PUERTO PLATA ATV/UTV FIELD GUIDE
Jungle monkeys, muddy river crossings and turbo buggies — a full-day ride through Puerto Plata’s wild side
An 8.5-hour excursion that combines a Monkeyland visit, a buggy drive (single or double) with river crossings, and guided canyoning at the 27 waterfalls of Río Damajagua — this guide explains what to expect and how to prepare.
Jungle monkeys, muddy river crossings and turbo buggies — a full-day ride through Puerto Plata’s wild side.
Hop on an open-air safari truck and move out from Puerto Plata into the tropical foothills where squirrel monkeys, off-road RZR buggies and the cascading pools of Rio de Damajagua form a single, adrenaline-tinged loop; the combined experience mixes wildlife viewing, a 30-minute buggy ride across villages and river crossings, and guided canyoning at multiple waterfalls.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Face-to-face time with squirrel monkeys
In a tropical jungle setting you’ll spend time interacting with playful squirrel monkeys—trained staff provide fruit for feeding and warn that the animals are attracted to shiny loose items, so keep hold of cameras and jewelry.
Polaris RZR buggies and river-fording thrills
A 30-minute buggy drive through local villages and countryside roads includes a river crossing in the two-person buggy; expect mud, water and hands-on driving for those who hold a valid license.
Canyoning, jumps and natural slides at Damajagua
A guided visit to the waterfalls of Río Damajagua blends a 40-minute hike with canyoning through narrow passages—jumping off cascades, sliding down rock chutes and swimming in mountain pools are all part of the route.
What the day feels like
How the day feels
The outing threads together open-air transport, close wildlife encounters and active waterplay: after hotel pickup you’ll board a safari truck to the jungle and Monkeyland, then take buggies into villages and rivers before hiking and canyoning at multiple waterfalls—expect to get wet and muddy and to cool off in mountain pools.
THE WILDLIFE
Face-to-face time with squirrel monkeys
In a tropical jungle setting you’ll spend time interacting with playful squirrel monkeys—trained staff provide fruit for feeding and warn that the animals are attracted to shiny loose items, so keep hold of cameras and jewelry.
THE RIDE
Polaris RZR buggies and river-fording thrills
A 30-minute buggy drive through local villages and countryside roads includes a river crossing in the two-person buggy; expect mud, water and hands-on driving for those who hold a valid license.
THE WATER
Canyoning, jumps and natural slides at Damajagua
A guided visit to the waterfalls of Río Damajagua blends a 40-minute hike with canyoning through narrow passages—jumping off cascades, sliding down rock chutes and swimming in mountain pools are all part of the route.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this outing suits — and who should sit this one out.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The full excursion runs approximately 8.5 hours; the guided waterfall portion is described as a 4-hour trip within that timeframe.
Bring comfortable clothing, swimsuit, sunscreen, mosquito repellent, camera and extra money for tips and souvenirs.
Operator provides hotel pickup and drop-off and transport by open-air safari truck between sites.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
Do I need a driver’s license to drive a buggy?
Yes. A valid driver’s license is required to operate the off-road buggy.
What is the minimum age to participate?
The minimum age to participate is 8 years old.
Is there a weight limit for participants?
Yes. The maximum weight allowed is 325 lbs.
Are there medical restrictions I should know about?
Guests should not participate if they are pregnant, have had recent surgery (less than six months), or have heart, respiratory, neck or back problems.
What’s included in the tour price?
The tour includes a guide, water and soft drinks, hotel pick up and drop off, transportation by safari truck, a Dominican buffet lunch and entrance fees for Damajagua and Monkeyland.
How long is the waterfall portion and the buggy drive?
The operator describes the overall excursion as 8.5 hours, with a guided 4-hour waterfall trip component; the buggy drive is about 30 minutes and the hike around 40 minutes.