Most adventurous travelers who reach this unique side of the country arrive on a quest to conquer the tallest peak in the Caribbean: Pico Duarte, standing 3,087 meters (10,125 feet) inside the Armando Bermúdez and José del Carmen Ramírez national parks, reigning over the Cordillera Central mountain range. From this mighty summit flows the Río Yaque del Norte, the longest river in the DR, running through the heart of this Cibao region like its lifeline. Along with at least six additional rivers sourced here, including their tributaries, this is a world of waterfalls and outdoor water adventures: go river rafting, tubing, canyoning and rappelling down Salto Baiguate, hiking to the Salto de Jimenoa falls, or swimming at La Cortina and La Confluencia, two recreational parks fed by fresh pools.

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.

FESTIVAL DE LAS FLORES
Every June, visitors and locals alike gather for the weekend Jarabacoa Flower Festival held in the park off Avenida la Confluencia. Exotic and rare flowers, traditional homemade foods and beverages, arts and crafts, tropical plants, and more items made in La Vega province are for sale.

LA VEGA
Famous for hosting the largest, oldest, and most colorful carnival celebration in the country, and home to the two popular mountain destinations of Jarabacoa and Constanza. But La Vega is also home to one of Columbus’ first gold settlements in the Americas.

LA VEGA VIEJA
Near Santo Cerro, discover the archeological ruins of the original town Christopher Columbus founded in 1494, classified as a national park. Archaeologists continue to study the excavated foundations of the old city once prosperous between 1505 and 1510.

SANTO CERRO
Santo Cerro is one of the holiest sites in the country, home to the church Santuario Nuestra Señora de las Mercedes and site of an annual pilgrimage on September 24, when Dominicans from around the country flock here to pay tribute to the nation’s patron saint.

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.

EL MOGOTE
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.

HORSEBACK RIDING IN JARABACOA
Horseback riding is an intrinsic part of Jarabacoan mountain life. Ride your way to the area’s popular waterfalls, including Salto Baiguate and Salto de Jimenoa, or alongside countryside paths and vegetable plantations, and take in the area’s spectacular spring weather and mountain scenery.

JARABACOA GOLF CLUB
A pine grove lines the fairways of this golf course in the rolling hills of Jarabacoa. It is the only one of its kind in the Dominican Republic. It is part of the Quintas de Primavera residential development on the outskirts of Jarabacoa. Because of the many changes in elevation, it offers different challenges than […]

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 CONFLUENCIA
Head to this waterfront park, located a mere ten minutes from downtown Jarabacoa, where two of the area’s rivers merge and create mini pools amid the rocks.

MOUNTAIN BIKING IN JARABACOA
Bike your way to the area’s waterfalls, to La Confluencia riverside park, or merely along scenic neighborhoods, surrounded in glorious green expanse and views of the impressive peaks of the Cordillera Central.

PASO ALTO
Soar in the skies over Jarabacoa’s mountains and waterfalls! It’s an unforgettable experience as you fly around clouds, drawn about by the steady winds, taking in Jarabacoa’s spectacular mountains, green pastures, and the gushing waters of Salto de Jimenoa all far below your feet.

YAQUE DEL NORTE
Hop on an adrenaline-pumping river rafting excursion from Jarabacoa, braving the gushing level-two rapids of the Yaque del Norte, and experience DR’s longest river, passing along its lush riverbanks and canyons.

SALTO DE BAIGUATE
The perfect waterfall and jade pool await at Salto de Baiguate-cascading down 25 meters (82 feet), tucked below a deep canyon yet easily reached via a series of wooden steps that lead directly to the water.

PICO DUARTE
The highest mountain peak in the Caribbean, rising at 3,087 meters (10,125 feet), Pico Duarte is tucked amid two national parks, and is reachable in two or three-day excursions depending on the chosen route. 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.

BOCA DE LOS RÍOS
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.

CAFÉ MONTE ALTO
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.

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
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.

LA CORTINA
You’ll know you’ve arrived when you see a natural cascade tumbling from the hills on the left hand side of the highway–just like a smooth curtain, hence the name “cortina”–while the pool and restaurant area are across the road.