The Top 12 Hikes & Treks in the Dominican Republic

1.Hiking Tabernacle Thundering Waterfall in Dominican Republic

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 108 reviews · from $98Our pick

Leave Santo Domingo for a four-hour river hike through pools and small waterfalls to Tabernáculo. Guides such as Ronnie, Victor and Fredny lead the route, where you’ll wade, climb and swim in a life jacket. Private transport and a Dominican lunch are included. Expect slippery rocks, cold water and a long day.

“This tour exceeded all of my expectations. I have been on waterfall hikes all over the world (S.Africa, Hawaii, Costa Rica, Puerto Rico) and while I thoroughly enjoyed them, they have never been as fun and exciting as this tour with Fredny. The authentic Dominican meals we had were delicious and freshly made. Fredny was very accommodating and adjusted the tour based on our abilities throughout the hike. We had a great time and I will forever remember this trip as one of the best excursions I’ve taken. Definitely recommend this tour for anyone who wants to be wowed!”

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2.Let’s do hiking in Punta Cana

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 78 reviews · from $75

Hike about 5 km from Vista Alegre toward Anamuya, with a local guide leading you along mountain paths, past streams, fruit trees, and rural homes. Expect steep sections and possible mud. Fruit and water are provided, and the outing may include a stop to sample local coffee and chocolate. Pickup is offered; the full trip lasts about four hours.

“It was excellent opportunity to Vist Dominican Republic mountains. Was a challenging experience that let my Husband. and I to know our limits and endure. An excellent guide who knows the area and help us in the activity.”

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3.Los Haitises Hike & Kayaking Mangroves

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 23 reviews · 1 day · from $135

Travel from your Punta Cana hotel to Los Haitises National Park for a forest hike, a cave visit, and kayaking through mangrove channels toward San Lorenzo Bay. The day includes a local lunch, park entry, safety equipment, and an English- or Spanish-speaking guide. Allow for a long transfer, and confirm the activity timings before you book.

“The food served for the lunch was great. Our tour guide made sure the group was all together and informed the whole time”

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4.El Limón Waterfall Trekking Tour in Samana

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 21 reviews · 4 hours · from $65

Leave Las Terrenas at 8am for a guided El Limón Waterfall trek with transport, entrance fees and a Spanish-, English- or French-speaking guide included. Vincent, a guide who has lived on the island for 12 years, may share local insight along the way. Expect river crossings, muddy patches after rain and about an hour to swim beneath the falls.

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5.El Limón: Waterfall Hiking Tour with Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 15 reviews · 3 - 5 hours · from $45Best value

Meet your local guide in Samaná Province for an hour-long forest hike to El Limón waterfall, with a 30-minute swim at its base and a local lunch near the meeting point. The trail sits about 300 meters above sea level and includes 300 steps on the return. English, Spanish, and French guides are available.

“The guide kept us informed the whole time of the excursion.”

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6.Los Haitises: Caves, Mangroves, & Rainforest Hike/Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 12 reviews · 5 - 11 hours · from $70

From Caño Hondo, a local guide leads you by boat through red mangroves toward San Lorenzo Bay, then on a rainforest walk and into caves with Taino pictographs. The $70 tour lasts 5 to 11 hours, includes transfers, and is offered in English, Spanish, and French. Trails can be slippery and steep, so bring shoes with good grip.

“This trip was so much fun with a great guide Ignacio. We got to walk through the rainforest, explore caves with Taino hieroglyphics, and take a boat ride around the park. We all had a great time!”

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7.Hiking Tabernacle Thundering Waterfall

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 9 reviews · 8 hours · from $96

Leave Santo Domingo for a three-hour creek trek through clear pools, optional jumps and natural slides, ending at 27-meter Tabernacle Falls. Randolph, Ronnie or another guide leads the route, with a life vest, breakfast and Dominican lunch included. Expect cold water, a long mountain drive and a full day outdoors.

“The experience was great and the company was Professional. Randolph made sure everyone kept up, felt safe and had fun with plenty of picture opportunities (no need to take your phone because Randolph used his waterproof phone to take the pictures). Then tabernacle itself - where you end up - was great and fuller f drama. The way back to the car had some jumps and slides down.”

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8.Sabana de la Mar: Los Haitises Guided Hike and Kayaking

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 9 reviews · 5 - 10 hours · from $67

From the Caño Hondo or Sabana de la Mar area, a guide leads a roughly three-hour forest hike and a two-hour kayak trip through mangroves toward San Lorenzo Bay. Look for birds, learn about local plants and Taíno history, and ask about single or double kayaks. Guides may include José, José J, or Ignacio.

“We had a great experience. I booked the excursion for the next day. Almost immediately after booking I was contacted to confirm the meeting place and guide's name. The next day, our guide, Jose J, was at the meeting point on time. We did the kayaking first. Jose took care to get us into the water without issue. From there, we had 2 hours of kayaking in the mangroves and the bay (which, given the wave size in the bay, was plenty). We also had time in the caves. After we completed the kayaking we hiked the "loop" route. Good fun. Throughout the excursion Jose shared his extensive knowledge of…”

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9.Private Hiking to Salto el Limon with a Local expert Guide from Samana

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 8 reviews · from $66

Hike to El Limón waterfall with a private local guide from Samaná. You’ll learn about local nature and wildlife, set the pace with your own group, and have lunch featuring Dominican staples such as rice, chicken, tostones, and salad. Guides Eriberto and Manuel have led the hike. Arrange your own transport to the meeting point.

“Our guide Manuel was absolutely incredible and helpful. it was muddy and slippery and he held my hand most of the trip to the waterfall and back. The lunch was terrific also after we returned from our hike and much needed. Warning you muRead more”

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10.Los Haitises Hike, Boat Trip, and Kayaking

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 4 reviews · 6 - 7 hours · from $65

From Samaná, explore Los Haitises by boat, on foot, and by kayak. Walk rainforest trails, look for birds such as the Ridgway’s hawk, visit caves with pre-Columbian art, and paddle through mangroves. The 6 to 7 hour tour includes a guide and is offered in English, Spanish, or French.

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11.National Park of the East Private Hiking Tour with Swimming

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 4 reviews · from $225

Leave Santo Domingo at 8:00 am in a private, air-conditioned vehicle for a guided walk in the National Park of the East. Explore forest and caves, swim in a natural pool, then share a Dominican-style lunch prepared by a local family in Bayahibe. Pickup is offered at your hotel or the port.

“The tourgide was very nice and helpful! The tour was great for me and the childeren. I recommend this to everyone!!”

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12.Cano Hondo Rooms + Kayaking + Hiking + Natural Waterfall Swimming Pools

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3 reviews · from $199

Start at 3 pm at Caño Hondo and stay overnight at the ecolodge, with dinner, breakfast, and lunch included. The next day brings a rainforest hike, three hours of kayaking or a boat trip, and time in natural pools. Groups are capped at 15. Joselin is one guide named for both the hike and paddle; ask if he will lead your date.

“This was a great way to see the nature of Dominican Republic. We loved this excursion.”

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