Dominican President Opens Road to Aguas Blancas Waterfall, Boosting Ecotourism

CONSTANZA, Dominican Republic – President Luis Abinader on Friday officially opened a new 11.9-kilometer road leading to the Salto de Aguas Blancas waterfall, fulfilling a long-held community aspiration and significantly enhancing access to a major ecotourism destination.

The new route, which cost 485 million Dominican pesos, provides easier entry to the Aguas Blancas waterfall, renowned as one of the Caribbean's highest and most beautiful cascades. Situated over 1,600 meters (5,250 feet) above sea level, it lies within the Valle Nuevo National Park.

During the ceremony, Tourism Minister David Collado announced the government's commitment of 981 million Dominican pesos for tourism projects in Jarabacoa and Constanza. Of this total, 508 million Dominican pesos is earmarked for Constanza alone. He also confirmed the allocation of funds and a contract for the reconstruction of Anacaona Park.

Senator Ramón Rogelio Genao of La Vega province emphasized that the road's impact extends beyond the Aguas Blancas waterfall. He noted it also connects to the community of El Convento, the Valle Nuevo National Park, the Las Pirámides monument, and the province of San José de Ocoa.

Constanza Mayor Francisco Marte expressed gratitude to President Abinader, stating the infrastructure would improve mobility and transportation for local residents while making ecotourism attractions more accessible for visitors.

Officials anticipate the project will stimulate ecotourism, invigorate the local economy, and enhance road safety for the hundreds of weekly visitors and residents traversing the mountainous region. The new road is expected to slash travel time to Salto de Aguas Blancas from 30 minutes to just 10 minutes. The comprehensive project included constructing a parking area, a photo stop, protective guardrails, new lighting, and both horizontal and vertical signage, along with improved road surfacing and asphalt.

In a gesture of appreciation, the "En Busca del Progreso" Neighborhood Association of El Convento and the Coopavent Cooperative presented President Abinader with an award, acknowledging the realization of a project that represented a historic aspiration for the community.

Other dignitaries present at the inauguration included provincial Governor Luisa Jiménez de la Mota, Tourism Police Director General Minoru Matsunaga, and Deputies Gabriela Abreu and Rogelio Alfonso Genao.