Dominican Republic
A valley of rivers and waterfalls nicknamed the Dominican Switzerland, then the ascent of the Caribbean's highest peak
Dominican Republic
A journey through the mountains of central Dominican Republic, far from Santo Domingo and Punta Cana: Jarabacoa, a mountain town nicknamed the "Dominican Switzerland" for its cool climate and waterfalls, then the ascent of Pico Duarte, which rises over three thousand metres and remains the highest point in the entire Caribbean, a two-day hike through pine forests and remote valleys, light years from the white-sand beaches that made the country's reputation.
When
Dec to April
Price
From 2 200€ excl. flights
(based on 2 people sharing)
How long
5 nights
Ideal length
Days 1-2
The first chapter unfolds in Jarabacoa, a mountain town nestled over five hundred metres up in the central mountain range, whose climate, noticeably cooler than the coast, earned it the nickname "Dominican Switzerland." Three rivers meet in the region, feeding several spectacular waterfalls including Jimenoa Falls, reached by a suspension bridge, and drawing since the 1990s a community of whitewater sports enthusiasts drawn by some of the Caribbean's most renowned rapids.
Day 1
The Jimenoa Falls
A hike to the Jimenoa Falls, crossing a suspension bridge over the river, then a swim in the natural pool at the foot of the waterfall.
Day 2
Rafting on the Yaque del Norte River
A rafting descent of the Yaque del Norte River, one of the Caribbean's best whitewater spots, through rapids framed by a lush mountain valley.
Days 1-2
A departure for Pico Duarte, which rises over three thousand metres and remains, despite its location on a tropical island, the highest point in the entire Caribbean Sea, even surpassing the highest peaks of Cuba or Jamaica. The ascent, spread over two days with a night at a mountain refuge, crosses high-altitude pine forests where night-time temperatures can approach zero degrees, a striking contrast with the tropical heat of Dominican beaches just a few hours' drive away.
Day 1
The climb through high-altitude pine forests
A first day of hiking toward Pico Duarte, through high-altitude pine forests and remote valleys, to a mountain refuge for the night before the final ascent.
Day 2
The Caribbean's summit at sunrise
A pre-dawn departure to reach the summit of Pico Duarte at sunrise, an exceptional panorama over the entire Dominican central mountain range from the Caribbean's highest point.
Other trips built in the same spirit — more to draw inspiration from.
6 nightsSanto Domingo to Punta Cana
The oldest colonial city in the Americas, then the white-sand beaches of Punta Cana
Explore Trip
5 nightsDominican Republic: Samaná
Over twenty thousand humpback whales come here to breed every winter, in one of the world's most important observation zones
Explore Trip
Custom tripsCreate your own itinerary
Our Travel Experts will help you create a completely bespoke itinerary. Just tell us what you want. We'll make it happen.
Create trip
