El Limón is one of the most famous waterfalls in the Dominican Republic. It is located in the Samaná region and is often used as a natural filming location for adventure movies.
Not far from the waterfall there is a tiny town, also called El Limón. Around it are a number of ranches. At these ranches you will be offered horses and local guides. They will whisk you away to the waterfall — very slowly and with great care… In the Dominican Republic, however, the “horses” provided for tourists are more often mules…
REFERENCE: A mule is the offspring of a male donkey and a female horse. A mule looks like a horse with long ears, but it is stronger and much more resilient. A hinny is the opposite cross — a stallion and a female donkey. In horse breeding, these are considered two different hybrids. A little chromosome arithmetic. A donkey has 62 chromosomes, while a horse has 64. Their offspring inherits 63 chromosomes — whether it is a mule or a hinny. Because of this odd number of chromosomes, such hybrids are almost always sterile.
If you are coming from Las Terrenas, do not rush to hire horses right in El Limón itself. Otherwise, part of your journey will take place not beneath the shade of picturesque tropical trees, but along the asphalt highway. The larger and more attractive ranches, located beyond the town of El Limón, are much more convenient. A ranch here usually combines both stables and a small restaurant. After returning from your ride to the waterfall, you can enjoy some delicious Dominican cuisine.
Choosing your horse — and the guide who comes with it — is a very personal matter. It is best if you like them both. After all, you will be spending the next three or four hours together. Once your choice has been made, you will climb onto the animal from a convenient concrete platform, rather like the winners’ podium at a sporting event. And then the journey begins!
The trail to the waterfall climbs uphill, then descends again. At times it winds through groves of tall tropical trees. If you are not used to horseback riding, the trip will provide a whole range of unforgettable sensations, rather like a Disneyland attraction… And if you happen to get a friendly guide, they will point out useful plants growing in the wild — mangoes, coffee, bananas and cocoa.
REFERENCE: A pineapple is actually a herbaceous plant with long, narrow, stiff leaves. At its crown grows a juicy multiple fruit. Scientifically speaking, it is neither a berry nor a fruit. A pineapple consists of many individual berries that have fused together into one large and delicious whole.
The ride from the ranch to the path leading down to the foot of the waterfall usually takes about half an hour. At the top, you pay a very reasonably priced entrance ticket. Then off you go, following the already clearly audible roar of the waterfall. The descent follows a picturesque staircase. In some places there are stone steps, in others simply a forest path…
And here is the waterfall! From the top of a high, almost vertical cliff — about 40 metres (130 feet) — sparkling cascades of crystal-clear water plunge downward. The air is filled with the finest mist. Now where is the rainbow? According to the laws of physics, with all this dispersion, there really ought to be one… In the small natural pool beneath the waterfall, you can enjoy the refreshing coolness of the mountain water.
After its dramatic plunge, the mountain river calms down. It becomes peaceful once again, flowing gently onward over low, winding rocky ledges…
You simply must take a swim at El Limón. According to local tradition, anyone who bathes beneath the waterfall will become wealthier in the near future. And if you carefully stand directly under the cascading water, perhaps some useful inspiration will strike? Compared with the torrent crashing down here, the apple that fell on Newton’s head was probably a much gentler experience… Please note, however, that standing beneath waterfalls elsewhere is generally NOT recommended — it can be dangerous.
After swimming and admiring the fearless local youngsters diving from the rocks, it is time to return to the ranch. There, delicious food, fresh memories and lively conversations await you. And don’t forget to toss a coin into the waterfall — if you hope to come back one day.
By the way, horse rental was quite inexpensive. The last time, we paid just under 50 US dollars for four mounts. The accompanying guides are tipped separately. You can give them 200 pesos or more — whatever feels right to you. This is an important part of their modest income. Throughout the horseback excursion, they do everything they can to make your journey comfortable, safe and enjoyable…