The highest mountain peak in the Caribbean, rising at 3,087 meters (10,125 feet), Pico Duarte is tucked amid the two national parks of Armando Bermúdez and José del Carmen Ramírez, and is reachable in two or three-day excursions depending on the chosen route. The two-day Jarabacoa-Manabao-La Ciénaga-Compartición-Valle de Lilís-Pico Duarte route is the most popular one. All hiking routes guarantee amazing views of tropical, pine, mountain broadleaf, and cloud forests. An official guide and mules for food and bags must be arranged through your hotel or at the La Ciénaga government campsite, at the entrance to Armando Bermúdez National Park. Along the hike, nights are spent at the Compartición or Valle de Lilís official camping grounds. The hike requires a decent level of fitness and endurance–come prepared with hiking boots and layers of clothing for the cold temperatures. Hiking to Pico Duarte is definitely one for the Caribbean traveler’s bucket list.
Armando Bermúdez National Park
The Armando Bermúdez National Park stretches 767 square kilometers (296 square miles), and together with the neighboring José del Carmen Ramírez National Park, boasts the tallest peaks in the Caribbean region, including the mighty Pico Duarte, source of the Yaque del Norte river.
Stop at this river park for an easy dip in the fresh, calmer waters of the Yaque del Norte river. There are a handful of benches and picnic tables. Bring your own food and drinks for a lovely day out.
Rancho Baiguate provides a challenge for photographers at its Mariposario, or butterfly house. Take home the shapes, designs and colors of these tropical butterflies in your digital photos. http://ranchobaiguate.com
The Café Monte Alto coffee factory offers a complete tour of the facility and its production of organic coffee. See their process from tree to cup, ending the journey with multiple tastings of fresh-brewed coffee at the onsite café.
Catedral de la Inmaculada Concepción
This modern Roman Catholic Church took 15 years to build, and was completed in 1992. The cathedral is one of the few in the world where the statue of Christ is portrayed as already having resurrected and not dying on the cross.
Hiking El Mogote is a physically challenging but immersive experience. The three-hour climb takes you to this 1,163 meter (3,815 feet) high peak, taking you along a very steep hike through thick pine forests and vegetation and onto steep, rocky dirt slopes all the way to the top.
Jarabacoa is the capital of extreme mountain sports in the Dominican Republic with many well-organized operators offering river rafting, mountain biking, rappelling, canyoning, paragliding and mountain trekking adventures. Canyoning is practiced alongside the impressive Salto de Jimenoa and Baiguate waterfalls. Mountain biking routes are set out all throughout the mountain areas, categorized according to difficulty.
Jarabacoa’s nightlife kicks off on Thursday, when locals head to the handful of bars and lounges in the center of town. There are also a few casual spots across from the central park.
José del Carmen Ramírez National Park
Just like its adjacent Armando Bermúdez National Park, yet less explored, this is one of DR’s first national parks and protected areas. Stretching across three provinces at 764 square kilometers (295 square miles), it provides an alternative entry point to Pico Duarte.
La Ciénaga is one of the most scenic riverside villages and serves as a gateway to the journey towards Pico Duarte. Spend an authentic day out in a mountainside village, taking in the verdant mountain scenery and agricultural life, and colorful wooden homes dotting the landscape.
©2006 - 2023 DOMINICAN REPUBLIC MINISTRY OF TOURISM. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
