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Mountain adventure in the Caribbean highlands
Mountain adventure in the Caribbean highlands - Map
Round Trips Overview
Mountain adventure in the Caribbean highlandsMountain adventure in the Caribbean highlands - Map

Mountain adventure in the Caribbean highlands

All Roundtrips
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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.

8 Days / 7 Nights
from USD 1,795.- per person in double occupancy

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Your Service Package with Dominican Expert!

The high-quality, personal and English-speaking support of our customers is our top priority. When the trip starts in Santo Domingo, we personally welcome our clients in our office in Santo Domingo’s colonial zone with a tropical welcome drink. Together, the responsible travel agent will go over the entire itinerary and give the client many personal tips and advice, as well as general information about the country and its people, and about the Dominican driving style, routes and conditions.

Afterwards, you will receive a personalized travel guide as a WhatsApp message for your onward journey, with many Google Locations and personal recommendations on places worth seeing, insider tips, restaurants, etc.

Via WhatsApp you can reach us in English at any time while on the road.

Itinerary

Day 1: Welcome to Santo Domingo

Day 1: Welcome to Santo Domingo

On the first day of this experience, we will welcome you to our office in the Zona Colonial and provide you with final information for the adventure ahead. Afterwards you will receive your rental car, a 4×4 pick-up. The evening is free for you to explore the Zona Colonial or to make any last minute purchases for your upcoming trip.

  • Meals: None
  • Accommodation: Luca Hotel

Day 2: Los Cacaos & San José de Ocoa

Day 2: Los Cacaos & San José de Ocoa

Today your round trip begins early in the morning heading southwest into the central mountains. The road will take you through remote mountain villages, past cacao and coffee plantations, accompanied by unique panoramic views of the south coast. Once you arrive in Los Cacaos, you will receive protective gear to be optimally equipped for the upcoming canyoning tour. Alternatively, you can take a short hike into a beautiful canyon. Afterwards you will go to your accommodation high above San José de Ocoa, which enchants with dreamlike panoramic views. You will spend tonight in cool temperatures in well-equipped tents.

  • Distance: Approx. 40 mi
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Glamping Arawakos Adventure

Day 3: Highest pass road of the Caribbean

Day 3: Highest pass road of the Caribbean

Today the journey continues over the highest pass road in the Caribbean, which after a short time winds its way into deep mountain valleys where the locals still live as they did 200 years ago. On the way, you can plan a stop at about 7,880 ft above sea level at the pyramid, which was created in 1958 as a symbol of gratitude for the completion of the road. Your accommodation today is located at about 6,200 ft above sea level, high above the mountain town of Constanza, making it the highest accommodation in the entire Caribbean. Temperatures here not infrequently drop below zero at night, which is why you can end the day cozily by the fireplace.

  • Distance: Approx. 45 mi
  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Accommodation: Eco Lodge Villa Pajon

Day 4: Constanza

Day 4: Constanza

Constanza offers many possibilities to spend the day: For example, a hike to the surrounding mountain peaks up to 8,500 ft high. There are no signposted hiking routes for this, we will be happy to advise you in this regard with the trekking routes we have created in the area. A visit to the 83 meter high waterfall “Aguas Blancas” is also worthwhile. Alternatively, during the day you can relax and explore Constanza, a mountain town with shopping and good restaurants serving local cuisine.

  • Meals: None
  • Accommodation: Eco Lodge Villa Pajon

Day 5: Jarabacoa

Day 5: Jarabacoa

Today the journey continues to the mountain town of Jarabacoa, the “City of Eternal Spring,” located at the foot of a gorgeous mountain landscape. On the way you can visit the impressive, almost 250 ft high waterfall “Salto Gran Jimenoa 1”. The afternoon is free for you to explore the surroundings of the hotel

  • Distance: Approx. 45 mi
  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Accommodation: Hotel Gran Jimenoa

Day 6: Ascent towards Pico Duarte

Day 6: Ascent towards Pico Duarte

The early bird gets the worm! The climb to the over 10,000 ft high Pico Duarte – the highest mountain in the Caribbean – starts early in the morning today. You will climb from 3,600 to 7,875 ft, passing changing vegetation and many water sources. Your luggage and food will be carried up on mules by the “Sherpas”, which will save you strength and allow you to enjoy the climb and the Caribbean mountain scenery to the maximum. You will spend the night in your own tent at Camp La Compartición, where you will find time to enjoy the breathtaking views of the mountains around the campfire before dinner.

  • Distance: Approx. 20 mi
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Camping La Comparticion

Day 7: Summit climb

Day 7: Summit climb

Today’s climb begins while it is still dark and after about 2.5 hours you will reach the summit of Pico Duarte, the “Roof of the Caribbean”. There, a beautiful sunrise and an impressive mountain panorama await you, offering you a unique view over the island. The ascent is the crowning glory of this unforgettable Caribbean round trip. After a break, you will tackle the descent and after about 7 hours of walking, you will return to the valley where you will spend another night in Jarabacoa and relax in your comfortable hotel, located next to a mountain stream.

  • Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
  • Accommodation: Hotel Gran Jimenoa

Day 8: Return to Santo Domingo

Day 8: Return to Santo Domingo

After a week full of new impressions in the “Alps of the Caribbean” you will drive back towards Santo Domingo. Depending on your further itinerary, drop off rental car at the airport or on individual extension upon request.

  • Meals: Breakfast 

Optional travel extension

Optional travel extension

On request we will be happy to arrange an individual travel extension or a complete package from arrival at the airport! Please contact us.

Gallery
Hike to Pico Duarte

Included Services

  • 7 nights in a double room with bath or shower/toilet
  • Meals according to itinerary
  • 8 days rental car:
    – Rental car type Nissan Frontier / Chevrolet Colorado (pick-up, 4WD)
    – Pick-up: Zona Colonial, Santo Domingo
    – Drop-off: Santo Domingo airport
    – Unlimited mileage
    – Air conditioning
    – Comprehensive insurance with 0% deductible, theft insurance, glass & tire damages
  • Easy canyoning tour or hike on day 2, incl. protective equipment & guide
  • 2-day mountain tour to the Pico Duarte, incl.
    – Local guide
    – National park tax
    – Tent, sleeping bag & mattress
  • Service package from Dominican Expert + 1 SIM card with internet per group
  • Applicable local taxes

Not Included Services

  • Entrance fees for self-booked excursions
  • Fuel & tolls
  • Personal expenses & extras in hotels
  • Additional meals & drinks

Notes

  • Trip guaranteed from 2 persons. Prices for single travelers or additional people / groups on request.
  • Various canyoning tours, services and difficulty levels are available on day 2. Prices and options are available upon request.
  • Clients who prefer a more leisurely pace can also climb Pico Duarte in 3 days.
  • For clients who do not wish to participate in the climb, we can offer an alternative program in Jarabacoa. Prices and options on request.
  • Instead of the chalets Villa Pajon (without meal) can be offered for the same price a nice mountain hotel in the town of Constanza, incl. breakfast.
Request this Trip

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Inspiration and Information

A Ciguitade, a popular bird in and around Constanza (Dominican Republic)

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Birding in the Dominican Republic

The island of Hispaniola features more than 300 bird species which is why the Dominican Republic is a hotspot for birding in the Caribbean. Around 30 of these species are endemic on Hispaniola such as the Hispaniolan Woodpecker and the Palmchat, so you can only find them here. Another unique feature of bird watching in the Dominican Republic is that you can combine your birding vacations with visiting the most beautiful places the Caribbean has to offer – such as the gorgeous beaches of Bahía de las Águilas, Playa Rincón or Playa Bávaro in Punta Cana, the amazing waterfalls of the Cordillera Central, the stunning nature of the Dominican Republic’s north coast or the colonial heritage of Santo Domingo’s old town. Birding in the Dominican Republic is possible in many different regions in the country – the following blogpost shows you which places you should not miss for your Caribbean bird watching holidays.

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Iguana in the Dominican Republic

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Salta de Socoa, another waterfall in the Dominican Republic

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The Dominican Republic is well known for its beautiful beaches, its friendly people, the delicious rum and it’s year-round t-shirt weather. But this island in the Caribbean Sea won’t give away all its secrets so easily.

A Ciguitade, a popular bird in and around Constanza (Dominican Republic)

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Birding in the Dominican Republic

The island of Hispaniola features more than 300 bird species which is why the Dominican Republic is a hotspot for birding in the Caribbean. Around 30 of these species are endemic on Hispaniola such as the Hispaniolan Woodpecker and the Palmchat, so you can only find them here. Another unique feature of bird watching in the Dominican Republic is that you can combine your birding vacations with visiting the most beautiful places the Caribbean has to offer – such as the gorgeous beaches of Bahía de las Águilas, Playa Rincón or Playa Bávaro in Punta Cana, the amazing waterfalls of the Cordillera Central, the stunning nature of the Dominican Republic’s north coast or the colonial heritage of Santo Domingo’s old town. Birding in the Dominican Republic is possible in many different regions in the country – the following blogpost shows you which places you should not miss for your Caribbean bird watching holidays.

The coastline of the Samaná peninsula

| | | | |

Top 10 beaches of the Dominican Republic by DOMINICAN EXPERT

When you think of the Dominican Republic and the Caribbean, probably the first thing that comes to mind is heavenly beaches with white sand, turquoise water and lots of sunshine. As this amazing island offers dozens or even hundreds of beautiful and picturesque beaches, we asked our team of dedicated travel experts to name their favorite ones.

Iguana in the Dominican Republic

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10 travel facts about the Dominican Republic for individualists

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!

Salta de Socoa, another waterfall in the Dominican Republic

| | | | |

The 5 most beautiful waterfalls in the Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic is well known for its beautiful beaches, its friendly people, the delicious rum and it’s year-round t-shirt weather. But this island in the Caribbean Sea won’t give away all its secrets so easily.

A Ciguitade, a popular bird in and around Constanza (Dominican Republic)

| | |

Birding in the Dominican Republic

The island of Hispaniola features more than 300 bird species which is why the Dominican Republic is a hotspot for birding in the Caribbean. Around 30 of these species are endemic on Hispaniola such as the Hispaniolan Woodpecker and the Palmchat, so you can only find them here. Another unique feature of bird watching in the Dominican Republic is that you can combine your birding vacations with visiting the most beautiful places the Caribbean has to offer – such as the gorgeous beaches of Bahía de las Águilas, Playa Rincón or Playa Bávaro in Punta Cana, the amazing waterfalls of the Cordillera Central, the stunning nature of the Dominican Republic’s north coast or the colonial heritage of Santo Domingo’s old town. Birding in the Dominican Republic is possible in many different regions in the country – the following blogpost shows you which places you should not miss for your Caribbean bird watching holidays.

The coastline of the Samaná peninsula

| | | | |

Top 10 beaches of the Dominican Republic by DOMINICAN EXPERT

When you think of the Dominican Republic and the Caribbean, probably the first thing that comes to mind is heavenly beaches with white sand, turquoise water and lots of sunshine. As this amazing island offers dozens or even hundreds of beautiful and picturesque beaches, we asked our team of dedicated travel experts to name their favorite ones.

Iguana in the Dominican Republic

| | | |

10 travel facts about the Dominican Republic for individualists

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!

Salta de Socoa, another waterfall in the Dominican Republic

| | | | |

The 5 most beautiful waterfalls in the Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic is well known for its beautiful beaches, its friendly people, the delicious rum and it’s year-round t-shirt weather. But this island in the Caribbean Sea won’t give away all its secrets so easily.
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