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Waterfalls in the Caribbean: explore the top 5
Uncover the top 5 waterfalls in the Caribbean and enjoy an action-packed vacation discovering the best waterfalls in Latin America and beyond.
The Caribbean is home to some incredible natural wonders. There is so much more to enjoy than the picture-perfect beaches and tropical flora and fauna. In fact, some of the world’s greatest waterfalls can be found in the Caribbean. Not only are they spectacular to look at, sometimes reaching them can be part of the adventure. Whether you decide to visit the waterfalls in the Caribbean on foot, by helicopter or by rappel they are a star attraction for nature lovers. Get ready to experience the dizzying highs of waterfalls in Central America and beyond as you venture into the lesser-known areas of the Caribbean. Are you ready to leave the resorts behind and begin a great adventure? Let’s go!
When is the best time to visit waterfalls in the Caribbean?
Have you ever set out on a hike to reach a waterfall only to find that there is no water? Or that the view is blocked by low hanging clouds or fog. Before you go off exploring, it is always worth checking out the best times to visit, especially when traveling to the waterfalls in Latin America. If you are visiting the Caribbean, take into account the wet and dry seasons. Some waterfalls are only visible during the wet season which falls during the months of May to October. Since the Caribbean has a tropical climate, it enjoys sunshine all year round. Just watch out for flash rainfalls when out and about in the wet season. And of course, each island and region experience slight variations in weather so check local weather too.
Salto la Jalda, the tallest of the waterfalls in Dominican Republic
Just a stone’s throw from Magua lies a truly spectacular sight. Salto de Jalda is a 400-foot tall waterfall that is not just the tallest in the Dominican Republic but also the tallest of all the waterfalls in the Caribbean. It sits in a national park of the same name, just up the coast from the resort of Punta Cana. To reach the fall, you must hike a gentle 7 kilometers from the national park’s entrance. Although the hike isn’t difficult, it is long and involves crossing rivers so it is not suitable for young children. If hiking isn’t your idea of fun, then hire a moto taxi or ride on horseback and take in the wild greenery of the luscious cacao plantations surrounding the trail. A journey to Salto la Jalda is a great day trip from Punta Cana to enjoy one of the best Dominican waterfalls with your family.
El Nicho waterfalls Cuba
The island of Cuba is home to one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the Caribbean, El Nicho. Enjoy an easy hike through the luscious jungle-like surroundings of the El Nicho national park situated between Cienfuegos and Trinidad. After the 2 kilometer hike, you will arrive at a series of waterfalls, each one more beautiful than the last. Bathe in the crystalline waters and experience a taste of local life away from the tourist resorts. If you plan to spend the day here, there is a small settlement and a few houses offer home-cooked meals to the public. If you are visiting Cuba, a trip to these waterfalls is a must. The waterfalls in Cuba are also home to unique flora and fauna which can be seen up close during your visit. It is the perfect day out for families who want to experience the real Cuba.
Voilo Waterfall, waterfalls in Costa Rica
If you are looking for the best waterfalls in Costa Rica, look no further than Voilo Waterfall in Bribri. While it may not be the most famous it certainly packs a punch with its incredible wildlife. Expect to see red dart frogs, exotic lizards, and butterflies amongst other weird and wonderful species. Just like in other waterfall gardens Costa Rica has to offer, there is a small entrance fee to pay to use the hiking trail. The trail itself is short and of moderate difficulty. It takes you through the Bribri Indian Reservation which also makes it a place of cultural significance. Grab a group of friends and journey into the jungle and enjoy a swim in this incredible space. For safety reasons, don’t go alone, but if you want to see one of the best waterfalls in the Caribbean, it is certainly worth a trip when visiting Costa Rica.
Ik Kil cenote and mini waterfalls near Cancun
If you are planning a trip to the Yucatan region of Mexico you cannot miss out on the chance to swim in a giant sinkhole, or cenote as locals call them. Ik Kil is located just a few kilometers away from the ancient ruins of Chichen Itza and it provides a refreshing pitstop en-route. While there are certainly more spectacular waterfalls in Mexico than those found at Ik Kil, there are very few waterfalls in the Caribbean side of Mexico. The Yucatan waterfalls tend to be found inside the cenotes and Ik Kil is the ideal spot to witness them. Take the stone stairway into the magical, turquoise water and dive in. Once used by the Mayans for religious rituals, today it is a popular swimming spot. Admire the vine-covered rocks and listen to the sound of water gently trickling over the sides of the cenote.
El Limon waterfall Dominican Republic
If you are on vacation in the Dominican Republic don’t pass up the chance to visit one of the best waterfalls in the Caribbean. This secluded waterfall is reached by a 2-kilometer trail that guides you through lush greenery to a large sinkhole. It is here that you can bathe in the topaz blue waters and gaze up at the three majestic waterfalls that line the rockface. The middle of the three is the El Limon waterfall. This is a great hike to enjoy as a couple and it is one of the many waterfalls near Punta Cana that you can visit on a day trip. There is a small restaurant in one of the neighboring towns that offer delicious local dishes to try. And, once the day is through, sample locally produced rum in a cocktail of your choice.
