El Salto de Baiguate

Coming from Jarabacoa, follow Calle El Carmen east; it becomes the Carretera Constanza outside of town. There will be a sign for this waterfall in roughly three kilometers; follow the turnoff, which will take you through a very small village until you reach a parking lot. Walk along a path in a gorge until you come to some steps that lead to the waterfall.

There is no charge to come here on your own. Swimming is nice (albeit cold) here, and lots of excursions stop either on foot or horseback.

Los Saltos de Jimenoa

The two Jimenoa waterfalls are more stunning than the one at Baiguate. The first, and most dramatic, is Salto Jimenoa Uno. Follow the road out of Jarabacoa via the road to Constanza. It turns to a dirt road after a bit, so don’t be surprised. Seven kilometers outside of Jarabacoa, you’ll pass through a tiny village and then see a small turnoff on your left—this will quickly turn into more of a trail. Follow this path down to the pool at the base of the falls. Salto Jimenoa Uno is about 60 meters high and is fed from a hidden lake above that sends its water crashing in a huge pool at the bottom. It looks like something from the movies. In fact it was. It was a chosen location for a scene in Jurassic Park.

The second is called Salto Jimenoa Dos (admittance RD$100). This is perhaps the most frequently visited of the falls. Coming from Jarabacoa, you’ll drive northeast for three kilometers on the road to Highway Duarte. Follow the signs that lead you to the falls at a fork in the road. After another five kilometers or so, there is a parking lot. Once you’ve paid the ranger, walk along a trail between canyon walls that includes suspension bridges. These falls are about 40 meters high and splash down into a deep turquoise pool. The water is absolutely frigid, but great for a swim.

© Ana Chavier Caamaño from Moon Dominican Republic, 4th edition