How to survive standing in the mud and battling mosquitoes in the Dominican Republic (that may or may not carry malaria)

If you’re planning a trip to the Dominican Republic, there’s one thing you might want to prepare for—mosquitoes. On a particularly ill-fated vacation there, I learned this the hard way. Not only was it one of the worst trips I’ve ever been on, but it also cost me more than any other holiday. While I won’t go on a full-blown rant about the experience, let’s just say it was rough—my boyfriend got sick, then I got sick. The only highlight of the trip was an off-road adventure to Damajaqua Cascades—also known as the 27 waterfalls near Puerto Plata. Luckily, it was also the one day neither of us was ill, which made it even more enjoyable.

An Adventure to Remember (Minus the Mosquitoes)

This was not your average guided tour; it was an adventure. Picture this: we were picked up in a massive truck with a flatbed that had benches and a railing but no seatbelts. Yep, seatbelt-free adventuring. The truck took us through the rolling hills, and we got to enjoy the stunning views, stray dogs running along the road, and plenty of local rum, which started flowing at 9:30 a.m. But as the rum kept coming, so did the bumpy ride, and soon we were climbing mountains on roads that looked like they had been washed out by a monsoon.

Our guide laughed and mentioned the “recent rainfall,” but we were still in the spirit of adventure, rum and all. That is until our truck took a turn around a muddy bend and swerved to avoid getting stuck. Instead of being a smooth maneuver, I found myself careening right into a fellow passenger—a tall guy who I barely knew. As we both struggled to keep our balance, I inadvertently grabbed his crotch. Yep, an accidental, unintentional grab in the middle of an off-road safari.

Mud, Mosquitoes, and… Malaria?

If grabbing someone’s privates wasn’t enough to make this trip memorable, our truck soon got completely stuck in the mud, along with another truck ahead of us. We all had to get out and stand around while the drivers and local farm workers attempted to free the vehicles. Mud was flying everywhere, and most of us got sprayed, including the unfortunate guy whose junk I’d grabbed earlier and his girlfriend. While I managed to stay clear of the mud, I wasn’t so lucky with the mosquitoes.

And, let me tell you, mosquitoes in the Dominican Republic are relentless. I was being eaten alive while standing off to the side, next to a very grumpy mule. It wasn’t just uncomfortable—it was downright miserable. At this point, I was convinced that the mosquitoes buzzing around were carrying malaria, as this was the worst month for mosquitoes in the Dominican Republic.

What I Would Do Differently

If I had known ahead of time, I would have done my research and prepared accordingly for what I now know is the worst month for mosquitoes in the Dominican Republic. A little foresight would have made a big difference—bring a potent bug spray, wear long sleeves, and perhaps avoid standing near any swamps or mules. I didn’t do any of that, which made the mosquito bites even more unbearable.

Despite the bites and mishaps, the day wasn’t a total disaster. After a couple of hours of mud wrestling (the trucks, not the people), we finally made it to the Damajaqua Cascades. These waterfalls were stunning—cascading down the lush mountains, offering a cool and refreshing dip after hours of sweat and bug bites. I’d even say this was the highlight of the entire trip.

The Takeaway: Be Prepared

I’d still recommend the off-road adventure to Damajaqua Cascades to anyone visiting Puerto Plata, but with a few major caveats. First, be aware that if you visit during the worst month for mosquitoes in the Dominican Republic, you’re in for a tough time with these relentless pests. Don’t forget to bring plenty of bug spray and perhaps even mosquito-repellent clothing. The mosquitoes aren’t just a nuisance; in some areas, they may carry diseases like malaria or dengue fever, so it’s important to take precautions. Also, if you’re someone who is accident-prone, you might want to sit still on the truck to avoid any unwanted physical encounters with fellow passengers.

While the off-road adventure can be a blast, and the waterfalls are truly breathtaking, the mosquitoes and unexpected mud fiasco are part of the experience. If you’re prepared, it can still be one of the best days of your trip. I, unfortunately, wasn’t.

So, if you’re visiting during the worst month for mosquitoes in the Dominican Republic, make sure you pack for it. Trust me—you don’t want to spend your vacation swatting away bugs, scratching bites, or worrying about contracting malaria. Keep your sense of adventure, but bring the essentials: bug spray, long clothing, and a good sense of humor. And maybe don’t grab any strangers’ privates while you’re at it.

Final Thoughts

In the end, despite all the setbacks, it turned out to be the best day of my trip. I got to enjoy the stunning Damajaqua Cascades, no one was seriously hurt, and I made it back to the resort mosquito-bitten but in one piece. If you’re planning an adventure in the Dominican Republic, just be aware of when the worst month for mosquitoes in the Dominican Republic is, and prepare accordingly.

Caution: While accidental weiner-grabbing is sometimes inevitable on a bumpy road, it’s generally frowned upon. Try to grab onto a railing next time!