The 'Dominican Alps' Are A Secret Natural Wonderland Full Of Adventure In The Heart Of The Caribbean

The Dominican Republic is known for it's vibrant culture and having some of the best beaches in the Caribbean. Spending a few weeks relaxing, playing in the ocean, and eating delicious food sounds like a dream, but for some people, days at a time by the beach will leave them with itchy feet. If that's you, then you're in luck. Did you know that the Dominican Republic has the highest mountain in the Caribbean? Standing at more than 10,000 feet, Pico Duarte towers over the island from the Cordillera Central (central mountain range) in a little known tropical adventure paradise. If you're looking for secret waterfalls, thrilling hikes, and an off-the-beaten-path experience, then it's time to head inland to the 'Dominican Alps.' 

The main residential town in the Cordillera Central is Jarabacoa, which sits at the base of Pico Duarte. The entrance to the Jose Armando Bermudez National Park is here, as well as the information office where you can hire trekking guides and even pack mules to carry your camping gear and food. Jarabacoa is about a 50-minute drive from Santiago's Cibao International Airport, and 3-hour drive from Las Américas International Airport in Santo Domingo, where you can also catch a bus. As you need a guide for many of the adventures in the area anyway, it can be worthwhile booking a guided tour in advance, then your airport transfers are arranged for you. 

When you arrive in Jarabacoa, you'll be greeted with mountainous beauty and lush forests. There's a cool river flowing straight through town and locals on horseback. For a relatively small city, there are plenty of accommodation options, and seeing as the Dominican Republic is one of the Caribbean's most affordable destinations, you can be sure to find something that suits your budget and travel style. 

Once you're settled into your accommodations, it's time to jump into one of the many outdoor adventures you can have here in the Cordillera Central mountains. A top choice is white water rafting, and as the Yaque del Norte river rapids vary in intensity, you can take a family friendly ride as well as experience more extreme rafting, and there are a few operators with experienced guides raring to take you for a spin. Canyoning and horseback riding are also fantastic excursions and a great way to immerse yourself in the natural scenery around you. You can ride up to Baguate waterfall (pictured here) and take a dip, or get your blood pumping by descending the waterfall backwards with climbing gear and a guide.  ATV tours, tubing, zip-lining, and paragliding round out the many adventures you can have from the base of Jarabacoa in the Cordillera Central mountains before you head up Pico Duarte. 

In the Cordillera Central, you simply must hike. The Pico Duarte hike is challenging but worth it to stand at the 'rooftop of the Caribbean' and gaze at the beauty around you. There are multiple routes with different trailheads, so coordinate with a guide or do your research to be sure to start on the trail you want. The most beaten path is La Cineaga, popular because it traverses the stunning Valle de Tetero. Typically a three day trip to the peak, you can adjust the daily distances depending on your level of experience. As you'll be spending some time at altitude regardless, it's important to know what to do if you experience altitude sickness on a hike. The Dominican Republic's dry season is from December to April so it's an easier time to hike in the Cordillera Central. 

If hiking to the summit of Pico Duarte isn't up your street, there are plenty of other stunning treks in the Dominican Alps. Near Jarabacoa, the challenging La Sal trail is a 12 mile out-and-back hike through lush jungle where you can spot many colorful tropical birds. The Las Nubes hike is a moderate 6-mile trek ranked in the top ten hikes in the Dominican Republic on AllTrails. Also on that list is the 4-mile El Mogote trail that's conveniently close to Jarabacoa (but highly challenging). 

For all the outdoor adventures and hikes, you'll want water-resistant hiking shoes with good grip, mosquito spray, sunscreen, and plenty of water and snacks to stay hydrated and fueled. Entrance to the National Parks and some trails in the Cordillera Central require a fee, permits, or guides, so ensure you're following all rules before heading out for the adventure of a lifetime in this Dominican mountain paradise.