Jalda’s undeveloped trail twists and turns through acres of cacao forests, through local farms and, at several points, directly through the Magua River! The first half of the trail hugs the river under the shady canopy of cacao trees before opening up into a well-defined valley. Here, we’ll take a rest at the park ranger station before completing the last, more strenuous, leg of the hike with numerous switchbacks and about 1,000ft in elevation gain before reaching the falls.
La Jalda Waterfall…
The Magua River cascades nearly 400 ft down a sheer rock cliff into a misty lagoon, and perfect swimming hole, below. La Jalda is the Dominican Republic’s tallest waterfall and second only to Cuba’s Salto Fino in the Caribbean. But unlike Salto Fino, which is several separate waterfalls combined into one, La Jalda is one absolute awe-inspiring and photo-inspiring drop.
Time to eat!
We’ll retrace our steps to the jump off point and stop at a rustic countryside restaurant for a typical Dominican spread of rice, beans, meat, salad, fresh juice and desert. Eat all you want, you just burned a couple thousand calories!
Visiting Salto la Jalda is an in-house excursion at Punta Cana Tours that you’d be hard pressed to find somewhere else.
Scroll up and book now as we only take small groups to the falls and space goes fast!
Whether it’s hiking or on horseback, Punta Cana Tours will get you to the Dominican Republic’s tallest waterfall right in Punta Cana’s great backyard.
What’s Included
- Round trip transport
- Professional guide
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Snacks during hike
What to Bring
- Comfortable clothing
- Bathing suit
- Towel
- Sneakers
- Camera
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Cash
Paigne (verified purchase) –
We may be crazy, and the local guide definitely told our driver (Marco) that we were for doing this with our 10 month old and 2 year old in the carriers on our backs, but it was the most amazing thing we’ve ever done.
Marco (excellent English, safe driver, all around good guy) drove us from Punta Cana to the Miches countryside. Upon arrival, he helped translate for us (because we did not speak a bit of Spanish and the local guide did not speak a bit of English). He packed us snacks and waters in a backpack and made sure we were good to go.
We are a wonderful, home cooked breakfast and took off with our kids on our backs. The guides (2) took horses and carried our backpacks for us. One of them was just 14 years old, but had amazing control of his horse and confidently assisted us across the river (multiple times) and up and down more challenging parts of the trail (I slipped on my butt in the grassy part a few times, ha!).
It was rainy the week before, so the trail was more challenging than usual. Note the mud on our feet and legs in the attached photo. But we took it slow and our guides helped us navigate, despite the language barrier. It is incredible how much you can communicate with body language.
What should have probably been about 5 hours round trip (with significant time spent at the waterfall having a dip) took us nearly 7 hours due to the wet and muddy trail. But it honestly made it even more of an adventure.
It was the most beautiful, remote, yet accessible place my husband and I have ever been, and we’ve hiked in places like Sri Lanka and Alaska.
The local flavor was also just amazing. The whole family and community in the countryside was beautiful and friendly. The kids played with our kids and wanted to help so much.
An unforgettable day
Daniel (verified purchase) –
We had the most amazing hike and experience you could ask for. Our guide Marco was wonderful and knowledgeable. The local guide was also fantastic. The hike through the trees and crossing the rivers made the trip memorable but nothing compared to seeing the waterfall. It was an unbelievable experience to swim and be in the pool of the falling water. I could not recommend this tour higher. One of the most rewarding experiences ever – especially Marco and the tour company.
Marc (verified purchase) –
We came across that add and decided to give it a try. That was the best idea ever. We had water, crackers, fruits for the trail and a typical Dominican Breakfast . We made it was the last word from my wife when we arrive at the starting point. It was a great hike about 14k there and back. The fall was amazing, very high and the pool was all we needed after 7km.
The lunch was the best food we had during our entire stay in the Dominican . Best chicken ever said my wife and we had some fresh juice . If you are not in a good shape you can’t make it but trust me this was a day to remember.
Brian (verified purchase) –
This tour was truly incredible, easily the best part of our trip to the DR! We were picked up at our Airbnb in Punta Cana by Angelo, drove two hours to just outside of Miches where we had a delicious breakfast at a little restaurant. Angelo supplied us with water and snacks for the trip. Then two amazing local guides and two rockstar mules took us on this amazing journey through Salto De La Jalda National Park. We didn’t speak Spanish and they didn’t speak English but we figured out how to communicate and had a blast! Our guides, two high-spirited young men, showed us how to eat cacao pods which were so tasty! We took lots of Polaroids and selfies and ate lots of snacks together. We crossed the river many times and climbed up the sides of ravines. When we got to the waterfall we swam in the pool there. It was beautiful! We had a delicious lunch at the same little spot when we returned. Best chicken I’ve ever had! The hike/ journey is a challenge for sure, it’s humid and hot, you will get wet crossing the river, and the trail does incline. But trust me, if you can do it, it’s 100% worth it! One of the most unique and memorable experiences I’ve ever had.