La Rejoya, Rio Camu, Dominican Republic

Hola desde República Dominicana. Come along with me for a

part of my day as I go waterfall hunting

in another Spanish speaking country and all I know is basic

Spanish that can not save my life if I run into problems.

I am in Puerto Plata for a good time, not a long time, with a full

itinerary.

Waterfall hunting can be a wild goose chase and could be twice

as hard in a Spanish speaking country.

I was already off to a late start because we had to drive three

and a half hours  from Santo Domingo the night before.

And boy oh boy I thought driving in my home country was wild.

When I visited Medellin I thought

that country had to be the worst to drive in but I was so wrong.

Driving in Dominican Republic

is suicidal, there are no triffic lights at the major intersections,

just imagine how crazy that is.  

 January 14, 2024 we drove about half an hour to a community

called Camu, turned off on a dirt road

to find the starting point to a hiking trail that should lead

to a waterfall.

This small community seems to be a farming community

similar to those back home.

It reminded me of the community I went to

find Nonsuch, very small and rural. 

The community was pretty lonely but we happened to see a

local who spoke English and he gave me clear instructions.

I decided to look around before going back to the start of the

community to buy water and snacks and try to find someone to

accompany me.

I wanted to be sure there was a waterfall so it

was more like getting a second opinion.

I asked in the little corner shop

where I stopped and one lady told me to make sure not to go

alone, the trail is rough and it's far.

The first man I spoke to said it was a half an hour walk and

I should follow the trail on the small stream, not the big river. 

On the way back to the starting point of the trail I saw some

small boys playing.

We stopped and asked two of them if they knew the waterfall

and if they wanted to be our tour guides.

A third one joined and said he wanted to come too so I

said okay.

They charged me 1500 Dominican pesos for the three of them. 

Their price seemed reasonable so I simply agreed,

I made sure to show them photos of what I am expecting to

see and they said yes.

I paid them and started on our merry way. 

Now this is where the real adventure begins.

There are a total of four waterfalls I had no clue which

I was going to see.

The Google location says La Rejoya, but I have no idea what is

the correct name.

The hike started off smoothly along the Rio Camu river then

we steadily moved into the rainforest.

We passed a couple hikers on the way back so I was somewhat

content now that I saw people walking back.

The hike itself was nowhere near rough, even little kids could

do it.

The old man was correct; it was indeed a thirty minute walk.

I crossed the small stream approximately ten times before

reaching the cascade.

Upon approaching the water falls be prepared to slip a little,

slide a little and even get dirty.

After thirty minutes I arrived at one of the most beautiful places

I've seen so far in the

Dominican Republic. I was hoping to have the entire spot

to myself,

however I was out of luck there was a group of around

15 people. 

The atmosphere was cool, the greenery was out of this world.

The cascade was stunning and tall.

The water drizzled off the rocky ledge into a turquoise plunge

deep pool below where you can swim..

Surrounded by massive rocks and green trees forming the

perfect shade.

The waterfall seems to be in front of the entrance to a cave,

which I didn’t  check out because of the crowd.

If you’re brave enough you can even climb the rocks and

jump into the natural pool.

This huge natural swimming pool was icy, cool and refreshing.

I could easily spend an absolutely wonderful time there,

taking pictures and frolicking in the water.

I took a quick dip and tried to get some photos but that was

a waste.

It was too crowded and I felt uncomfortable.

These people would not let me be great,

they photobomb all my photos and steer me down. I didn’t tarry

I decided to leave and continue with my day.

On my way back I saw another group heading to the cascade,

one of them had a baby. Good thing I decided to leave.

After crossing the river the tenth time on the way back

I said my goodbyes to the little boys and headed

back into the town. 

Remember you can always catch me on the go on

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Hasta la vista!