I really don't care about tourist places, so whenever we leave for a track, we leave for some offtourist spot. This was one of the first places we discovered here and actually there's a story behind that place. Our beginnings weren't in fact easy and when the depression struck, this place became my anchor. Our first track there was full of bad turns and return and when we finally made it and I saw the magnificient water fall in fron of me - I knew that all will turn out to be fine. That sudden realization of the fact that this place was there thousands year ago, water slowly cutting through the body of stone... And this place will last here thousand years after us. So guys, let me introduce you to the Salto la Rejoya!
About the place
Locals call waterfalls "salto", which you encouter in spanish meaning "jump" or "leap". So be prepared for asking for "salto" if you are going there. Locals from small called "Camu" will gladly help you and give you advice, mostly by saying "Pa'cá! Pa'cá!" which means "para acá"... where acá is mostly used in latin america insted of allá - there. So stick to their advice and follow the road straight forward.
Getting there
Coming south from north coastal town Puerto Plata to Santiago using "ruta panoramica", before the road starts going up the hill you pass small town called "Camu". Under the hill there is small colmado on the left side and cross road, take the right there and watch road dissapear. Go as far away as the road and you car allows you. Expect mud and water that allows only offroads to pass. Sooner or later you have to continue on foot.
Follow the river (there are two possible ways there, either one is fine) until you reach influx to the river Camu, called Arroyo La Rejoya. It's the first influx you'll find. That time you should already be familiar with big white plastic tubing, which servers as the drinkable water source for that small town you passed. Today you won't be following white rabbit, but white pipe!
Be prepared to wade a lot. Trip to the waterfall is more or less for one hour, although it's only 3 km, but in a bad terrain. You will pass small cocoa tree orchard in the middle of the jungle. Don't expect fruits there - because of the humidity trees there have fruits destroyed by some kind of mold/fungus. Sooner or later you will hit the dead end and will have to return a bit, but if you follow the stream, you will reach to the waterfall soon.
Photos
Isn't the nature beautiful? The water there is drinking water. Tested and proven by me and my digestive system :).
This is the last part of the trip. From there you have to walk through the stream.
Let the white pipe be your guide!
This is Bella. She is our rescued dog and professional photo model. She loves this track to!
DISCLAIMER AND MY REQUEST
As I am coming to the place once a month minimum and I have to pick up lots of thrash EVERY TIME. Please make sure to:
- Pick up the thrash and bring it back and recyclate if possible.
- Keep the place untouched, pristine and offtourist as much as possible.
- With all due respect to the place and to you - behave there like you would behave in your home. Take care of the place and let the place take care of us!
There are other hidden waterfalls accesible by rock climb. Certain level of experience is needed if climbing in general and especially in slipery enviroment without gear and securing. I am not sharing instructions how to continue intentionally.
I with all of you only the best, safe travels and lots of beautiful places!