Ecotourism is increasingly a big deal all over the world and lots of countries are getting in on the action. In a way, places like the Dominican Republic already have a leg up in the ecotourism market. Unlike heavily developed regions, the Dominican Republic lacks vast industrial sprawl and still maintains large portions of its natural environment. In years past this reflected economic inequity, but today it means more tourist dollars as people all over the world flock to the few places that still possess untouched, virgin wilderness.

When it comes to natural sights, one of the best features of the Dominican Republic is its many and splendid natural waterfalls. A rugged, mountainous country, the Dominican Republic is also very wet and that makes it a great place for such formations.

Near Jarabacoa, El Salto de Baiguate is a great waterfall many tourists visit every year. There are lots of tour groups you can join if you wish to visit this waterfall, but there’s no charge if you want to explore by yourself. There are footpaths for roaming and space for cool water swimming.

If you’re a movie buff and an ecotourist, you might want to visit Salto Jimenoa Uno. This waterfall is 60 meters high and beautiful. It was used as the backdrop for a scene in the movie Jurassic Park and is a popular attraction. Uno’s twin, Salto Jimenoa Dos, is nearby and the more popular of the two even if it doesn’t have Uno’s film pedigree.