Falls from heaven - a report
WOOOOOO!!!
I just got back from DR and completing the Falls of Rio Damajagua, as promised, here is my report:
Woke up early on Saturday since the excursion started at 8a.m We had a driver take us to Iguana Mama in Cabarete although they offered to pick us up. At the Iguana office we were treated to croissants, O.J. and Coffee. To say it was a pleasant welcome would be fitting.
My party was of 3 (my hubby, best friend, and myself) as well as two older people who were going simply to take photographs. Uh...ok. To each their own. Adolfo was our tour guide and Jose was the driver. In Imbert we picked up Jorge and Negro to help us tour the falls and help us be lifted or whatever assistance was necessary to get through them.
The water was chilly but not disturbing. Nothing like the FREEZING water in Arizona. The reflecting pools were clear and beautiful. At times it was a bit rough to get to the falls (of which Iguana Mama takes you to 12) but nothing dangerous - let me take that back...there was one climb that my husband and I both grew concerned with. You had to scale the side of a rock while holding on to a rope. Perhaps this needs to be better planned and indeed, you have to have upper body strength. However, it was amazing.
The jumps were not scary but a bit intimidating when you first step up to the ledge. For some you have a choice to slide. We mixed and matched and enjoyed all. The sliding portion ACTUALLY slid on the smooth rock - not the kind where you kinda get stuck after you put your butt down. It was perfectly smooth.
We were thankful that the excursion started early since by the time we got back to the first fall the crowd was tremendous and we had to wait for it to clear a little in order to jump. Our guide and assistants were awesome and joked along the way. Being Dominican it was great to hear their take on a lot of things and not just "put your foot here" or "here, let me help you". At times people forget that these people are not just tour guides but individuals.
Iguana Mama then takes you to a wonderful restaurant in Imbert to have a buffet style lunch. The food and company is delicious.
At the end of the trip I was sure to take phone numbers for both the driver (who does private taxi service), and for the guide who will take private parties to the falls. Both were great humble folks who I got to know in our 4 hour excursion. In my opinion, the best way to get to things is with a native - in my next trip, Iguana Mama served a great purpose but I'll be calling Jose and Jorge to schedule my outings and be sure that they get more money for their families. I guess that's just an ex-pat for ya.
Hope this helps!!!
Suz