Damajagua, Puerto Plata · Photo: Funcheta / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
27 Charcos de Damajagua: routes, ages and how to book
The 7, 12 and 27-waterfall routes near Puerto Plata, how long they take and what operators include.
The Damajagua waterfalls are in the municipality of Imbert, Puerto Plata province. The official Damajagua site places them about 10 km from the Amber Cove cruise terminal and about 28 km from downtown Puerto Plata.
Routes are named by the number of pools you visit. The 7-charco route is the most common; the full 27 requires roughly an hour's uphill hike and good fitness. The official FAQ estimates 2.5–3 hours for 7 charcos and 4–5 hours for all 27.
Minimum ages per the official FAQ: about 8 for the first 7 charcos and about 12 for the full 27, subject to river flow and guides' decisions. Helmets and life jackets are mandatory, per the Puerto Plata provincial government.
Operators such as The 27 Waterfalls run cruise packages with port pickup; it lists its 7 Waterfalls Jump & Slide from $89 per person (checked 2026-10-15). Book at least 48 hours ahead in cruise season.
Which route to choose
The 7-charco route is the most common: roughly 2.5–3 hours by the official estimate, with a minimum age of about 8. It suits families with older children and cruise passengers on a fixed schedule. The full 27 takes about 4–5 hours and needs good fitness, with a minimum age of about 12; choose it if you want the whole canyon and have the day free. Both depend on river flow and the guides' decision on the day.
Booking with an operator vs going independently
27 Waterfalls lists its 7 Waterfalls Jump & Slide from US$89 per person, plus the full 27-charco hike, a zipline combo and cruise packages with pickup at Amber Cove and Taino Bay. Iguana Mama is licensed for shore excursions at both cruise ports and includes Damajagua among them. An operator handles transport and timing, which matters most on cruise days; independent visitors should still use the site's official guides and mandatory safety gear.
What to bring
Closed water shoes that can get wet, swimwear, a change of clothes, a waterproof phone case if you want photos, and some cash. Helmets and life jackets are mandatory, per the Puerto Plata provincial government.
Make a day of it
Puerto Plata's cable car, the first aerial tramway in the Caribbean, climbs Pico Isabel de Torres (793 m), and Ocean World in Cofresí offers dolphin, sea lion and shark encounters. Cabarete and Sosúa are a short drive east.
Getting there
The official Damajagua site places the falls about 10 km from the Amber Cove cruise terminal and about 28 km from downtown Puerto Plata, in the municipality of Imbert. From Sosúa or Cabarete, allow extra time on the road. Puerto Plata's Gregorio Luperón airport (POP) is in Sosúa. Cruise passengers should book a tour with port pickup and a stated return time.
Who it is for
The 7-charco route suits most reasonably fit travelers aged about 8 and up who are comfortable in water; you will jump and slide into pools with a guide. The full 27 suits fit adults and teens (about 12+) who want a longer adventure. Non-swimmers should tell the guides beforehand; life jackets are mandatory for everyone.
Booking timing
The official guidance is to book at least 48 hours ahead in cruise season, when several ships can be in port on the same day. Morning departures tend to be calmer. If rain has been heavy, routes can be shortened by the guides for safety, so keep a flexible plan and confirm the morning of your visit.
Combining with Sosúa and Cabarete
Staying on the coast east of Puerto Plata? Sosúa, home to the POP airport and Monkey Jungle, and Cabarete, with its kite beach and yoga venues, both work as bases for a Damajagua day.
Providers compared
| Listing | Location | What they offer | Published price |
|---|---|---|---|
| The 27 Waterfalls | Imbert, Puerto Plata | 7-waterfall jump & slide, full 27-charco hike, zipline combo, cruise packages with port pickup from Amber Cove and Taino Bay | 7 Waterfalls Jump & Slide from $89/person |
| Iguana Mama Shore Excursions | Puerto Plata | Licensed shore excursions for Amber Cove and Taino Bay: Damajagua waterfalls, ATV, city tour, beach party | On request |
| Ocean World Adventure Park | Cofresí, Puerto Plata | Dolphin, sea lion, shark encounters; day passes | On request |
Key facts by provider
- Ocean World Adventure Park: Deep-water Dolphin Swim, shallow-water Dolphin Encounter for non-swimmers, sea lion, shark and capybara experiences; Day Pass with attractions, lunch, pools and snorkeling; open daily
Related listings & add-ons
How long does the 27 Charcos take?
About 4–5 hours for all 27; 2.5–3 hours for the first 7 (official FAQ).
What is the minimum age?
About 8 for 7 charcos and 12 for 27, per the official FAQ.
How far are the falls from Amber Cove?
About 10 km, per the official Damajagua site.
Where are the 27 Charcos?
In the municipality of Imbert, Puerto Plata province.
Is the 27 Charcos suitable for cruise passengers?
Yes. 27 Waterfalls and Iguana Mama run packages with pickup at Amber Cove and Taino Bay.
Is safety gear included?
Helmets and life jackets are mandatory, per the Puerto Plata provincial government.