Salto de la Jalda

Salto de la Jalda is a waterfall in the Cordillera Oriental hills south of Miches, protected inside the Saltos de la Jalda National Park. At roughly 120 meters (about 400 feet) it is often described as the tallest waterfall in the Dominican Republic and one of the tallest in the Caribbean. It is also one of the least visited, because there is no road to it.

Getting there is the adventure. The usual starting point is about 23 km from Miches town, roughly 30 minutes by car, and from there you either hike or ride. Travelers report around 2.5 hours each way on foot through farmland, river crossings and forest, or a long horseback ride for part of the route. Either way, plan on a full day.

Do not try it alone. Trails are not signposted, they get muddy and slippery after rain, and there is no phone signal in parts of the route. Go with a local guide arranged in Miches; ask your hotel, or ask in town. Agree on the price, what is included (horses, lunch, transport to the trailhead) and the start time before you set off, and start early so you are not walking back in the dark.

What you get for the effort is a tall, thin ribbon of water dropping down a green cliff into a pool, with almost certainly nobody else there. The fall is fullest in and after the rainy months, but that is also when the trail is at its muddiest. In the drier months from December to April the walk is easier and the flow lighter.

Bring: sturdy shoes you do not mind soaking, plenty of water, snacks, sunscreen, insect repellent, a rain layer and a dry bag for your phone. A basic level of fitness is needed; this is a long day on uneven ground.

If you want waterfalls with less effort, the Cascada Blanca is a shorter hike from Miches, and on the Samaná peninsula across the bay El Limón waterfall is far easier to reach. For an easier day near Miches, try Montaña Redonda or the Laguna Limón kayak tour.

Best for: fit, adventurous travelers based in Miches town or on the Costa Esmeralda. Not for: young children, travelers with mobility limits, or anyone short on time.