Experience the natural beauties of the north on our trekking trip to the Dominican Republic. A Tropical River boat tour takes you along the Rio Sabaneta de Yasica to La Boca, where the river joins a pristine section of the sea. On an authentic off-road jeep safari you will discover the outback that is not developed for tourism and you can enjoy a wild waterfall all by yourself. The absolute highlight of this trip is the ascent of the Pico Duarte:
Pico Duarte is located in the Central Cordillera of the Dominican Republic, about 180 kilometers northwest of the capital Santo Domingo. The nearest, larger village is Jarabacoa. This is also the starting point for the most popular ascent route to the highest peak of the Caribbean islands. Pico Duarte lies between the two national parks Armando Bermúdez and José del Carmen Ramírez. The Central Cordillera is the largest and highest mountain range in the Dominican Republic, stretching from San Cristobal and Baní in the south to the northwest of the country on the border with Haiti.
Getting to Pico Duarte
Horses at the Pico Duarte
There are several routes to Pico Duarte. The most popular one goes through Jarabacoa and on to the small village La Ciénaga de Manabao, from where most hikes start. The 23.1 km tour leads from the entrance of the National Park via Los Tablones, La Cotorra, La Laguna, El Cruce, Aguita Fria and Camp La Compartición to the summit of Pico Duarte. This tour usually takes two or three days. Another popular starting point is the village of Mata Grande, which is reached via San José de las Matas. From there, 45 kilometres have to be covered. The stations are Loma del Oro, Las Guácaras, the high valley Valle de Bao, the sister summit La Pelona and finally the summit of Pico Duarte. You can either go back the same way or go down to La Ciénaga on the main route to experience a varied tour. Depending on the exact variant, you will be on the road here for four to five days, but you will experience the most beautiful scenic of all tours.
Pico Duarte Ascent
The ascent of Pico Duarte is a special experience. Who would expect here, in the middle of the Caribbean, a mountain that rises over 3,000 meters into the blue sky. Unlike in the native European mountains, there is no tree line here, which means that vegetation can be found up to the summit cross. The evenings around the campfire with a hot chocolate are also an unforgettable experience.
The ascent of Pico Duarte is a special experience. Who would expect here, in the middle of the Caribbean, a mountain that rises over 3,000 meters into the blue sky. Unlike in the native European mountains, there is no tree line here, which means that vegetation can be found up to the summit cross. The evenings around the campfire with a hot chocolate are also an unforgettable experience.
Climate
However, you are recommended to wear warm clothes on the way to Pico Duarte. In the evenings and at night it can get very cold in the higher altitudes. A warm fleece sweater or a jacket is recommended, as the temperatures occasionally drop to just over 0°C. From December to February it is slightly colder than the rest of the year. In the summer months, during the rainy season, short but heavy rainfall can occur.
Charming Countryside Chalet, 4* boutique hotel (or similar)
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Day 1 – Arrival at Puerto Plata
Arrival at the airport of Santo Domingo, transfer to the hotel in Puerto Plata and check-in. Welcome drink and dinner.
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Day 2 – Tropical River Boat Tour
After the breakfast, transfer to Islabon with our English speaking tour guide. Departure from the hotel at 09:00 am. Visit of a little zoo with different species where we learn more about the different animals that live in the country. Afterwards, about 45 min boat trip along the river Rio Sabanete de Yasica to La Boca where the river flows into the sea. Possibility to swim in the sea or in the river. Around noon a typical BBQ with fish or meat will be served in a tree house restaurant besides the river. In the afternoon, return journey to Islabon and then back to the hotel. Dinner at the hotel.
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Day 3 – Trekking in the Loma Quita Espuela Nature Reserve
Early in the morning, about 2.5 hour drive with our English speaking tour guide to a ranch close to the city of San Francisco de Macoris which is situated in the interior. Departure from the hotel at 6:00 am. After a short breakfast, we start our 5 hours hike into the Loma Quita Espuela scientific reserve which is one of the country’s most appreciated and important ecological area. The nature reserve covers over 72.5 square kilometres and stands out for having more than 70 river springs. Its lush cloud forest is surrounded by an almost permanent fog and consists of many hundred-year-old trees. Plant and bird-watching are one of the reserve’s most appreciated activities, since it has a many local plants and also animal biodiversity. We hike up the Loma Quita Espuela peak, which is 985 metres above sea level and enjoy the view from the peak if the weather conditions permit it. After the descent, we will enjoy lunch at about 3:00 pm before we head back to the hotel. Walking distance: 7 km and 700 vertical meters. Dinner at the hotel.
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Day 4 – Beach day at Playa Sosua
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Day 5 – Jungle Trekking
After the breakfast, pick up from the hotel reception by our English speaking tour guide at 08:00 am. Through rivers, dense subtropical vegetation and off the beaten track we hike to various waterfalls in the middle of the jungle. Below the waterfalls you will be able to swim in crystal clear blue lagoons. This trip is exhausting, wet and dirty but worthwhile. Return journey back to the hotel at about 1 pm. Walking Distance: 7 km and 200 vertical meters. Dinner at the hotel.
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Day 6 – Beach day at Playa Cabarete
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Day 7 – The Pico Duarte trekking adventure begins
Very early in the morning, transfer with our English-speaking tour guide to Manaboa and from there to La Cienega, the starting point of the hike at an altitude of 1,100m. Departure from the hotel at 3:30 am. Before we start with the loading of the animals, we will enjoy a breakfast snack at about 7:00 am in Manaboa. After we have finished loading the pack animals, the ascent to La Comparticion, which is situated at an altitude of 2,730 m, begins. Here we spend the night in a simple shelter and are served a warm dinner. Walking distance: 20 km and 1,800 vertical meters. Snacks for breakfast & lunch, dinner and water included.
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Day 8 – Ascent to the summit
On the second day there are some efforts ahead of us. We start the day at 4:00 am. After a breakfast snack we take the ascent to the summit of Pico Duarte at 3,087 m. We enjoy the view and then descend to the ‘Aguita Fría ’spring, at an altitude of 2650 metres. It is the highest source of the Caribbean and the source of the River Yaque del Sur. Finally we hike to the ‘Valle del Tetero’, which is situated at an altitude of 1500 m. Here we spend the night in a simple shelter and are served a warm dinner. Walking distance: 20 km and 2500 vertical meters. Breakfast and lunch snacks, dinner and water included.
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Day 9 – Valle del Tetero
On the third day we make a full day hike through the Valle del Tetero, the largest valley of the country with an extension of approx. 3 km². We see rocks with pictographies of natives and bathe in the river Yaque del Sur. We walk back to our shelter and enjoy a warm dinner. Walking distance: 15 km. Breakfast & lunch snacks, dinner and water included.
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Dag 10 – Descent and return to the hotel
Today, we make the entire descent to La Cienega. With such strenuous hikes you must always reckon with the fact that that with one or the other the strength diminishes, or also that someone hurts themself. Therefore we lead one riding horse per participant, which can be mounted at any time to rest in between. Once arrived at La Cienega, we drive to Manaboa where we will enjoy our lunch at about 3:00 pm. Transfer back to the hotel where we will arrive at about 7:00 pm. Walking distance: 20 km and 1600 vertical meters. Breakfast snack and lunch included. Dinner at the hotel.
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Day 11 – Beach day at Playa Encuentro
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Day 12 – Jeep Safari to the outback
After breakfast, full day jeep safari with an English speaking tour guide. Departure from the hotel at 08:00 am. On today’s excursion we are going to drive with an open jeep through the touristically undeveloped outback. We make short stops to taste different fruits of the season and to enjoy the wonderful view of the untouched nature. Afterwards we drive to a waterfall in the middle of the jungle, which is still an insider tip among locals. There we can swim in the lagoon and let the waterfall splash on our heads. A traditional lunch with a local family rounds off this excursion. There will be a lot of first-hand information about the country and its people. Return to the hotel. The total duration of the tour is approx. 7 hours.
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Day 13 – Trekking to the waterfall El Limon
Early in the morning, about 3 hours drive with our English-speaking tour guide to the nature reserve of El Limón being situated at the peninsula Samaná. Departure from the hotel at 6:00 am. On the way short stop for breakfast. After arriving at the base camp, we then hike up for about 2.5 hours to the impressive waterfall ‘El Limón’. The waterfall is surrounded by a picturesque landscape. The tropical rainforest that surrounds the waterfall is both fascinating and mysterious. From about 55 meters height, the water plunges into the depths. A nature experience of a special kind. Time to swim in the lagoon. Return hike and lunch in a local restaurant. On the way back to the hotel we will make a stop at the scenic beach of Playa Entrada where we will have time to swim and relax at this lonely beach. Arrival at the hotel at about 6:30 pm. Walking distance: 10 km. Dinner at the hotel.
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Day 14 – Beach day at Playa Dorada
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Day 15 – Transfer to the airport
Transfer to the airport of Puerto Plata and end of journey.
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