As I pull on my rubber boots in preparation for my journey to Cascada Limon, I can’t help but to ask myself what the hell have I gotten myself into? Engaged in a stare-down with the bony horse waiting patiently in the pasture, I seriously considered my options. My preferred option was to back out of this ludicrous adventure, but this girl has never been a quitter and while sitting alone in the Dominican Republic surrounded by complete strangers, I didn’t figure that it was the best time to start.
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What do you think? Are you ready to saddle up and join me on my horseback riding adventure through the jungles of the Dominican Republic to the breathtaking waterfalls known as Cascada Limon? This tour is designed for the fit, as well as the not so fit, and those who want to get fit. I highly recommend this tour to Cascada Limon if you plan on travelling to the Dominican Republic.
Of course I am somewhat joking. The Cascada Limon tour is slightly more strenuous than what I like, but it is well worth every bit of the blood, sweat and tears along the way.
Before we get started on our trip to Cascada Limon, one of the best tours in the Dominican Republic, let’s dive a little bit into what Cascada Limon is and where you’ll find it, and how to get to it.
What is Cascada Limon
Cascada Limon is a 52 meter waterfall tucked away amongst rough landscape, surrounded by a lush green forest. Upon reaching the waterfall, the visitor will be rewarded with a large swimming hole to cool off in after a strenuous trek to the waterfall.
Where is Cascada Limon
Cascada Limon is located on the northern side of the Dominican Republic near the beautiful town of Samana. It takes approximately 30 minutes by car from the Town of Las Terrenas. There are no street signs to guide you, so plan extra time for getting lost.
Cascada Limon Tour
I booked the Cascada Limon tour directly with the tour co-ordinator at the resort who you can find in the main lobby of the hotel. Although I travelled with Air Transat, I was unable to locate my Transat representative throughout my stay, so I booked all of my tours directly with the resort. I can’t say if there was a price difference between the resort and Transat, but I can say that notwithstanding who the tour was booked through, all travellers toured together.
Just One Tip: By booking all of my tours directly through the resort, I received a 10% discount on all tours.
The tour was with Runners Adventures Samana, who did a spectacular job and will provide you with a horseback riding tour to remember.
The tour guide will pick you up at your resort in a safari style open air jeep. Bouncing along the Dominican streets was the perfect way to start such an adventurous tour, while at the same time discover some of the local countryside. Throughout the drive to Cascada Limon your tour guide will inundate you with the history of the island and will eager to point out points of interest along the way.
Las Ballenas Cigar House
Although unaware that this stop was part of the tour, the guide made a quick stop along the way to Cascada Limon at Las Ballenas Cigar House. Here you will be provided the opportunity to watch as one of the locals is hard at work hand-rolling the sweet smelling cigars. These cigars are sold right on site and I understand that they are well worth the purchase.
The cigars are made with all natural products and my tour companions told me that they were the best cigars they have tasted. I am an ex-smoker and there was no way that I was going to risk taking up that habit again, so I didn’t give them a taste. I did however taste the coffee which was fantastic!
Bring along a little extra cash on this excursion to support the locals by purchasing a locally made craft, fresh cinnamon, fresh coffee beans and yes, a cigar.
Cascada Limon
After a short visit at Las Ballenas Cigar House, you will continue your drive to the star attraction, Cascada Limon.
While Cascada Limon is accessible by a relatively easy difficult 40 minute walk through the forest, the majority of visitors will take a donkey tour to get them to the waterfall. The ride to the waterfall is a bit bumpy, as the terrain was muddy, rocky and quite uneven. I imagine that this would have made for a fairly difficult walk as well.
Upon arriving at Cascada Limon, you will be given a really sexy ugly pair of rubber boots. I recommend bringing socks to wear under the boots, although they are available for purchase as well. The boots are included in the price of the tour.
Just One Tip: Bring along a pair of socks, as you will be expected to wear rubber boots. Socks can be purchased if you forget to bring a pair.
A guide greet you and assist with mounting your horse. The guide will also hold the reigns and guided you as you slowly trot through the forest. It is not necessary to be an avid horseback rider (I hadn’t been on a horse in almost 50 years), as the guide is with you throughout the entire tour and will assist in any way needed.
As stated earlier, be prepared, it is not smooth sailing! For more advanced riders, you have the option of being a little more daring and allowing your horse to gallop on its own. Regardless of riding ability, or lack thereof, the guide will remain with you throughout the entire tour.
After a grueling 40 minutes in the saddle, you will finally reach the end of the path. At least it was the end for the horse. Little did I know what was yet to come. You will dismount your horse and she will be given a well deserved rest while you walk the rest of the way to the waterfalls.
Yes…..there are a tonne of stairs! 215 to be exact! At the bottom of the stairs, your reward awaits. Cascada Limon in all of its glory shimmering like diamonds as it invites you into its warm embrace. You don’t want to miss out on this part of the adventure, so bring along a towel and wear your bathing suit.
Cascada Limon is a beautiful 170.60 foot (52 meter) waterfall and it is a refreshing way to relax and reward yourself for all of the difficult work you had to do in order to reach it. It is completely safe to leave your belongings with you guide while you take a well deserved dip in the waterfalls.
Once you have had enough of the waterfall and have taken massive amounts of photos, it is time to saddle up again and to begin the journey back to your horse. Unfortunately, before you reach your horse, you will have to manage to climb all 215 stairs before you reach her. Once you have accomplished this task, the ride back to the entrance is much easier than the ride to the waterfall.
Before mounting your horse, you have to stop for a refreshing pina colada. You will need it after climbing all of those stairs. For $5.00 U.S., you can get a fresh pina colada in a pineapple. The bartender will also give you the hollowed out inside of the pineapple…..enjoy!
Facts About Reaching Cascada Limon
It is not mandatory that you book a horseback tour when visiting Cascada Limon. You can walk the trail and swim in the waterfall on your own. Many Trip Advisor reviews will tell you that this tour/trek is for the extremely fit only. I almost cancelled my tour after reading this, but I’m sure glad that I didn’t! The trek is a little more difficult than I am use to, but it is well worth the agony and is one of the best tours that I have taken anywhere.
It is quite difficult and the hike certainly isn’t for anyone who has mobility issues. As long as you can walk, you can do this hike. There are benches scattered along the stairs where you can rest your weary bones until you are ready to carry on.
Trip Advisor reviews will also tell you that the horses are malnutritioned and whipped by the guides. I did not observe this at all. It is true that the horses are not as stocky as the horses found in North America, but compared to most other islands that I have been to I found the horses to be quite healthy. My guide did not carry a whip, instead she gave me a leaf to use if the horse needed prodding. I never used it, as my horse listened to the clucking of my guide.
Things To Know Before Visiting Cascada Limon
There are a few things that I wish I had known prior to heading out on the tour:
- the guides are not employed by the park, they are volunteers. Make sure you bring money to tip them. I tipped my guide (Skyla) $10.00 U.S., which was a small amount for the amount of work that she had to do.
- if you are going on a tour, bring a pair of socks to wear under the rubber boots.
- bring $5.00 for a pina colada. These are a must to try!
- wear your bathing suit and bring a towel to swim in the waterfall.
- don’t forget your camera.
- if you are not going by horseback, wear sturdy shoes.
- bring bug repellent.
- bring water and a snack. You will get thirsty and hungry from all of the exercise.
- the paparazzi will be joining you during the tour, so don’t forget to smile for the camera!
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Visiting Cascada Limon: In Conclusion …
If I could give one last tip before getting off this horse, it would be not to believe everything that you read! The jungle, the horses, and the waterfall, were all beautiful and well worth the effort, so don’t be afraid to saddle up to Cascada Limon!
HAVE A SAFE AND FUN ADVENTURE…..I sure did 🙂
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PIN TO VISIT CASCADE LIMON!
Nature looks stunning there! I would love to visit a cigar house and try that pina colada! Great article 🙂
I loved Costa Rica! And yes it was best Pina colada ever lol
Beautiful! I love to read travel posts about the Dominican Republic because I am sure the DR is not just beach resorts which it is how it is portrayed here in Germany. Wonderful post, thank you.
Punta Cana DR is just beach, but Samana has SO much more, including caving and whale watching. And to me it’s way more beautiful than Punta Canada
Cascade Limon sounds like a bumpy but well worth trip! Thanks for the tips.
It was an awesome tour. One of the best I have been on.
Samanaaaa – that was where we were based as we visited the Dominican Republic – and I think that’s one of the island’s nicest parts. However, we did not visit this cascade, we went on a tour to those lime stone rocks – those were so beautiful, too 🙂
Samana was the 2nd place I visited in D.R. (1st was Punta Cana). I MUCH preferred Samana! Did you get to see some whales?
This looks so fun. I love riding horses and riding in the Dominican Republic sounds fabulous!
It was so much fun, with a tonne to look at (whenever I wasn’t concentrating on riding lol)
Looks like a fun trip. Thanks for sharing that the guides are not employed by the park, they are volunteers. If ever I visit this place I will make sure to tip them well.
Its a very tough trek that they have to do!
This looks like a really fun experience! I love the waterfall photos, it looks amazing and very refreshing. It looks like it was really warm there though so I’m sure I would be struggling!
It was SO hot. Too hot to be climbing all of those stairs lol. But it was so worth it once I saw the waterfalls!
We had a similar experience outside of Amber Cove, but yours looks a little more comprehensive. Ours certainly didn’t include pina coladas! I appreciate your commentary on the horses – this is always such a touchy subject when it comes to animals and travel.
The pina coladas were an absolute must on this tour! The best part lol. I’m always leary on riding horses when I’m on an island but I was so happy to see that they were healthy.
Pineapples are the best way to have a pina colada! Haha. This looks like an awesome adventure, horseback riding is so much fun! I am not a smoker, but I LOVE the smell of cigars, so I would have just enjoyed other people smoking them haha. I know that’s weird.
I’m an ex smoker so I didn’t dare touch the cigars. They smelt good and everybody said they were great!
OOO that Pina colada looks so good! What a fantastic trip! Horses back riding has been on my bucket list!
It was such a fun tour! Fun, difficult and very rewarding!
I would love this, it looks brilliant. Definitely want to do the horse back riding.
it was so much fun!
This looks like a lovely trip! Reminds me of a similar ride I did in Cuba. I also love watching cigar making – it’s so mesmerizing.
It is! I didn’t get the courage to smoke one😄
Cascade Limon looks like a fab place to go to! The hiking must be a wonderful experience! Oh, and fresh Pina colada on pineapple sounds perfect to me.
Best Pina Colado I’ve ever had. It made all those stairs well worth it lol.
So gorgeous! I love how considerate you are to note that the horses didn’t appear unhealthy. I love to ride horses when I travel – it can be a fun way to sightsee!
I agree. But so often the horses are mal-nutritioned (especially on the islands). I was very happy to see that wasn’t the case with mine.
What an amazing trip! I would love to do this trek someday.
It was SO much fun and a little tricky with so many stairs!
Ooooh looks like such a fun way to spend a day! I really like the pineapple cups.
It was so much fun and the pina colada was yummy
I am amazed by your energy. My mom is 55 and can’t do anything. For well over 50, you are doing awesome things! Keep going.
Thank you SO much! I try to stay as active as I can, but I admit it is getting more difficult lol. I love the great outdoors and will do anything as long as I’m out enjoying it.
The Dominican Republic is on my bucket list; I would love to visit this pristine scenery. As a waterfalls lover, I would like to take pictures of Limon Cascade. Tour with Runners Adventures Samana seems to be a great adventure. I want to go there.
It was sooooo much fun. I also did whale watching and caving with Runners Adventures.
Dominican Republic is on my travel list! I would like to visit this exotic country and explore its natural beauties and its history!
I would suggest visiting Samana rather than Punta Cana, unless you love to spend time on beach every day.
The Dominican Republic hasn’t really been on my radar as most people that I talk to have all stayed in all-inclusive resorts and talk about nothing but the beaches. Thanks for sharing a different side with adventures that I would actually be interested in doing!
I can only sit in a beach for so long. I also went whale watching and caving. It was a great holiday! I didn’t like Punta cana because it was just beach, but I LOVED Samana
This sounds like a lot of fun! Honestly, your descriptions of the boots had me laughing. I would not think to bring socks for them – great tip! That pinacolada looks amazing. I’m definitely saving this for a someday trip!
It was sooo much fun and the boots were pretty sexy if I say so myself hahaha
This sounds like such a fun adventure! Thanks for the heads up about the boots and to bring socks!
It was such a riot!
I’ve always wanted to visit Dominican Republic, and Cascade Limon tour sounds like something I would absolutely need to do while there. I’m always up for a challenge, and it seems like the strenuous bits of the tour are super worth it. Especially if there’s a pina colada reward at the end. Sign me up!!!
It was one of the best tours I have ever done! The pina colada was sooooo good and fresh!
We LOVED our visit to DR, many years ago. This just brings back so many wonderful memories and makes us want to head back and explore.
I am so anxious to get back. I stayed at a resort in Samana and it was the most beautiful place I’ve seen. I loved it much more than Punta Cana
Thank you for this informative post, the area looks stunning. It is worth noting that no one should always trust everything on Trip Advisor. How lucky that you did not cancel after reading about fitness levels. I try to read between the lines with reviews but it can be difficult and often look for other travel bloggers rather than Trip Advisor reviews for information.
I agree. I’m so glad that I ignored the reviews as this was one of the best tours I’ve been on. Just goes to show that you can’t believe everything that you read!
I would totally venture onto this! The steps remind me of the hike we took to get to the top of Diamond Head in Oahu. It was a trek! I love nature & all of its rustic beauty!
It was such a great hike! and the reward was well worth it, although the steps back up were a killer lol
This sounds like such a fun tour! I have a horse myself so LOVE all things involving riding, plus a hike to a waterfall sounds amazing. Did somethings similar once in Mexico, but would love to visit the Dominican one day 🙂
It was such a great tour! You are lucky to have horses. I love to ride, but I don’t get much opportunity to.
Amazing experience! That is a perfect itinerary that I have in mind for my trip to Cascade Limon . Will follow your footsteps!)))
Thank you. I can honestly say that this was the most fun that I’ve had on a tour in a long time. It might have something to do with the fact that I couldn’t stop laughing trying to ride that dam horse lol
Great post! Sounds like a fun tour and a beautiful waterfall! I don’t mind making a stop at a local shop. It’s a great way to give back to the community. That happens a lot in Jamaica on tours too.
Great post! Sounds like a fun tour and a beautiful waterfall! I don’t mind making a stop at a local shop. It’s a great way to give back to the community. That happens a lot in Jamaica on tours too.
I can honestly say that this was one of the best tours that I’ve done! The waterfalls were spectacular. Pictures just don’t do it justice.
Wow. Look at those handicrafts. I would love to have them as souvenirs!!!! And the waterfall is mesmerizing, no doubts. Just the place for holidaying!!!!
The entire week was perfect! I was so lucky to get it in just 1 week before the outbreak hit canada. Seems like a lifetime ago
What an adventure Kelly, this is right up my street! Horse riding through the jungle to a beautiful waterfall, followed by pina colada – perfecto. Thanks for the know before you go, that’s super helpful.
Thanks Freya. I hadn’t been on a horse in almost 50 years and I was terrified! lol. BUT my desire to see those falls and my sense of adventure far outweighed my fears.
Our youngest son loves riding horses so this would be great for him. We also love taking tours. Maybe one day we’ll be able to visit the Dominican Republic,
I hope you get the chance to Cynthia….especially the Samana area. There are very few tourists and the area is gorgeous, with much more to do than just the beach.
What amazing excursions, and all so different from each other! The cigar house looks like a lot of fun – I love a good cigar with my husband. Pina colada break? Yes, absolutely. The waterfall pictures are out of this world!
Thank you! It was such a fun filled day
This looks so great. We absolutely love finding waterfalls and it is even better when you get to explore on horseback! I bet that pina colada was just what you needed after that journey!
It was a fantastic tour!
Oh, I’d love to visit the cigar house. What a cool experience!
It was so much fun!
Pina colada, waterfalls and a hike!? This sounds like my perfect day! I would love to swim under Cascade Limon <3
It was the best tour ever. I loved every minute of it!
I’ve been to the DR twice but barely left the resort – I’m seeing now that I made a mistake. What beautiful nature! It’s also great you got to see and support the locals. How was the cigar?
This tour was fantastic! I didnt smoke the cigar but it smelled really good!
Oh yes! A Pina Colada in a pineapple sounds like heaven!
And, the Jeep tour of Cascade Limon sounds like a lot of fun.
It was a blast!
A horseback ride to visit a waterfall? Sign me up! I wouldn’t want a cigar either, but a pina colada in a pineapple sounds like a refreshing treat. What a lovely day you had!
It was so amazing! I won’t ever forget it!
I haven’t been to Dominican Republic in so long. The cascade looks so gorgeous! So much to see and do, makes me want to book a trip! Your photos are so lovely.
Thank you. This was my 1st time to the Samana area. I loved it! Not a lot of tourists which was nice!
I love to photograph waterfalls. I have not heard of waterfalls known as Cascade Limon before. So, I add it to my list. They seem photogenic, and this lush greenery all around looks stunning. I would also like to try a local chocolate cigar.
Awesome! I hope you get a chance to go one day
I love to photograph waterfalls. I have not heard of waterfalls known as Cascade Limon before. So, I add it to my list. They seem photogenic, and this lush greenery all around looks stunning. I would also like to try a local chocolate cigar.
If you are ever in the Dominican you will have to go here. It was gorgeous!
This looks like a great tour! I love buying locally made souvenirs- so I definitely would’ve come home with something! I love that you got to experience nature here too.
It was so much fun! One of the best tours I’ve been on.
Cascade Limon looks like my kind of thing. A beautiful walk in the jungle followed by a beautiful waterfall where you can swim. Love it!
It’s one of the best tours I’ve ever done. It wasnt the easiest but it was worth it!
looks like a lot of fun! i havent been to the DR yet, but my parents have – going to ask them if they took this trek 🙂
If you ever go, you HAVE to do this! It was one of the best tours I’ve done anywhere I’ve been.
Yes to the coffee and yes to the pina colada in a pineapple! Like you, I’m an ex-smoker so I don’t think I would have tried the cigars either.
Coffee and pina colada were the most important lol. Although everybody said the cigars were really good.