Excursions 27 Charcos waterfall Puerto Plata Jesus and Jhensy tour

Experience the natural wonder of the Dominican Republic’s most popular adventure: the Los 27 Charcos de Damajagua. For just $50 per person, this five-hour tour takes you through a series of stunning waterfalls, natural pools, and rainforest scenery. Led by friendly guides Jesus and Jhensy, you’ll enjoy an adrenaline-pumping hike, jumps, slides, and swims in crystal-clear waters, plus a touch of local culture with stops in Puerto Plata.

What we love about this experience: First, the tour’s emphasis on authentic natural fun, with access to seven of the original 27 waterfalls, offers a real taste of adventure in a lush environment. Second, the guides are praised for their friendliness and responsiveness, making safety and communication top priorities.

A consideration: The walk up to the waterfalls can be quite strenuous and involves some physical effort, so travelers with mobility issues or leg injuries should think carefully before booking.

This adventure suits active travelers, nature enthusiasts, and those craving a memorable outdoor experience—especially if you’re comfortable with moderate physical activity and looking for a day filled with natural beauty and fun.

Key Points

• Authentic adventure: Tour includes visits to 7 of the 27 waterfalls, combining jumping, sliding, and swimming in pristine pools.
• Expert guides: Guides like Jesus and Jhensy are celebrated for their friendliness and clear communication.
• Value for money: At $50, the tour covers transportation, entrance fees, and a lively guided experience.
• Convenient logistics: Pickup from Puerto Plata, with optional stops at local sights and a quick visit to Imbert Bridge.
• Physical activity: Expect a four-hour walk with some climbing; suitable for those with moderate fitness levels.
• Positive reviews: High customer ratings (5.0/5) reflect consistent satisfaction, especially with the guide service and natural scenery.

In-Depth Review of the Damajagua Waterfalls Tour

Starting Point and Logistics

The adventure begins at Taino Bay Puerto Plata, a common cruise port and lively hub for travelers. From there, your guide Jesus or Jhensy will pick you up in a clean, comfortable van—an important detail, as many reviews mention the vehicle’s cleanliness and the driver’s professionalism. The tour lasts about 5 hours, and transportation, entrance fees to the waterfalls, and some bottled water are included.

We appreciate the included logistics because it simplifies what could otherwise be a confusing or disorganized experience. The tour is designed for groups of up to 30 travelers, which keeps things lively but manageable.

The Journey to Los 27 Charcos

The drive from Puerto Plata takes approximately 40 minutes, during which guides often share insights about the local area. Once at the entrance to the waterfalls, you’ll pay the entrance fee, which is covered in your ticket, giving you access to the seven pools that are open for visiting.

The first stop is a short 15-minute visit to Imbert Bridge, which offers a nice photo opportunity and a quick look at Puerto Plata’s scenic surroundings. This brief stop helps break up the journey and adds a bit of local flavor.

The Waterfalls Experience

The core of the tour is the four-hour hike through the system of “Los 27 Charcos”—though you’ll only visit seven pools during this excursion. Each pool offers different opportunities for jumping and sliding, with many visitors quoting how fun and invigorating the experience is. One reviewer noted, “Really fun excursion with Jesus,” and appreciated how the guides organized extra vans to accommodate larger groups.

The water is astonishingly clear, inviting you to swim, splash around, or take a break from the heat. The natural pools are set amidst lush rainforest, creating a peaceful yet exhilarating environment. The guide’s role is critical here—they’ll encourage you to jump and slide safely, and their local knowledge makes the experience smoother.

A recurring theme in reviews is the physical challenge involved. Expect a lot of walking, climbing, and navigating uneven terrain. One guest described it as “a hot hike,” emphasizing that it’s a workout but totally worth it. For many, the thrill of jumping from waterfalls or sliding down natural rock chutes outweighs the physical effort.

The Authentic Nature of the Tour

What truly makes this tour stand out is its focus on authenticity. You’re not just visiting a staged attraction; you’re actively engaging with nature. The water is pristine, and the rainforest setting offers a genuine escape. Several reviews praised the natural beauty—“You will be surprised by the beauty of this crystal-clear water,” as one guest mentioned.

Food and Refreshments

While the tour includes bottled water and some drinks, lunch isn’t part of the package. Many travelers appreciate the opportunity for a refreshing swim and a quick snack break, but if you’re hungry afterward, plan to grab a meal in Puerto Plata or bring your own snacks.

Safety and Group Size

Safety is a priority, especially since jumping and sliding on natural waterfalls can be risky. Guides are experienced and attentive, but travelers should be moderately fit and comfortable with water activities. The maximum group size of 30 helps ensure everyone gets attention, and reviews affirm that Jesus and Jhensy are personable and attentive.

Customer Feedback: What Travelers Say

The reviews are overwhelmingly positive. “Jesus was easy to communicate with and was quick to respond,” said Robert, one of the many guests praising the guides’ professionalism. Another reviewer highlighted the organization and flexibility: “Jesus was an excellent driver and accommodated our experience perfectly.”

Even those who found some waiting or walking challenging still enjoyed the tour, as expressed by Molly, who mentioned the queues at the forest but still had a good time.

Some guests shared that the tour is well-organized, with safety and fun balanced expertly. The natural scenery is often described as breathtaking, with crystal-clear pools and lush greenery creating perfect postcards.

Limitations and Considerations

A key consideration is the physical effort required. If you have leg injuries or limited mobility, this tour might not be suitable. The walk involves some climbing and navigating uneven terrain, which can be tiring. Also, weather can impact the experience; heavy rains might cause some waterfalls to be off-limits or alter the usual route, as one disappointed traveler noted.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This adventure is best suited for active travelers who enjoy nature, swimming, and physical activity. It’s perfect for families with teenagers, groups of friends, or couples seeking a memorable outdoor experience. If you’re looking for a relaxing beach day, this might not be the best fit, but if you want to combine adrenaline with natural beauty, this tour is a winner.

The Value of the Los 27 Charcos Waterfalls Tour

For $50, you’re getting a comprehensive experience that covers transportation, entry fees, and guided instruction—an excellent deal considering the quality of scenery and activity involved. The tour’s popularity, with bookings made on average 25 days in advance, indicates how much travelers value this authentic adventure.

The inclusion of bottled water and the ease of pickup in Puerto Plata add to the convenience, making this a hassle-free option for anyone wanting to add an outdoor highlight to their trip.

Final Thoughts

This tour excels because it combines adventure, natural beauty, and excellent guides into a single memorable experience. It offers true immersion into the rainforest environment, with plenty of opportunities to cool off in sparkling pools and get your adrenaline fix with jumps and slides. The guides receive high praise for their friendliness and attentiveness, helping to create a safe and enjoyable atmosphere.

While physically demanding, this experience is ideal for those who want an active day and truly appreciate nature’s raw beauty. The tour’s value is clear: for a modest price, you get a full day of fun, stunning scenery, and a chance to connect with nature away from crowded tourist spots.

If you’re visiting Puerto Plata and are up for some outdoor adventure, this tour is a solid choice. Just pack your bathing suit, some sunscreen, and a sense of adventure—you’re in for a fantastic day.

FAQs

Is transportation included?
Yes, pickup from Puerto Plata is offered, and the van is praised for being clean and comfortable.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience lasts approximately 5 hours, including travel, waterfall activity, and a brief stop at Imbert Bridge.

What should I expect physically?
You should be prepared for a moderate walk involving climbing, jumping, and sliding. It’s suitable for those with moderate fitness levels but not recommended for people with leg injuries.

Are meals included?
No, lunch isn’t included, but bottled water and some drinks are provided. You might want to bring snacks or plan to eat afterward.

Can children join this tour?
While not explicitly mentioned, the physical nature suggests it’s best for teenagers and older children comfortable with water activities.

What happens if the weather is bad?
If the weather prevents the waterfalls from being accessible, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund, as the tour depends on good weather conditions.

In essence, the Los 27 Charcos Waterfalls tour offers a genuine slice of adventure amid nature’s beauty, with attentive guides and excellent value. Perfect for active travelers eager for a memorable day in the Dominican Republic.