Published on Apr, 2024
TLDR: This tour is excellent for thrill seekers, but is not for everyone. If you are afraid of heights, I don't recommend this. I also don't recommend this for children, basically anyone younger than a teen.
Reading some of these reviews, it's important to read the details of the title, it says "Private Transportation" not "Private Tour."* This is crucial. Ismael and his team are stellar, and it's clear that he does everything in his power to make his groups feel VIP even in large groups. Your transport guide (from this booking) will speak to the other guides at the park and will guide you through the process. The way that the park is set up has a pretty strict formula since it's an extremely popular tour with a very unique opportunity (I never rode a natural waterfall slide before) I don't even think a private tour is possible. IDK, maybe if you are a baller and have tons of money, but I highly doubt it.
Here is what you should know before booking:
1. If you have water shoes, or even better, water proof sandals (like Tevas) bring them, rentals are only $2 US, but if you have shoes with hard soles, your feet will thank you. The path is groomed, but not paved, and the natural waterfalls and river rocks are what they are...nature ain't gonna change for your comfort. You will likely get a few bumps and bruises. I, personally, think it's worth...but maybe it isn't for you.
2. Prepare to get wet, really wet. Your guide will lock and protect everything in their lovely, immaculate, air conditioned van for you. Bring your own towels, and wear quick dry clothes/swim suit and/or bring a change of dry clothes if that's what you prefer. There are bathrooms on sight, with showers to rinse off (not for full bathing, they are open). You cannot bring anything that isn't disposable into the park. For photos you can pay the park guides to use their own personal cameras and share a USB (for $60 USD) or tip a guide with your own waterproof smartphone case (remember to temporarily turn off the code so they can take quick pics). Again, if there's anything that your not comfortable with the possibility of nature swallowing it up, then don't risk it.
3. You will be hiking, a lot, like uphill for a good 45-60min with a few short breaks. If you are not already in good shape, it's a workout. If you have limited physical abilities, consult with your physician before doing this activity.
4. Any activity comes with risks. This activity comes with higher risks, and there are opportunities to cliff jump. It's narrow at the bottom and the jump is probably about 15ft (5m) high. You don't have to do the cliff jumping. Some cruise lines won't even let you jump for liability reasons. Listen to your instincts and know your limits.
5. The food is at the park, it is a Dominican buffet and it is tasty.
*If you are overwhelmed and confused but the language barriers, for the love of God...Aprende un poquito del idioma local en cada paÃs que visites. Yes, most of the guides speak English, some more than others. If English is your first language, remember that you are a guest wherever you travel. We are extremely lucky and privileged that no matter where we are in the world, we are usually not a stone's throw away from someone who speaks English. However, it is your responsibility to be a respectful human and respect the language and culture you are visiting. Some of the nature of these negative reviews make a lot of assumptions, and I am sick of native English speakers, particularly Americans and Europeans, who expect the world to adapt and serve them. You are lucky to have a passport that lets you see most of the world without any hesitation or a long visa process. Lea un libro de historia. Aprende otras idomas y respeta otras culturas. Se humilde.
