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Hike Pico Duarte - the highest mountain in the Caribbean

Foggy weather at Pico Duarte

Photo: Juan Fernandez / Unsplash.com

The Dominican Republic shares the island with Haiti , occupying two-thirds of the territory. It's not only home to some of the best beaches in the world, you can also find open water caves, waterfalls , rivers, valleys, lakes, rainforests and tall mountainous regions. The country's highest and largest mountain range is the Cordillera Central, which includes Pico Duarte, the highest peak in both the Dominican Republic and all of the Caribbean islands. Several peaks there exceed 5,000 ft.

With its impressive peaks and surprisingly cool climate (by Caribbean standards) the Cordillera Central mountain range is sometimes nicknamed the Dominican Alps. The Jose Armando Bermudez National Park (Bermudez Park for short) straddles the Cordillera range and is home to the imposing Pico Duarte - 10,000+ feet (3,000 meters) in altitude.

Do you love adventure? Want to try something different during your next vacation? Come and climb the highest mountain of the Caribbean!

Getting to the park entrance

Most hikers who visit Pico Duarte come through Jarabacoa . At Manabao in Jarabacoa, there is an official park entrance, where hikers begin the trail. You'll also find the park’s office where you can hire local expert guides and rent hiking equipment and mules to carry your food and bags. During high season , you can find many other groups in Jarabacoa preparing for the trip to the summit, and some of those groups will be happy for you to join them.

The hike is usually done in three days and two nights. Day one usually takes you 11 miles from La Ciénaga up to Compartición, where you’ll sleep at an 8,000 feet elevation, and day two is dedicated to a round trip from Compartición to Pico Duarte then back again.

The La Ciénaga route via the entrance of Parque Bermúdez is considered the best approach because the weather on that side of the summit is milder, with breezes and rain showers more likely. It also gives you the fastest access to Valle del Tetero, a beautiful valley where hikers often stop to make camp and relax.

The other three marked routes include Mata Grande, Las Lagunas, Los Corralitos and Sabaneta, ranging from 25 to 70 miles in length and from 3 to 7 or more days’ hiking. All routes guarantee amazing views of tropical, pine, mountain broadleaf, and cloud forests. Talk to your group and your guide about the pros and cons of each.

People hiking to Pico Duarte

Pico Duarte difficulty

Getting to the summit is physically demanding, but the hike isn’t an overly technical one. As long as you have a good level of fitness and endurance and hike with an experienced guide, the hike is suitable for beginner intermediate hikers. experience but well worth it. Of course, go with an experienced hiker and let someone else know your intended route and expected time of return.

Pico Duarte hike costs

The Bermudez park entrance fee is RD$100 (US$1.71). Guides cost RD$800 (US$13.66) per day, and a mule costs RD$400 (US$6.83) per person plus RD$450 (US$7.68) per carrier mule. For the latest official fees for guides and mules, check the listing at the Bermudez park office in La Ciénaga.

Whether you travel with a group or unaccompanied, mules are considered mandatory. The easiest and safest option is to join an arranged hike with a professional guide or tour company.

Pico Duarte hiking tour companies

Rancho Baiguate offers hiking packages to Pico Duarte, from two-night to five-night treks depending on how much time you have and how much ground you want to cover each day. Tour packages start at US$255 per person for the three-day, two-night trek.

Jarabacoa Mountain Hostel is partnered with Jarabacoa Eco Adventures who offer hiking tours to Pico Duarte. These tours are run by experienced locals and are probably the cheapest out of the professional, well-reviewed tour options.

Where to sleep before the hike

Before and after your hike, you can stay in a tent, cabana or bunk bed at the base camp, at Jarabacoa Mountain Hostel, Hotel Gran Jimenoa , or Rancho Baiguate.

High season in the Dominican Republic is from mid-December to mid-April. Tours depart more frequently in peak season, but you can hike Pico Duarte throughout the northern hemisphere summer as well. Even in July and August, the mountain range is cool at the top.

Written by Nora Perez.

Published September 2020

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Pico Duarte Trekking

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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

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.

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.

Day 1 – The adventure begins

Early in the morning, drive with an English-speaking tour guide to the central mountains to Jarabacoa and from there to La Cienega, the starting point of the hike. We take care of all preparations, such as national park permits, food, guides and pack animals. All you need to bring with you is your personal equipment, mattress and sleeping bag (these can also be rented). After we have finished loading the pack animals, the ascent to La Comparticion, which is at an altitude of 2800 m, begins. Here we spend the night in a simple shelter and are served a warm dinner. Today we cover about 20 km and 1500 vertical meters.

Day 2 – Ascent to the summit

On the second day there are some efforts ahead of us. It starts at sunrise. After a small snack we take the ascent to the summit of Pico Duarte at 3087 m. We enjoy the view and descend again to the refuge, where a warm lunch awaits us. Then another descent 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. Today we cover about 22 km and 2500 vertical meters.

Day 3 – Valle del Tereo

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.

Day 4 – Descent and return to the hotel

On the fourth day we make the entire descent (approx. 20 km) and drive back to the hotel. 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.

Important information:

• This trip is not suitable for children under 12 years.

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Pico Duarte Tours & Excursions - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Pico Duarte

Pico duarte.

"Highest Mountain in Caribbean" "79th. Most Prominent in the World"

The Highest Mountain In The Caribbean

With 3,101 M.A.S.L. (10,173 ft) Pico Duarte is the highest peak in the Caribbean and the 79th. most prominent peak in the world. This is a magical place. Surround yourself with a pristine and exotic nature in this National Park. The shortest route to the summit is called La Cienaga. This is where your adventure begins. La Cienaga route has a length of 23 kilometers (15 miles) from trailhead to summit and a 46 kilometers (30 miles) roundtrip.

Pricing Chart

Our local porters/sherpas are ready on any date you want!

Rates for you and the group of hikers you bring with you

· 1 person: US$ 360

· 2-3 people: US$ 250 each

· 4+ people: US$ 225 each

-Rates are not for a private guided-hike. There is a possibility that we join other hikers to the same date without changes on your rates.

-This is a very rural and basic experience. You will get to know local wildlife and Nature at the highest point in the Caribbean. Please do not expect any luxury conditions in the facilities. This is a rustic experience.

We include:

• 1 acclimatization night at La Cienaga trailhead in our tents
• 1 night at Comparticion Pico Duarte Camp in the mountain hut or in our tents
• Watch the highest sunrise in the Caribbean at Pico Duarte summit
• The best and kindest local porters/sherpas (Spanish-speaking)
• Local cook for you 🙂
• Radio-comm between porters

Previous complete advisory

• Mule for your gear & luggage (15 lbs each person)
• 1 Taxi mule
• National Park permits
• National Park fees
• Sleeping bags
• Sleeping pads
• Foods included:
• Day 1: Light breakfast and dinner
• Day 2: Breakfast and lunch
• Hot chocolate

-We offer transfers from/to any city in DR. Feel free to ask our rates.

-If you require an english-speaking guide, please let us know. Feel free to ask our rates.

2.5 Itinerary:

• Acclimatizacion day: Arrival La Cienaga trailhead at 7PM 
• Day 1: Hike from La Cienaga to Comparticion Camp (18 kms – 9 hours)
• Day 2: Hike from Comparticion to PICO DUARTE SUMMIT (Watch the sunrise). Back to Comparticion and to La Cienaga (28 kms – 12 hours)

·1 person: US$ 370

·2-3 people: US$ 260 each

·4+ people: US$ 235 each

• 2 nights at Comparticion Camp in the mountain hut or in our tents
• Pico Duarte summit
• Mule for your gear & luggage (18 lbs each person)
• Foods at camps:
• Light breakfast and dinner Day 1
• Breakfast, lunch and dinner Day 2
• Breakfast and lunch Day 3

3.5 Itinerary:

• Acclimatizacion day: Arrival at La Cienaga trailhead at 7PM – Meet our staff
• Day 2: Hike from Comparticion to SUMMIT to Comparticion (10 kms – 5 hours)
• Day 3: Hike from Comparticion to La Cienaga (18 kms – 7 hours)

We offer transfer options so you can get to La Cienaga trailhead in an easy and safe way in case you do not have access to a car.

If you have access to a car you need to know that the road is in very good condition and there is a safe parking lot next to the trail entrance.

Here are our transfer options for a maximum of 3 people:

• From Jarabacoa (Center) to La Cienaga trailhead: US$ 50 – 1 hour of drive
• From Gran Jimenoa Hotel Jarabacoa to La Cienaga trailhead: US$ 55 – 1 hour and fifteen minutes of drive
• From Santiago city (Center) to La Cienaga trailhead: US$ 115 – 2 hours of drive
• From Santo Domingo city (Center) to La Cienaga trailhead: US$ 185 – 3.5 hours of drive
• From SDQ Airport to La Cienaga trailhead: US$ 195 – 4 hours of drive

The night before the first hike we will meet at La Cienaga trailhead so we can talk a bit about the hike and get you ready for your upcoming adventure.

For this night we offer you the option of sleep in our tents (No additional costs).

Here we will include you a tent, sleeping bag and sleeping pad.

If you want to sleep a bit more comfortable, we have rooms near trailhead. Feel free to ask our rates.

Before signing up for this amazing adventure we will provide you a lot of information beforehand so you can know every detail about the route, what to bring, what we include, etc.

Transportation

We offer a lot of transportation options if you do not have a car.

Easy Access

Getting to base camp is easy if you use Google Maps. Big and safe parking lot for your car.

Professional Local Guides

We work very close with the community around Pico Duarte to ensure local guides can improve their quality of life.

Want to book this adventure?

Step 1: write to our whatsapp or email so we can send you a detailed itinerary and provide you tips and recommendations., step 2: fill our digital application form., step 3: learn more about pico duarte here:  pico duarte full report, whatsapp: 1-809-974-0036, email: [email protected], tripadvisor.

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Pico Duarte - the highest mountain in the Caribbean

Climb the highest mountain in the caribbean, a one-of-a-kind adventure for all mountain lovers and hikers. the dominican republic is the most mountainous island of the larger antilles. four mountain ranges cross the island from the northwest to the southeast. the “cordillera central” is the largest with over 155 miles length and 37 miles width. the pico duarte with its 3098 meters (10,127 feet) is the highest peak of this mountain range and of the entire caribbean. during this mountain tour of several days, you discover a unique natural landscape which presents itself in a fascinating manner, passing through several climate zones. start hiking through tropical landscapes, then advance into pine trees and denser forest. walk along crystal clear mountain rivers and eventually reach the rocky summit. a special hike in any case, round trips.

Mountain adventure in the Caribbean highlands / Self-Drive Tour

Discover the Caribbean far away from civilization on this rental car tour and explore some of the most beautiful places in the Dominican Republic, which remain hidden to most tourists. Perfectly suited for mountain and outdoor lovers! One of the highlights of this is the ascent of Pico Duarte: at over 10,000 feet, it is the highest peak in the Cordillera Central and thus in the entire Caribbean region. On this mountain tour in the Dominican Republic you will experience a unique natural landscape, which presents itself in a breathtaking way in the different climates you will hike through: from tropical landscapes to pine and deciduous forests, past crystal clear mountain streams to rocky summit landscapes. Definitely a unique experience! Other highlights of this adventure trip in the mountains are the crossing of the highest pass road of the Caribbean in the Cordillera Central, overnight stay in the highest hotel of the Caribbean as well as an unforgettable canyoning adventure. The level of difficulty of all sporting activities can be adapted to you depending on your fitness and abilities.

All Inclusive Weddings

Bayahibe | Beaches | Birding | Boutique Hotels | Canyoning | Culture & History | Eco Lodges | Family | Flamingos & Iguanas | Glamping | Golf | Healthy & Fit | Hiking | Humpback Whales | Mountains | Nature Experience | Off-the-beaten-track | Pico Duarte | Private transfer | Puerto Plata | Punta Cana | River Rafting | Samana Peninsula | Selfdriven | Waterfalls | With private driver

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Read in this article 10 stunning features that will give you some travel inspiration for your next holiday. Welcome to the Dominican Republic! Punta Cana, beaches, sunshine and cocktails. Probably these are the expectations of everyone who thinks about this Caribbean island. But the country has much more to offer than that. What exactly? Find it out!

Ascent of Pico Duarte

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Hiking Pico Duarte, Dominican Republic

The tallest peak in the Caribbean—once renamed Pico Trujillo by the eponymous dictator—is one for the bucket list traveler. Even if you don’t keep tabs, accomplishing the hike to the highest summit of the Antilles earns you lifetime bragging rights.

Should you do it? That will depend on your level of fitness, as well as how many days you have to spare on your trip. You’ll need at the very least two full days for Pico Duarte (and possibly a full third to rest your bones from the hike). While there are several hiking routes to the peak, it’s easier to take the one that departs from La Ciénaga or Mata Grande, through the entrance of Parque Bermúdez, simply because the climate is cooler on this side, with more rain and breezes likely, and there are several river sources that run through it.

Day one of the hike usually goes from La Ciénaga to Compartición (18 kilometers [11 miles], up to 2,438 meters [8,000 feet] elevation), and day two, from Compartición to Pico Duarte and back.

The latest official rates for guides and mules per day are listed outside the Bermudez park office in La Ciénaga . The national park entrance fee is RD$100 (US$2.18), a guide costs RD$800 (US$17.44) per day, and mules RD$400 (US$8.82) per person and RD$450 (US$9.81) per carrier mule. Two mules per person are mandatory, as you might tire or need help, and provisions need to be carried separately. It’s much simpler and safer to hop on an arranged expedition with one of the tour companies and individual guides listed below.

Last but not least: if you’ve never attempted such a hike, be prepared in terms of knowing what to pack. It’s not a super-technical hike, but it does require endurance and good fitness. Do your research and ask your hotel or guide for advice. The two most important elements are proper hiking boots and proper clothing to accommodate for the cold nights, which sometimes reach below freezing. You should also remember to bring a waterproof bag and gear, swimwear, sunscreen, toilet paper, and bug repellent. Stay hydrated and keep your own pace—don’t kill yourself trying to achieve the hike in a shorter time than allotted.

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Tours and guides.

If you’re independent travelers looking to save a buck and not leave your vacation fortune on a single hike (it’s incredibly pricey to hike Pico Duarte), contact the young David Durán of Jarabacoa Eco Adventures (tel. 849/917-7638). He’s one of the most reasonably priced tour guides.

David grew up in Jarabacoa and knows the mountains and their hiking conditions like the back of his hand. Through his company, and working along with guests of Jarabacoa Mountain Hostel, he has guided numerous visitors to Pico Duarte and back, as well as to other peaks in the area. David takes care of all your arrangements, including transportation to the park entrance, mules, meals and water, and tents for the two-day expedition.

The journey up to Pico Duarte takes two days and one night at a minimum. If you choose to space out the hike, it will cost more—just discuss your needs with the guide beforehand. It goes without saying that you should be in good health before embarking on this journey. It’s no easy hike, and you’ll be on your feet for at least eight hours in one stretch on the first day. But the evening spent next to the bonfire and under the stars is as unforgettable as reaching the summit itself.

Rancho Baiguate (tel. 809/574-6890 or U.S. tel. 646/727-7783, US$255/3-day, 2 night pp) is the other major organizer of hikes to Pico Duarte, for hotel guests as well as anyone wishing to join their groups. They have a minimum of 2 nights, and an expedition stretching up to five days and four nights if you’d rather space it out that long.

From Cabarete, Iguana Mama (tel. 809/654-2325, 9am-5pm Mon.-Sun.) offers a three-day, two-night excursion to Pico Duarte (US$425, all-inclusive). Note you are on your own getting to Jarabacoa. You can easily reach town via public transport or a rental car.

Getting There and Around

Most who visit Pico Duarte come through or choose Jarabacoa as their base. The latter is probably the easiest due to the number of organized tour operators; you’ll have more luck finding groups to join in high season.

The drive to the visitor center at La Ciénaga de Manabao to reach Parque Bermúdez and the hiking entrance to Pico Duarte on this side is one of the most spectacular rides surrounding Jarabacoa. It’s even more enjoyable by motorbike, if you’ve got time to spare and can spend a half day here—bathing in the Río Yaque del Norte along the way—before beginning your hike the next morning. There are overnight bunk beds at the park office, or you can inquire there for cabanas to rent (call park ranger Herman, tel. 809/271-8929, US$10 for four).

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Climb The Highest Peak In The Caribbean: Pico Duarte

Posted by Emily Henkel on 5/6/23 11:17 AM

If you're going to Jarabacoa on vacation, think about adding a hike in the "Alps of the Dominican Republic"!

Vacations in the Dominican Republic are typically spent on the gorgeous beaches that rim the coastline. Picture days taking a catamaran cruise or snorkeling trip only to come back and relax underneath waving palm trees after a swim in the turquoise waves ... yep, it's pretty dreamy! But if you're looking for a totally different kind of vacation, we've got to you let you in on a little secret. 

You've got to head to the interior island to find the best kinds of adventurous vacations, where you can go white water rafting, rappelling down waterfalls, and hiking to some of the most stunning views in the mountains — including the summit of the tallest mountain around!

READ NEXT :  All of the best vacations in the DR , all mapped out 

We're sharing all about Pico Duarte here, the tallest peak on the island of Hispaniola, and the tallest mountain in the whole Caribbean. It's a popular thing to trek to the top and admire the sunrise cresting over the peaks. 

About Pico Duarte 

What to expect during the hike , going with a tour.

Ready to learn a bit about this towering peak? Pico Duarte is found in what is sometimes called the "Alps" of the Dominican Republic, a fitting name considering the scope and characteristics of these mountains. Pico Duarte is the tallest, coming in at 10,174 feet, though a nearby sister peak comes in just a few feet shy of that height. These mountains are part of the Cordillera Central Range which spreads through the interior of the Dominican Republic and spreads into Haiti, covering hundreds of miles. You'll find a cooler climate here, with chilly temperatures along with plunging green valleys and stunning sunrise views from the top. 

People have climbed this mountain for decades, with the first registered climb accomplished by Sir Robert Hermann Schomburgk in 1851. The height was recorded, then debated by a handful of other hikers until being officially measured at 10,174 feet. 

In honor of Juan Pablo Duarte, the mountain was renamed Pico Duarte after one of the DR's founding fathers. If you make it to the top, you'll find a bronze bust of the founding father, as well as a cross and a waving Dominican Republic flag.

We've talked to Alex, who tackled this hike with some of his group members during their semester with ILP — volunteers are here teaching English part-time, with weekends off and vacation time to experience everything the DR has to offer, including the towering peak of Pico Duarte. 

Here's what Alex had to say about their trek: 

"It's a 28-mile hike to the peak! It was 11 miles on the first day, 6 miles on the second day, and 11 miles on the last day. The hike was quite an adventure. It started pretty easy ... for the first mile! After that, it starts to get pretty steep very fast! The first day was super fun and we had a ton of energy, so it made the uphill a lot easier (there are so many rest stops along the way that makes for good breaks)." 

There are multiple routes up to the summit, but the most popular follow this outline: "On the first day, you hike to a camp called La Comparticion and stay the night there. The camp had a little cabin that we stayed in, a kitchen area, and a covered campfire area. The first day of the hike ends up being around 6-8 hours. On the second day, we hiked to the peak for sunrise so plan on waking up pretty early if you are interested in sunrise (around 4:00 AM). Then, once you hike to the peak, you can hang out for a little bit and soak up the sights before hiking back down to camp. We had the rest of the day to hang out, play games, and explore before hiking back the next morning (which doesn't take a long, because it's mostly downhill)." 

If you're tight on time and are a more experienced hiker, you can hike up and down in just two days, but most groups suggest that it's nice to have a break and a bit of a rest by staying the second night at camp. Just know it's an option if you want it. 

Guides (and mules) are required on this hike, which makes your journey much easier. There are several tour companies out there who arrange details for your group to summit, so feel free to look around and find the best fit for your situation. 

Alex and his group decided to go with a tour group called  Jarabacoa Eco Adventures, and had some glowing recommendations about their choice. "I would highly recommend them! They arranged all transportation to and from the bus stations, provided a hostel for our group the night before the hike, and provided meals. David and his team are the friendliest and most helpful guides out there. They were easy to communicate with and very patient with our group. We found a few other tour options but decided to go with Jarabacoa Eco Adventures because they had the best prices!

"S ince they prepare all the accommodations for you, it makes everything way less stressful when planning. They also provide mules to carry extra gear (we just hiked with our personal backpack and water). The mules handled the sleeping bags, food, camp equipment, and everything else. The mules are also available if you get tired or injured and need to rest for a little bit." 

We mentioned that meals are included, which include a range of things. For his hike, Alex said  included meals were "typical Dominican and camping style dishes. One of the common meals was Sancocho (pictured below). They also had PB & J sandwiches, with meat sandwiches, chips, Gatorades, and other lunch snacks.  Rice and soups and other lightweight foods that the mules could carry were also included". 

Here's their  website  and  Instagram account . 

A Few Tips 

Fitting this into your itinerary.

You'll find Pico Duarte in the middle of the island, nearby places like Jarabaco and Constanza. Since it is a 3-day hike, you'll want to plan travel time and other details to help round on your vacation. Here's how Alex and his group fit it into their plans: 

"Our group decided to start with the hike for the first 3 days, then afterward, headed to  Punta Cana  for 3 days, then ended the vacation in  Santo Domingo . Personally, I loved that order because we were able to just chill after the hike and go at our own pace." 

You might also want to fit in time in Jarabacoa since you'll be so close. Most groups travel here via Puerto Plata, and take a bus to La Vega on Caribe Tours, before connecting to another bus to Jarabacao. Most tour companies arrange transpo for your hike from Jarabacoa, which just happens to be another favorite vacation spot, full of adventures. Get  more about Jarabacoa here .  

Things To Pack + Keep In Mind 

Once you get high enough, it does start to get colder, so bring a jacket that you can access easily while hiking to slip on and off to help regulate your temperature during the trek. It can also start raining at a moment's notice, so having a poncho or light rain jacket is also recommended. 

You will want some cozier layers to wear in the evenings (it gets chilly at the campsite). Pack warmer pajamas and hang out clothes to wear when the temperature drops — it's a nice break from the heat you'll find pretty much everywhere else on the island, but be prepared for temperatures around 35° (or colder). 

You'll encounter all sorts of terrain on your hike: misty trails high in the clouds, lush, tropical valleys, and rocky (and sometimes muddy) paths that wind their way slowly uphill. Bring sturdy shoes (or two) for your hike. 

Meals are typically provided by your tour company (but double-check). However, you will want to have snacks to munch on during the hike. Drink mixes are also nice to add to your water to help give you an energy/electrolyte boost, and help you stay very hydrated while you hike.

Some past groups did a little training just to know what the altitude would be like on the hike (one group  hiked to the Christ Statue in Puerto Plata  a few weeks prior to Pico Duarte). Morning runs were also recommended to help you prep for the climb. 

A Little Advice 

Make this happen during your semester! It's one of those once-in-a-lifetime adventures that could be exactly what you're looking for. Here's what Alex had to say — "I highly recommend this hike to anyone looking to get outside of their comfort zone! The hike is considered for beginner to moderate hikers. It was pretty challenging, especially in altitude, but it is definitely doable as long as you can endure and push through. Be willing to try something hard in exchange for a wonderful experience, it's so worth it." 

This island is hiding more than you think

The Dominican Republic is so more than the beaches and resorts  … our ILP volunteers get the best of what the DR has to offer by living here for a semester.

Topics: Caribbean

Hey friends!

We are ILP, a Utah-based non-profit org that has service abroad opportunities for college-age volunteers. We love travel so we're sharing all our tips for making the most of your time living abroad + seeing the world, and how to do it all on the tiniest budget.

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DR in 10 Days

Shorten your bucket list because this journey through the interior of the Dominican Republic packed with unique experiences.

Description

Price by person, additional information, visited city.

Discover the unexplored corners of the Dominican Republic in this unforgettable ten-day adventure. Get to know its most stunning beaches, rivers, waterfalls, mountains, deserts, and forests on a one-of-a-kind tour accompanied by a guide, in comfortable private transportation, with stays in eco-hotels, glamping sites, boutique hotels, and 5-star accommodations.

Day 1: Discovering Santo Domingo

Holidays are for resting, we know, but they’re also for trying new things. We’ll pick you up at Las Americas International Airport, and after checking in at the Sheraton hotel, we’ll explore Santo Domingo by metro and cable car, culminating at sunset in the heart of the colonial city.

Activities plan Visit to Santo Domingo’s metro and cable car

Meal plan Meals not included

Accommodation Sheraton Hotel in Santo Domingo

Day 2: City Tour through the Colonial Zone

Travel back in time to America’s first capital, and explore its history through its monuments, museums, and impressive architectural buildings. Discover it’s cultural greatness on this tour through Santo Domingo’s Colonial Zone. After lunch, explore the only desert in the Caribbean, its salt mine, and its stunning gray sand beach.

Activities plan Chuchu Colonial, Colonial City Tour Visit to the Baní Dunes, salt mines, and Salinas Beach Transfer to Caobitas Hotel

Meal plan Breakfast included at the hotel Dominican buffet lunch in the Colonial Zone

Accommodation Caobita Eco Hotel

Day 3: The Pearl of the South: Barahona

Visit Villa Miriam, a private residence with a series of natural pools fed by the San Rafael River that runs along the property, springing from the lush hills of the area. Then, various stops will give us an overview of the southern zone of the island, ending with a sunset at the entrance of Bahía de las Águilas, where we’ll spend the night glamping.

Activities plan Entrance to Villa Miriam Windmill stop Paraiso lookout Paraiso sign Stop

Meal plan Breakfast included at the hotel Lunch included at Villa Miriam

Accommodation Eco del Mar Glamping

Day 4: Exploring Pedernales

After a delicious seaside breakfast, we’ll board our boats and head to Bahía de Las Águilas, recognized as the most beautiful beach in the Dominican Republic and part of Jaragua National Park. This stretch of brilliant white sand extends for about eight kilometers, with turquoise crystal-clear waters and a spectacular rocky landscape that embraces the beach along the entire coast. After a full day in this natural majesty, we’ll head to our comfortable accommodation, Hotel Alba Coral.

Activities plan Visit to Bahía de Las Águilas

Meal plan Breakfast included at the hotel Light lunch and snacks at Bahía de Las Águilas

Accommodation Hotel Alba Coral

Day 5: Get to know Azua

Start the day diving into (La palabra “Immersing” esta duplicada. Usemos mejor “dive in”. Cambiemos en el texto en español por . Cambiemosla por “enfriate”) the refreshing waters of Arroyo Salado on the way to La Caobita Beach. Once there, immerse yourself in its incredible nature known by all Dominicans for its rugged mangrove and extensive coral reef, making it a paradise for ecology enthusiasts.

Activities plan Arroyo Salado Panoramic stops along the route Boat ride to La Caobita Beach

Meal plan Breakfast included at the hotel

Day 6: North Coast Identity

We’ll go from the south coast to the north coast, getting to know the second largest city in the Dominican Republic, Santiago de los Caballeros, touring its Colonial Zone, and visiting the country’s main cultural center, Centro León Jimenez, and the Historic Monument of the Heroes of the Restoration. A shopping tour in the coastal town of Cabarete and a dinner by the sea will culminate your day.

Activities plan Centro León Jimenez Shopping Tour in Cabarete Dinner by the sea

Meal plan Breakfast at the hotel Lunch at Camp David Ranch (not included) Dinner at Tuba (not included)

Accommodation Sea Winds Hotel

Day 7: Getting to know La Novia del Atlántico

We’ll be in Puerto Plata, visiting the cable car and its most cherished adventure treasure, Charcos de Damajagua, offering a guided tour full of adrenaline. We’ll stop at Fun City Go Kart, an emblematic stop in Puerto Plata where you can enjoy driving go-kart on any of it’s three tracks, with different speeds and challenges. Fun is guaranteed by bumping or spinning in the bumper cars.

Activities plan Charcos de Damajagua Cable Car Fun City Go Karts

Meal plan Breakfast included at Tuba Lunch at Los Charcos

Day 8: Samaná, Natural Treasure

It’s time to embark on the adventure to the paradise of the Samaná Peninsula, a remote escape of virgin beaches, coconut plantations, and tropical jungles. On the way, we’ll visit two extraordinary beaches and have lunch at Laguna Dudú, a fresh water spring surrounded by lush nature, where you can experience a 40-foot high zipline splash. At the end of the day, we’ll arrive at your accommodation in the beautiful Playa Cosón.

Activities plan Playa Grande Playa Diamante Laguna Dudu Playa Coson

Meal plan Breakfast included at Vagamundo Lunch included at Laguna Dudu

Accommodation Sublime Samaná Hotel

Day 9: Samana, Natural Treasure Part II

We know you’ll be dazzled by the beauty of its bay and its incomparable natural resources, so we’ll deepen our adventure through this paradisiacal and mystical peninsula. Its corners undoubtedly leave us amazed by its unparalleled beauty. Visit 8 of the wonderful and pristine beaches of Bahía de Las Galeras by speedboat. Enjoy one of the most stunning spots in the Northern region from a privileged perspective.

Activities plan Las Galeras Beach Beach tour by speedboat

Meal plan Breakfast included at the hotel Lunch included at La Playita

Accommodation Todo Blanco Hotel

Day 10: Departure from Eden

After spending some incredible days on the North Coast of the Dominican Republic, it’s time to leave and return home, but not before making a stop to relax in an incredible natural swimming pool located in the middle of nature: Salto Socoa.

Activities plan City tour of Samaná Salto Socoa Transfer to Santo Domingo or Las Américas International Airport as the final destination

Meal plan Breakfast included at the hotel Traditional Dominican lunch

Included in the vacation package Excursions, sightseeing, and entrance fees to attractions detailed and included in the program Tours with guides fluent in English and Spanish (inquire about other languages) Internet access Travel experience coordinator Roundtrip transfers to and from Las Americas International Airport

Not included in the vacation package All meals and drinks not mentioned in the program Day trips, excursions, sightseeing, and entrance fees to attractions not mentioned in the program Day trips, excursions, sightseeing, and entrance fees to attractions mentioned in the program as not included Extended nights in city or beach hotels Personal expenses and tips

Other memorable tours and excursions

Deep South (Bahia de las Aguilas)

• 3 days and 2 nights
• Departures every 2 weeks

Beautiful Samana

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