Jarabacoa

Are you a tourist who likes adventure tourism and eco-tourism? Then this is the place for you. In Jarabacoa, you can enjoy the flip side of this fascinating island.

You can climb the highest mountain in the Antilles, sail the Caribbean's longest river, and bathe in breathtaking waterfalls. Jarabacoa is located in the center of the Central Cordillera of the island, 500 m above sea level, where there are 80 km² of protected areas. This place, known as the City of the Eternal Spring, has cooler temperatures ranging from 16ºC to 22°C, although in winter it can drop to as low as 7°C. Jarabacoa is a unique destination that can be visited throughout the year.

Things to Do

Mountaineering, Hiking. In the area is the most important mountaineering route of the West Indies, the path to Pico Duarte, the highest peak in the Antilles at 3.087 m, where we find two peaks with heights of over 3.000 m, La Pelona at 3.082 m and  La Rucilla at 3.045 m. 

Rafting, Canyoning, Waterfalls, Horseback Riding, Mountain Bike, Paragliding, Buggies, 4x4. Three rivers pass through Jarabacoa: the Yaque del Norte, the longest in the Caribbean at 300 km, the Baiguate, and the Jimenoa. In these rivers you can go rafting through their abundant waters, canyoneering, and ride or drive by jeep to reach the crystal-clear waters and natural pools which spring from the falls of Salto Jimenoa, and Baiguate. Mountain biking is practiced throughout the region, and also has well-established routes. During the 2003 Pan American Games in the Mountain Bike event, the course crossed Jarabacoa, and the routes are still open to the delight of adventurous tourists.

Main Attractions

• Pico Duarte, located in the Armando Bermudez National Park in the Cordillera Central, at 3.087 m, is the highest point of the West Indies. If you love adventure travel and mountaineering, you will undoubtedly want to reach the highest summit in the Caribbean (click here to know more about Pico Duarte).

• Rio Yaque del Norte, is the longest river in the Caribbean at nearly 300 km and its deep waters are used for rafting and canyoneering to descend from its canyons.

• Salto Jimenoa, located at 500 m above sea level, is a waterfall of 40 m height. To visit, you must pay a small fee that is used for the maintenance of the suspension bridges that provide access to the falls. It is a twisting path located between the mountains, and consists of stairs and slopes. The trip lasts half an hour. Its cold, falling waters create a blanket of fog and form a natural pool where swimming is not allowed due to its depth. However, there is another natural pool below, which is suitable for everybody. Appropriate footwear is recommended, and you should take along a cool drink. How do you get to the waterfall? By joining one of the bike excursions from Jarabacoa, or by renting a jeep on your own.

• Salto Baiguate, this waterfall at 25 m provides the opportunity to descend its canyons. You can enjoy the crystal-clear waters and the natural pool that forms at the bottom, for a refreshing swim. Admission is free. 

• Balneario La Confluencia. The name comes from the fact that the rivers Yaque del Norte and Jimenoa join at this point, forming a natural pool where many local visitors get together with family on weekends to take a swim, and listen to the sounds of Merengue coming from the huge speakers of their cars. It is a place to spend a diverse and informative day, and if you want learn more about the Dominican people, this may be a good time. This local bathing spot has a small cafe and other services that offer food and drink. It is possible to rent horses to ride in the area.

• Balneario La Cortina. This natural pool is about 15 minutes from the center of the town of Jarabacoa. It is called La Cortina (The Curtain) because it forms a horizontal sheet of water.

• Monasterio Cistercense Santa María de Evangelio. For those looking for peace of mind and spirit, this monastery offers accommodation in its small inn (not for tourist purposes). It is located on the road that leads to Manabao. You can attend the Mass celebrated on Sundays at 9 p.m.